Maintaining an optimal temperature in the apartment plays an important role, this parameter directly affects the mood, well-being, and state of health. Dirty, contaminated air can lead to the development of diseases. High humidity creates optimal conditions for the development of mold, spores, and bacteria. Constant exposure to such a microclimate can provoke respiratory or skin diseases. Installing dehumidifiers and air exchangers can help solve the problem.
Dehumidifiers ensure that stale air is removed and replaced by clean outdoor air. The main function of a dehumidifier is to reduce the concentration of moisture in the room. Quite often the question arises as to whether air exchangers can be used as a dehumidifier. This article discusses this question in some detail.
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Do air exchangers dehumidify?
Temperature and weather conditions play an important role here. An air recuperator can be used as a dehumidifier in winter when the cool air coming from the street into the apartment is dry.
The operation of the air exchanger is accompanied by the loss of a large amount of water vapor that is part of the air. This phenomenon only occurs when the humidity outside is lower than the humidity in the room. Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems ( RV ) and Heat Recovery Ventilators ( HRV ) work almost identically with only slight differences.
Outdoor and indoor air pass through a special recovery center during the exchange. Some volume of moisture and air is thereby stored to preheat and humidify incoming outdoor air. This factor plays an important role in winter. In summer, the opposite happens (assuming that indoor and outdoor temperatures are different).
This mechanism can be considered from the other side. The absence of a ventilation system in the house, as well as a constant flow of heat from the kitchen and bathroom from the batteries, create conditions in which the humidity of the air constantly increases.
Installing a conventional heat exchanger can help reduce the humidity in the room and improve the microclimate. The absence of excessive humidity in the room is beneficial. A heat exchanger minimizes the risk of harmful microorganisms, spores, and bacteria that cause asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Heat Exchanger and Dehumidifier
A heat exchanger is not a dehumidifier, although it can perform some of its functions. A comparison of these devices will help draw conclusions.
Similar features:
- air exchanger and dehumidifier are installed indoors, designed to control air parameters;
- both devices are powered by electricity;
- models with different technical characteristics, the possibility of choosing the appropriate model;
- air exchanger and dehumidifier work with fans and vents for air control;
- the devices are an element of a home HVAC system, their operation requires regularly scheduled maintenance;
The air exchanger and dehumidifier are often equipped with a filter whose function is to clean dirty air coming from the street.
Differences
The devices differ in functionality, the principle of operation, the method of installation.
Functions
The main function of the air exchanger is to provide ventilation of the air. Old air is replaced with new purified outdoor air. The action of the dehumidifier is aimed at reducing the air in the room.
Working principle
During the operation of the air exchanger, outside air and inside air are used. The outside air is drawn in and the indoor air is pushed out.
The dehumidifier only works with indoor air. HE passes through the internal mechanism of the unit and comes out drier.
Not all models of air exchangers can reduce the humidity in a room. Ventilation dehumidifiers and ERVs fall into this category. HRV models can only function as a dehumidifier during the winter or when the humidity in the room is high. Meanwhile, the dehumidifier is designed for dehumidification.
Installation
Dehumidifiers are designed for wall mounting and can also be connected to a home duct system.
Dehumidifiers come in floor-standing or tabletop versions. Appliances continue to recirculate indoor air, air exchangers replace indoor air with outdoor air.
Buying and installing a dehumidifier regardless of the model ( ERV or HRV) is more expensive.
Do you need a dryer if you already have an HRV?
A dehumidifier should also be purchased if you have an HRV air exchanger. This is due to the low performance of the device when dehumidifying the air. The time of year also plays an important role.
High-end HRVs with temperature and humidity control can be configured for low humidity exchange in the winter. This will prevent a large amount of moisture from mixing with the incoming air as the unit operates.
In cases where the humidity outside is higher than indoors, HRVs may not be useful. Buying a dehumidifier will allow you to create an optimal indoor climate.
There are also ventilation dehumidifiers that can be used as a dehumidifier and a ventilator. These functions are not activated simultaneously but in turns. First, you can set the dehumidifier mode, and then turn on the heat exchanger. If necessary, you can alternate these functions to achieve a better effect.
Indoor climate control can be a great way to improve your quality of life. Living in a home without access to fresh air and ventilation often leaves no choice but to ventilate normally. A great alternative is to install an air handler. Some models can also help control the humidity level in the room, as well as make the microclimate healthy and comfortable to live in.
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