Hanging a dehumidifier from the ceiling ?
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I’ve read that sawdust will shorten the life of a dehumidifier. My idea is to build a platform to hang the unit from the ceiling to run fairly continuously in my two car garage. Is there any reason why this would hamper the ability of the unit to do its job or could it even be detrimental to the life of the dehumidifier. I do run two dust extractors when working in the shop. Also what is the cost of running a unit at 45%. I live in North Georgia so humidity (summer) or condensation (winter) is a year around issue.
Replies
In a workshop, your dehumidifier will also act as a air purifier and collect dust rapidly in the intake filter, if you keep the filter clean, it should not affect its reliability. As for the operating cost, you need to convert the btu in KWh and apply your electricity rate X the running time. If there is electric heat in your shop, then running the dehumidifier in winter is free, if you have air conditioning, then you double your cost in the summer.
Keep in mind that you will need a condensate line going somewhere.
Is this dehumidifier one that normally sits on the floor and sits upright, blowing the warm dry air out the top? If so, and since you're in a pretty humid climate, consider getting something like an Ultra-Aire or Honeywell "whole house" type. These are more easily hung from ceilings, and have better filters and you can add a bit of ductwork to have better mixing & distribution in the space. They're definitely pricier but in the long run I think you're better off.
I usually recommend 50% RH setting unless you really need less. 50% should keep mold etc at bay and be comfortable enough, lower has few benefits but will use more power.
In Winter, provided you use your space often, the dehumidifier is free to run.
It costs you nothing because any and all the energy it uses is returned as heat into your air. Not so good in summer of course.
The main issue with dust is that it can clog the filters and if you remove the filters, it can clog the cooling vanes internally. For those who don't know, these devices remove heat from some cooling vanes, and pump it into heating vanes. The air is cooled, causing condensation which is then collected, and passed over the hot vanes to improve efficiency before being discharged.
Provided the air intake is adequately filtered and filters are changed when clogged it should not be an issue. You should easily be able to build a suitable housing and add a filter.
Ceiling or floor should make no significant difference. The warmer air near the ceiling is drier, but easier to dry than cooler air. Worst case scenario is you need a fan to provide circulation too.
My shop's in the basement of a 70 year old rental house in Iowa. The basement was paneled when the house was built so it's just a big room-no heat, no a/c.
I've been running the same dehumidifer non-stop for 3 years with no problems. I blow out the filter every 3 or 4 days. This only the 2nd dehimidifier in 23 years. We all get old.
Mikaol
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