The New Era of Dehumidification: Smarter Systems, Better Comfort

For HVAC contractors, keeping up with these changes means understanding how new technology fits into dehumidification system design, how to avoid common installation pitfalls, and how to meet rising homeowner expectations for comfort, health, and control. 

Smarter, More Capable Systems 

Most HVAC standards already demand efficiency. As homes become more airtight and energy-efficient, dehumidifiers are playing a larger role in maintaining year-round comfort and IAQ. 

No longer just add-ons, today’s systems are smarter, more efficient, and built to integrate with the rest of the home’s HVAC infrastructure. 

One example is Santa Fe’s ECCO (Enhanced Coil and Compressor Optimization) technology that uses a three-coil design to boost water removal efficiency while reducing energy consumption; replacing the traditional two-coil setup.  

“By utilizing the combination of a pre-evaporator (coil No. 1) and recovery coils (coil No. 3), the evaporator isn’t burdened with sensibly cooling of the air,” said Nikki Krueger, director of marketing and business development at Santa Fe Dehumidifiers. “Likewise, the energy required to precool the air is fully recovered, offering a 30-40% capacity boost without any additional compressor capacity, maximizing energy efficiency.” 

ULTIMATE CONTROL: Controlling the humidity outside of peak loads can be challenging without a whole-house dehumidifier, even with innovative and modern HVAC systems. (Courtesy of Santa Fe Dehumidifiers)

Dehumidification systems have also transitioned to the use of more environmentally friendly refrigerants, per evolving EPA standards. Beyond mechanical improvements, the biggest leap forward has arguably been in connectivity and control. Remote monitoring and smart sensors now allow for more precise control, improved serviceability, and better energy use. 

As with every other piece of HVAC, homeowners want to know that any dehumidification system they choose to invest in will operate properly. Since dehumidifiers are often installed in hard-to-reach locations, features like remote monitoring have become essential. Many of today’s systems now feature easy, turnkey setups to simplify installation regardless of placement, according to Katie Zagorski, senior product manager, dehumidification at AprilAire.  

Smart controls and IoT-enabled diagnostics that allow contractors and homeowners to monitor the performance of dehumidification systems — meaning they can catch issues early, and fine-tune humidity control with fewer service calls.  

“Intuitive controls with enhanced, digital interface and app integration support ongoing monitoring,” said Zagorski. “Contractors can monitor dehumidifier performance remotely, allowing for timely service, as well as preparation before visiting the site. IoT systems track operational data over time, making it easier to identify issues and plan maintenance.” 

Avoid Common Mistakes

While technology continues to evolve rapidly, how dehumidification solutions are installed and sized still has a major impact on performance — and that’s where too many systems fall short.  

Common sizing mistakes often stem from a lack of attention to key household details. In other words, contractors sometimes overlook the homeowner’s specific expectations. On top of that, today’s dehumidification recommendations also have to account for building design and how ventilation and HVAC systems interact with humidity levels throughout the year.

CUSTOMER NEEDS: Santa Fe advocates for builders, architects, and engineers to bring HVACR contractors in very early on the design process in new construction and renovations, as they are ultimately responsible for the system and the first to receive a call if something does not meet customer expectations. (Courtesy of Santa Fe Dehumidifiers)

“Contractors must assess the homeowner’s desired indoor conditions, such as specific RH levels for comfort, health concerns (e.g., allergies or asthma), or protection of valuable items like art, musical instruments, or furniture,” said Krueger. “Understanding these expectations will help dictate the required dehumidification needed.” 

Additionally, Krueger said, while Manual J calculations provide a baseline for latent load, they don’t capture the full picture. Accurate sizing also requires consideration of infiltration rates, the number of occupants, ventilation equipment, a/c runtime, and the system’s sensible heat ratio. Ignoring these variables can lead to undersized systems that struggle to meet humidity setpoints. 

“Sizing is based on square footage alone rather than a load calculation or actual moisture load analysis,” said Chris Howells, AprilAire Academy senior training and development manager. “Contractors should use manufacturer sizing tools that consider regional climate, building envelope, occupancy, and ventilation.” 

More contractors are also turning to blower door and duct blaster testing to assess infiltration rates and duct performance.  

“Whether it is a leaky house or a tight house — the house will have air entering from the outside,” Krueger said. “It is much easier to control the amount of cfm, temper it, and filter it when we can bring air in mechanically, but there will always be infiltration in most homes.  Contractors need to understand how much outside air they are dealing with inside the home before truly being able to recommend a solution that will be successful. We are seeing more and more contractors become home performance contractors by becoming certified to use blower doors and duct blasters.  

Improper duct connections can lead to pressure imbalances and noise issues, Howells said. To avoid these issues, contractors are encouraged to pursue updated training and certification on duct design and moisture management. Other issues include placing the unit in a hard-to-reach location, failing to account for the impact of ventilation on humidity levels, and poor integration with system controls.  

“[Which] leads to the dehumidifier running unnecessarily or not at all, which reduces the accuracy of humidity readings and responsiveness,” said Howells.  

Telling Homeowners What’s Up  

Getting the design and installation right is critical — but none of it matters if homeowners don’t understand the value of what they’re getting. That’s where this growing opportunity for contractors comes in. But, to meet today’s demands, HVACR contractors must consider more than just square footage.  

“The demand for advanced dehumidification systems is surging due to evolving home construction practices, energy-efficient HVAC technologies, mandatory mechanical ventilation, and heightened homeowner expectations for precise, year-round indoor environmental control,” said Krueger.  

According to recent research in the 2024 edition of “What Home Buyers Really Want” by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Economics & Housing Policy, whole-home dehumidification systems ranked among the top 15 green features that Americans consider essential or desirable, coming in at number 12. 

Howells said there are three key indicators installers use when deciding whether or not dehumidification is the appropriate solution for the customer at hand: occupant comfort, indoor health risks, and the presence of moisture-sensitive materials in the home. 

According to Howells, many homeowners lower the thermostat to feel more comfortable, not realizing that high humidity (especially above 60%) is often the real issue. Elevated RH can also support mold, bacteria, and pests. Additionally, homes with wood flooring, antiques, or other hygroscopic materials are more vulnerable to humidity-related damage, making targeted moisture control an important safeguard. 

The Contractor’s Expanding Role 

As these systems become more common in high-performance homes, HVAC professionals aren’t just installing equipment — they’re shaping how people understand comfort, health, and home protection.  

Krueger noted that the EPA ranks IAQ as one of the top five environmental threats to public health. Even more alarming, she added, according to Underwriters Laboratories, six out of every 10 homes pose health risks to their occupants. 

“The role of HVAC contractors is shifting from traditional installers to whole-home comfort and health consultants, driven by the integration of humidity control into comprehensive IAQ and energy strategies,” said Krueger.  

Now that homeowners are more aware of the link between humidity, air quality, and health, over time, dehumidification has become a part of whole-home IAQ systems. This evolution can empower contractors to lead homeowners through the complexities of modern humidity management and IAQ.  

“Instead of being seen merely as equipment installers or repair technicians, contractors are increasingly becoming IAQ specialists. … Homeowners are beginning to expect HVAC contractors to educate them on how balanced humidity improves comfort, health, and protects the home,” said Howells. “Systems are now more connected because homeowners want seamless control and performance.”