Quick answer: A commercial refrigerant dehumidifier draws humid air over a cold evaporator coil, where water condenses and drains away, then reheats the dry air over the condenser and returns it to the room. It is the most energy-efficient way to dehumidify warm spaces (above about 15–18 °C) at normal humidity targets of about 40–60 % RH: our range removes roughly 2.4–3.4 litres per kWh at its 30 °C / 80 % RH rating, compared with about 0.6–1.0 L/kWh for desiccant units at their 20 °C / 60 % RH rating. Its limits are cold rooms, where the coil ices, and very low dew points.
Quick answer
- Best for warm spaces at 40–60 % RH: warehouses, greenhouses, pools, factories, restoration.
- Benefits: low energy per litre, continuous drainage, condensation heat returned to the room.
- Limits: below about 15 °C capacity falls and defrost cycles start; can't reach very low dew points.
How it works
- Fan draws room air into the unit through a filter.
- Evaporator coil (cold) cools the air below its dew point; water condenses and drips into a pan.
- Drain: water leaves through a hose or pump, continuously.
- Condenser coil (hot) reheats the air with the heat removed by the evaporator plus the compressor's energy.
- Dry, slightly warmer air returns to the room.
Because the heat from condensing the water (about 0.68 kWh per litre) goes back into the room, a refrigerant dehumidifier also acts as a small heater, which is welcome in greenhouses and pools at night, and a load for the cooling system in warm rooms.
Energy per litre: our range at rated conditions
Rated removal divided by maximum electrical input over 24 hours, at 30 °C / 80 % RH:
| Model | Removal | Max power | L/kWh (at max power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RYCM-60C (portable) | 60 L/day | 0.78 kW | about 3.2 |
| RYCM-90C (portable) | 90 L/day | 1.35 kW | about 2.8 |
| RYCM-138C (portable) | 138 L/day | 1.68 kW | about 3.4 |
| RYCF-10S | 240 L/day | 4.25 kW | about 2.4 |
| RYCF-22S | 480 L/day | 8.4 kW | about 2.4 |
| RYCF-40S | 960 L/day | 15 kW | about 2.7 |
Using maximum power gives a conservative figure; average power is usually lower. At cooler, drier room conditions, both removal and L/kWh fall, so compare units at your own condition. See dehumidifier energy consumption.
Where refrigerant dehumidifiers fit
| Application | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| Warehouses and storage above about 15 °C | Efficient at 45–60 % RH; see warehouse dehumidifiers |
| Greenhouses at night | Removes water with vents closed and returns heat; see greenhouse dehumidifiers |
| Indoor pools | Warm, humid air; heat recovery |
| Water damage drying in heated buildings | High capacity, portable models |
| Factories, workshops, basements | Moderate targets, continuous running |
| Grow rooms | Lights-off moisture control |
Related: warehouse dehumidifiers, greenhouse dehumidifiers.
Choose a refrigerant dehumidifier for warm commercial spaces above about 15–18 °C with a target of 40–60 % RH.
Where they don't fit
| Condition | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Room below about 10–15 °C | Desiccant dehumidifier, or a refrigerant unit designed for low temperatures with defrost |
| Dew point below about 5 °C, or RH below about 35 % | Desiccant |
| Rooms that must not get warmer | Refrigerant with external heat rejection, or add cooling |
Related: desiccant dehumidifier.
Benefits in practice
- Lower running cost in warm, humid spaces than desiccant or ventilation-with-heating.
- Continuous drainage: no tanks to empty on commercial units.
- Simple installation: no reactivation ducts; floor-standing, ceiling-mounted or ducted options; see ceiling-mounted and ducted units.
- Heat recovery in spaces that need heating.
- Low refrigerant options: many models are available with R290 (propane), a low-GWP refrigerant; see R290 vs R410A.
Maintenance
Clean filters monthly, coils every 6–12 months, check drains and pumps, and have the refrigerant circuit checked if capacity falls. See do dehumidifiers lose efficiency over time.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How does a refrigerant dehumidifier work?
It cools air over a cold coil so water condenses and drains, then reheats the air over a hot coil and returns it to the room.
Are refrigerant dehumidifiers more efficient than desiccant?
In warm, humid spaces, yes, typically several times more water per kWh. In cold spaces or for very dry air, desiccant units work better.
What temperature do refrigerant dehumidifiers work at?
Best above about 15–18 °C; below that, capacity drops and the coil may ice.
Do refrigerant dehumidifiers heat the room?
Yes, slightly: they return the condensation heat and their own power input as heat.
Sources
- ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Systems and Equipment, Dehumidification equipment.
- Product data: Yakeclimate RYCM and RYCF specifications.
