Dehumidifier Purchase Analysis
This fall I've been going though a purchase analysis for a dehumidifier for use on a boat in the Pacific Northwest. Not having dealt with dehumidifiers before this has been a real learning process. First, the optimum RH level to restrain growth of bacteria is going to be below 30% to 50%. Anything above this range may promote bacteria growth. In colder areas during the winter season the humidity level should be in the lower range to prevent condensation on ports, windows, or perhaps even the inside of the hull. Second, if the dehumidifier is to operate <65 F then an “anti-frost sensor” is needed to either turn the unit off or to kick in a defrost cycle. A low-temperature dehumidifier is one that can operate down to as low as 45-degrees F and will need a “hot-gas defrost” to combat icing. To combat bacteria and to keep from heating the boat too much the minimum requirement will be for a “low-temperature” unit. Third, the air inside my boat in Poulsbo in mid-December was 60 degrees F and 95% RH (!)(think I need one?). For use on a boat under these conditions, basically I’m looking for a dehumidifier that falls in the “for use in basements” category. Decision: After doing a fair amount of research of models, features, and prices, what I’ve decided on is either the Fedders Model No. A7DH45B2A which is available from Wal-Mart (ugh!) for $137 (Wal-Mart Item #: 001111421) or identically the same model – with one difference, the Maytag label, (made by Fedders), Model M7DH45B2A available from Home Depot for $189.00 http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?prod_id=259928&cm_ven=1hd.com2froogle&cm_cat=product&cm_pla=feed&cm_ite=froogle ). Internet/Catalog # 259928, Store SKU# 242660 The “one difference” is the warranty. The Maytag brand carries a much longer warranty. Why opt for the longer warranty? After reading numerous consumer reviews, what I’ve learned is that humidifiers are "apparently" prone to failure. After talking to retailer sales people, repairmen, and factory sales people, it appears that the “failure” is actually in the consumer's ability to read, understand, and follow the instructions. Many - BUT NOT ALL - of the “faulty operating units” according to the people in the business are the result of faulty operators. Nevertheless, not being familiar with dehumidifiers I plan to opt for the more consevative route and the more expensive Maytag “for insurance” reasons. During the swing season I’ll just take if off the boat and store it in the dock box and in the summer I’ll take it home to get it away from the salt air environment. Since I haven’t actually purchased anything yet if anybody sees any holes in my reasoning please speak up. Otherwise when Home Depot has one of their storewide sales one of these units will be going out the door. Okay, any input?
] The bilge is dry due to PSS shaft seal, there are no water leaks anywhere, and there is no "mildew smell" anywhere so the deck is reasonably tight. Yet, in the spring there is a mildew problem here and there. One of the reasons for the mildew problems is the humidity. The electric driers keep things warm and it a dry heat but, for some reason, the humidity is too high. If anything, the heaters, by raising the inside temperature, may actually make the conditions worse for combating mildew and better for growing stuff! Hence - the dehumidifier! The solution to all my problems! 