Which Type of Dehumidifier Does Your Home Need? FAQ on Desiccant Dehumidifiers in San Francisco

From the musty smell to mold growth to structural damage, dealing with a moisture issue is a major headache. But the longer you wait to rent a dehumidifier, the worse (and more expensive) the problem will become.

With so many dehumidifiers to choose from, it’s not always easy to find the best fit for your needs and budget. To help you make the perfect pick, read on to learn the differences between compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers:

1. Compressor Dehumidifiers

This is the traditional dehumidifier design that has been used in homes and businesses to tackle moisture issues and mold infestations for the better part of four decades. Under the hood, these units use condensation to filter moisture from the air and then out of your home, either through a drainage pipe or into a removable tank.

Compressor dehumidifiers do have a few drawbacks. For example, they’re often loud and bulky, and they’re virtually useless when the temperature drops because the air must be warmer than the evaporator coils for the moisture to condense.

When comparing compressor dehumidifiers, size certainly matters. Small compressors can be used to spot-dry wet marks on walls or ceilings, medium-sized systems can tackle smaller rooms, and large systems can dry bigger spaces. Most business- and homeowners would benefit from investing in a larger system since it’s not only more efficient but will also be far quieter when run at lower settings.

Recommended for: smaller living spaces connected to your central heating system.

2. Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant dehumidifiers take a slightly different approach to removing excess moisture in the air. Instead of leveraging the power of condensation, these systems use a desiccant wheel that is lined with an absorbent chemical to pull moisture from the air.

A heater regenerates the chemical. While desiccant dehumidifiers in San Francisco are more expensive to rent or buy than a compressor unit, they have the advantage of functioning at peak efficiency regardless of the temperature.

Additionally, desiccant dehumidifiers are capable of bringing down moisture levels far lower than any other type of dehumidifier. They’re also quieter than compressors, making them far more suitable for living spaces such as your bedroom.

Recommended for: all spaces inside your home or business.

Buy or Rent Desiccant Dehumidifiers in San Francisco

Allied Rental Co. stocks some of the most efficient and affordable desiccant dehumidifiers in San Francisco. Click here to compare rates for desiccant dehumidifier rental or call us at 415-644-5792.