When it comes time for a more permanent dehumidification solution in your home or building, a wall-mount dehumidifier might be the best answer. These dehumidifiers are installed in or on a wall to remove excess moisture from your space and help keep your indoor humidity at the right level.
How do wall dehumidifiers work, what are the top options, and are they right for you? Keep reading to find out.
- What is a Wall-Mount Dehumidifier?
- How do Wall-Mount Dehumidifiers Work?
- Where to use a Wall Dehumidifier
- In-Wall vs. On-Wall Dehumidifiers: How to Choose
- Factors to Consider When Installing a Wall Dehumidifier
- Top Brands for In-Wall and On-Wall Dehumidifiers
- Additional Dehumidifier Resources
What is a Wall-Mount Dehumidifier?
We're all familiar with freestanding dehumidifiers, which sit somewhere in your room, work to remove moisture from your air, and then empty the bucket when it's full. But what exactly is a wall-mount dehumidifier?
As their name suggests, wall-mount dehumidifiers are placed in or on your wall. In-wall dehumidifiers recess into the wall, usually between studs, and are perfect for those looking for a flush-wall installation.
On-wall dehumidifiers can be mounted directly on walls for a less invasive installation on various surfaces, including drywall, concrete, masonry, CMU block, stucco, and more.
How do Wall-Mount Dehumidifiers Work?
While individual functions can vary slightly from one manufacturer to another, in general, this is how these refrigerant (compressor) dehumidifiers work:
- Step 1: The dehumidifier pulls air from your home or building into its coils via a fan.
- Step 2: The coils help create condensation to remove moisture from the air. That moisture stays in a tank for later emptying or is drained directly into a hub drain or plumbing line.
- Step 3: The dehumidifier's fan then releases the dehumidified air into your space, helping to create a more comfortable living or working environment.
Where to use a Wall Dehumidifier
Wall dehumidifiers are the perfect choice for a variety of applications, including:
- Apartments, dorms, and other multi-family buildings
- Existing single-family homes
- New Construction
- Hotels
- Schools
- Mixed-use facilities
- Businesses and office space
In-Wall vs. On-Wall Dehumidifiers: How to Choose
How do you choose between on-wall and in-wall dehumidifiers? It depends on your individual needs and space.
In-Wall Dehumidifiers
Since in-wall dehumidifiers fit into a wall recess, they're typically tankless and run independently of your building's HVAC system. Installing dehumidifiers in walls is ideal for:
- New Construction
- Renovation
- Existing Properties
On-Wall Dehumidifiers
Like in-wall dehumidifiers, on-wall dehumidifiers are usually tankless and run independently of your HVAC system. Their less intensive on-wall installation is perfect for creative installations like kitchen islands, cabinets, and hard surface walls where recessing into the wall is difficult.
Factors to Consider When Installing a Wall Dehumidifier
When choosing when and where to install your in-wall or on-wall dehumidifier, there are a few factors to consider:
- Location: How big is your home or building, and can the dehumidifier handle the space? Can the dehumidifier be installed without blocking an air vent? Does your floor plan allow for optimal airflow?
- Draining System: How will you drain your dehumidifier? Will you use gravity or a condensate pump? Is a drain location accessible using a hose?
- Power Source: What is your preferred power source? Do you want to plug the unit in or hardwire it?
- Material: Look at the type of material the unit will be mounted on or in. Knowing the depth of the wall will help you decide between in-wall or on-wall installation.
Top Brands for In-Wall and On-Wall Dehumidifiers
Innovative Dehumidifiers
Innovative Dehumidifier Systems have changed the industry and how people think about solving moisture problems. Two models are available for either in-wall or on-wall installation, so it’s easy to find the right one for your home or building.
Innovative Dehumidifier Systems IW25-4 Dehumidifier
Innovative IW25-4 Dehumidifiers revolutionize moisture removal by being mounted on or installed directly into your wall. Featuring ion generators, they provide cleaner air and are ideal for staying healthy in multi-family housing, hotels, garages, basements, and apartments.
Installation Options
- IW25-4 In Wall Dehumidifier: The in-wall unit is installed into a wall recess between 16-inch studs. It easily fits into 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 walls. These are popular for customers looking for a flush wall installation or in new construction
- IW25-4 On Wall Dehumidifier: This on-wall unit is designed for less invasive installation and can be mounted directly onto a wall on a variety of surfaces.
Santa Fe Dehumidifiers
Known as the industry leader in moisture removal, Santa Fe offers rugged and reliable home dehumidifiers and more. Their original in-wall dehumidifier, the MD33, is no exception.
Santa Fe In-Wall Dehumidifier (UltraMD33)
Known as the first true in-wall dehumidifier, designed to fit between two wall studs, the UltraMD33 maintains a healthy, comfortable living space. It’s sized for rooms and areas up to 1,200 square feet and removes up to 33 pints daily in rooms or multi-family housing.
Installation
The dehumidifier requires an opening 14.5 inches across and 30.25 inches tall. Because you must cut through both walls on either side of the dehumidifier, the installation must be in an interior wall. It can be hardwired into existing electrical or plugged into a 120-volt outlet.
Additional Dehumidifier Resources
Check out some of our other top dehumidifier-related articles to learn more about what a new dehumidifier can do for your home or business.
- Dehumidifier Buying Guide
- 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Dehumidifier
- How To Choose the Right Size Dehumidifier
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dehumidifiers
- How Moisture in Basements and Crawl Spaces Can Affect Your Whole House
Visit Our Dehumidifier Knowledge Center
In Summary
These refrigerant dehumidifiers function like freestanding units; however, they can be conveniently recessed or mounted on a wall. Remember that they still require draining, so plan accordingly before installation.
Questions
Have additional questions about in-wall and on-wall dehumidifiers? Give one of our product experts at 1-800-934-9194.
