There are several types of applications that call for the installation of a wall mounted dehumidifier.  The following describes various scenarios whereby an IW-25 dehumidifier can be permanently installed on different types of walls including masonry or CMU block.

While the IW-25 dehumidifier was originally engineered for multifamily housing, its flexibility of design and unique innovation make it ideal for use in commercial, educational and industrial applications as well.  One of the more desirable features of the unit is the tamper-proof front cover which protects a built-in humidistat.  The IW-25 comes with a special tool that allows facilities personnel to simply remove two security screws for easy access to perform maintenance or unit adjustments while preventing the public from accessing the unit controls.  Limiting access to unit controls not only ensures continued operation of the dehumidifier but also protects the property owner or manager from potential liability issues.

Other essential features of the IW-25 include the following:

• at 47 decibels or less, the IW-25 is one of the most quiet dehumidifiers on the market
• can be hard-wired or plugged in using the supplied standard 120V plug
• directly drains into existing plumbing and can be hard-piped if required
• humidistat relative humidity (RH) set point is adjustable from 30% to 90%
• efficient operation with average rated power consumption of 370 watts
• automatic re-start after power failures

The IW-25 has a capacity of 25 pints per day.  According to the American Home Appliance Manufacturer’s (AHAM) dehumidifier sizing chart this unit will satisfy supplemental dehumidification requirements for a space up to approximately 1500 square feet experiencing “very damp” conditions.

A few recent examples of wall mounted installations of the IW-25 include unconditioned stairwells and classrooms where the use of portable dehumidifiers proved impractical or ineffective.  The stairwells in one particular case were constructed using CMU block.  Prior to installing the IW-25s in the stairwell, the relative humidity typically mirrored ambient conditions.  On a few of the more hot and humid days, RH inside the stairwells approached 90%.  In addition to the obvious discomfort of those using the stairwells there was also concern that excessively humid air was infiltrating the building through interior door openings.

The building owner was looking for a cost-effective, permanent solution to prevent excessive humidity inside the unconditioned space and contacted Innovative Dehumidifier Systems.  Using the surface mounting box which is available as an accessory for the IW-25, four dehumidifiers were installed inside two separate stairwells bringing the humidity down to a desired level below 60%.  For more details regarding this project you can read the full case study here Senior Housing Stairwell Project.

Another example using the IW-25 as a wall mounted dehumidifier in educational facilities applications involved replacing noisy and inefficient portable dehumidifiers.  In this particular case, educators voiced various complaints including noise levels, drain lines into classroom sinks and the inevitable accident involving spills.  Additionally, portable units were occasionally unplugged rendering them ineffective.  Once mounted to the wall, the IW-25 performs quietly, safely and efficiently to remove excess moisture from the classroom without interruptions or annoyances.

When evaluating where to install a wall mounted IW-25 the following considerations should be taken into account:

• Ensure that provisions are made for bringing power to the unit.  In most commercial applications a hardwired dehumidifier is preferable.  Click the link below for a short video explaining how this is done using the IW-25

o    How to hardwire a dehumidifier

• Ensure that provisions are made for draining condensate from the unit.  Unlike portable dehumidifiers, the IW-25 does not have a holding take which would require emptying.  Instead the unit incorporates a gravity drain design.  In cases where this is not practical, installers may elect to use a condensate pump to displace condensate from the unit.

 

 

Standard condensate pump

 

 

 

 

Aspen mini-pumps

 

 

In the case of a stairwell, hallway or common area installation take care to ensure the unit in installed at such a height to prevent people from walking into it.  For most classroom installations or in facilities where sound is a concern the unit should be mounted at the back of the room whenever possible.

Once the location has been established the first step is to fasten the galvanized metal surface mounting box securely to the wall.  If the application calls for a matching color or custom finish you might want to primer the box before mounting to the wall.  Use fasteners appropriate for the composition of the wall.  For example, use masonry anchors or tapcons when mounting the box to masonry walls.  The weight of the IW-25 is approximately 40 pounds.

After the surface mounting box has been fastened, the IW-25 must be placed inside the box using the following protocol:

• While holding the IW-25 facing the front of the unit, lean the top of the unit toward you
• Insert the bottom of the IW-25 into the surface mounting box and pull the bottom of the IW-25 toward the front of the box while simultaneously pushing the top of the unit into the box
• Gently lift the IW-25 off the bottom of the surface mounting box and align the cabinet flanges with the pre-drilled holes in the box
• Using the screws provided secure the IW-25 to surface mounting box and install cover.

For a single-page PDF version of instructions on how to install a wall mounted dehumidifier click here.

All appliances have the same flaw, and that is user error. The IW25 solves that issue with its unique “lock out” control system. Unlike

traditional Whole House dehumidifiers that put the control (and thus the performance) of their products in the hands of the occupant via wall mounted digital Humidistats, the IW25’s digital controls are located inside the unit, and our unique grate system locks out occupants from changing the settings or turning the dehumidifier off.

Property Owners and authorized Maintenance Departments or Property Management Companies are given a tool (which comes with each individual IW25 unit) that allows for them to open the grate and adjust the controls. It’s that simple.

Occupant Behavior is one of the top reasons that Dehumidification solutions to not work as effectively as they should, and using the “House as a System” approach, Innovative Dehumidifiers specifically addressed the issue of Occupant Behavior with the creation of the IW25 Dehumidifier.

There is a common test you can try to determine the relative humidity inside your home, apartment, or property.

Try this: Place two or three ice cubes into a glass, add water and stir. Wait three minutes. If moisture does not form on the
outside of the glass, the air is too dry; you may need a humidifier. (Do not perform this test in the kitchen. Cooking vapors may
produce inaccurate results. Did you know Occupant Behavior can affect indoor relative humidity levels? Read our Case Study for more information.)

High indoor relative humidity also have some general telltale signs. You should also watch for signs of frequent fogging of windows, which may indicate too much humidity.The appropriate relative humidity will allow only slight condensation along the edges or corners of windows. More condensation could be damaging. Moisture buildup or mold on closet walls or room ceilings and walls also indicates high humidity.

Humidity should be monitored daily since outside temperatures will change. Consider purchasing a digital hygrometer (widely
available) and check it regularly.

As a service to you, the property owner, Innovative Dehumidifier Systems can test your indoor relative humidity professionally and provide you with the best solution available. Contact us today for more information.

The construction of a home can greatly influences how much humidity is desirable. In fact, construction practices was one of the main factors in the creation of Innovative Dehumidifier Systems, LLC and our unique dehumidifier product, IW25. Please read our Case Study for more information on why and how our product was created. 

Tightly constructed buildings with properly installed vapor barriers and tight-fitting doors and windows retain more heat and moisture. This is when mechanical ventilation becomes important. If a home does not have the proper mechanical ventilation, excess water vapor can move through walls and ceilings causing wet insulation, peeling paint, and mold on walls and woodwork.

The human body is comfortable when relative humidity ranges between 20 and 60 percent. In your home, an average relative indoor humidity of 30 to 50 percent is appropriate when the outside temperature is 20°F or above. During cold weather, higher humidity ranges may cause structural damage because of condensation on windows and on the inside of exterior walls. As outdoor temperatures fall, condensation problems may develop inside.

Proper indoor humidity helps you feel more comfortable and helps protect
your home.

Recommended relative indoor humidity by Season:

Winter
20%+
(Indoor temperature
between 68 and 75 degrees)

Summer
No more than 60%
(Indoor temperature
between 73 and 79 degrees)

 

This discussion is specific to apartment or multifamily properties, where the tenant and owner are not the same.

Often time occupant behavior is one of the main factors that are causing or aggravating the indoor high humidity issues. And often times (after a dehumification system is chosen and installed) it is occupant behavior that prevents the solution from working as effectively as it was designed to do.

Our analysis indicated the property owner needed a solution that combated the occupant’s behavior, without the occupant being required to change those behaviors or assist in the solution. IW25 Dehumidifier was created to address occupant behavior with the following features:

IW25 Features Include:

Mounted in-wall

• Designed to fit within 16″ O.C stud spacing
• Installs easily for new construction or retro-fit applications
• Sound levels less than 47 Dba
• ETL listed
• Uses R134A Refrigerant
• Plastic grill w/ metal chassis
  • Tamper proof grill screws
  • On/Off switch & humidity control behind the grill
  • Built-in digital humidistat
• Re-usable & washable filter
• Automatic restart (in the event of power failure)
• Easily hard wired or plugged into outlet (depending on application)
  • 10′ removable chord
• Drains directly to plumbing
  • 10′ removable condensate hose
  • Easily connected to hub drain, hard pipe or to a drain (depending on application)

PLEASE NOTE, THAT THE IW25 DEHUMIDIFIER PRODUCT IS NOT CLASSIFIED AS A WHOLE HOUSE DEHUMIDIFIER SYSTEM. OUR PRODUCT WAS CREATED TO SOLVE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON ISSUES PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE WITH WHOLE HOUSE SYSTEMS. ISSUES SUCH AS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS, NOISE LEVEL, ENERGY CONSUMPTION, AND THE ROLE THAT OCCUPANT PARTICIPATION AND BEHAVIOR PLAYS IN THE EFFICIENCY OF SUCH SYSTEMS. THE FOLLOWING DEFINITION IS FOR CLASSIFICATION ONLY.

A whole house dehumidifier systems are designed to work in unison with your HVAC system, often times being integrated into the ductwork. Whole house dehumidifiers  install directly onto your HVAC system (also called non portable) and dehumidify the air as it flows back and forth through your air ducts.

Contact us today by Email or calling (910) 579-DEHU to ask about how the Iw25-1 In Wall Dehumidifier compares to Whole House Dehumidifier Systems.

An In Wall Dehumidifier (as opposed to a Whole House Dehumidifier system, portable dehumidifier, or wall mounted dehumidifier) is one that is built within the wall or wall cavity of an existing property (home, apartment, etc).

The IW25 dehumidifier by Innovative Dehumidifiers is classified as an In Wall Dehumidifier, which makes it unique to the market.

By being classified as an In Wall Dehumidifier (or built in dehumidifier), the IW25 is more affordable to install and maintain then a Whole House system, as well as being smaller (thus using less energy), less noisy, and generally more effective because it doesn’t require the assistance or cooperation of the tenant. The IW25 control and operation is handled by the property owner and is virtually tamper proof.

Click HERE for the following information:

IW25 Installation Steps (PDF)

IW25 Dehumidifier Spec Sheet (PDF)

IW25 Trifold Brochure (PDF)

 

[THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. TO READ ORIGINAL EXCERPT CLICK HERE]

All of the conditions needed for mold growth (food sources and appropriate temperatures) are present in the indoor environment with the exception of adequate moisture. Prevention of mold growth indoors can not be achieved without proper moisture control. The following are some of the moisture problems that cause indoor mold growth.

Water Intrusion

Rainwater can enter a building through leaks in walls, windows or the roof. Surface or groundwater may enter when there is poor foundation drainage. Flooding can, of course, cause catastrophic intrusion. In buildings that have slab construction, water can seep or wick up through the cement floor causing mold to grow on carpet pads or carpet backing. The building envelope (walls, windows, floors, roof, etc.) must be well maintained to prevent water from coming in, both to prevent mold growth and to maintain the structural integrity of the building.

Water Vapor

When relative humidity (a temperature-dependent measure of water vapor in air) becomes elevated indoors, building materials and furnishings absorb the moisture. Those damp materials can then provide a good place for mold to grow. If there are no cold-condensing surfaces and the relative humidity (RH) is maintained below 60 percent indoors, there will not be enough water in those materials for mold to grow. However, if the RH stays above 70 percent indoors for extended periods of time, mold will almost certainly grow.

In the summer, air conditioning can de-humidify indoor space. But if the system is too large or too small for the space it serves, the cooling system can create high humidity by cooling without removing water vapor. A properly sized and maintained system will dehumidify and cool a building. Learn more about the role of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in indoor environmental quality.

When there are cold surfaces in a building, water vapor can condense on those surfaces, just as water condenses on the outside of a glass of ice water. Insulation of exterior walls can prevent condensation and mold growth during the winter.

You should always be mindful of indoor sources of water vapor that can be problematic. Clothes dryers must be vented to the outdoors. Unvented gas or kerosene space heaters can generate enormous amounts of water vapor (as well as other air contaminants), and should be used sparingly and never as a primary heat source. Always run the bathroom exhaust fan when showering or bathing, and make sure the vent is exhausted to outdoors. A properly vented kitchen exhaust fan can remove steam created during cooking.

Learn more about the roles of moisture, mold and biologicals in indoor environmental quality.

For Additional Information

• California Department of Public Health: Building Dampness, Mold and Health (PDF)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Facts About Mold and Dampness
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control
• University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Identifying Moisture and Mold Sources in Houses (PDF)