They say a team is only as strong as its weakest link — this idea is true for mechanical equipment as well. No matter how good your hardware is, it will not work right if it is not installed and set up correctly by a competent mechanical contractor.
This truth was highlighted by a recent installation of a Seresco indoor pool dehumidifier for a popular hotel chain. This customer benefits from the Dehumidified Air Solutions’ National Accounts Program, and is assured top of the line equipment and services for all its pool facilities across the country. In addition, Dehumidified Air Solutions has a Preferred Partners Program that enables countrywide referrals to qualified contractors for all its National Accounts dehumidifier sales.
Picking the Right Contractor is Key to Success
When it comes to installing pool dehumidifiers, there’s a lot to know. Replacing old and failing equipment becomes complex and challenging. Due note that unique precision HVAC equipment comes with many elements different from traditional rooftop air conditioners and air handlers. With pool installations being less common than other projects, you’ll often find many contractors lacking experience and specialization with dehumidifiers. As a result, the field of contractors qualified to successfully install them is limited.
An example of where this can cause real challenges is with air balancing. Every dehumidifier in a public pool needs to blend a certain amount of outdoor air with its supply airstream, and this amount is adjusted manually at installation with a special balancing damper. This is not dissimilar to a commercial air handler, however for example, if the pool is located in a northern climate and the outdoor air damper was left open too far, it would result with cold air being mixed in with the supply airstream. Cold air is dry air, and when it gets heated the relative humidity (RH) typically drops down to around 30% or 40%.
In a traditional indoor space like an office, humidity levels would likely go unnoticed (a slight increase in the next heating bill is likely), but in a pool environment it is a major problem. The RH can drastically lower more than 50%, increasing the pool’s evaporation rate and energy requirement of the dehumidifier. This can also add discomfort to the swimmers as they will be chilled when exiting the water. Many inexperienced contractors tend to miss valuable intricacies that come with pool installations.
The unique challenges posed by dehumidifier installations are not just faced by the contractor — the owner is implicated as well. After all, knowing how to properly identify qualified contractors will save the client both time and money. Inexperienced contractors can miss quote due to lack of knowledge regarding product cost and time frame for installation.
The National Accounts Solution
These challenges were avoided when one of our major clients purchased a dehumidifier in 2019 through the Dehumidified Air Solutions National Accounts Program. Seresco’s NE-006 unit was provided and installed by a Preferred Partner who specializes in pool dehumidifiers. The hotel had the option of hiring their own contractor, but was familiar with this partner’s track history of success and wanted to replicate that with their project.
Our partner not only installed the new dehumidifier perfectly, but also designed and installed a new duct take off that fit like a glove. Take offs can be tricky as they have to align perfectly with the unit, so expert planning and knowledge is the only way to be sure of getting it done right.
Complete After-Sale Manufacturer Support
Contractors who install HVAC equipment typically have an obligation to support any issues that arise within its first year of operation. Invariably, if problems surface it is likely the contractor won’t be able to solve them on their own. When trial and error doesn’t work, the manufacturer typically ends up being called in to address the issues. The owner can suffer a lot of wasted costs because of these challenges.
With the National Accounts Program, factory support for the product begins at start-up. Dehumidified Air Services, the manufacturer’s service organization, sends a trained technician to supervise all equipment start-ups ensuring a trouble-free operation. As well, the organization offers support requirements for the first year with optional extended service contracts if desired. Factory-direct service ensures the owner gets the best possible support with technicians who work directly for the manufacturer and only service Dehumidified Air Solutions products.
