Both the DrizAir 2400 and DrizAir 2000 models are both powerful dehumidifiers (rated at 240 and 200 pints per day respectively). I have worked with two different versions of the 2400 and a brand new 2000 unit for several weeks. These units do a great job of pulling water out of the air, but most importantly, they are also quite easy for ONE person to bring up and down stairs, and load into a mini-van without requiring a ramp (since they can be moved laying down)-- a key feature for these mobile units.
I really like these Dri-Eaz units and the only problems I found were the "user interface" and the initial power-on state.
The DrizAir 2400 turns on in the "OFF" state and requires that the "ON" button be manually pressed in order to make the dehumidifier run. While this might be useful to avoid compressor problems after a power failure, this feature requires manual intervention after any power fluctuation or failure, because the unit can't turn itself on. Power can fail when these 11 amp devices are run on 120 VAC power, especially when run on temporary power after a flood.
The only digital display is the hours meter that is quite easy to read on newer versions due to its bright backlighting.
Since the operator panel consists of 3 buttons (ON/OFF/Purge) and 3 corresponding red LEDs, it is VERY easy to tell if the unit is on or off from across the room. All it takes is a quick glance.
The newest model from Dri-Eaz, the DrizAir 2000, has solved the power-on issue by using a time delay of 20 to 60 seconds when power is applied. This is a great feature since the unit will automatically restart after all power interruptions (unlike the 2400 which requires a manual restart).
Since the top of the unit is flat and no indicator lamp is lit, you can't tell if the unit is on or off from across the room.
Unfortunately, the addition of backlighting on newer 2400 units didn't make it onto the 2000 and because of this, you may need a flashlight to determine the power on/off status. To do this, you need to check for the presence or absence of either "FF" or "N" in the phrases "Dehumidifier ON" or "Dehumidifier OFF". (assuming that English is the default language). There is not any power indicator other than these words on the display. There is no reason that a $2,000 AC-powered machine can't be backlit and I also feel that there should be a bright indicator lamp to make it easier to tell if the unit is ON.
The DrizAir 2000 can display a wide variety of error messages, which can be presented in four different languages, but I believe that many non-technical people will be more comfortable with the simplistic 3 button/ 3 indicator interface of the 2400. I think a combination of a both indicator lights and digital display would be the best approach.
The flat top of the 2000 allows vertical stacking of units on a truck and while I'm not sure I would want to stack several thousand dollars of equipment of top of each other, as I drive (or bounce) down the road, I am told that this is a useful feature.
A powerful feature of both the DrizAir 2000 and DrizAir 2400 models that I made use of was the six inch circular output vent located in the rear. This makes it easy to direct dehumidified air to another portion of the room or another floor of the house, by using flexible or disposable ducting. This greatly saves on fan and power usage and also provides a greater "whole house" air flow.
| Comparison to other units |
The most significant difference between these Dri-Eaz units and other dehumidifiers is their rounded style and overall look. In fact, the DrizAir 2400, won the 1999 Appliance Manufacturer Excellence in Design award in the HVAC products category. The radical shape of these particular Dri-Eaz models are quite different from other dehumidifiers, which are simply clunky metal boxes on wheels. The Dri-Eaz units are quite rugged, but are also light enough for easy transport and home usage.
While I have had only a brief experience with another industrial dehumidifier, the Guardian 2000, I did notice that the Guardian unit required two people to move it up and down stairs between floors. (I was able to easily move the 2400 and 2000 between floors all by myself, the very first time I used them. The weight balance of the 2400 was incredible -- I didn't mind moving it between floors because it was so easy to do.)
I also noticed that because the air intake on the Guardian units are on the very top while the Dri-Eaz units have an intake on the bottom where the heavy wet air is. This requires that air moving fans will actually need to move the air upwards and not in a circular motion around the room. Also, the dehumidified air exhaust on the Guardian is square, near the bottom of the unit which requires an optional attachment to connect to circular venting.
The blue, plastic construction of the Dri-Eaz units are much more forgiving to walls and doorways of homes, if you happen to slip. You will scratch the dehumidifier, instead of the house. Since the Guardians' are made of stainless steel, the wall or molding that they might contact will always lose in the encounter. (I personally saw it happen when the Guardian units were removed.) I feel that the Dri-Eaz units worked quite well for me through my flood ordeal and have extracted hundreds of gallons of water from the air.
Dri-Eaz also makes a "half-sized" DrizAir 1200 unit that provides great power (120 pints per day) in a size only slightly larger than a consumer dehumidifier. The 1200 version I saw offered the same controls as the 2400.
I realize that I am a novice to dehumidification, but if the 2000 model had a backlit display, along with a bright "ON" indicator light that could be seen across the room, the DrizAir 2000 would be the perfect dehumidifier.
Dri-Eaz was founded in 1980 and is an industry leader in drying technology, equipment and training.
Copyright
© 2002 Rick Smith All rights reserved.
