IS MOISTURE WREAKING HAVOC ON YOUR HVAC SYSTEM?

 

 

Did you recently opted for air conditioner installation services from the professional? Did they advise you to use a dehumidifier in your home? Are you wondering if moisture can wreak havoc on your HVAC system?

In the beginning, dehumidifiers were used to remove moisture from the ambient air. However, they have come a long way since they were invented. They are now making their way into commercial and institutional HVAC applications. Dehumidifiers do a lot more than just reducing material corrosion, checking the growth of microscopic organisms, and preventing condensation on cool surfaces.

Application of Dehumidification

Dehumidifiers are often used in computer rooms and other areas that house high tech electronic equipment, sensitive to atmospheric moisture. Moisture in the air can sometimes lead to corrosion of metal components and contacts within the equipment. Sometimes the humidity levels can exceed 75 percent. At these levels, corrosion of metal contacts and components present within the equipment is common. This can further lead to the deterioration of the system operation.

Did you know paper feeding high-speed printers can absorb moisture easily resulting in frequent paper jams? Dehumidification systems make it easy to control humidity while keeping the moisture content in the air low. This helps avoid problems associated with high humidity.

Dehumidifiers are often used in health care facilities particularly in intensive care units and operating rooms. This is because these rooms have strict requirements that govern the quality of air. As the air applied is 100% outside air, it must be controlled with a fair narrow temperature. In a majority of cases, dehumidification systems are necessary to meet the requirements laid by the hospitals.

Dehumidification systems are also available in the grocery market industry. Grocery stores often present unique humidity control problems. High humidity levels often lead to frost formation on frozen foods and on the products on display as well. Frost formation on cooling coils increases the energy requirements. This can have a negative impact on the sales because frost on the product decreases customer satisfaction levels.

Ways to Remove Moisture from the Building Supply

There are two primary ways through which you can remove moisture from the air supply –passing the air over a material that absorbs water or cooling the air below its dew point to condense the water vapors.

Systems that are used to cool the air below its dew point use mechanical refrigeration. Desiccant dehumidification systems have a slow rotating disk that is filled with absorbents. The air is passed over the portion of the wheel, where the moisture is absorbed from the air.

Schedule a Regular Maintenance Service

It is important to follow schedule maintenance and preventive program to keep the desiccant system in good working condition. Hiring expert HVAC technicians will make sure your system works to its maximum efficiency.

Regular inspection help keep the desiccant dehumidification system in good working condition. However, the first sign of trouble with your system is often rising levels of humidity. Here are a few maintenance tips you can follow to keep your system working in efficient condition.

• Air filters:

  It is important to clean the air filters regularly to keep the desiccant from accumulating dirt from the air flow. Clogged filters can lead to reduced air flow. Thus, it is vital to inspect the filters periodically. Inspection of the air filters also helps improve air quality.

• Drive Belts:

  The desiccant wheels rotate at a low speed. Due to this, the drive belts transfer power from the motor to the wheel. Misaligned or loose belts can slow down the operation of the wheel, thus affecting the effectiveness of the system. Moreover, improper turning wheels can also lead to a desiccant loss. It is vital to inspect the entire drive system weekly to look for signs of wear and misalignment.

• Regenerator:

  One of the most critical components in a desiccant based dehumidification system, without regenerator, the system won’t be able to remove moisture from the atmosphere. System malfunction alarms must be inspected once a month to look for problems in the system.

• Seals:

  A system of seals and partition separates the absorption and regeneration portions of the wheel. Over a period of time, the seals can wear, thus allowing the air to flow between two sections of the wheel. This reduces the overall efficiency of the system.

• Contamination of the Drum:

  Desiccant efficiency often depends on the amount of surface area that comes in direct contact with the airflow. Dirt accumulated over the desiccant can reduce the effective surface area that is available for moisture absorption. Thus further decrease the efficiency of the system.

• System alarms:

  Desiccant systems are often equipped with alarms and controls that monitor the operation of the system. The controls and alarms must be check once a month to make sure they are working to its capacity.

  It is vital to protect your home and your HVAC system from moisture. This is why investing in a dehumidifier is the right choice.

Hire the Experts Who Care

Lee’s Heating and Air Conditioning of Salt Lake City provides expert services for residential and commercial heating, air conditioning, duct cleaning, and water treatment.

Lee’s Heating and Air Conditioning is proud to be Utah’s only American Standard Customer Care Dealer. As a multi-year recipient of the “American Standard Dealer of the Year Award,” Lee’s has served Utah communities for over 90-years with reliable, affordable, and EXPERT service. Lee’s has earned the highly esteemed reputation as one of Utah’s leading HVAC service providers.

You can also invest in Lee’s preventive maintenance program to save instantly on service costs, by paying one low price which covers your A/C Tune-up in the spring and a Furnace Tune-Up in fall.

In need of air conditioner installation services? Schedule your expert service today. Call 801-467-1561.