Dehumidification

Dehumidification is the process of removing water vapor from air to lower relative humidity. It is used to control moisture in buildings, storage facilities, and industrial processes, for comfort, preservation of materials, and mold prevention. Effectiveness is described by a target humidity and the rate of moisture removal.

Most dehumidification is achieved with mechanical systems. Refrigerant-based units chill air below the dew point, condense moisture, and drain it away. Desiccant systems absorb moisture with hygroscopic materials and are dried to release water. Ventilation can also reduce humidity by exchanging indoor air with drier outside air.

Applications include homes, offices, hospitals, data centers, and museums. Keeping humidity around 30–50% (some guidelines use 40–60% in warm climates) helps limit mold, prevent condensation, and protect materials. Design choices depend on climate, space, occupancy, and moisture sources.

Monitoring uses humidity sensors and dew point measurements. Dehumidification consumes energy by removing latent heat, so efficiency depends on climate and setpoint. Over-drying can cause discomfort; control strategies aim for a target range rather than total moisture removal.