1. Why do I need a whole house dehumidifier?
High relative humidity can create an environment that promotes the growth of mold and mildew, creating potential health problems and property damage.  Even the normal climate in about 80% of the geographic area of the United States has an average relative humidity greater than 60%, creating an environment conducive to the growth of allergens.  This means that, in order to control the humidity of a building space to the required 50% RH (relative humidity) or less required to deter the proliferation of allergens, a dehumidifier should operate most days in 80% of the country.

2. When are whole house dehumidifiers required for good health?
While comfort can be achieved even in high or low relative humidity by adjusting temperature using your thermostat, the optimum humidity for health is about 50% RH (relative humidity).  Since most of the country has average relative humidity above 60%, almost the entire population of the country could benefit from whole house dehumidification which deters the growth of allergens with their negative health consequences.

3. Why should indoor relative humidity be maintained between 45-50%?
Studies conducted in the 1980s By E.M Sterling, A. Arndel and T. D Sterling suggested that the optimal conditions to minimize risk to human health occur in the narrow range between 40 – 60% relative humidity. “Criteria for Human Exposure to Humidity in Occupied Buildings” was reported in the ASHRAE Transactions 1985 Vol. 91 Part 1. Allergens such as dust mites and fungi which cause allergic rhinitis and asthma were eliminated at relative humidity below 50%.

4. Which dehumidifier best fits my requirements?
The selection depends on your specific home and needs.  What utilities are available for desiccant wheel regeneration? What is the capacity requirement?  What are the utility costs in the area? Are there any utility or governmental rebates available? The “Features Table” compares the energy efficiencies, capacities and utility requirements of each of NovelAire’s dehumidifiers.

5. Which is the most energy efficient dehumidifier?
The ComfortPlus 300 is the most energy efficient whole house dehumidifier on the market, meeting Energy Star© requirements for dehumidifiers up to 185 liters per day capacity.  However , if a waste stream of hot water or hot water from a solar installation is available, the ComfortDry 250 may be the most environmentally friendly selection, and generate the lowest amount of greenhouse gas.

6. What is the warranty on the product and components?
The unit is warranted for one year.  The Comfort Wheel is warranted for five years.

7. What are the maintenance requirements for the product and components?
The filter should be replaced or cleaned annually.  The drive components for the wheel any coils should be checked at the annual inspection for alignment and cleanliness, respectively.