[natickdan]

Based on reading a number of post about leaving the house for long periods, I now realize I need a dehumidistat installed. I could use some help with how I go about doing so.

Based on some remarks I've read, I know I need a contractor that knows what they are doing and also guarantees their workmanship. I would appreciate any recommendations for such a person.

Do I purchase a dehumidistat through the installation contractor or do I purchase it myself? If I purchase myself, where do I do so? It looks like Honeywell gets most of the hits on google. Is there another brand that is known to be more reliable?

I would also appreciating any pricing ranges I should expect to pay. This is our first time needing such a unit and I have no idea what a fair price is, so any input would be appreciated.

As always....thanx!

[Uptown Girl]

After doing some research online and here on TOTV, we decided to purchase a Honeywell IAQ. (a higher end model/ about $500.)
We contracted with Munn's Sales & Service. They took time to answer our questions and give suggestions. They volunteered to send out 3 different models/brands for us to consider. (Some less expensive than the IAQ )

The Tech they sent was instructed (per the worksheet) to give us a rundown on the advantages/disadvantages of each, answer any questions and let us decide.

Munn's allowed 2 hours (per the worksheet) to give us plenty of time and attention. The Tech also came exactly on time.

We ended up choosing a model with less bells and whistles, and the Tech installed it within 20 minutes. Painless, pleasant and no mess to clean up.
Total cost: $179.
Of course, we have only had it for a week, so I can't tell you much more. For our purposes, I believe this will do just fine.
I'm impressed with Munn's.

[65stang]

Handie installed one in my house and my brother in law's

Reasonable, neat, and quick!

His number is **************


One mass guy to another!

[ijusluvit]

I think Chuck Farrell Co in Lady Lake is one of the most reputable companies in the Villages area. I have one of the Trane heating/cooling systems which is a "lemon". Chuck has done two major repairs for significantly less than similar repairs other companies did for my neighbors units. I inquired about a dehumidistat and was talked out of it on the basis that I would not recover the cost (between $100-150) of installation over a reasonable number of years. I am a believer that setting the cooling temp at 85 will prevent any mold from forming even over lengthy periods, and that the cost of doing that is negligible. It has worked for me for six years.

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by 65stang

Handie installed one in my house and my brother in law's

Reasonable, neat, and quick!

His number is **************


One mass guy to another!

We also used Handie. We paid $75, which included the dehumidistat and installation. We used it last summer and it worked great. The electric bills ranged from around $25 to around $35. There was no sign of mold nor was there any musty odor when we returned to TV last fall.
Some people have expressed doubt as to the effectivness of this gadget. I assure you that it works if installed correctly. Feel free to P.M. me if you'd like to discuss it further.

[l2ridehd]

Another satisfied customer of Handie. Have had him install two and will use him in a third home. Cost was $75 including unit. That was a couple years ago so price has probably gone up along with everything else.

[natickdan]

Thanks for the responses and your opinions. I've sent a pm out requesting additional information regarding Handie...If I have one installed, I'll be happy to post my experience.

[ajbrown]

When you go through the process I would be interested in why de-humidistat's are installed differently by different contractors. I have still not found an answer and if you find anything by asking potential installers I would be interested. I am not sure if there is a right or wrong way, but wanted to hear from other installers. Here is a thread where I discussed my wiring:

Help understanding operation of my AC unit with de-humidistat

Mine is intentionally wired so that the thermostat alone controls the air handler. If the temperature goes above 85 in the house the thermostat calls for cool and the air handler comes on. Other folks have theirs wired so that the air handler comes on only if the thermostat AND the de-humidistat call for cool.


In both cases the compressor comes on only when both the thermostat and the de-humidistat call for cool.

[iaudit]

Here is an article that describes a situation where wiring the dehumidistat in parallel could be harmful:

http://www.myhousetenders.com/mt/index.html

[iaudit]

Originally Posted by ajbrown

When you go through the process I would be interested in why de-humidistat's are installed differently by different contractors. I have still not found an answer and if you find anything by asking potential installers I would be interested. I am not sure if there is a right or wrong way, but wanted to here from other installers. Here is a thread where I discussed my wiring:

Help understanding operation of my AC unit with de-humidistat

Mine is intentionally wired so that the thermostat alone controls the air handler. If the temperature goes above 85 in the house the thermostat calls for cool and the air handler comes on. Other folks have theirs wired so that the air handler comes on only if the thermostat AND the de-humidistat call for cool.


In both cases the compressor comes on only when both the thermostat and the de-humidistat call for cool.

Alan

The series wiring described in this thread by ricthemic would stop your air handler from running if the green wire is removed from the thermostat connection and combined with the yellow wire that is connected to the dehumidistat.

Dehumidifier hookup???

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by iaudit

Here is an article that describes a situation where wiring the dehumidistat in parallel could be harmful:

http://www.myhousetenders.com/mt/index.html

This is an excellent article, full of things to think about. I appreciate you taking the time to share it.

Alan