How long does a desiccant wheel last?

Desiccant wheels work longer and more efficiently: 100% pure molecular sieve desiccant. Desiccant wheel warranties range up to 5 years. Actual useable life can be up to 15 years.

How does a desiccant wheel dehumidifier work?

Desiccant dehumidifiers work by using a large desiccant wheel to adsorb moisture from the process air stream. As the process air is dried, the moisture content of the wheel rises. To remove this moisture the wheel is in constant rotation and a second air stream is heated and passed through the wheel.

What uses desiccant wheel dehumidifiers?

In HVAC applications, desiccant wheels were historically used to dehumidify outdoor air brought indoors for ventilation. A desiccant wheel removes moisture from the process air stream—but for every Btu of latent heat (moisture) removed, it adds more than one Btu of sensible heat.

What is the purpose of using a rotary desiccant dehumidifier?

Desiccant based rotary dehumidifiers are found most effective in humidity control of moist air, as air handler they are also advantageous in being free from CFCs, may be using low grade industrial waste heat or freely available renewable solar energy while controlling the ambient humidity.

Can you clean a desiccant wheel?

Wash the segments or small wheels in a 5% solution of non-acid based coil cleaner or alkaline detergent and warm water. Soak in the solution until grease and tar deposits are loosened (Note: some staining of the desiccant may remain and is not harmful to performance).

Why do dehumidifiers not last longer?

When a dehumidifier’s humidistat is set to work-on at a very low moisture level, it can cause the device to overwork, hence it could reduce the life span while creating a dry and uncomfortable environment with higher energy bills.

How long does a desiccant dehumidifier last?

Desiccant dehumidifier Generally, the refrigerant type has a fairly long lifespan, being able to last for years before finally giving up. Purchasing a good unit should get you at least a year of good performance, depending on the make and quality though, as some can last over five years.

Do desiccant dehumidifiers produce heat?

The dehumidification process is the inverse of adding water to the room with an evaporator and instead releases heat. Desiccant dehumidifier systems are often used for applications below 45% RH down to 1% RH. As no actual water is produced, these work very well in sub-zero temperatures.

What does a desiccant wheel do?

A desiccant wheel functions as a heat and mass exchanger between the process and return air streams. So the enthalpy wheel is used in winter to recover heat and moisture from the exhaust air, whereas in summer it is used to cool and dehumidify the process air.

How do you clean thermal wheels?

Wheels in clean applications only need to be cleaned every four to five years. Overnight soak— Soak the segments in a solution containing any household detergent, such as Formula 409™, Fantastik™, or a coil cleaning solution and water for approximately 15 hours. Rinse the segments with tap water.

How do enthalpy wheels work?

The enthalpy wheel rotates between the incoming fresh air and the exhaust air. Heat and moisture are given up to the wheel. When the space is in heating mode, the heat and desirable humidity are used to pre-condition the incoming, cold, dry air. This is accomplished by the desiccant coating of the wheel.