Whole house dehumidifier

So we renovated a couple of years ago and have Mitsubishi mini splits through out the whole house, pretty much one per room and have a nest thermostat controlling each one. We are having an issue with humidity on our top floor. Does anyone know any amazing HVAC companies or Engineers that can help solve this problem? Our contractor and his people so far have not been able to come up with a solution and I am thinking we need to maybe just add a dehumidifier in.

Thanks!

Guest User | 4 years and 1 month ago

13

Please log in, in order to post replies!

13 replies

Newest Oldest

agdipierro

in General Discussion 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#5121 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5124 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193981"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "agdipierro"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjDTuwCj4tgSBxiRfyvL5BfmyXSBWO."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "agdipierro"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "alyssagdipierro@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:51:26"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(31) "Alyssa diPierro Alyssa diPierro"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193981)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Try Chris Wisniewski of Integrate Comfort Systems at:
(866) – 749-6331 ext. 701
chris@icshvac.com

nyc_sport | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5129 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5130 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "39535"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "nyc_sport"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BFv.HDXnnlYzjvInY5Q64aXS/5iuhf1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "nyc_sport"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "btfraw@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/nyc_sport/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:50"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(45) "1716947865:$P$BBdyqKX22eBh6JksYu8L5KasH0jSlb."
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "nyc_sport"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(39535)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

If you are getting a stand-alone dehumidifier, invest in a quality one. The usual Home Depot or electronic store models have limited capacity and themselves dispense a lot of heat. We have a Santa Fe model with a condensate pump in the basement of our weekend house and it is miles quieter and more efficient than our previous units. Certainly not cheap.

yudashasom | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5122 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5128 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194528"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BKrcOOJj2qysH3kdOE3mMqxeyqPZ1m0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "yudashasom@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(29) "Dasha Sominski Dasha Sominski"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194528)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

All HVAC, Iceberg Mechanical.. is your building spray foamed?

Guest User | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198912"

@no-permitz an architect and engineer signed off on it, which brings me back to my question does anyone have an amazing HVAC contractor or Engineer we can engage to solve the problem!

krobertson

in General Discussion 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#4907 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5133 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194495"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "krobertson"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BBD9r8yX5MeTzOFjXyQNTORI18Pw7y."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "krobertson"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(26) "K.robertson@resnewyork.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 14:44:17"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(37) "Keatrice Robertson Keatrice Robertson"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194495)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Just noting that the built in dehumidifier on my Mitsubishi split unit is not nearly effective as a dedicated dehumidifier. I ran my Mitsubishi unit in a humid basement and the humidity barely budged. Switched to a portable one I got from Costco and it worked great. And yes, I’m sure the Mitsubishi unit was working since I saw it draining water.

yudashasom | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5125 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5132 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194528"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BKrcOOJj2qysH3kdOE3mMqxeyqPZ1m0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "yudashasom@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(29) "Dasha Sominski Dasha Sominski"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194528)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I know a lot of installers… none would recommend an aftermarket thermostat for the units. step one, get a pro, and use the right thermostats.. that’s why you are having trouble.

Guest User | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198912"

@midwoodflyer that is exactly the issue we are having. Did you find the dehumidifier helped? we have tried to keep it as cold as possible as well and only had one unit running to try and get it to run longer in order to remove more moisture but it didn’t seem to make an appreciable difference. We are running ours on Nest Thermostats which from my understanding limits some of the functionality of the Mitsubishi units but we have them doing hydronic heat control as well and didn’t want two units everywhere. We do have one unit that is cool only and are thinking of trying to switch that thermostat over to a Mitsubishi one in order to have more control but I have also read that when they are in dehumidifier mode they can use a ton of electricity so not sure that is a great option either.

yudashasom | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5120 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5127 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194528"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BKrcOOJj2qysH3kdOE3mMqxeyqPZ1m0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "yudashasom@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(29) "Dasha Sominski Dasha Sominski"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194528)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’ve also seen similar functions on LG splits.

yudashasom | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5121 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5129 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194528"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BKrcOOJj2qysH3kdOE3mMqxeyqPZ1m0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "yudashasom@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(29) "Dasha Sominski Dasha Sominski"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194528)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Many splits have a dehumidifier built in. I’ve seen it on Mitsubishi units – try the “dry” mode.

midwoodflyer | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5127 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "183204"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "midwoodflyer"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BGDDjTZLaIm6nq4tLUmf.YdZ1SE2Cc/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "midwoodflyer"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "Ckflyer80@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:27:04"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "midwoodflyer"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(183204)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We have ducted mini splits in our house and in the summer when the AC is on the humidity can get very high on the top floor. We struggled with this for a few years. Swapped out the skylight to one without a vent, dehumidifier etc. What I have learned through a few years of trouble shooting and research is several things; 1) mini splits are not as effective at removing humidity as a larger a-frame type coil 2) make sure your head units are set so the fan only turns on when AC is called for and not in some ‘low power” mode where it is effectively running at low speeds all the time 3) we keep the top floor as cool as possible in the summer by keeping shades closed 4) put a UV shield on the skylight. All of these things definitely helped however on the hottest days the humidity still does rise to levels that I very much dislike. During my trouble shooting times with hydrometer I measured the air that comes out of the AC registers is sometimes higher humidity, may be due to residual water sitting in the pan and the fan blows that humidity back out into the room. Good Luck!

Guest User | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198912"

@booisgolden my understanding is that they don’t have a separate function but it is part of what they naturally do. Because they are hooked up to Nests which can’t access all the functions from the Mitsubishis they aren’t running as long as they need to in order to get the excess moisture out. We have tried different static pressures to try and get them to run more but that has not helped so far.

@doorsbythetinkerswagon that is an interesting idea just need to find one that is big enough and has some sort of remote pump to deal with drainage.

Would also be interested if either of you or anyone else has any recommendations for MEP Engineeer’s or HVAC companies that might be able to better diagnose the issue.

andriywww1990 | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4908 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4907 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "203055"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "andriywww1990"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Blt0brWx/nXZUp/q2Jf/KmTQg2kVdJ1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(22) "andriywww1990gmail-com"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "andriywww1990@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2021-04-03 17:51:15"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "Andrii Kusevych"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(203055)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

or instead of plunging into a whole house unit right away, experiment with a portable unit. it may not be that you have to run it all that much to solve the problem. we use them on long island and it is not like they have to be on all the time like a/c. maybe once a week or less for 8 or 12 hours.

greenworks | 4 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5131 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5123 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "193898"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BvxiXeodyQysgcTYowSaAwPkHGvc1S0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "greenworks"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(38) "greenworksconstruction936962@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 12:31:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your first name Your last name Your first name Your last name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(193898)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Until you’re able to get to the root of the problem and finding the cause of the excess humidity, check to see if your mini splits have a dehumidifier function. Our LG units do.