Best Commercial Dehumidifiers (The Ultimate Buying Guide)
Have you ever felt muggy, sweaty, and noticed an unpleasant smell while in offices, construction sites, or nightclubs? If yes, do you know the reason? One of the main reasons is that these areas are not ventilated adequately, resulting in a higher amount of humidity, which represents the amount of water vapor in the air. As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the acceptable amount of humidity is between 30 to 50% and should not exceed 60%.
Here’s how high level of humidity impacts you:
- Mold and mildew spores thrive in hot, humid conditions.
- It can intensify allergy triggers such as dust mites, mold spores, and airborne bacteria.
- Areas with high humidity may become a breeding ground for pests such as cockroaches, spiders, and centipedes.
- Excess moisture, in your business space, can lead to infrastructure damage, such as corrosion, rot.
- High level of humidity can significantly impact your trade if the products you are selling are sensitive to environmental factors and ultimately cost you money.
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What are Commercial Dehumidifiers?
Dehumidifiers optimize and maintain humidity levels within enclosed spaces by removing the excess moisture, thereby keeping the indoors free of sticky air, muggy conditions, and unhealthy mold growth.
Commercial dehumidifiers generally use a desiccant or a compressed refrigerant system to remove air moisture and reduce the humidity levels. The dehumidifier draws the air through an inlet driven by an internal compressor and fan. The moist air goes over a series of cooling condenser coils that removes the excess moisture and condenses it into the device’ reservoir. The dry air is then reheated and released back into the room via an outlet. The collected moisture remains in the water reservoir until it is drained.
Commercial dehumidifiers are designed for heavy-duty use and are often built using a steel chassis or durable plastic housing. Commercial dehumidifiers are capable of operating efficiently in harsh weather conditions with temperatures ranging as low as 33° F to as high as 125° F. They are equipped with more powerful capacity FM fans, which can pull a higher volume of air into a dehumidifier per unit time, allowing higher moisture removal rates and a greater coverage area.
Commercial dehumidifiers are useful in areas vulnerable to excessive humidity warehouses, such as manufacturing plants, offices, bars & restaurants, sports facilities, indoor pools, and spa environments. Furthermore, they are also useful in water damage restoration duties and high-speed drying.
Commercial Dehumidifiers can help in the following areas:
- Controlling condensation causing mold and mildew growth
- Maintain in room temperature regulation
- Remove harmful airborne allergens such as dust, and provide cleaner, healthier air
- Supplement your air conditioner by keeping the air dry, helping you in lowering your energy expenses
- Maintain the structural integrity of your workspace
- Pest Control
Why do you need a Commercial Dehumidifier?
You should consider purchasing a commercial dehumidifier if your answer is affirmative to one or more questions below:
- Your work-related area receives a high amount of rainfall or is located in a flood zone.
- Your business is situated in a humid climate zone.
- Your building or workspace is poorly ventilated.
- Your work activity generates a high amount of moisture.
- You require compliance with regulatory bodies or local ordinances related to your indoor environment.
- Your workplace involves trading in moisture-sensitive products and goods such as paper, confectionery, and perishable food items.
- You notice mold and mildew growth, condensation on pipes, windows, and elsewhere in your workplace.
Which Dehumidifier to Buy
Commercial Dehumidifiers are an integral part of the business and are becoming very popular. While there are a plethora of options by different brands available in the market, it is essential to have clarity on a few questions mentioned below to assist you in making a better purchase decision:
- Coverage area: It is a measure of space that needs to be covered by the dehumidifier. Commercial units can cover areas as large as 10000 cubic feet. You can decide whether you want to purchase a single large dehumidifier or multiple dehumidifiers.
- Amount of moisture you want to remove? (denoted by the number of pints of water per day)
- Business reasons to purchase? Are you providing water restoration service or you are looking to maintain humidity levels in your workplace?
- Do you want a portable device or to be fixed in one place?
- How would you drain the water collected? You need to consider whether you want a humidifier with an in-built pump or will it require a long drain hose.
- The expected range of temperature and humidity in the place?
- Budgetary Consideration?
Features to consider while investing in a Commercial Dehumidifier:
Humidistat: A humidistat monitors and adjusts the humidity level in the area. Some dehumidifiers are equipped with digital humidistats, which can be remotely operated.
Continuous drainage options that allow for hassle-free humidity control
Dehumidifiers with Auto Defrost: Auto defrost shuts down the compressor when it detects frost build-up. The fan continues working to help in melting the ice. The unit resumes operation automatically, once the ice melts.
CFM: the airflow volume measures the ability of the dehumidifier to move a certain amount of air within the specified time frame and is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
ACH: The humidity level in a room and the square footage of the area determines the number of times the air must cycle through the dehumidifier in an hour and is denoted as air changes per hour (ACH)
Portability: If you choose a large and heavy commercial dehumidifier, it would be better to go for a unit with caster wheels, as they can be moved around easily as per requirement. Some models are also equipped with handles that help in improved portability.
Integral condensate pump: the pump pushes the collected water automatically through a hose. The pump can operate vertically or horizontally, and will automatically begin the process once the water reaches a certain level. As commercial humidifiers remove a large amount of moisture, they often come with in-built pumps in place of a water reservoir.
Automatic Restart: It automatically restarts a dehumidifier in the event of a power outage. It comes handy when you need round the clock dehumidification, and nobody is in the office or plant.
Advanced Air Filtration: Advanced air filters can capture fine particles and debris and protect sensitive compressors from damage.
Noise level: On average commercial dehumidifiers produce noise at 50 decibels or more. Higher than this can become disruptive and irritating, especially during work hours. You should read the decibel level specs of the appliance and also test before making a purchase.
Warranty: It is essential to note the duration/coverage of the warranty offered by the manufacturer as they are a vital part of running an operation.
6 Best Commercial Dehumidifiers (With Reviews)
1. AlorAir Commercial Water Damage Restoration Dehumidifier
The ALorAIR Storm LGR Extreme 190PPD is specially designed for flood and water damage restoration tasks. The commercial dehumidifier has a drainage capacity of 85 pints per day (PPD)at AHAM and 190 PPD saturation. The device boasts a coefficient of performance (COP) of 2.8L/Kwh. The device can deliver Air flow up to 210 CFM, but is energy efficient and draws 5.5 amps on a 115V power supply.
The ALorAIR Storm LGR is manufactured from stainless steel side plates and coded coils. The unit comes with a waterproof base while a rubber strip seals the circuit board. The device can work while immersed in water, an excellent feature for cleaning and water damage restoration jobs, especially during floods. The dehumidifier features a durable condensate pump as well as a bypass air sensor. The condensate pump comes with a 20′ lifting distance, giving you the option to drain it anywhere.
The ALORAIR Storm LGR boasts of industry-leading epoxy coated coils that render protection against corrosive environments and maintain its heat transferability, thereby extending the life of the coils. The ALORAIR Storm LGR Extreme comes with a smooth touch control panel.
THE bright LED display indicates temperature and humidity levels at both inlet and outlet. Its stackable design saves space and allows the machine to be easily transported.
The Storm LGR Extreme is equipped with a “Hot Gas” defrosting system, which ensures a quick and efficient clearing of ice from the coil allowing the dehumidifier to work efficiently under temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The Storm LGR features a 19.6 ft extra-long, three-prong power cord. The condensate hose and power cord can be easily stored on the side of the unit, ensuring optimum storage capacity utilization. The dehumidifier also includes a MERV 8 filter placed at the inlet of the device, keeping it free from dirt and dust particles, aiding in low maintenance.
ALORAIR is offering a one-year limited warranty on the device; 3-year limited warranty on refrigeration circuit; and 5-year limited warranty on compressor, condenser, and evaporator.
Pros
- Waterproof shell
- Usable in frigid temperatures
- Epoxy coated coils
- Hot Gas Defrosting System
- Compact size for portability
- Long Warranty
Cons
- Heavier than other similarly designed dehumidifiers
- No Auto Restart Option
- Small coverage area
Why buy this unit:
If your business place lies in a flood-prone or high rainfall zone, then you should consider the AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme with “moisture absorbents. The efficient dehumidifier offers a waterproof design and high drainage capacity. It is easy to operate and can work at low temperature, and also boasts a host of extra features.
2. Dri-EAZ F413 Revolution LGR Compact Dehumidifier
Stackable and easy to transport the Dri-EAZ F413 can remove up to 80 pints of moisture per day at AHAM and 139 pints water at 90°F/90% saturation. The commercial dehumidifier delivers airflow of 180 CFM, and covers area 7000 ft.². The device is useful for quickly drying out water-saturated areas after leak spills or floods to prevent damage to floors and walls.
The Dri-EAZ F413’s stackable design packs state-of-the-art LGR technology in a compact unit, enabling it to remove moisture as well as any full-size dehumidifier. Because of its size, the dehumidifier can fit into tight spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and stairways.
Furthermore, its recessed feet indents allow you to stack up to 3 units on a hand truck for quick and safe transport, reducing extra trips and transport time. The unit weighs just 65 lbs, and is easy to move around the job site, and also features firm rubber grip handles that evenly balance the weight of the dehumidifier.
The Dri-EAZ F413 features rugged rotomolded housing, and its low grain performance is optimized to work seamlessly in harsh environments found in water damage restoration and construction areas. The commercial dehumidifier does not include a water tank but consists of a 40 ft. drain hose with a quick-connect fitting that can pump water out vertically at least 20 ft., thereby allowing you to drain the water from a specific location.
The Revolution LGR comes with an auto-restart feature that ensures that the device will start automatically in case of a power outage, enabling round the clock support in case of a power outage. The device also features a 25. ft detachable power cord and a reusable four-stage filter.
The Dri-EAZ F413 comes with an easy to read LED display unit that displays real-time Inlet, outlet temperature and relative humidity levels, thereby allowing you to monitor the dehumidification progress and the job site condition. The panel comes with a backlight function providing legibility in low light conditions, especially handy while using it in a basement or crawl spaces.
Interested to know more about making your basements humidity free? Here Best basements dehumidifiers.
The Revolution LGR also features a humidistat that will enable you to decide the humidity level and automatically kicks in when the moisture level goes beyond that range. The intelligent dehumidifier can assess whether the motor should operate at full throttle or lower speed, and dynamically adjusts the motor speed without human intervention.
The Dri-EAZ F413 can operate efficiently between 33°F to 100°F; however, it is not built for low-temperature operation, and the coils might freeze up in extreme temperatures. The device comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor. Furthermore, the Company is providing a six-year warranty on the compressor and coils, and a limited lifetime warranty on the polyethylene housing.
Pros
- Heavy-duty dehumidifier
- Portable and compact
- Incredibly easy to use and maintain
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not comes with wheels
- No hot air exhausts
- No protected coils
Why Buy This Unit:
The Dri-EAZ F413 is competent in removing humidity and keeping moisture in control. Its compact design provides easy portability, making it a fantastic option for water restoration tasks, especially in tight areas. While the device is slightly on the pricier side, if you want a dependable tool in a small size that can perform as good as full-fledged humidifiers, then the LGR Revolution is worth taking into consideration
3. COLZER 232 PPD Inofia Commercial Dehumidifier
The heavy-duty COLZER Inofia CFT 4.0D industrial dehumidifier comes with a water removal capacity of up to 232 pints per day (Saturation) and 110 pints per day (AHAM). The device can efficiently dehumidify areas up to 8000 square feet and is ideal for water damage restoration and fast-drying jobs in commercial and industrial institutions such as warehouses, basements, restaurants, indoor pools etc.
The COLZER Commercial Dehumidifier can deliver an airflow rate of 353 CFM, which helps in swiftly eliminating moisture for faster drying. The device is built from anti-corrosion and dent-resistant metal casing, ensuring long-term usage. The dehumidifier features two front caster wheels and back semi-pneumatic wheels, and a sturdy bar handle that provides effortless mobility to this heavy unit.
The commercial dehumidifier features a built-in humidistat to monitor and control the dehumidification process. The device comes with an automatic restart option that provides round the clock operations in case of a power outage. Furthermore, it is also equipped with an auto-defrost function that allows it to work in colder climates. The device features a digital control panel that will enable you to decide to humidify the level and a timer to program the unit for 1-24 hours of operations. While the unit does not come with a pump, it has a continuous drainage system with a 6.56 ft drain hose included for effortless humidity control.
The Inofia dehumidifier comes with a high-dense washable filter that protects its internal components from dust and debris. It also features an Auto-Diagnosis system that displays an error code that can be looked into the manual to get troubleshooting tips. COLZER offers a full one-year warranty as well as a 60-day money-back guarantee on the device.
Pros
- High Airflow and Moisture Removal Capacity
- Memory function automatically restores settings in case of a power outage.
- Equipped with wheels for easy mobility
- Continuous Drainage
- Great value for money
- Auto-defrost function
Cons
- Comparatively smaller coverage area
- Slightly Noisy
- Short Hose
- Uses error codes instead of verbal messages
Why Buy this unit:
The Inofia dehumidifier is a competent unit that delivers high-level performance at a reasonable price. If you have a medium size area but suffer from a high level of humidity, this dehumidifier boasts of delivering results within minutes. Boasting automatic humidistat, automatic restart, auto defrost and continuous drainage, the dehumidifier promises round the clock dehumidification in a hassle freeway.
4. Maxx Air Rotational Moulded Portable Commercial Dehumidifier
The MaxxAir DH075 is specially designed for handling flood and water damage restoration tasks efficiently in areas such as a basement or humid, damp rooms including homes, warehouses, garages, shops, basements, industrial applications. The stackable dehumidifier can remove up to 145 pints of moisture per day and produces an airflow of 265 CFM. The commercial dehumidifier includes an automatic water pump with a 25-foot hose enabling easy water disposal from hard to reach places.
The MaxxAir DH075 works like a plug and play device and does not require complicated installation procedures and is easy to use– place the device in the middle of the room, punch the requisite settings, and it is all set. The commercial dehumidifier features large 12-inch wheels, cord wrap, built-in hose storage in the cabinet, and a telescopic handle for easy mobility. The MaxxAir is built using a rugged, lightweight rotational molded body.
The MaxxAir DH075 comes with an electronic control panel that allows you to set up relative humidity and temperature operations with an hour counter. The dehumidifier features a carbon air filter intake that removes impurities and a low-grain r410a refrigerant. The device also includes an optional warm air bypass to defrost coils.
The MaxxAir can efficiently operate in a temperature range of 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The manufacturer is offering a one-year limited warranty on parts.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
- Strong build
Cons
- Control Panel is not user friendly
- Slightly on the noisier side
Why Buy This Unit:
The MaxxAir DH075 dehumidifier is excellent at removing moisture swiftly and efficiently. The sturdy dehumidifier is easy to install and operate, provides superb portability, and also energy efficient. A compelling option to consider.
5. XPOWER XD-125 Industrial Commercial Dehumidifier
The powerful XD-125 is designed for durability, efficiency, and quick moisture removal. The commercial dehumidifier is capable of removing 125 pints or 15 gallons of water per day in a saturate environment and 76 pints or 9.5 gallons as per AHAM standards.
The dehumidifier is useful in construction sites, grooming salons, water damage restoration sites, hotels, disaster relief, and flood areas.
The XPOWER XD-125 is equipped with a high-efficiency rotary compressor that can deliver maximum airflow of 235 CFM with low 7.3 Amps power draw and can operate efficiently in the range of 33° F to 100°F. The compact dehumidifier features two shock-absorbing semi-pneumatic wheels that provide easy portability. The device comes in a rugged casing that provides protection from the rough wear and tears and ensures low maintenance operations for a long time.
The XPOWER XD-125 features an advanced recessed digital control panel that is easy to program and operate. Once you set the desired humidity level, the device will automatically purge water when full via the drainage hose, eliminating the requirement of manually monitoring tank levels and emptying them. The XPOWER XD-125 also comes with a manual water purge override option. Its 20′ drainage hose provides appropriate displacement with up to 15 ft. high vertical discharge capability.
The commercial dehumidifier employs standard refrigerant (R410A) and also features onboard lights that illuminate while the machine is performing tasks such as purging water and defrosting. The XPOWER XD-125 is equipped with an optional ASK125 Ducting Adapter Kit, which can be connected to Air Scrubbers via the 8DH15 Ducting Hose to form the full range Air Purification & Drying System. The commercial dehumidifier is ETL/CETL Safety Certified and comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable Construction
- Portable
- Versatile
- Does not generate a high amount of noise
Cons
- Only one-year warranty
Why Buy This Unit:
The XPOWER XD-125 maximizes water extraction capability with efficiency and portability. Easy to operate and ruggedly built the commercial dehumidifier is an excellent choice for water extraction as well as roles where a high level of air drying is required.
6. B-Air Vantage 1500 Commercial Dehumidifier Water Removal
The powerful B-AIR Vantage VG 1500 dehumidifier removes water in a fuss-free manner. This commercial dehumidifier can remove up to 76 pints per day (AHAM) capacity; meanwhile, the unit can remove 150 pints per day when used at 100% saturation. The conventional dehumidifier delivers dependable performance and works safely and effectively, and can effectively combat water damage and mildew when paired with air movers and air scrubbers.
The dehumidifier uses R410 refrigerant to draw moisture in, condense the water, and discharge into the reservoir for easy disposal. The dehumidifier is perfect for removing water damage in a basement, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, garage, or other rooms. The dehumidifier has been especially popular with professional pet grooming shops with wet conditions and also sometimes carries an odor. The device can be paired with air scrubbers to provide a safe and dry environment for pets.
The B-AIR Vantage VG 1500 comes with a built-in pump and generates less noise for its large size. The dehumidifier features an electronic control touchpad, drain hose, and only uses 7.36 Amps/115V, and it also includes a heat pipe that prevents frost from forming. The device comes with semi-pneumatic wheels that allows easy transferability from job to job.
The sturdy unit features a rotomolded polyethylene housing that can withstand the rigors of harsh environments such as construction zones and can be left working continuously for a long time. The dehumidifier is C-ETL-US certified and comes with a five-year housing warranty and a two-year warranty on parts and labors.
Pros
- Powerful moisture removal capacity
- Portable
- Economical
Cons
- Less efficient than LGR dehumidifiers
- Does not features an auto restart
Why Buy This Unit:
The B-AIR Vantage VG 1500 doesn’t boast fancy bells and whistles but blends robust performance, rugged design, and manoeuvrability to get the job done. The multifaceted unit and is suitable for a wide variety of home commercial or industrial use.
Commercial Dehumidifier Maintenance Guide
To ensure that the dehumidifier is working optimally and for a long time, it is essential to service the device as recommended by the manufacturer regularly. Read and understand the user manual and maintenance guide provided by the manufacturer.
Some Basic Maintenance is as mentioned below:
Don’t short-cycle the compressor: Refrain from switching the dehumidifier on and off immediately, as it may result in overheating of the compressor and possibly trip your circuit-breaker. Short-cycling the dehumidifier may impact its moisture removal rate. To prevent the short-cycling occurrence, wait for at least 10 minutes before switching on the dehumidifier again, as it allows the pressure in the system to normalize and avert compressor damage. Some dehumidifiers also come with an automatic delayed start function.
Inspect the condenser coils for frost or ice: Dehumidifiers operating in colder climates may develop frost or ice build-up on the condenser, which can interfere with operation. If you find ice or frost build-up: Turn the dehumidifier off and unplug it to access the internal coils safely.
Clean the Air Intake and Exhaust Grilles: Dirty grilles can contribute to poor dehumidifier performance. The intake and exhaust grille should be regularly cleaned to free the blockages caused by debris, thereby ensuring efficient operation.
Regular cleaning of air filters: Replacing air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe to maintain optimal performance.
Dehumidifier Placement: The dehumidifier should be placed at least 6 inches apart from walls to allow proper air intake and exhaust. Furthermore, doors and windows should be shut tightly when the dehumidifier is operating, as leakage may impact its efficiency and may result in higher energy bills.
Dehumidifier FAQs
Q. Why do dehumidifiers need a defrost system?
A. Ice accumulation can prevent dehumidifier from running effectively and optimally. In severe cases, the accumulated frost can damage mechanical components, thereby permanently ruining the device.
Q. Are there health risks in using a dehumidifier?
A. Using a dehumidifier does not pose a risk as it assists you in attaining the perfect balance to make your indoor environment comfortable and healthy.
Q. How much water a commercial or industrial dehumidifier removes?
A. Water removal is measured by the number of pints of water removed per 24 hours and square footage. Residential dehumidifiers can remove up to 50 pints of moisture per day; on the other hand, commercial dehumidifiers can remove moisture up to 160 pints per day.
Q. How to calculate cubic square footage of an area?
A. You can calculate the cubic feet square footage of an area by measuring the ceiling height and multiplying it by the square footage.
Q. How to calculate the recommended CFM?
A. To calculate CFM, multiply the cubic square footage by the ACH value and divide that resultant number by one hour (60 minutes).
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