Choosing the right type of dehumidifier

Dehumidifier hire from us is simple and straightforward. We have various types and sizes, each with features which benefit differing applications and will be pleased to advise you on the right choice.

Light commercial refrigerant based dehumidifiers

are used in smaller rooms or where the layout of the area to be dried would be best served by a number of smaller units to more evenly control humidity throughout the area. They are used in domestic and commercial premises and can discharge the water collection into an internal tank, an external container or be fitted with a pump to discharge the water to a remote drain.
This type of dehumidifier is effective where the ambient temperature can be maintained at a suitable level as the rate of water collection is a function of the temperature of air passing over the cold coils within the machine.

Heavy duty refrigerant based dehumidifiers

are suitable for construction work drying where large volumes of water need to be removed in a damp environment, such as concrete drying. Care needs to be taken to avoid cracking through uneven or accelerated drying. Commonly these are located where the water can be discharged directly to a drain or fitted with a pump for remote discharge the larger volumes of water produced. These units are normally available in both 240 volt and 110 volt versions for site work.

Where refrigerant type dehumidifiers are used in lower ambient temperatures there will be a tendency for frost to form on the cold coil and a model which has an auto defrost function will be needed for it to continue to be effective.

Desiccant based dehumidifiers

will achieve lower relative humidity in the area, particularly at lower ambient temperature and will increase the rate of water extraction and evaporation from damp materials. This is particularly useful in the later stages of drying out and where heating of the area is not a viable option. In unheated areas at typical winter temperatures in the UK the performance of a refrigerant type machine is significantly reduced and a desiccant dehumidifier is advisable.

A desiccant type dehumidifier will have a higher electricity consumption than a refrigerant type as it includes a heater. A 8p/KWhr a 34litre/hour desiccant dehumidifier will cost around £25/week in continuous operation whereas a similar rated refrigerant type will cost around half this amount provided the ambient temperature is high enough to give good performance, without supplementary heating.

Where operated at a distance from the power supply and longer extension leads are required to bring power into areas which have been isolated for safety reasons, heavy duty cabling is needed particularly for the larger capacity refrigerant based models and desiccant type dehumidifiers. We can advise on this and supply heavy duty extension leads when appropriate.