▷ How Does a Desiccant Dehumidifier Work? Everything You Need to Know

In most homes, high humidity levels are a daily battle. It is critical to keep an indoor environment free of wet air. Reducing humidity entails simply removing water from the air to achieve a specific temperature.

The goal of balancing relative humidity levels is to safeguard the home from the negative repercussions that come from high humidity. Mold, mildew, structural damage, fungal development, musty odors, allergens, dust mites, and so on are all issues that need to be addressed.

There are two types of dehumidifiers: compressor or refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers. Many people consider compressor dehumidifiers “legacy” humidifiers because they have been used since the early 1960s. When hot, humid air comes into contact with cold surfaces, condensation mechanism compressor humidifiers successfully transform water vapor in the air into liquid form.

Another type of dehumidifier is a desiccant dehumidifier. Desiccant dehumidifiers can reduce humidity to a considerably lower level than compressor dehumidifiers. They can even work in much colder environments.

Desiccant dehumidifiers, which employ the hygroscopic qualities of desiccants to absorb moisture from the air, require little maintenance due to their ability to renew the desiccants for repeated usage. While these humidifiers consume more energy than refrigerant or compressor types, the excess energy is used to operate the air compressor.

So, how does a desiccant dehumidifier work? Should you get one for your home? Keep reading to find out.

How Does a Desiccant Dehumidifier Work?

A desiccant dehumidifier is a device that uses a hygroscopic material to remove moisture from the air. The hygroscopic material is usually a silica gel or calcium chloride. These materials absorb water vapor from the air, reducing the humidity level in the surrounding environment.

Desiccant dehumidifiers work by adsorbing moisture from the process air stream with a large desiccant wheel. The moisture content of the wheel increases as the process air is dried.

The wheel constantly rotates to remove the moisture, while a second air stream is heated and pushed through it. The moisture from the wheel is picked up by the hot air stream, which then drives the wheel, allowing it to reactivate and continue drying the process air.

Desiccant dehumidifiers also remove moisture from the air using an absorbent substance such as silica gel. They use polar molecules like silicon dioxide (SiO2) desiccants to attract liquids and vapor. Adsorption drying is another name for this process.

Water vapor becomes stuck on the surface of this substance when it comes into contact with it. The moisture that has been contained is subsequently released into a collection container.

Water vapor condenses on the surface of the desiccant as air travels through the dehumidifier. The water then drops down into a container or collection bin. A fan aids the process by forcing dry air over desiccant materials.

When dealing with silica gel-based desiccants, it’s critical to use dehumidifiers correctly. Never keep them in a place that isn’t well-ventilated, as this can limit their lifespan.

Are Desiccant Dehumidifiers Better?

The reason why desiccant dehumidifiers are becoming more popular is that they’re more efficient than compressor dehumidifiers. They can remove moisture from the air at a much faster rate, and they’re better at controlling humidity levels in a home.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are also better for people with allergies because they don’t rely on chemicals to remove moisture from the air. And, they’re better for the environment because they don’t use CFCs or HCFCs, which can harm the ozone layer.

On the other hand, compressor dehumidifiers are less efficient and can be quite loud. They also use chemicals (freon) to remove moisture from the air, which can be harmful to people with allergies.

Although a desiccant unit uses more electricity per hour than a compressor or refrigerant unit, it is far more effective at extracting moisture.

A 7 liter per day extraction desiccant can extract more moisture in an hour than a 20-liter daily extraction compressor-driven machine will extract in one and a half hours at a standard ambient temperature of 21°C.

Because desiccant dehumidifiers do not depend on temperature variations to condense moist air, they can be used all year, making them extremely effective even in cold weather.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are quieter to operate because they lack a built-in compressor. They range in weight from 5 to 9kg, so they can be relocated fairly easily.

So the short answer is yes, desiccant dehumidifiers are better.

When Should You Use a Desiccant Dehumidifier?

When it comes to drying solid materials like hardwood, bricks, or plaster-and-lath construction, nothing beats the efficiency and power of desiccant dehumidifiers.

The climate is the most important aspect to consider when deciding between a desiccant and a compressor dehumidifier. Desiccant dehumidifiers are adaptable and can be used in cold and hot areas.

In low temperatures, desiccants significantly outperform compressor dehumidifiers. Compressor dehumidifiers tend to freeze up or stay in defrost mode for long periods in these situations. They aren’t removing much moisture from the air at all.

On the other hand, desiccants continue to absorb moisture at 0° F. In a crawl space during the winter months, an unheated garage, and unfinished basements, drying with a desiccant is an exceptionally smart (and cost-effective) choice.

Dense materials can be dried more quickly. Desiccants help extract bound water from materials such as plaster, hardwood, brick, and concrete because they can generate low RH values. They can also dry out construction assemblies like walls, staircases, and cabinetry.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are not recommended for residences or buildings with changing temperatures and humidity levels inside a room. Models with more advanced moisture removal technology and electronic controls will perform better in these situations.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are often used in industrial and commercial settings where there is high humidity or large amounts of moisture need to be removed quickly from the air. They are also sometimes used in homes where excessive moisture is caused by plumbing problems or flooding.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are ideal if you live in an area that has four seasons. On the other hand, composite dehumidifiers are suitable in places where it is hot all year round.

How Long Will a Desiccant Dehumidifier Last?

This type of dehumidifier works by absorbing moisture directly from the air over time using absorbent desiccant materials (usually silica gels).

The more mechanical variant works by pulling in air, passing it via a rotor containing moisture-absorbing desiccant material, and releasing the dry air back into the atmosphere once the water has been removed.

The silica gel employed in this situation is generally recyclable, meaning that once saturated, it can be dried out with heat and then utilized to gather more moisture.

Because of the fewer moving components in its system, a desiccant humidifier has a far longer lifespan than a refrigerant humidifier. Desiccant dehumidifiers can operate indefinitely. The desiccant material doesn’t necessarily need to be renewed because it doesn’t expire or wear out.

Do Desiccant Humidifiers Wear Out?

Desiccant humidifiers don’t usually wear out, but the desiccant material inside them can become saturated and need to be replaced. You can tell when this happens because the humidifier won’t work as well.

How often you need to replace the desiccant will depend on how often you use the humidifier and how humid your home is. You may need to replace the desiccant in very dry homes every few months.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers Pros and Cons

Pros

Desiccant dehumidifiers are quieter than compressor units, ideal for living areas and bedrooms.
Anti-bacterial filters remove allergens, dust, and germs from the air before it is returned to the room. The water collected can be utilized for various things, including washing clothing and watering plants.
They are also easier to transport. You can easily transport a desiccant dehumidifier to other rooms in the house where wet air needs to be removed. Desiccant dehumidifiers come in both portable and stationary models.
They can work in extremely cold temperatures. Desiccant dehumidifiers are able to convert wet air to drier air irrespective of ambient temperature fluctuations.
Desiccant dehumidifiers are more energy-efficient than other devices. This is because the energy used to operate the device is used to evaporate the water vapor from the hygroscopic material rather than to cool the air.
Desiccant dehumidifiers do not require any maintenance. The hygroscopic material can be renewed for repeated usage. This makes desiccant dehumidifiers more convenient to use than other types of dehumidifiers.
A moisture-absorbent substance is used in desiccant dehumidifiers. Therefore, a desiccant dehumidifier can suck moisture out of the air as long as there is moisture.
Desiccant dehumidifiers can remove more moisture from the air than other types of dehumidifiers. This makes them ideal for use in areas with high humidity levels, such as tropical climates.
Desiccant dehumidifiers can operate at lower temperatures than other types of dehumidifiers. This makes them great for cold environments, such as basements or garages. The majority of desiccant dehumidifiers work in temperatures as low as 32°F.
There is no possibility of gasses seeping out because they do not use refrigerant.

Cons

There are capacity constraints. Consumer-grade desiccant dehumidifiers are shockingly limited compared to compressor dehumidifying machines, which can remove almost limitless moisture.
Desiccant dehumidifiers can emit a strong odor. This happens because of the desiccant material — besides absorbing moisture from the air, it is dehumidifying and can also absorb scents from the same air.
Desiccant dehumidifiers are more expensive than other types of dehumidifiers.
They require regular replacement of the desiccant material to maintain their effectiveness.
The device needs to be vented to the outdoors.
They are not as widely available as other types of dehumidifiers.

How to Choose the Best Desiccant Dehumidifier for Your Home

When choosing a desiccant dehumidifier, there are several things you need to take into account to make sure you get the best one for your needs.

The Capacity of the Humidifier

The capacity of the desiccant dehumidifier is an important thing to consider. A larger-sized unit will be able to handle a more humid environment and will need to be replaced less frequently.

The Price

Desiccant dehumidifiers are more expensive than other types of dehumidifiers, so you need to make sure you are getting one that is within your budget.

The Warranty

When making any purchase, always check the warranty. This will give you an idea of how long the product should last and what support you can expect from the manufacturer.

Power Consumption

As with any appliance, you will want to consider the power consumption of the desiccant dehumidifier. A more energy-efficient unit will save you money in the long run.

The Noise Level

Some desiccant dehumidifiers can be pretty noisy, so check the noise level before purchasing if you are looking for a quiet unit.

The Size

Desiccant dehumidifiers come in both portable and stationary models. If you plan on moving the unit from room to room, or if you have limited storage space, a mobile model might be the best option for you.

Maintenance

As with any appliance, you will need to maintain your desiccant dehumidifier regularly. This includes replacing the desiccant material.

Portability

Desiccant dehumidifiers are available in both portable and stationary models. A portable unit might be the best option if you plan to move it from room to room or have limited storage space.

Ease of Use

It would help to consider how easy the unit is to use. Some models have features that make them easier to use, such as automatic shut-off and a water level indicator.

The Features

Some desiccant dehumidifiers have additional features, such as air purifiers or ionizers. If you are looking for a unit with extra features, check what is available before purchasing.

Conclusion

So, how does a desiccant dehumidifier work? A desiccant dehumidifier uses a material that absorbs water molecules from the air. This material can be a gel, such as silica gel, or a chemical compound called activated alumina. The water is removed from the air and collected in a tank or reservoir.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are often a good solution for wide, open spaces with low humidity (under 60 percent relative humidity). They’re also utilized to keep warm, humid air under control in warehouses and factories where humidity levels can reach 90%.

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