What is the Difference Between a Commercial Dehumidifier and a Regular Dehumidifier?

Most of us have been in situations where we found a room to be too damp, and even musty, and just wished for fresh and healthy air. This is a common problem that people face in both homes and commercial spaces.

Dehumidifiers are the key to solving this problem. But not every dehumidifier is the same. Even though both commercial and residential dehumidifiers serve the same purpose of removing moisture from the air, they have some significant differences.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between a commercial dehumidifier and a residential one to see which one works best for your specific needs.

Overview of Commercial Dehumidifiers vs Residential Dehumidifiers

Generally, commercial dehumidifiers are much more powerful and are designed for really damp or tough environments, like crawlspaces, industrial warehouses, or pharmaceutical facilities. Residential dehumidifiers don’t pull out as much moisture and are better suited for clean, everyday living spaces at home.

But there are several key differences that you need to know to buy the right type of dehumidifier.

What are Commercial Dehumidifiers?

Commercial dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from large commercial spaces where high humidity is a constant issue. Commercial kitchens, pharmaceutical companies, gyms, and warehouses are some of the many places that use commercial dehumidifiers.

Types of Commercial Dehumidifiers

There are different types of commercial dehumidifiers:

1. Refrigerant Dehumidifiers intake air from commercial spaces and cool it down with the help of a refrigerant coil.
2. Desiccant Dehumidifiers use a desiccant substance to absorb moisture from the air. They have multiple components, like a desiccant wheel, an internal heater, and a blower.
3. LGR Dehumidifiers work similarly to refrigerant dehumidifiers. But they have a double-layered cooling system to work in extremely humid environments.

What are Residential or Regular Dehumidifiers?

Regular dehumidifiers are the ones that are used in residential areas. They regularly have a lower amount of humidity than a commercial dehumidifier. You can easily install these kinds of dehumidifiers in your home or even buy a portable one that does not require extensive installation steps.

The purpose of regular dehumidifiers is to regulate the humidity levels in homes and other small-scale areas. Bedrooms, basements, living rooms, and laundry areas are some of the common spaces where these types of dehumidifiers are installed.

Types of Regular Dehumidifiers

There are two main types of residential dehumidifiers:

1. Portable Dehumidifiers have two pairs of caster wheels to make the machine portable. They are used to dehumidify air from various parts of a house.
2. Whole-House Dehumidifiers are expensive compared to portable dehumidifiers and typically require professional technicians for proper installation. They are also larger systems, but smaller than the commercial units.

Key Differences Between Commercial and Regular Dehumidifiers

There are two main types of residential dehumidifiers:

Let’s dive into the differences between commercial and regular dehumidifiers in detail:

1. Size and Capacity

Size and capacity are the main differentiating factors between home and commercial dehumidifiers. Regular units are typically compact and portable to handle the moisture level of small residential spaces like living rooms or basements.

On the other hand, commercial dehumidifiers are larger and more robust to handle a high level of humidity in larger areas like warehouses or crawl spaces. The commercial units can easily extract a high level of moisture to maintain optimum humidity levels in commercial spaces.

2. Durability

Lightweight materials, such as plastic, are often used to make smaller, regular dehumidifiers. They ensure portability and quick maneuverability within smaller spaces. On the other hand, commercial dehumidifiers are heavy-duty machinery, so they are made of durable materials like steel or industrial-grade plastic.

Ultimately, the sturdier build of commercial dehumidifiers ensures longevity and helps you install these units even in harsher environments.

3. Features

Regular dehumidifiers come with user-friendly features and controls that are suitable for residential use only. They include basic functions like humidity level adjustment, timer settings, and automatic shut-off after the water tank gets full.

On the other hand, commercial dehumidifiers are equipped with advanced features and controls to comply with the regulations and fulfill the specific needs of commercial spaces. Their features can range from programmable digital displays to automatic pumps for continuous drainage. Overall, you get a variety of advanced features and better precision in commercial dehumidifiers.

4. Noise Level

Noise level is a major concern for a lot of people who want to buy dehumidifiers. Residential dehumidifiers operate with minimal noise output. They are specially engineered to provide a peaceful and dehumidified experience.

On the other hand, performance efficiency is the top priority of most commercial dehumidifiers. So, you can expect a little bit more noise from commercial units due to their higher capacity and airflow.

5. Regulatory Compliance

Commercial spaces have specific regulations and standards to maintain, depending on their type and the specific region. Hence, commercial dehumidifiers are designed to meet air quality and safety requirements.

Moreover, quality commercial dehumidifiers are certified by regulatory bodies to ensure maximum compliance. On the other hand, many different brands sell home dehumidifiers that are of high quality, but do not necessarily have to go through rigorous testing.

How Well Do Commercial Dehumidifiers Work?

A lot of people ask how well the commercial dehumidifiers actually work and, most importantly, whether such units can be installed in residential spaces as well. In terms of working, commercial dehumidifiers are excellent for removing excess moisture and creating a healthy indoor air environment.

Considering this impressive performance, you can technically install commercial dehumidifiers in your home or residential space as well, but only if you have a large area and there is a lot of humidity in it. Installing an oversized unit can result in over-dehumidification of the air.

Ultimately, it is important that you choose a dehumidifier as on your area and humidity level. Argendon Sandidry Elite 50C, for example, is a unit that can remove up to 110 pints of moisture per day at saturation, making it perfect for basements, crawl spaces, garages, and restoration sites. But if you have a large commercial space of up to 2,300 sq ft and want to remove up to 180 pints at saturation per day, then larger units like Argendon Shield 85P are suitable.

When Should You Buy a Commercial Dehumidifier or a Regular Dehumidifier?

Now that you know all the key differences between a commercial dehumidifier and a regular one, let’s see which one you should buy.

As a rule of thumb, if you have a large space and you are experiencing extreme humidity levels, you need a commercial dehumidifier to handle the moisture. These units can extract a lot of moisture and work in larger environments.

So, buy a commercial dehumidifier if:

• You have a large space with excess moisture
• There are high humidity levels
• The space is vulnerable to mold

On the flip side, if you have a small area in your home that has medium humidity levels, then you should buy residential dehumidifiers, as you don’t need commercial-level moisture extraction.

Regular dehumidifiers are typically easier to use, more energy-efficient, and cheaper than commercial units. Some of the areas of your home where you can install regular dehumidifiers are:

• Bedroom or living room to maintain a healthy indoor air.
• Bathrooms, especially if your bathroom gets too steamy after showers
• Small offices or apartments

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between commercial dehumidifiers and regular dehumidifiers is a key step in choosing the right unit for your specific requirements.

The key takeaway is that regular or residential dehumidifiers are portable and designed for home use, while commercial dehumidifiers are larger and designed with more durable materials to ensure longevity.

There are so many models of commercial dehumidifiers available that you can easily find a unit that can fulfill your needs and create a healthier environment.