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Spend $200 now and SAVE $40 each year... ROI = 20%
Many small businesses have imbalanced HVAC systems that leave certain rooms in the summer significantly warmer and often more humid than other rooms. So, rather than cranking up the AC to make a few of the rooms more comfortable consider a 30 to 40 pint dehumidifier. You can save more than $20 per year, which adds up to more than $250 over the life of the dehumidifier. When you make the purchase, look for ENERGY STAR® qualified dehumidifiers that remove the same amount of moisture as a similarly-sized standard unit, but uses 10-20 percent less energy. The energy that you save with the more efficient dehumidifier could power your break room refrigerator for half a year.
ENERGY STAR® qualified models have more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans than conventional models, which means they use less energy to remove moisture. Relative Humidity (RH) is the amount of water vapor actually present in the air compared to the greatest amount of water vapor the air can hold at that temperature. The optimum RH level for a building is generally considered to be between 30% and 50%. Anything above this range may promote bacteria growth, which could not only create an uncomfortable work environment, but a health risk to your employees.
With a dehumidifier, you can see the RH and set the desired level that you would like for the room, since most dehumidifiers include a built-in humidistat. Once the room reaches the desired RH level, the dehumidifier will cycle on and off automatically to maintain the level. In colder climates, during the heating season, humidity levels should be in the range of 30% to 40% RH to prevent window condensation.
The ROI Calculation is based on saving $20 per year in electricity plus an additional allowance for $20 per year in the offset for what could be lost productivity time due to employee discomfort. The typical 30 to 40 pint dehumidifiers cost between $175 and $225.
Payback Time in Years: | Added Cost: | Annual SAVINGS | 5 Year SAVINGS | Return on Investment (ROI): |
---|---|---|---|---|
5.0 | $200 | $40 | $200 | 20.0% |