A desire to get in front of bud rot and powdery mildew problems might be what drives cultivators to review their dehumidification needs, but having your dehumidifiers set up properly and positioned correctly can help ensure your entire facility is running at peak efficiency, says Quest Dehumidifiers representative John Pratt.
The best example of the effect a good dehumidification set up can have on the rest of your facility is the impact it can have on your HVAC system. “An [air conditioning] system actually works better at controlling the sensible load (temperature) when the latent load (humidity) is in check,” Pratt explains. “Using a dehumidifier in conjunction with the AC helps the AC run more efficiently.”
However, growers should ensure the dehumidifier is not placed near the air conditioner unit or duct. “When the AC is pouring air directly onto the dehumidifier,” Pratt says, “that cold dry air limits how much moisture the dehumidifier can pull from the air, making it less efficient and effective. Basically, you don’t want the dehumidifier fighting the AC.”
Proper dehumidification can also help cut down on your HVAC use. For example, when lights go off in a grow space, temperatures tend to drop, which causes relative humidity to increase. While Pratt admits air conditioners are good at removing moisture when they need to cool the space, “when cooling isn’t needed – for instance, during lights-off cycles – some growers use a reheat system to trick the air conditioner into running longer to remove moisture. This uses a lot of energy.” Dehumidifiers will remove the moisture without additional heating or air conditioning, saving on energy costs.
“You will end up spending much more money on electricity costs using an air conditioner just to remove moisture,” Pratt says. “The most effective, most efficient method is having both. They work together to keep your environment in check and to create a predictable environment.”
He adds that growers who have space in their grow rooms for their dehumidifiers, the units can also provide a bit of supplemental heating on cooler nights. “The added heat from a dehumidifier helps growers achieve their desired conditions while keeping their humidity levels consistent, which helps them maintain a stable environment,” Pratt says.
While Pratt says Quest’s products are built to last, periodically performing maintenance on dehumidifiers, no matter the brand, will help keep them—and your facility—running at peak efficiency. The first thing to check is the filter, Pratt says. He recommends replacing the filter after every grow cycle, at least. The condensate line should also be inspected every other month “to prevent mold growth in the line,” he says.
Photo at top: A grow room running at peak efficiency. Quest Dehumidifiers representative John Pratt says using an air conditioner in conjunction with a dehumidifier will ensure all units run efficiently.
