How to choose the best dehumidifier: LGR vs conventional dehumidifers (Part 2 of 2)
Conventional refrigerant dehumidifiers are the most basic type of dehumidifier. They remove water from the air by condensing moisture out of the air. They work most efficiently in higher humidity conditions. Conventional refrigerant dehumidifiers operating in ideal temperature conditions 70°–90° F (21°–32° C) can reduce high humidity to about 40% RH. If the dehumidifier you are considering is not labeled LGR, then it is likely a conventional dehumidifier. The AHAM standard of 80°F/60%RH is used to rate water removal for conventional dehumidifiers.
LGR (Low Grain Refrigerant) dehumidifiers pre-cool the intake air, which results in more water removal, drier processed air and greater energy efficiency. LGR dehumidifiers outperform conventional dehumidifiers at AHAM conditions, but LGR dehumidifiers perform exceptionally well to dry dense materials on a water damage restoration job, that is, at the 80°F, 30% relative "low grain" humidity range.
LGR technology has steadily improved, and older LGRs are not as efficient as newer ones at achieving the low relative humidity necessary for rapid drying. Restoration contractors should consider updating and replacing any dehumidifier purchased more than six years ago. The Dri-Eaz® 7000XLi, 6000Li and the Revolution LGR each employ advanced LGR control systems to deliver maximum efficiency in the drying environment. In fact, Dri-Eaz i-Series dehumidifiers remove up to 40% more water in low humidity conditions. This ensures rapid drying near the end of a drying job, when the humidity levels tend to be lower, and produces the warm dry air needed for drying hardwood floors, cabinetry, and other complex assemblies.
You can quickly navigate the smart controller used on all Dri-Eaz LGR dehumidifiers to set the humidistat, language and F°/C° display options, plus view grain depression, inlet and outlet temperatures, maintenance prompts, job and lifetime operating hours and more, and in English, Spanish, or French. The latest Dri-Eaz LGR dehus employ the Command Hub, which makes documenting conditions and drying progress easier than ever.
For more information about Dri-Eaz dehumidifiers, visit LegendBrandsRestoration.com.