How Do I Calculate How Many dehumidifiers I Need?

To determine how many dehumidifiers you need for your space, follow three simple steps: choose the room’s volume, assess the target humidity level, and match the capacity of the dehumidifiers to the moisture load. These calculations ensure precise dehumidification, save energy and maintain optimal humidity control. This article uses commercial dehumidifiers as an example.

Factors to Consider for Commercial Dehumidifier Humidity Control

Proper humidity control in commercial environments involves a variety of factors that can affect how many dehumidifiers are needed. These factors include

Room Volume: The first and most critical step is to calculate the cubic feet of the room. Measure the length, width, and height of the space and multiply these values together (length x width x height). Refer to the product's specification sheet and select a commercial dehumidifier with dimensions greater than or equal to your square footage. Example: Let's say your space is A room that is 20 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 10 feet high. It has a volume of 20 feet x 15 feet x 10 feet = 3,000 cubic feet. Then you would choose a dehumidifier greater than or equal to 3,000 cubic feet, such as the Alorair Storm SLGR 1250X-WIFI.

Initial Humidity: Consider the current relative humidity (RH) of the space. If the RH is extremely high (e.g., above 70%), more power or additional equipment will be required to reduce it to an acceptable range.

Target Humidity Level: The greater the difference between the initial and target humidity levels, the more power the dehumidifier will need to effectively handle the moisture load. Aloraircommercial, the commercial dehumidifier line of Alorair dehumidifiers, typically maintains relative humidity between 30% and 50%. For other brands, check the brand's website for capacity ranges.

Environmental Conditions: Spaces with activities that generate large amounts of moisture, such as industrial kitchens, fitness centers, or manufacturing facilities, often require additional or more powerful dehumidifiers to manage the increased moisture load. External factors such as room temperature and ventilation can affect dehumidifier performance. For example, colder environments may require a low-temperature or desiccant dehumidifier to operate effectively. Proper airflow in space also helps the unit work efficiently.

How Many Dehumidifiers Do I Need?

To calculate how many dehumidifiers are needed in a commercial space, it is important to pay attention to some parameters and data of the machine. Below is an example of the Alorair Storm SLGR 850X-WIFI.

Step 1: Calculating the size of a space is usually done in cubic feet, but most dehumidifiers handle coverage in square feet. To estimate the coverage of the dehumidifier, we need to convert the volume of the room.

Step 2: Calculate how many machines are needed. Calculation formula Number of dehumidifiers = Room size (sq. ft.) / Area covered by dehumidifiers (sq. ft.).

Step 3: In addition to calculating the number of dehumidifiers needed, take into account the humidity load of the room, which is affected by the volume of the room and the humidity conditions. Adjust for humidity conditions (PPD) 180 PPD capacity refers to how much moisture the dehumidifier can remove in 24 hours at saturation (90°F and 90% relative humidity). However, if your space has a high humidity or moisture load, you may need more equipment to handle the additional moisture.

Step 4: Consider other factors The dehumidifier has an airflow of 210 CFM (cubic feet per minute), which helps circulate and remove moisture from the air efficiently. If the airflow in a room is restricted (due to obstructions or poor ventilation), you may need more dehumidifiers to ensure effective dehumidification.

Assuming a standard ceiling height of 8 feet and a room area of 3,000 cubic feet, the unit volume is 3,000 cubic feet / 8 feet = 375 square feet. For example, the Alorair Storm SLGR 850X-WIFI is designed to work in a space of up to 2,300 sq. ft. 375 sq. ft./2,300 sq. ft. = 0.16, and there are no decimals in the number of machines, so round up to one. This means that under normal conditions, 1 dehumidifier will cover approximately 2300 square feet. Typically, you will need one Alorair Storm SLGR 850X-WIFI If humidity levels are extremely high (such as in water-damaged areas or high-traffic industrial spaces), you may want to consider using 2 units to speed up dehumidification.

To know more details about the meaning of dehumidifier parameters, you can read this article: What Do The Terms “Capacity,” “Pints Per Day,” And “CFM” Mean?

What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need For 1,000 Square Feet?

For a 1,000-square-foot commercial environment, especially for flood damage restoration or rooms with a lot of moisture buildup, you'll need a dehumidifier that can handle more moisture. A standard dehumidifier may be sufficient for residential use, but for commercial use, you should choose a unit with a higher capacity.

Recommended Dehumidifiers For 1000 Square Feet Of Commercial Use

Alorair Storm SLGR 850X-WIFI

Capacity: 180 PPD (pints per day)

Airflow: 210 CFM

Coverage: Up to 2,300 square feet

Applications: Ideal for commercial spaces recovering from water damage or flooding, this model can efficiently handle dehumidification of high-humidity areas up to 1,000 square feet. In addition, the Wi-Fi capability allows for remote monitoring.

If you need a commercial dehumidifier and have yet to find the right solution contact us. We will choose the most suitable program for you according to your actual situation.

What Size Dehumidifier Is Needed For 2,000 Square Feet?

For 2,000 square feet, especially in commercial environments such as warehouses, offices, or areas exposed to flooding or high humidity environments, you need a unit that can handle a larger space and more dehumidification.

Recommended Dehumidifiers For 2000 Square Feet Of Commercial Space

Alorair Storm SLGR 1250X-WIFI

Capacity: 264 PPD

Airflow: 300CFM

Coverage: Up to 3,000 square feet

Application: As mentioned above, this model can treat spaces up to 2,300 square feet, making it ideal for flood damage restoration or environments with significant moisture buildup. This dehumidifier is especially good when treating water-damaged rooms or areas affected by leaks.

What Is the Best Humidity Setting for a Dehumidifier?

The optimal setting for your dehumidifier depends largely on the specific environment and your goals.

Comfort

Set your dehumidifier to 40%-50% relative humidity.

This is considered the most comfortable range for indoor living spaces. It prevents excessive dryness that can lead to respiratory problems or dry skin, as well as mold and mildew.

Mold Prevention

Set your dehumidifier to 40% relative humidity or lower.

Mold thrives in environments with a relative humidity of 50% or higher, so if you want to prevent mold growth, aim for a lower relative humidity range. 40% relative humidity is ideal for long-term mold prevention, especially in damp areas such as basements or after water damage.

Water Damage Restoration

Set your dehumidifier to 40% or lower.

During the restoration process, lowering the relative humidity to less than 50% will help dry the space quickly. The faster the moisture is removed, the lower the risk of mold growth. Depending on the severity of the water damage, set the relative humidity at 40% or lower for faster drying.

For Dry, Comfortable Air (In Drier Climates)

Set your dehumidifier to 40%-45% relative humidity.

In drier environments, it's important to keep the balance right - too low a humidity level can make the air too dry, leading to skin irritation or respiratory problems. 40%-45% RH is a comfortable setting for most people in dry climates.

For Sensitive Materials (E.G., Wine Cellars, Art Galleries)

Set the dehumidifier to 50%-60% RH.

Certain items, such as wine, cigars, or artwork, require slightly higher humidity for preservation. For these environments, 50%-60% RH is the optimum humidity.

For High Humidity Or Areas Prone To Flooding

Set the dehumidifier to 30%-40% RH.

In areas prone to flooding or high humidity, it is best to keep humidity levels low to prevent mold. 30%-40% RH helps maintain air quality and speeds up the drying process if water damage occurs.

Conclusion

To figure out how many dehumidifiers are needed, you need to consider factors such as room volume, initial humidity, target humidity level, and environmental conditions. Start by calculating the cubic feet (length x width x height) of the room. Next, check the capacity of the dehumidifier. Consider other factors. Factors such as airflow, dehumidifier PPD (pints per day), and humidity load determine the exact number of dehumidifiers for efficient dehumidification.