In Australia, desiccant dehumidifiers and compressor dehumidifiers are the two most common types of dehumidifiers used in homes. Much like the distinctions between iOS and Android operating systems, these dehumidifiers have similar primary functions— removing moisture from the air—but they operate with different mechanisms. That said, each type of dehumidifier has its own unique properties that determine its suitability in certain indoor environments.
Before going into detail of desiccant vs compressor dehumidifiers, check out the table below for differences at a glance.
| Desiccant dehumidifiers | Compressor dehumidifiers | |
|---|---|---|
| Best working temperature | Both warm and cold | Warm only |
| Maintenance | Generally not required | Required since a compressor with refrigerant is used. |
| Energy consumption | High, but the heat released contributes to indoor heating during winter. | Low |
| Noise level | Low | High |
| Portability | Yes | Not really |
Properties of desiccant dehumidifiers
Using the hygroscopic properties of desiccants in adsorbing the moisture from the air, desiccant dehumidifiers are a rather new technology that requires minimal maintenance due to their ability to regenerate the desiccants for repeated use.
LEARN MORE: How desiccant dehumidifiers work
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Heat is released when operating
Desiccant dehumidifiers can increase the surrounding temperature up to 3-5°C when they are in operation. This is because heating is required to strip off the stored moisture from the desiccants so that they can collect more moisture from the air. This property is especially beneficial during the winter as the heat released warms up indoor environments.
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No maintenance required
Since desiccants can be regenerated infinitely through heating within the dehumidifiers, no maintenance or replacement is needed.
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Not affected by the surrounding temperature
As desiccant dehumidifiers do not rely on temperature differences to condense moisture from the air, they work all year round, making them highly effective even when the weather is cold.
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Low noise level
Since desiccant dehumidifiers do not have a built-in compressor, they are quieter in operation.
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Portable
Desiccant dehumidifiers weigh anywhere from 5 to 9kg. This makes it easy to move them around the house to deliver optimal dehumidifying performance according to your needs.
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Properties of compressor dehumidifiers
Compressor dehumidifiers are what many consider to be ‘legacy’ humidifiers as they have been used for decades since the early 1960s. These dehumidifiers utilise a condensation mechanism that effectively turns water vapour in the air into its liquid form when warm, humid air comes into contact with cold surfaces.
LEARN MORE: How compressor dehumidifiers work
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Work best in a warm climate
As a temperature difference is required for condensation to happen, compressor dehumidifiers work well at temperatures above 20°C. They are suitable for indoor environments that are warm.
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Low energy consumption
Compared to desiccant dehumidifiers, compressor dehumidifiers use less energy to operate; hence, they are cheaper to run.
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Bulky in size
Since compressor dehumidifiers have more working components, they are bulky in size and usually weigh more than 10kg.
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Direct comparison between desiccant and compressor dehumidifiers
When we compare the properties of desiccant and compressor dehumidifiers directly, their differences can be seen clearly.
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Best working temperature
While desiccant dehumidifiers perform well regardless of the surrounding temperature, compressor dehumidifiers do not perform well at temperatures below 20°C. During winter, the evaporator coils can freeze over, leading to inefficient energy usage at the expense of defrosting its coils rather than dehumidifying the air. However, a compressor dehumidifier can outperform a desiccant dehumidifier when the climate is very warm.
Hence, a desiccant dehumidifier is more suitable if you live in a climate with four seasons, while a compressor dehumidifier is an excellent choice for those living in year-long warm climates.
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Maintenance requirements
Without compressor and refrigerant flowing through the coils, desiccant dehumidifiers require no maintenance under normal circumstances as their mechanism is much simpler compared to compressor dehumidifiers.
Compressor dehumidifiers require regular maintenance, similar to the maintenance of an air conditioner, for optimal performance.
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Energy consumption
Desiccant dehumidifiers require more electricity to operate compared to compressor dehumidifiers. However, the heat released when the dehumidifiers are running helps warm up indoor environments during winter, so you can save electricity on heating.
Compressor dehumidifiers can save 50% more electricity than desiccant dehumidifiers when they are operating optimally at a warm climate.
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Noise level
Desiccant dehumidifiers operate much quieter compared to compressor dehumidifiers which have a compressor running. The noise level of desiccant dehumidifiers can go as low as 35 dB while compressor dehumidifiers can have a noise level of over 45 dB.
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Portability
Desiccant dehumidifiers weigh anywhere from 5kg to 9kg while compressor dehumidifiers usually weigh over 10kg, with few exceptions. It is easier to move a desiccant dehumidifier around the house.
The key factor to consider when choosing between a desiccant or compressor dehumidifier is the climate.
Desiccant dehumidifiers are versatile and work well in both cool and warm climates. They are suitable if you live in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, or parts of Western Australia where there are four seasons.
On the other hand, compressor dehumidifiers are suitable in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and parts of Western Australia where it is warm all year round.
View our full range of dehumidifiers here or contact us for further information or assistance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.
Ionmax Australia
Founded in 2003, Ionmax Australia has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Ionmax dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been recognised for their effectiveness in reducing indoor air pollutants and improving air quality. The company is committed to researching and developing new and improved products that meet the needs and expectations of its customers, making it a trusted name in households across Australia and beyond.
