Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of the most asked questions regarding humidity control, psychrometrics, and desiccant dehumidifiers. Please check back for constant updates to our list or call us if you don't see a question you need answered.
General
Q: What separates IAT from other manufacturers?
Innovative Air Technologies exists because of its customers. It's our mission to serve them. We try hard to do well what our competition does poor, and that seems to be great quality, unbelievable customer service, and low prices.
Q: What is a desiccant dehumidifier?
A desiccant dehumidifier is a device in which air is passed over a desiccant. The desiccant adsorbs moisture from the airstream leaving the air dry. The simplest form of a desiccant dehumidifier is the silica gel packets you see in shoes, purses, electronic equipment, etc. However, these little silica gel packets only adsorb one time and then they are discarded. An industrial dehumidifier such as the ones we produce, are continuous operating dehumidifiers. Meaning they will continue to dry out the air as moisture passes through them. They require more energy to operate but many industries need this type of equipment.
Q: What is the difference between a desiccant dehumidifier and refrigeration dehumidifier I might see at one of the big box stores?
Great Question. The main difference is how moisture is being removed from the air. A refrigeration based dehumidifier essentially removes moisture from the air by cooling a surface (evaporator coil) to the point of condensation. At that point, liquid water condenses on the cold surface and drains off into a collection tank. It is done in a liquid state. A desiccant Dehumidifier uses silica gel normally to adsorb moisture direct from the air in a vapor state. No liquid water is collected and drained. For more on this, click here.
Q: What is desiccant?
In its simplest form, a desiccant is any material that has a high affinity for water. It can be as simple as your t-shirt or as complex and common as silica gel. There are many forms of desiccant but the most common is silica gel.
Q: Can you explain Air filter efficiency ratings?
MERV stands for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value of a filter. It is a method of stating the efficiency of a filter based on particle size and is determined by testing the performance of the filter when exposed to particles of a known size in the air stream. MERV can be used as a guide to selecting filters for specific contaminants within a range of particle sizes. A higher efficiency filter, while sometimes more expensive, can help cut down on energy use and may also require less maintenance.
MERV 1-4
Control These Contaminants: >10.0 Micron Particle Size Pollen, Dust Mites, sanding dust, textile/carpet fibers
Applications: Minimum Filtration, Residential furnaces, window air conditioners
MERV 5-8
Control These Contaminants: 3.0-10.0 Micron Particle Size Mold, Spores, Dusting Aids, Cement Dust
Applications: Commercial Building, High End Residential, Industrial Work Spaces, Paint Booth Inlet Air
MERV 9-12
Control These Contaminants: 1.0-3.0 Micron Particle Size Legionella, Lead Dust, Humidifier Dust, Coal Dust, Nebulizer Dust
Applications: High-End Residential, Commercial Buildings, Hospital Laboratories
MERV 13-16
Control These Contaminants: 0.30-1.0 Micron Particle Size All Bacteria, Tobacco Smoke, Sneeze Nuclei, Most Smoke, Insecticide Dust, Copier Toner, Face Powder Applications: Hospital Patient Care, General Surgery, Smoking Lounges, Superior Commercial Buildings
MERV 17-20
Control These Contaminants: <_0.30 Micron Particle Size Virus (Unattached), Carbon Dust, Sea Salt, All Combustion Smoke, Radon Progeny
Applications: Cleanrooms, Radioactive Materials, Carcinogenic Materials, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Orthopedic Surgery
HIGH-EFFICIENCY PLEATED FILTERS
MERV ratings from 11-14
These are the standard when it comes to most HVAC systems, because they are easy to install, come in standard sizes and have a low initial cost.
ADVANTAGE: Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly
WHERE THEY ARE USED: Commercial, healthcare, municipal, government, hospitality and residential
RIGID CELL FILTERS
MERV ratings from 11-14
These filters come in a box-style format and contain either synthetic media or fiberglass. Rigid cell filters look similar to pleated filters but have a depth of 6-12 inches and are surrounded by a galvanized metal or plastic frame.
ADVANTAGE: Durability
WHERE THEY ARE USED: Commercial and industrial HVAC systems, VAV systems, high-humidity applications, clean rooms, healthcare, food service and manufacturing
POCKET FILTERS
MERV ratings up to 14
Also referred to as bag filters, pocket filters are constructed of a plastic or galvanized steel frame and contain fiberglass or synthetic media. They are called pocket filters because the media is stitched or sonically welded to form pockets ranging from 10 to 36 inches deep.
ADVANTAGE: Long Service Life
WHERE THEY ARE USED: Commercial, educational, healthcare, government and manufacturing
HEPA FILTERS
Not MERV rated because they must offer efficiency of at least 99.97% and up to 99.99% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size to qualify as HEPA.
ADVANTAGE: Highest Efficiency
WHERE THEY ARE USED: Clean rooms, medical facilities, laboratories, airplanes, commercial, industrial, residential
MERV 1-4
Control These Contaminants: >10.0 Micron Particle Size Pollen, Dust Mites, sanding dust, textile/carpet fibers
Applications: Minimum Filtration, Residential furnaces, window air conditioners
MERV 5-8
Control These Contaminants: 3.0-10.0 Micron Particle Size Mold, Spores, Dusting Aids, Cement Dust
Applications: Commercial Building, High End Residential, Industrial Work Spaces, Paint Booth Inlet Air
MERV 9-12
Control These Contaminants: 1.0-3.0 Micron Particle Size Legionella, Lead Dust, Humidifier Dust, Coal Dust, Nebulizer Dust
Applications: High-End Residential, Commercial Buildings, Hospital Laboratories
MERV 13-16
Control These Contaminants: 0.30-1.0 Micron Particle Size All Bacteria, Tobacco Smoke, Sneeze Nuclei, Most Smoke, Insecticide Dust, Copier Toner, Face Powder Applications: Hospital Patient Care, General Surgery, Smoking Lounges, Superior Commercial Buildings
MERV 17-20
Control These Contaminants: <_0.30 Micron Particle Size Virus (Unattached), Carbon Dust, Sea Salt, All Combustion Smoke, Radon Progeny
Applications: Cleanrooms, Radioactive Materials, Carcinogenic Materials, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Orthopedic Surgery
HIGH-EFFICIENCY PLEATED FILTERS
MERV ratings from 11-14
These are the standard when it comes to most HVAC systems, because they are easy to install, come in standard sizes and have a low initial cost.
ADVANTAGE: Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly
WHERE THEY ARE USED: Commercial, healthcare, municipal, government, hospitality and residential
RIGID CELL FILTERS
MERV ratings from 11-14
These filters come in a box-style format and contain either synthetic media or fiberglass. Rigid cell filters look similar to pleated filters but have a depth of 6-12 inches and are surrounded by a galvanized metal or plastic frame.
ADVANTAGE: Durability
WHERE THEY ARE USED: Commercial and industrial HVAC systems, VAV systems, high-humidity applications, clean rooms, healthcare, food service and manufacturing
POCKET FILTERS
MERV ratings up to 14
Also referred to as bag filters, pocket filters are constructed of a plastic or galvanized steel frame and contain fiberglass or synthetic media. They are called pocket filters because the media is stitched or sonically welded to form pockets ranging from 10 to 36 inches deep.
ADVANTAGE: Long Service Life
WHERE THEY ARE USED: Commercial, educational, healthcare, government and manufacturing
HEPA FILTERS
Not MERV rated because they must offer efficiency of at least 99.97% and up to 99.99% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size to qualify as HEPA.
ADVANTAGE: Highest Efficiency
WHERE THEY ARE USED: Clean rooms, medical facilities, laboratories, airplanes, commercial, industrial, residential
Q: How long has IAT been in business?
IAT has been in business since 2001. However, many of us have been in the desiccant dehumidification industry for longer. We have over 46 years of experience in this industry. So you could say we've been around the block. We are not afraid to admit that. :)
Compacts
Q: What is the difference between the new style (RE) and the older horizontal bed design that was so successful? Why change?
Main difference: performance, weight, construction. We went with better performance, lighter weight, stainless steel construction.
Our new design was carefully thought out. For years we wanted to update our Compact units but we didn't want to make any changes that removed great features from our horizontal design that our customers loved so much.
Our new design was carefully thought out. For years we wanted to update our Compact units but we didn't want to make any changes that removed great features from our horizontal design that our customers loved so much.
Q: what is the performance of the compact series?
That all depends on the inlet conditions to the dehumidifier. At higher humidity levels, the dehumidifier performs very well, at very low humidity levels where there is little moisture present to remove, performance declines. For more information on the specifications of the Compacts, click here.
Q: What is the lead-time for the compact series dehumidifier?
More often than not, our lead-times are 1-2 weeks after receipt of an order. The only reason we don't have them prepackaged and ready for shipment is there are many voltage options we offer and that is the reason for the 1-2 week lead-time. However, we can get some Compacts out within 2 days in some cases.