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Any commercial or industrial setting involving the general public—or any other situation involving excessive humidity—is a prime candidate for dehumidification. The two common types of dehumidifiers available for these applications are either mechanical or desiccant dehumidification systems. These two types vary considerably and actually do not compete; rather, each has a definite place depending on what dew point is needed. General mechanical dehumidification is effective above 60% dew point applications. Dew point requirements below 60% are best served with desiccant systems.

Dehumidifier Corporation of America (DCA) provides high-quality mechanical dehumidification systems to meet a variety of industrial and commercial humidity control needs. Learn more about how dehumidification works and the common applications for dehumidification systems. 

What Is Dehumidification?

During the dehumidification process, water vapor or moisture is removed from the air as it passes through the dehumidifier. Each pass through the dehumidifier removes a certain amount of moisture and returns to the room either warm or cool dry air depending on the dehumidifier options specified. On a psychrometric chart, this process would be shown by a vertical line between the initial value to the final value of relative humidity.

With mechanical dehumidification systems, the leaving air temperature is warmer than the entering air temperature because through the dehumidification cycle both the latent and sensible heat gain account for this gain. Mechanical systems also can be optioned with remote condensers that allow the system to deliver cool dry air or warm dry air depending on what the controls are calling for. If additional room heating is needed for some reason, an add-on electric or gas duct heater can be specified. Hot water coils can also be added in the unit if additional room heating is needed.

The Dehumidification Process

Mechanical dehumidifiers contain both an evaporator coil (cold coil) and a condenser coil (warm coil). As the moist room air passes over the cold coil, the air temperature is lowered to its dew point, and the water vapor is condensed out of the air and collected in a drain pan. The air leaving the cold coil immediately enters the warm coil, where that air is warmed approximately 10 degrees over the air entering the dehumidifier, depending on the moisture load on the cold coil at that time. When cool dry air is called for, an optional outdoor remote condenser is added to the dehumidifier, and the unwanted warm air is rejected outdoors. 

Another useful feature is optional pool water heating. When the dehumidifier is equipped with an optional pool water heating coil, the otherwise wasted heat generated by the dehumidifier is transferred to adding heat to the pool water. All of these functions are controlled automatically with the dehumidifier control system.

Sectors That Benefit From Industrial Dehumidifiers

DCA industrial/commercial dehumidification systems are built to handle high-volume or high-frequency dehumidification functions. They are frequently used in the following locations: 

• Indoor swimming pool rooms: Water constantly evaporates from pools, making the air inside indoor pool rooms moisture-laden. For this reason, pool rooms require near-constant dehumidification to mitigate condensation, mold growth, corrosion, and building decay risks. DCA’s pool room dehumidifiers normally discharge warm dry air back to the pool room. When cool or warm dry air is needed, the dehumidifier can be equipped with an optional outdoor remote condenser, allowing the system to furnish either warm or cool dry air depending upon what the room controls are asking for.
• Industrial warehouses: Storage facilities for consumer and commercial goods—such as perishable goods, construction materials, fabrics, and furniture—rely on dehumidifiers to provide complete climate control. Warehouses in hot and humid climates, especially, need reliable, effective humidity control through dehumidification.
• Gymnasiums: Climate control and dehumidification play a large role in keeping fitness areas comfortable and clean.
• Schools: Schools and school gyms also need dehumidifiers to protect and mitigate risks of building damage, especially as the seasons change.
• Buildings with hardwood floors: Any commercial, industrial, or institutional building with hardwood floors needs climate control to eliminate the risk of warping, swelling, and water damage.

Dehumidifiers From DCA

Choosing a high-performance dehumidifier is crucial for the protection of your facility, equipment, and any materials within the facility. It can also make occupants and visitors more comfortable. At Dehumidifier Corporation of America, we specialize in creating dehumidification solutions for a wide range of spaces. Learn more about our industrial dehumidification options for greenhouses, warehouses, pool rooms, and more. Request a quote to get started on your standard or custom solution.

Different heat sources offer different advantages, and choosing the right one for every application can increase efficiency and effectiveness, as well as decrease costs. 

At Dehumidifier Corporation of America (DCA), we specialize in optional add-on high-quality heating. Read through this guide for an in-depth comparison of gas duct furnaces vs. electric duct heaters. It’s not enough to know the specifications of one system or the other. Instead, we take a close look at the differences between the two systems so you can choose the best fit with confidence. 

Comparing Gas Duct Furnaces to Electric Duct Heaters

As you assess the relative advantages of gas duct furnaces and electric duct heaters, consider key elements like cost, time demands, and potential applications. These core differences can point you toward the right system for your needs.

Electric Duct Heaters

• Configurations: Electric duct heaters can be had in both horizontal and vertical orientations, as well as a wide range of sizes, making them a more flexible option and are installed either in the ductwork or mounted outside the dehumidifier over the blower or outdoor applications as needed. 
• Installation: These heaters can be installed in virtually any location, and installers can mount them either directly to the blower (EDH) or in ductwork (EDHS). They are also cheaper to install than gas alternatives.
• Upfront Cost: The equipment itself is also less expensive than equivalent gas units.
• Operational Costs: Electric duct heaters are much more expensive to operate than gas heaters and other units. On average, with today’s cost of natural gas compared to electricity and the area you may live in, a general rule of thumb is electric duct heaters cost three to four times more money to operate than natural gas.
• Voltage: DCA can meet your specific voltage needs whether application is commercial, or residential:
  • 208/230/240 V single-phase 
  • 208/230/460/575 V three-phase 
• Applications: Electric duct heaters work well in virtually all commercial and industrial locations. Along with providing environmental room heating, these heaters can also temper outdoor incoming make up air to the dehumidifier.  When a very specific temperature is needed electric heating along with a control system designed for that purpose is needed.  However, when large amounts of room heating is needed gas duct furnaces or hot water built in coils with an attending gas or oil boiler can be the better choice.
• Testing: Safe reliable electric duct heaters must comply with strict UL listed safety standards, which are well-known across the industry.
• Electric duct heaters can be supplied for both indoor and weather-proof outdoor applications.

Gas Duct Furnaces

While gas duct furnaces can provide similar performance, there are key differences:

• Fuel Source: Gas duct heaters can operate on either natural or LP gas (propane).
• Voltage: Most gas heaters use 115 V single-phase current. This is the standard in households. But they can also be ordered with optional control step down transformers for
  • 208/230 V single-phase 
  • 208/230/460/575 V three-phase 
• Indoor or Outdoor Installation: Like electric units, gas duct furnaces can be installed in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Regular Maintenance: Gas furnaces require normal maintenance where electric duct heaters are normally maintenance free to a point.
• Safety Concerns: Since gas duct furnaces involve combustion, the flue products are vented outdoors with a class B vent.  For hazardous applications both the combustion air and the flue products (two pipe system) terminate outdoors.
• Operational Costs: Gas duct furnaces are much less expensive to operate than electrical units, at a scale of three to four times more cost-effective. While fuel prices will vary based on region, natural or LP gas (propane) is the less expensive option under most circumstances.
• Installation:  Gas Duct Heaters are not Approved for Residential Applications.  Gas duct furnaces don’t offer the same flexibility as electric duct furnaces. These optional  units must be mounted in the ductwork outside the dehumidifier and must be vented outdoors.  The initial cost of a gas furnace compared to an electric duct heater is considerably higher but payback can be much shorter when large amounts of room heating is needed.
• Certification and Testing:  Gas furnaces must comply with UL testing standards or The American Gas Association testing standards.
• Applications: Gas heaters are commonly used in commercial and industrial contexts. They are NOT listed or approved for residential applications. However, DCA provides a hot water coil application using a gas or oil fired hot water boiler.  Contact Our Experts for Your Duct Heating Needs

Choose DCA for premium add-on duct heater solutions. Our team is here to help match your facility’s needs with the right electrical or gas solution that fits your budget, application, and space demands. 

Since 1995, it’s been our mission to offer high-quality solutions and cutting-edge technology at the right price. We offer an extensive range of add-on duct heaters both gas and electric. Reach out today to learn more about which solution is right for your facility, or request a quote to start your order. 

If you need constant control over dew point or relative humidity (RH) in your manufacturing, assembly, or production process, you will need some kind of humidity control system. Uncontrolled humidity can lead to a variety of problems that hurt your bottom line. With the help of a dedicated dehumidification system, you’ll be able to control the dew point and ensure the quality and consistency of your operation.
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In industrial processing facilities, even minor fluctuations in humidity can necessitate costly and time-consuming procedural modifications. Maintaining optimal humidity levels in these environments is essential for maximizing production while ensuring an appealing and high-quality final product. Humidity control is particularly important when processing items that naturally absorb moisture from their surroundings.

 

When controlling moisture in a building normally a good first step is the addition of a central HVAC system.  Air conditioning will remove some moisture while providing a pleasant working environment for workers.  When the addition of air  conditioning does not provide the desired result, a dedicated industrial dehumidification system is needed.  

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Dehumidifier Corporation of America (DCA) is a major U.S. manufacturer of quality dehumidification systems. When planning your next dehumidification project, BIM files can be a big help. Using visualization technology, these files reduce errors and prevent conflicts when implementing your dehumidification system. As such, they are often used in ground logistics, piping planning, construction, step sequencing, and more.

What are BIM Files?

Building information modeling, or BIM, involves the process of creating and managing information on a construction project throughout its entire life cycle. This includes detailed 3D models and accompanying structured data such as handover, execution, and product information. The primary purpose of BIM is to provide a digital representation of your actual facility, including all aesthetic elements (windows, roof, walls) and function systems (electrical, HVAC). 

Once BIM files are created, they can be shared between participating disciplines during the design and build of your project. Simply double-click the .bim file on your PC and the file will launch in the appropriate application, so long as your file associations are set up correctly.

BIM vs. CAD

BIM is used in the design and construction of various commercial buildings, whereas CAD is typically used for the industrial design of electrical and mechanical assemblies. Each file type includes crucial characteristics that enable the discovery of construction-related issues and allow for virtual collision detection. When choosing between BIM and CAD, it’s important to understand the benefits and properties they each offer.

BIM

BIM gives the following benefits and features:

• Conflict prevention. These files enable earthwork teams to determine if clashes may occur. Doing so determines whether the design needs to be altered to avoid problems down the line.
• Use in construction. The construction industry relies on BIM to determine which structures will work best over certain types of soil.
• Use in planning piping. BIM can be used to create 3D piping designs to help determine the ideal piping type, length, and diameter for your site.
• Visualization technology. This allows you to visualize your site and see how a structure will appear from the ground up.
• Error reduction. BIM makes it easy to catch errors that appear in your proposed design and make any necessary corrections.
• Use in ground logistics. BIM can be used to outline plumbing logistics at a given site, making it easy to find the ideal stretch of land for your project.
• Step sequencing. BIM can arrange the construction process in a series of steps, including any necessary logistics.

CAD

CAD is a collection of software tools that allow designers to construct 2D and 3D virtual models of buildings, structures, machines, and parts. CAD allows surveyors and earthwork teams to assess a planned construction before beginning work on the ground. The following are some qualities of CAD:

• Enhanced visualization
• Use for structural engineering
• Accurate design specs
• Improved communication
• Use in earthworks logistics
• Input and feedback

The interactivity of the multiple dimensions throughout the editing process is a significant distinction between BIM and CAD. The dimensions that make up an item are linked in BIM. As a result, any changes to a building design may be adjusted in a single edit.

Preview and Link to DCA BIM Files

DCA offers both horizontal and vertical dehumidifiers. The orientation of the ductwork usually determines whether horizontal or vertical dehumidifiers are the best choice. Indoor installations can often employ horizontal or vertical airflow dehumidifiers, depending on the ductwork. 

To aid in your next dehumidification project, we offer BIM files for our dehumidifiers and remote condensers. These can be found under the “Downloads” tab in the links below.

Our horizontal outdoor rooftop dehumidifiers include both water heating assist and non water heating assist configurations:

• Air Cooled – Non Water Heating Assist Dehumidifiers
• Water Heating Assist Dehumidifiers

Vertical Dehumidifiers are usually floor-mounted with top air discharge only:

• Air Cooled – Non Water Heating Assist Dehumidifiers
• Water Heating Assist Dehumidifiers

All dehumidifiers from DCA are manufactured with all electrical devices and valves in place to be connected to remote condensers:

• LORC Series Remote Condensers
• LNH Series Remote Condensers
• LNQ Series Remote Condensers
• LNX Series Remote Condensers
• LNL Series Remote Condensers
• ORC Series Outdoor Air Cooled Remote Condensers

Replacement Dehumidifiers are best served by replacing a failed dehumidifier with a comparable airflow dehumidifier, i.e., horizontal replacing horizontal, etc.

BIM Files from DCA

Using DCA BIM files takes into account the use of visualization technology to simplify several processes, including step sequencing, ground logistics, piping planning, and conflict prevention throughout the construction phase.

Use DCA’s BIM File Program to help you plan your next dehumidification project. Contact us for more information or to request a quote for your dehumidification solution.

It will come as no surprise that swimming pool rooms are extremely humid, and with humidity comes the potential for unwanted microbial growth. With their high traffic and enclosed indoor swimming areas, swim schools are particularly prone to moisture buildup and the growth of mold and mildew. To ensure the health and safety of pool users, it is important to use dehumidifiers in swim school pool rooms.

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To Our Valued DCA Representatives and Customers,

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Industrial and commercial dehumidifiers often operate in harsh or challenging environmental conditions, resulting in significant wear. Typically, these machines will have a working life of 9–11 years, but this lifespan can be greatly reduced without the proper service. When regular maintenance has been neglected for too long or the equipment fails to keep up with expectations, an industrial dehumidifier may need to be replaced to restore optimal humidity conditions.

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Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) poses numerous risks to the occupants of any building. Low-quality air negatively impacts occupant productivity and health. It also leads to uncomfortable work and living conditions and, when left unaddressed, has the potential to damage an overall building structure. Furthermore, poor indoor air quality can go against local building code standards for indoor air quality, leaving building owners open to lawsuits.

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With the continued legalization of marijuana across the United States and Canada, cannabis growers are finding that their profit margins have begun to shrink. Rising competition from new cannabis growers has forced established suppliers to drive their prices down, leaving many wondering where they can make up for lost revenue.

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