Commercial Dehumidifiers

Additional product information

Having been involved in the introduction of dehumidifiers to the UK back in the 1970’s we can offer an unrivalled level of expertise and experience. Back then most units went into domestic applications whereas these days we specialise in industrial dehumidifiers, with users like builders, painters and decorators, insurance companies and facilities managers. We also offer a dual voltage range of industrial dehumidifiers that is equally at home with either a standard 240V or 110V supply, these are especially popular with the hire industry for temporary applications on sites restricted to 110V supply.

What are dehumidifiers?

Dehumidification is the process of removing moisture from the air and dehumidifiers are the machines which are used to do it. In industrial applications dehumidifiers are most commonly used in the building trade, to help reduce the drying time of plaster, whereas a common commercial user would be on behalf of insurance companies in houses following fire or flood damage.

See our guide to dehumidifiers and their applications here

How do dehumidifiers work?

By using a similar closed circuit refrigeration system as air conditioning, refrigeration dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air rather than heat.

Air is drawn across an evaporator where it is cooled so forcing the RH (Relative Humidity) level beyond 100% or ‘dew point’, which causes the moisture in the air to condense on the evaporator. This water is then either collected in a container or drained away. The air is then passed through the condenser where it is warmed up above the original intake temperature and returned.

For best results, refrigerant dehumidifiers should be sited within the room to be dried as more moisture is removed each time the air passes through.

Some typical industrial dehumidifier applications:

During construction and finishing on building sites
After fire or flood damage
After carpet or upholstery cleaning
During the storage of sensitive materials and products such as documents and ingredients
In data centres or similar where electrical switching equipment might be affected by moisture (see below)
Homes and offices where condensation might be a nuisance
Equipment rooms outdoor for activity centres, fire stations and building sites etc

Who uses dehumidifiers?

• Tool hire companies
• Plasterers
• Painters and Decorators
• Carpet and upholstery cleaners
• Fire and flood restoration companies
• Vintage and classic car enthusiasts
• Museums
• Shops
• Warehouses

What are the benefits of using dehumidifiers?

• Quicker drying times for plaster and paint.
• Reducing nuisance condensation
• Better storage conditions for sensitive items
• Faster drying times after flooding

What size dehumidifier do you need?

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are usually sized using a specific set of figures known as ‘ashrae’ conditions which are 75% RH and 20ºC, however, the performance of a unit will vary greatly as either or both the temperature and RH change. The area or volume a unit can dry out is normally in cubic metres and based on ashrae conditions therein, however, when calculating drying requirements it is best to assume an actual dry out area of about half this.

Tips for installing a dehumidifier

With increasingly strict standards expected the RH level is becoming ever more important in storage. Whether for chocolate or historical documents the ideal RH level obviously varies:

To avoid mould the RH level has to be maintained at less than 70%.

When installing a dehumidifier every effort should be taken to minimise the amount of moist air that can enter a room, therefore, as with air conditioning, all windows and doors should be closed while ventilation holes should also be covered.

If using a single dehumidifier it should be placed in the centre of the room to be dried however when using multiple units the room should be divided up into equal sections with a dehumidifier in the middle of each section without obstruction to airways, allowing air to circulate freely around the machine(s). Sometimes, either to maximise drying capability or below 8ºC, it is necessary to also put heat into the room to be dried but blowing warm air directly into the intake should be avoided.

The condensate should be drained away using a bucket, which must be checked periodically to avoid overflow or direct feed to a drain. When using a direct feed it must be kept as straight as possible and always run downhill to otherwise leaks can occur. Some dehumidifiers have the option of a condensate pump which allows the condensate to be easily pumped away which is sometimes preferred for prolonged unmanned use.