Dehumidification
Air dehumidifier
The 3 Techniques for Dehumidifying Air
Compressor Dehumidifier:
This is the most common technology in France. The device works similarly to a refrigerator. The air is drawn in by a fan and passes through an internal grille. This air is cooled by the compressor, creating a thermal shock. This temperature difference between the drawn air and the compressor causes water to condense and flow into the tank. Learn more about the compressor dehumidifier.
Peltier Effect Dehumidifier:
This technology is similar to compressor dehumidifiers. The difference lies in the presence of two plates, one hot and one cold, within the device. The humid air is drawn in, and after a heat exchange, it condenses and drips into the tank. This technology is less efficient than compressor dehumidifiers but more eco-friendly and economical than chemical-based moisture absorbers, whose composition is often controversial.
Both compressor and Peltier effect technologies have a limitation. To cool the air, the temperature must be ambient. At lower temperatures, the air cooled by the device may freeze. Most compressor and Peltier dehumidifiers are equipped with a defrost mode. Therefore, it is recommended to use these devices when the room temperature is around 15°C or higher. Below that, desiccant dehumidifiers are more effective as they work well at lower temperatures. Learn more about Peltier dehumidifiers.
Desiccant or Low-Temperature Dehumidifier:
This system works by passing humid air through a silica gel wheel that absorbs the moisture. The water is then extracted from the wheel using a fan and flows into the tank. This technology is recommended for wine cellars or basements where room temperatures can often drop to 0°C. Learn more about desiccant dehumidifiers.
Removing Water from the Dehumidifier
Once the water is collected by the dehumidifier, it needs to be emptied. Several solutions are available:
1. The Tank:
All dehumidifiers are equipped with a tank to collect condensate. The tank capacity varies from one model to another.
2. Continuous Drainage:
Using a hose designed for this purpose, water flows downward by gravity. This method is ideal when you don't have time to empty the tank manually.
3. Lift Pump:
Some devices are equipped with a lift pump. If not, it is possible to purchase one separately. The lift pump allows water to be evacuated over longer distances and, most importantly, mechanically. You can even pump water from a basement to an upper floor.
Why Dehumidify?
When choosing an air dehumidifier, it is important to consider several factors to meet specific needs. Determining the humidity level and temperature of the area to be dehumidified is essential.
The size of the room is not always the most relevant criterion when choosing a device. A dehumidifier rated for 60 m² is effective if, for example, you want to reduce humidity from 70% to 55%. However, it is less efficient at reducing humidity from 90% to 50%, as this requires more dehumidification power. Note that the room sizes indicated by manufacturers always represent maximum surface areas. Similarly, a dehumidifier with a capacity of 20 liters per day can only reach this figure in a room with 90% humidity and a minimum temperature of 25°C. These are real but variable figures depending on climate and region.
Remotely Controllable Dehumidifier - Did You Know?
Some devices can be controlled remotely thanks to Wi-Fi functionality. However, only ALBERT from StadlerForm allows scheduled programming. This enables you to save energy by setting a start and stop time.
For more information on air dehumidifiers, visit our guide page on how to choose a dehumidifier.
Discover Our Selection of Dehumidifiers
Understanding the technical data from manufacturers
Extraction power:
A dehumidifier showing a capacity of 20 liters per day is often measured in optimal conditions, at 90% humidity and 30°C (usually in a lab in China). Under these conditions, the device operates at full capacity. However, in France, with an ambient temperature around 20°C, performance will be reduced. The warmer the air, the higher the efficiency of a dehumidifier.
Coverage area:
The manufacturer's indications regarding the coverage area should be taken cautiously. For example, the need for dehumidification will differ for a 30m² cellar, depending on whether it's concreted and well-ventilated or has dirt floors and stone walls, especially if the humidity level is high.
Do not exceed
60%
humidity level
in the house
What causes excess humidity in the air?
A high humidity level in a home can be caused by several factors:
- Insufficient insulation
- Lack of ventilation or poor natural ventilation
- Water damage, whether leaks, infiltrations, poor drainage, or thermal bridges
- Daily activities such as breathing, showering, cooking, or drying laundry
- The presence of one or more open aquariums without covers
Tailoring your choice to your specific needs
Ambient temperature:
The room temperature throughout the year is a key factor in choosing the right technology. This directly influences the efficiency and energy consumption of the device. It's also important to know the current humidity level and the target level to choose the most suitable device.
Recommended humidity levels:
- 1. Bedroom or living room: 50% RH
- 2. Storage cellar or garage: 60% RH
- 3. Wine cellar: 70% RH
- 4. Curing cellar: <80% RH
Criteria for choosing a dehumidifier
Extraction capacity:
Select a capacity based on the size and volume of the room to be treated. Our advice: don't hesitate to oversize. It's more economical to lightly use a large dehumidifier than to push a smaller one to its limits.
Number of speeds:
Some models offer multiple fan speeds, affecting both noise level and efficiency. In warm weather, the speed can be reduced while maintaining good performance. The larger the room, the greater the airflow should be. The dehumidifier must be able to draw air from the far end of the room, which is only possible with a large air flow. Our advice: you can also use a small fan to optimize air circulation.
Drainage system:
There are models with a water collection tank and others that can be connected to an external drain. Dehumidifiers with lift pumps are useful for draining water to a higher level. Pay attention to the tank capacity, as some devices automatically stop when it's full. There are also external lift pumps compatible with almost all dehumidifiers on the market.
Built-in hygrostat:
A hygrostat allows you to set the desired humidity level. It can be manual or automatic, activating the device as needed. They are present on all products except small Peltier-effect models, which have lower power (there's no hygrostat on chemical moisture absorbers either).