GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Minisplit dehumidification

wt13 | Posted in General Questions on

I just found out the dehumidifier that I use in the basement in warmer months (Southern NH) is on a recall (Frigidaire/Electrolux). Too bad, as it has worked great for me, and is (was) highly rated, but I guess it’s a fire hazard…

We had a mini split (Mits Hyper Heat) installed this Fall, primarily for heating, but will also use for cooling. One indoor unit upstairs, in the primary living area, has handled all the heat so far. A smaller indoor unit was installed in the basement area, with the intent that it would eventually be finished as my stereo room – it’s just a bunch of hoard storage right now.

The basement, at least so far, has never needed cooling even in the hottest days, so the Mits would be pretty much used just for heating in cold months.

So for my dilemma, I haven’t found anything definitive except for theories.

Since I have the option to receive partial reimbursement or replacement for my dehumidifier, I am wondering which is better. The MIts units have a “dry” mode (dehumidification). I know a standalone dehumidifier offers more “control,” but which is more EFFICIENT at dehumidifying (energy wise)?

I don’t think the Mits uses any type of humidistat, but I’m not sure. I know you can’t set the humidity level, so I assume it just runs and you kinda have to keep an eye on the humidity level yourself. On the other hand, a dehumidifier cycles (inefficient), but that is in response to actual humidity levels.

Anyone on with definitive answers/stats? Thanks.

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Wayne,
    If you want dehumidification (but you have no need for cooling) during the summer months, the most efficient way to do that is with a dehumidifier. With a ductless minisplit, any dehumidification that occurs is a side effect of the cooling process. A dehumidifier will be more efficient.

    For more information, see these two articles:

    All About Dehumidifiers

    Fixing a Wet Basement

  2. Dana1 | | #2

    It will help the overall situation if you run your already installed mini-splits in "dry" mode during the cooling season. That lowers the total sensible cooling (temperature) capacity but improves the latent cooling (humidity) as a fraction of the total cooling, and is highly efficient.

    The basement will likely still need a dehumidifier, but if it's air-tight to the outdoors the duty cycle will be lower.

  3. wt13 | | #3

    Thanks for the info! This is the one place I know I can get definitive answers. Most stuff out there are theories and anecdotal information.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |