Moisture Management: Consumers Focus on Smart and Multi functional Products

HVAC contractors are actively seeking for energy-efficient solutions to try and meet the ever-growing and challenging customers’ humidification and dehumidification needs. According to market research and forecasts, the market for humidifiers globally is projected to surpass $1 billion by end of 2019. Grand View Research Inc. expects the market to touch $3.54 billion mark by 2022.

Manufacturers are constantly innovating and rolling new moisture management products into the market. The AHR Expos are testament to the degree of innovation currently at play in the HVAC industry.

Whole-House Solutions

Product specialists in the industry have noted growing opportunities for whole-house solutions in the humidification market. The opportunities are especially in homes that are heated with hydronic heating systems. Irrespective of the manner in which a home is heated, dry air is a big issue. HVAC contractors on the other hand are excited to offer moisture management solutions to consumers with radiators, mini splits, and other ductless systems.

One of the solutions is steam humidifiers that link with non-ducted applications. These humidifiers generate steam through electrodes which extend into a water-filled disposable canister. The water is brought to boil by the current that flows between the electrodes. A single steam humidifier produces anything between 11.5 and 34.6 gallons daily. On top of this, they are easy to maintain, flexible in installation, quiet in operation, and their humidification capacity is impressively high. Such whole-home humidifiers enhance customer satisfaction particularly for those who do not have forced air systems.

Multifunction

Another trend in the humidification market is that consumers are gradually opting for humidification solutions that have direct evaporative cooling (DEC). This is because such solutions offer cooling in hot dry summer months and humidification in cold dry winter months.

Additionally, direct evaporative cooling is energy efficient because the cooling process uses water and not refrigeration. Some of the evaporative humidifiers and coolers are designed specifically for integration into air handling systems within industrial and residential buildings.

Some direct evaporative cooling systems such as FA6 Evaporative Humidifier/Cooler has a modular design making it useful for both cooling and humidification. It also comes with 3 nominal humidification efficiencies (65%, 85%, and 95%), exceptional controllability and low pressure drop.  Because of the modularity, this multifunctional system is economically feasible for both medium and large-scale HVAC applications.

Smaller Footprint

Due to the cost of real estate, homeowners and facility managers are opting for equipment that occupies smaller footprints. Mechanical contractors are looking for equipment designed for simpler installations because such solutions reduce job costs, potential on-site installation challenges, and installation learning curves. When installation is simplified, commission issues are significantly reduced. A good example of this is the new NE-Series indoor pool dehumidifier by Seresco. It has been reconfigured for smaller footprints. To make it even more attractive, it matches well with the configuration of the R3 Expansion Module which means additional cost cutting efficiencies for space heating, heat rejection, and pool water heating over and above the conventional performance of the NE-Series.

Smart Controls

The ability to monitor and control indoor air quality products from a remote location, is defining the trend in humidification and dehumidification markets. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious in environmental and energy concerns and more educated on indoor air quality solutions and their impact.

Indoor air quality product manufacturers are working closely with HVAC contractors now than ever before so that together they can come up with the right tools and products that identify customer needs and solve them. Homeowners and contactors are looking for assurances that the expensive indoor air quality product investments that they make actually work, last long, and are easy to maintain.

In the 2017 AHR Expo, General Filters displayed its DH75 dehumidifier that comes with a digital control interface. This unit is much smaller and lighter than many of the solutions currently in the market. This makes it easier for it to be installed in tight spaces. The intuitive interface communicates humidity levels and desired temperature settings.

Going into 2018, the moisture management consumer segment is likely to attract a lot of products and players. The innovation and customization needed requires a change in strategy and a tweak in the technology currently in use.