Recent litigation surrounding “sick building syndrome”, tightening EPA indoor air quality standards (ASHRAE Standard 62) which regulate acceptable levels of indoor air allergens, return or fresh air requirements coupled with rising electricity cost are making desiccant systems both economical and, (in high humidity regions) a necessary HVAC component. A desiccant system can help an owner/operator save money on monthly electricity cost and keep indoor air quality to an acceptable level even in “weather tight” structures.

Here’s how it works: Desiccant equipment utilizes an absorption wheel to remove moisture (humidity) from the supply and fresh air needed to cool a building. This dry air is passed through the cooling coils and into the building through conventional HVAC systems while the absorption wheel is dried by clean economical natural gas to repeat the cycle. Because the moisture is removed before it enters the building, mold and other potentially hazardous allergens do not have the moisture required to grow between wallboards or in dark areas. This helps to keep rooms from smelling musty while giving the occupants a more comfortable feeling. Along with fresh air benefits, desiccant systems can save money on electric cost as well. This savings can be seen both in new and existing facilities. In new applications total cooling tonnage may be reduced up to 20%, since the units do not have to cool humidity-laden air. Less cooling tonnage means lower peak demand during cooling periods when electricity is most expensive. Existing units will benefit from this reduction in moisture as well, operating less per cooling cycle saving both on equipment wear and reducing peak demand. This reduced peak demand can actually save you money all year, since these charges are set during the cooling season.