Tips for Applying Commercial Ducted Dehumidifiers in a Restoration Site

Applying commercial ducted dehumidifiers effectively in a restoration site—especially after water damage—requires strategic planning, proper setup, and ongoing monitoring. Here are key tips to help you get optimal performance:

 

1. Assess the Site First

Moisture Mapping: Use hygrometers, thermal imaging, and moisture meters to locate wet areas and determine humidity levels.

Air Volume Calculations: Measure the cubic footage to determine the required dehumidification capacity (typically in pints/day or grains per pound).

 

2. Choose the Right Dehumidifier

Sizing: Select a flood dehumidifier with sufficient capacity for the site (oversizing can reduce efficiency, while undersizing can delay drying).

Low-Grain Refrigerant (LGR): Ideal for deep drying in water damage scenarios.

Ductable Units: Opt for models that support flexible ducting for intake and exhaust. PREAIR LGR dehumidifiers are ductable and can be used with restoration fans through a daisy chain. If you want to purchase a high quality commercial ducted dehumidifier, please contact us immediately.

 

3. Plan Airflow and Ducting Carefully

Supply and Return Ducting:

Use return ducting to draw moist air from the most saturated areas.

Supply drier air into areas where airflow will reach all wet surfaces.

Avoid Short Cycling: Don’t place supply and return ducts too close together to ensure effective air circulation.

Seal Duct Connections: Prevent air leaks with tight seals and insulated ducts if needed.

 

4. Position for Efficiency

Centralized Location: Place the unit where air distribution will be most balanced across affected zones.

Avoid Obstructions: Keep the unit away from debris or large furniture that could block airflow.

 

5. Integrate with Other Equipment

Air Movers: Use in tandem with commercial dehumidifiers to promote evaporation from wet surfaces.

HEPA Filtration: Consider using scrubbers to filter out contaminants stirred up during drying.

HVAC Considerations: Isolate the affected area from the building’s HVAC system unless coordinated for dehumidification.

 

6. Monitor and Adjust Daily

Daily Readings: Track temperature, RH, and GPP (grains per pound of moisture) to evaluate drying progress.

Adjust Ducting or Equipment Placement: Based on changing moisture levels and temperature zones.

Condensate Management: Ensure that the water removal system (e.g., pump-out or gravity drain) is working continuously.

 

7. Safety and Power Management

Electrical Load Planning: Ensure adequate power supply and circuits for heavy-duty equipment.

Cord Safety: Use proper cable management to prevent tripping hazards.

Dry-Out Permits: In some jurisdictions, you may need regulatory approval for commercial restoration work.