Is your property feeling damp and dreary? Do you need to get rid of that musty smell in the air? Are you worried about mould and mildew growing in your home or workplace? Do you have a freshly plastered room that isn’t drying out? Have you recently experienced a leak or flooding?
If so, then a dehumidifier might be the answer.
If you're looking at using a dehumidifier at home or work, you may have some questions such as:
- What is a dehumidifier?
- How do dehumidifiers work?
- How to choose a dehumidifier?
- How do I use a dehumidifier?
- Where can I use a dehumidifier?
- Will a dehumidifier get rid of damp?
- How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry out a room?
In this guide, we take you through the whats, whys, wheres and whens of dehumidifiers so that you can make the right choice and get the most out of the device.
If you're looking for a fast solution to moisture at home or in the workplace, hire a dehumidifier from HSS today!
What does a dehumidifier do?
Dehumidifiers are appliances that remove excess moisture from the air. They're designed to help reduce mildew and mould, which can trigger allergy symptoms and cause respiratory problems. They can also help prevent damage to wooden furniture and other items in your home by reducing the amount of moisture in the air.
There are various different types and sizes of dehumidifiers for various situations. From compact units to larger industrial units. It's important to consider the features and benefits of each to determine the right option for your building.
The two main types of dehumidifier
Here are the main types of dehumidifiers used for moisture removal in domestic, industrial and commercial settings.
Refrigerant/compressor dehumidifiers
These models are generally suited to more severe damp problems and can remove a greater volume of moisture. They are:
- Powerful and suitable for poorly isolated buildings
- Durable unit that can last well over 10 years
- A highly energy-efficient option that is generally cheaper to run
- Good solution for air temperatures that exceed 15°C or 59°C
- These models are generally suited to more severe damp problems and can remove a greater volume of moisture.
One of the most typical types of dehumidifiers that you will encounter on the market is a refrigerant dehumidifier. Refrigerant models are typically used in homes and small businesses, as they are less expensive to run than other models. The primary benefit of a refrigerant-based dehumidifier is that it does not require special installation or maintenance.
Like air conditioners, they work by removing warm air from your home, but they do not expel it outside.
In compressor dehumidifiers, humid ambient air is drawn across cooling coils by a fan. As a result of these cold metal pipes, the air's water instantly condenses. Water is then condensed into the reservoir (or down the hose pipe if you have one), while cold air is mixed with heat exhaust and expelled.
Desiccant dehumidifiers
A desiccant unit removes moisture from the air by using desiccant material. The use of a desiccant dehumidifier is particularly useful after a leak or flooding – it can reduce the risk of further water damage and mould growth. They are:
- A quiet dehumidifier that produces minimal noise
- Commercial dehumidifiers often used to maintain temperatures and air quality
- A small and light option good for portability
- Ideal for wine cellars and construction sites
As opposed to compressor dehumidifiers, which have been much more common over the last few decades, desiccant dehumidifiers are quite different. Let's take a quick look at how they work to understand their differences.
Instead of drawing in the air through a filter, compressor dehumidifiers pass it through cold coils similar to those in a refrigerator. Water condenses in the coils and drips down into a separate section of the unit as the air passes through. Once the remaining air has been conditioned, it is blown back into the room, now moisture-free.
Where temperature control is vital, such as in industrial spaces preparing food, a desiccant dehumidifier is an ideal and reliable solution.
How to choose the best dehumidifier for your space
Now that you have a basic understanding of the features of the two main dehumidifiers, it's time to compare them against your needs and requirements. It's difficult to differentiate between the two and select the right solution, so we're here to help.
Put simply, the best way to look at the difference is:
- Use a desiccant dehumidifier for colder rooms
- Use a compressor dehumidifier for warmer rooms
To analyse the two options on a deeper level, you should evaluate:
- The required noise level (homeowners may not want a noisy unit whereas construction sites may be more than used to noisy machinery!).
- The volume of air that needs to be dehumidified based on the size of the room.
- The current humidity level of the room
- The air flow rate – the higher the airflow rate, the better the efficiency of the dehumidifier