Healthy Indoor Air Begins
with Santa Fe DeHumidifiers and
Ultra-Aire Dehumidifiers from Unique Dust Mites, Allergens, Molds –
and How Dehumidifiers Help
Dust mites live in upholstered furniture, carpets and mattresses.
Dust mites must absorb their moisture needs from the air. If the
relative humidity is below 50 percent, they perish. But, as humidity
levels rise, their appetites increase. This is significant because their
fecal material is the source of the dominant dust mite allergen.
Ninety percent of us who experience allergy-based sensitivities
react to the dust mite allergen.
Once produced, the allergens settle into fabrics and carpet.
People come into contact with the allergen after vacuuming,
dusting, or making beds has "stirred-up" the area and caused
the allergen to become airborne. Due to its size and shape,
the allergen remains airborne only briefly. For this reason,
air duct cleaning and air filters are ineffective for combating
the dust mite allergen. According to studies conducted at
Wright State University by Dr. Larry Arlien, dust mite
infestations are eliminated if the relative humidity is
maintained below 50%.
Molds require only high humidity and food. They are plentiful
in humid climates. Cooler surfaces create a perfect breeding
area for mold because the relative humidity at the surface
is near 100%.
People react to the mold's spores or to mycotoxins (a toxin)
released by the mold. Unlike the dust mite allergen, mold spores
remain airborne for long periods of time and are always present
in outdoor air. Most mold spores measure 5-10 microns in size
and can be filtered from the air with the proper filter media.
Mold can be eliminated in the home by using dehumidifiers,
which prevents cooler surfaces from becoming damp.
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The Santa Fe & Santa Fe Rx dehumidifiers, and the Ultra-Aire APD
air purifying dehumidifiers maintain relative humidities below the
recommended maximum of 50%, even where there is fresh air ventilation.
These dehumidifiers were developed to provide commercial-grade capacities
while drawing less electricity than most residential 40-pint dehumidifiers.
The best way to combat the problem of humidity migrating through the roof,
walls, and floor is to pressurize the building with air that has been processed
through dehumidifiers. This involves bringing a measured amount of outdoor
air into the structure and dehumidifying it before it enters the living area.
An equal amount of drier indoor air will escape to equalize the pressure.
This ventilation strategy, provided by the Ultra-Aire APD system, prevents
humid outdoor air from infiltrating the structure and offers the ventilation
recommended by health experts.
The Santa Fe is a high-capacity, energy-efficient dehumidifier that has
earned an Energy Star® label (see information in green, below). It removes
more water per unit of electricity than any other qualified dehumidifier.
It can operate as a "stand alone" dehumidifier; simply plug it in, route the
condensate hose to a drain, and set the dehumidistat. It is ideal for basement
and crawlspace applications, since it operates effectively in temperatures
down to 53° F. Santa Fe dehumidifiers maintain relative humidity levels
below 50% in areas up to 3,000 square feet.
An optional duct kit allows Santa Fe dehumidifiers to be located in a mechanical
room and deliver the dried air to other areas via air ducts. Other available options
include a "silencer" kit, a remote dehumidistat and a condensate pump kit.
The Santa Fe Rx operates much more quietly than the Santa Fe, making it
ideal for offices, homes, schools and libraries. The smooth white cabinet creates
a versatile dehumidifier that is suitable with any decor. The internal condensate
pump and 20 feet of drain hose add extra convenience, allowing you to direct
water outside or to a suitable sink or drain. Extremely efficient, the Santa Fe Rx
removes more pints of water per kilowatt of electricity than other residential
dehumidifiers. The Santa Fe Rx, if desired, provides a secondary filter housing.
This housing can hold your choice of HEPA, carbon plus pleated media, or high
efficient (95%) filters, all of which remove dust and other airborne allergens.
Ultra-Aire APD (air purifying dehumidifiers) offer the ultimate in indoor air quality.
This single unit provides fresh air ventilation, air filtration, and whole-house
dehumidification. Ultra-Aire APD dehumidifiers are available in a vertical
configuration for structures up to 2,500 square feet, and a horizontal version for
structures up to 3,500 square feet. In larger structures, multiple dehumidifiers
can be used.
Normally installed adjacent to the air conditioner, Ultra-Aire dehumidifiers use
existing ductwork to distribute fresh, filtered and dehumidified air throughout the
house. Ultra-Aire dehumidifiers also provide the benefits of pressurizing the
home with dry air when the fresh air ventilation feature is selected. The Ultra-Aire
offers a variety of air filtration and ventilation control options.
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*What does the ENERGY STAR mean in choosing dehumidifiers?
Earning the ENERGY STAR means a product meets strict energy efficiency
guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the
Department of Energy.
ENERGY STAR qualified dehumidifiers have more efficient refrigeration coils,
compressors, and fans than dehumidifiers that have not earned the ENERGY STAR
designation, and use less energy to remove moisture.
ENERGY STAR qualified dehumidifiers remove the same amount of moisture
as a similarly-sized standard unit, but use 10-20 percent less energy. The energy
saved by an ENERGY STAR qualified dehumidifier could power your refrigerator
for 6 months!
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