“Do I Need a Commercial Dehumidifier?” and Other Dehumidifier FAQs, Answered

It all begins with a musty smell in your basement. Suddenly, the book collection you’ve been keeping feels alarmingly damp. Before you know it, mold is crawling across the walls.

If this feels all too familiar, you’re not alone.

Moisture problems are one of the most common threats to homes and businesses alike. Unfortunately, a lot of property owners delay using a dehumidifier until the damage is extensive and expensive.

With all the mixed tips and advice online, it’s easy to ask yourself: Do I need a commercial dehumidifier?

Moisture problems are one of the most common threats to homes and businesses alike. Unfortunately, a lot of property owners delay using a dehumidifier until the damage is extensive and expensive.

In this guide, we will answer that question and other common concerns about dehumidifiers. This will help you make a smart and informed choice, no matter where you need a dehumidifier.

The Dangers of Ignoring Excess Moisture

Left unaddressed, excess humidity doesn’t just make a space uncomfortable, it also compromises everything in it.

Wood furniture begins swelling. Paint starts bubbling and peeling on the walls. Your HVAC system strains harder than necessary. Even your electronics and stored belongings become vulnerable to slow, silent damage.

Poor indoor humidity control is directly linked to breathing problems, allergy flare-ups, and microbial growth. Moisture damage can affect anyone at any time of the year, from families with children to commercial property owners.

So, before you assume your situation “isn’t bad enough” yet, it’s worth asking the most important question first:

“Do I need a commercial dehumidifier?”

If your basement, crawl space, storage room, or even your main living area feels damp, has a musty odor, or shows visible signs of mold or moisture stains, then yes—you certainly need a commercial dehumidifier.

High humidity is a silent intruder. Even when you don’t see puddles or dripping pipes, excess moisture can seep into wood beams, drywall, stored goods, and insulation. Over time, this fuels mold growth, attracts pests, and degradesyour home’s or building’s structural integrity.

Common signs that you need a commercial dehumidifier include:

• Mold and mildew growth
• Rapid growth of dust mites
• Wood warping and paint peeling
• Poor indoor air quality
• Breathing discomfort and allergy flare-ups
• Reduced lifespan of electronics and other valuables

You don’t need to see water damage to use a dehumidifier. Having one is especially important in high-risk areas like crawl spaces, basements, storage rooms, or older commercial buildings.

“Will a dehumidifier actually improve air quality?”

Yes, especially if you’re sensitive to allergens, mold, or musty odors.

Picture this:

A good dehumidifier does more than just remove water vapor from the air. It:

• Lowers humidity to ideal levels, making mold and dust mites less likely to survive.
• Reduces volatile organic compounds (VOC) circulation, since VOCs are more active in humid air.
• Eases breathing for people with asthma or sinus issues.

Argendon’s commercial and crawl space dehumidifier units provide extra protection to your space. They also come with MERV-1 filters, which trap large, unwanted airborne particles. These units are a smart choice for both homes and commercial facilities that want cleaner, breathable air.

“Is it expensive to run and maintain a dehumidifier?”

This is where modern technology works in your favor.

Older dehumidifiers used to run constantly and consume high amounts of energy. Engineers design today’s models, especially Argendon dehumidifier units, for low-cost operation. They sense humidity levels and cycle on and off automatically to maintain balance.

According to a 2022 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, approximately 47% of all homes in the US have some form of mold or moisture.

Consider this: you may pay a little more for electricity each month. However, you can save hundreds or even thousands by avoiding damage. Removing mold, fixing structures, and replacing spoiled inventory costs much more than running a unit that prevents these problems.

Using a dehumidifier with your HVAC system can also help your air conditioner work less, lowering your cooling costs.

Pro tip: Look for an ENERGY STAR commercial dehumidifier for even greater efficiency. These units consume less power while delivering powerful moisture control. If you ask us, that’s certainly a win for both your wallet and the environment.

“How do I maintain my dehumidifier?”

Good news: Maintaining a dehumidifier is simpler than one might think, even for larger commercial models.

Here’s what it usually involves:

• Regularly inspect your dehumidifier for any signs of damage.
• Clean or replace the air filter every 1 – 3 months, depending on use and dust levels. You may explore Argendon’s air filter selections here.
• Inspect the drainage lines or pumps to prevent clogs or leaks and clean them if necessary.
• Check the air intake and the exhaust for possible dust or obstructions.
• Regularly wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• Test humidity settings to ensure you meet optimal humidity levels.
• Place your dehumidfier at least 6 inches away from walls or furniture to allow proper airflow.

Some commercial and crawl space dehumidifier units, like those from Argendon, have features that make maintenance easier, such as an automatic defrosting system.

“Where should I put a dehumidifier?”

To put this simply, you need to place your dehumidifier wherever the humidity problem resides.

This could mean:

• Crawl spaces
• Basements
• Storage rooms
• Workshops or warehouses
• Server rooms or data centers
• Garages
• Home offices

In large or unevenly shaped spaces, it may help to test different placements to determine optimal results. Some users pair dehumidifiers with fans or small ventilation systems to circulate air more efficiently.

Some tips for your dehumidifier placement:

1. Allow at least 6 to 12 inches of space around the unit for proper airflow.
2. If possible, position your dehumidifier near the center of the affected area.
3. If you are removing moisture with your dehumidifier using a hose, place your unit near the drain. You can also install a condensate pump for more flexible drainage.
4. For long, narrow, or positioned areas, consider a ducted dehumidifier setup to distribute dry air throughout the space.

“Will it be loud or distracting?”

Noise levels are an important concern, especially if you plan to run your commercial dehumidifier in a quiet area. This includes places such as an office or a bedroom.

Dehumidifiers, including those from Argendon, run quietly and consistently.

While all dehumidifiers make some noise, it is mostly a low hum from the fan and compressor. The good news is that engineers create high-quality units to keep this sound minimal. If you are sensitive to noise, consider installing the unit in a crawl space. You can also use ducted setups to reduce noise in unwanted areas.

Argendon designs ENERGY STAR commercial dehumidifier units perfect for noise-sensitive environments, such as homes, schools, and offices. While every dehumidifier works and makes some sound (typically a low hum), it’s usually comparable to white noise. It often fades into the background after a while. Some people even find the soft hum relaxing.

Here are the benefits of having an ENERGY Star-certified dehumidifier:

Beyond quieter operation, ENERGY STAR-certified dehumidifiers also offer several key advantages:

1. Energy Efficiency and Smart Humidity Control

One of the most recognized benefits of ENERGY STAR-certified products is their impressive energy efficiency. On average, they use 15% to 30% less energy than non-certified units, and that’s without sacrificing performance. This is especially helpful in areas with high humidity all year or during hot summer months, when a dehumidifier may need to run around the clock.

What makes them smarter, too, is their integrated humidity control features. A lot of ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers come equipped with features such as auto shut-off and auto-restart functions.

These allow the unit to maintain your desired humidity level more precisely, cycling only when needed. This helps save energy and reduces wear on parts, contributing to a longer lifespan for the device.

Over time, these smart systems can help homeowners and commercial users save hundreds of dollars each year.

2. Environmental Responsibility

Using an ENERGY STAR-certified dehumidifier also means making an eco-conscious choice. By using less energy, these appliances lower the demand for power plants. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants from electricity generation.

Even small changes, like swapping out an older dehumidifier for an ENERGY STAR model, can have a meaningful impact. ENERGY STAR states that if every U.S. dehumidifier receives certification, people can save over $300 million in energy costs. In addition, we can save more than 4 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions yearly. This is the equivalent of emissions from over 380,000 vehicles.

So, by simply choosing a more efficient appliance, you're helping contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

3. Durability and Longevity

Engineers and production teams ensure they build ENERGY Star-certified dehumidifiers using high-quality parts. This is because an ENERGY STAR certification requires appliances to meet high standards for performance and construction.

This means better reliability, fewer breakdowns, and less maintenance over time. This makes them a great choice for crawl spaces, basements, or high-humidity commercial areas that need year-round performance.

Production teams also test moisture removal rates, energy consumption, and working durability. This means they ensure that you’re getting an appliance designed for real-world conditions.

For more information, you may also check out this guide from the official ENERGY STAR website on how to save energy in your home.

“How do I know what kind of dehumidifier I exactly need?”

This is the question where many people go wrong — and end up disappointed with poor results.

Choosing the right unit depends on your space size, average humidity levels, and how severe the moisture problem is. Here’s a quick guide to get you started, featuring popular Argendon dehumidifier models:

Recommended unit	Size	Humidity levels	Best For
Argendon Shield 35P or Shield 35M	Up to 1,000 sq. ft.	Mild to moderate	Residential crawl spaces, basements, and small offices
Argendon Sandidry series	Up to 1,500 sq. ft.	Mild to moderate	Larger crawl spaces, garages, storage rooms, and light commercial areas
Argendon Shield 60 or Guardian 60	Up to 1,800 sq. ft.	Moderate	Medium to large commercial spaces, workshops, serve rooms
Argendon Shield 85P or Guardian 85P	Up to 2,300 sq. ft.	Severe	Warehouses, multi-room facilities, equipment storage
Argendon XStorm series	Up to 2,300 sq. ft.	Critical	Heavy-duty industrial use, manufacturing plants, flood cleanup and repair

 

Protecting your space from excess moisture isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preserving your property, your comfort, and your peace of mind.

When in doubt, it’s always safer to choose a slightly higher capacity than you think you need. This ensures the unit can handle peak humidity days without overworking.

“Is it worth investing in a quality dehumidifier like Argendon?”

Absolutely. Having a dehumidifier is not only about comfort; it’s about protecting what matters to you.

Argendon’s engineers produce dehumidifiers for real-world problems. They work well in tight crawl spaces, heavy moisture after storms, or critical humidity control in industrial and manufacturing plants.

Each model has accessible features, including energy-efficient operation, MERV-1 filtration, smart humidity control, and durable internal components designed for constant use. Argendon also offers flexible installation options and scalable sizing that fit both residential and commercial needs.

Take Back Control of Your Air with Argendon

Don’t wait for damage to strike. Whether you’re safeguarding your family home or maintaining a moisture-free commercial facility, a high-quality dehumidifier can make all the difference.

Argendon offers a complete range of crawl space and commercial dehumidifier units designed to solve real-world moisture problems. Each system is designed for energy efficiency, durability, and reliability, helping you stay ahead without constant maintenance or worrying about your setup.

Ready to reclaim your space from excess humidity?

Explore Argendon’s crawl space and commercial dehumidifiers to find the perfect solution for your home or commercial space. You may also contact us directly for tailored recommendations from our support team.

Want more moisture control tips?

Visit our blog to learn tips and insights about basement and crawl space care, dehumidifier maintenance, and creating healthier indoor air.