When it comes to choosing a dehumidifier, for either your home or your work, you will not be short of options! The market is full of different makes and models of dehumidifier, each designed to do something slightly different, or to work in a specific environment. This range means you are more likely to find exactly what you need, when you need it. But with so many options available for both industrial and domestic dehumidification, how on earth do you choose between them all? In today’s article we wanted to explain what some of the most common types of dehumidifier are.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
A refrigerant dehumidifier works by passing air over a cooling coil repeatedly, dropping the overall temperature to below its natural dew point. This means that they condense the moisture out of the air, which can then be pushed over warm coils and then out into the room at pressure, at the correct humidity.
Meanwhile the condensation from the air is collected in the cold coils and dripped into a large pan, which can then be emptied. In some models of refrigerant dehumidifier the water will be emptied directly through a hose mechanism instead of being emptied manually.
Building Dryers
Building dryers are any model of dehumidifier specifically designed (or well suited to) use at a building site. The term ‘building dryer’ tends to apply to any dehumidifier providing two key functions: portability and robustness, both of which make them perfect for tough building site environments. They are commonly used to dry concrete and water damage leaks on construction sites. They are also popular in the restoration industry, particularly with flood damage, as they can extract between 40 and 70 litres of water every 24 hours.
Standard Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
Standard refrigerant dehumidifiers will come in a range of brands, but each offers a more permanent solution than building dryers. These can usually be found in fixed wall mount versions, fixed bracket ceiling mounter versions, and even through-the-wall solutions. This means there are a wider variety of end-user applications for them, from warehouse storage to manufacturing and even swimming pool plant rooms. These are most attractive for commercial applications because moisture extraction rates of 25 to 3000 litres a day, with extraction via ductwork and pumping. They also come fitted with sound-proofed compressors (making them low-noise), easy access panels and coated internal components to withstand even the most aggressive environments. However, a standard refrigerant dehumidifier won’t operate at temperatures below 1 degree, so they aren’t suitable for cold environments.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers work in a slightly different way. They use a silica gel desiccant rotor to remove moisture from the air, and are ideally suited to cold, unheated environments – like storage rooms or cold rooms. They are also perfect for achieving a very low humidity, which is why they are also used in the pharmaceutical sector. Because desiccant dehumidifiers will operate at a much lower temperature than their refrigerant cousins, they will continue to extract moisture from the air even in a very cold or sub-zero environment (although the air doesn’t hold much moisture under these conditions.
There is a very large range of desiccant dehumidifiers for you to choose from, from small, portable units to large capacity, semi-permanent units that have to be placed by crane. With 2 separate fans handling the regenerates and reactivated air, 40ml rockwool insulation (for quiet operation), and multiple hose outlets, these units can be used in all scenarios.
At Humidity Solutions, we provide a full range of dehumidification solutions, including all of those listed above. In fact, we are the only independent specialist in humidity control, and have access to the whole of the market of humidifiers from the world’s leading manufacturers. If you would like to find out more, just get in touch with us today.