5 Signs You Need a Commercial Grade Dehumidifier

Is excess moisture putting your facility at risk? Sometimes the warning signs are clear, while other times issues can go unnoticed until significant damage occurs. To safeguard your business against water damage and other costly complications caused by high humidity, it’s essential to recognize when you need a commercial-grade dehumidifier.

1. Mold and mildew

One of the major gross-out factors of excess environmental moisture is the visible growth of mold and mildew. Not only does it look unsightly, mold can aggravate respiratory health issues, including asthma and allergies. You can clean small areas of mold yourself with a bleach solution, but larger areas should be handled by a company that specializes in mold remediation, which can be costly. Even worse: If you don't take care of your moisture problem, the mold will keep coming back like a recurring nightmare. That's where a commercial grade dehumidifier comes in!

2. Condensation and puddles

Sure, a rare flood or burst pipe might cause some water to collect in your basement, crawl space, warehouse or another room of your business. But if you are regularly seeing condensation appear on pipes, walls, ceilings or floors, you may have a moisture problem. Puddles are another red flag. If you live in an area with a humid climate or have property that sits on a flood plain or low-lying area, moisture will likely be an ongoing issue you need to battle, and a commercial dehumidifier is a great defense.

For flexible moisture control in offices, warehouses, basements and job sites, explore our portable commercial dehumidifiers these high‑capacity, wheeled units are designed to quickly reduce humidity and protect equipment.

3. Rot, corrosion or other signs of water damage

Water and moisture will find a way to ruin most things over time. If you notice signs like the following in your business, consider a commercial grade dehumidifier:

• Rotting wood
• Corroded or rusty metal
• Brown spots or stains on drywall or other materials
• Buckling, swollen, warped or expanded wood or flooring
• Doors that no longer open or close
• Sagging ceilings
• Damp paper, boxes or other soggy items
• Structural damage

This kind of damage to your property will cost you money and can amount to significant out-of-pocket expenses if moisture problems and excess humidity aren't effectively managed in a timely fashion. Basements and crawl spaces often need specialized crawl space dehumidifiers to protect structural materials and stored goods from rot and corrosion. 

4. Musty odors

P-U, what's that smell? Dank, heavy or musty odors are unpleasant indicators of an excessive moisture situation. Like mold and mildew, these odors can create or exacerbate respiratory issues. They can be a threat to you or anyone who visits or works in the musty environment, potentially resulting in lost time at work and health insurance claims, which can effect the bottom line of your business. If your facility operates in cooler or low‑humidity environments, desiccant dehumidifiers use silica gel to extract moisture and control odors effectively. 

5. Pests

Another unwanted side effect of excess moisture is that it can attract pests. Rotting wood, structural damage and the like can make convenient entryways for critters to access your property. If squirrels, raccoons, rats or possums take up residence on your property, that inevitably leads to other unsavory problems, like having to contend with animal droppings, and damage. Pests need an abundance of water to survive. Excess water can attract insect cockroaches and ants as well. Ewww! If you see any signs of animals or insects, such as droppings, that may indicate a moisture problem. Materials or structural elements that show signs of having been chewed or shredded may indicate a moisture problem that has resulted in unwanted visitors. Reduce your the hospitability of your space to critters with a commercial grade dehumidifier.

For more insight on how uncontrolled humidity affects equipment, products and health, read 4 Ways Indoor Humidity Can Cause Problems For Your Business and Don’t Let Excess Moisture Damage Your Business, which explain the costs of neglecting moisture control and the benefits of using commercial dehumidifiers.

Sizing your Dehumidifier

To choose the right capacity, measure your space’s cubic footage (length × width × height) and determine how much air needs to move through the dehumidifier each minute. To estimate the required airflow, then complete our dehumidifier sizing request form to get a professional recommendation tailored to your space. For a more in depth article on dehumidifier sizing, check out, What Size Dehumidifier Size Do I Need?

For a free consultation on assessing your dehumidifier needs, contact Pure n Natural.