Are desiccant dehumidifiers any good?

If you need to remove water from the air of cooler environments, or just want to have the option of doing so, a desiccant dehumidifier is probably the best option. While they don’t have as large capacities as refrigerants and are less energy efficient, their versatile operating temperatures make them a popular choice.

How much does a desiccant cost?

Bulk Sorbents

Part Number	Description	Cost
639AG55	55 lb Drum of White Silica Gel 2-4mm bead	1 unit:$115.90 2+ units:$103.20
640SGO55	55 lb Drum of non-cobalt chloride orange INDICATING silica gel 2-4mm bead	1 unit:$163.50 2+ units:$144.80

How long will desiccant last?

We recommend that a desiccant be replaced once every three years for open-cycle systems and once every two years for closed-cycle systems. A desiccant may degrade more quickly depending on the environment where it is used. Dew point temperatures offer a good indication for when to replace your desiccant.

Are Peltier dehumidifiers any good?

Theoretically, a Peltier module can last several decades. However, the Peltier modules used in these dehumidifiers are the cheapest most low quality modules on the market. They still may last for several years, but certainly not for the decades higher quality modules can last for.

Which is better desiccant or compressor dehumidifier?

Compressor dehumidifiers can save 50% more electricity than desiccant dehumidifiers when they are operating optimally at a warm climate. Desiccant dehumidifiers operate much quieter compared to compressor dehumidifiers which have a compressor running.

How do you refresh a desiccant?

You can do so by pouring the inactive silica gel beads in a thin layer on a baking sheet. You should then preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the beads for 15 minutes. The heat in the oven will draw the moisture out of the desiccant pack, reactivating the drying agent.

How do I choose the right desiccant?

Know the environment: In order to select an appropriate desiccant, it is important to know the conditions surrounding the shipment and storage of the product; the extremes of temperature and relative humidity to which the product will be exposed and the average duration of such exposures.