Maintaining the correct humidity in commercial environments goes far beyond comfort—it’s a critical measure to protect high-value products, thwart mold growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard sensitive equipment. Two leading brands in North America, Quest and Anden, have become go-to solutions for large-scale dehumidification needs, especially in cannabis cultivation and self-storage facilities. This guide examines how each brand performs in these real-world contexts, offering a detailed look at sizing, efficiency, ROI, maintenance, and more, updated with the most current data and best practices.
Excess humidity can cause a host of issues, including mildew, mold, rot, rust, and even health-code or compliance violations. Some key use cases:
Bud Grow Facilities
Prevents bud rot, mildew, and powdery mold.
Maintains optimal vapor pressure deficit (VPD).
Preserves cannabinoid and terpene profiles through curing.
Self-Storage Buildings
Preserves wooden furniture, electronics, and paper-based items.
Reduces tenant complaints and supports premium pricing for climate-controlled units.
Museums and Archives
Maintains stable RH to protect delicate artifacts, inks, and adhesives.
Food Warehouses
Preserves packaging integrity and reduces spoilage.
Data Centers & Labs
Minimizes condensation on sensitive electronics.
Maintains static-safe humidity levels (45–55% RH).
Proper sizing involves looking at more than just square footage. Key factors include:
Cubic Volume (Length × Width × Height).
Ambient Conditions: Local climate (temperature and RH).
Moisture Load: Number of occupants or plants, infiltration rates, HVAC setup.
Target RH: Often 45–55% for general commercial applications, up to 60% for specific grow conditions.
Example: A 3,000 sq ft sealed cannabis grow (10 ft ceilings) amounts to 30,000 cu ft. With ~50 mature plants, you may need 600–800 pints/day total capacity. Splitting this capacity between multiple dehumidifiers helps balance the load and prevents a single point of failure.
Below are representative models from both brands. Always check specific manufacturer specs for exact pints/kWh and amperage, as each line offers varied features (single-speed vs. variable-speed compressors, etc.).
|
Model |
Capacity (Pints/Day) |
Efficiency (Pints/kWh)* |
Voltage |
Current Draw (Amps)* |
|
~746 |
~7.1 |
480V 3-Phase |
~6.5 |
|
|
~500 |
~9.2 |
208–230V |
~10.9 @208V |
|
|
~335 |
~8.0 |
208–230V |
~8.4 @208V |
|
|
~225 |
~7.6 |
208–230V |
~6.1 @208V |
|
|
~155 |
~8.5 |
110–120V |
~6.9 |
|
|
~100 |
~7.5 |
110–120V |
~5.0 |
|
|
Quest 70 (120V) |
~70 |
~5.0 |
110–120V |
~5.1 |
|
Model |
Capacity (Pints/Day) |
Efficiency (Pints/kWh)* |
Voltage |
Current Draw (Amps)* |
|
~710 |
~6.5–7.0 |
208–240V |
~11.0 |
|
|
~320 |
~7.0+ |
208–240V |
~7.0 |
|
|
~210 |
~6.8+ |
208–240V |
~6.2 |
|
|
~130 |
~6.5 |
120V |
~5.8 |
|
|
~100 |
~6.3 |
120V |
~5.1 |
*All data is approximate and can vary by model/configuration. Refer to official product sheets for precise values.
Energy Efficiency
Quest: Often excels in high-efficiency performance, with top-end units reaching over 9.0 pints/kWh in ideal conditions.
Anden: Newer VLGR (variable-speed) models commonly achieve 7.0+ pints/kWh, depending on the environment.
Warranties
Quest: Typically offers a 5-year warranty on compressors and sealed systems.
Anden: Often provides 5 years on compressors/sealed systems, with 1–2 years on other parts (depending on the model).
Lifespan
Both can operate reliably for 8+ years, subject to factors like ambient temperature, dust, and regular maintenance.
Users frequently find that larger Quest models, in particular, can exceed a decade of service if filters and coils are tended to on schedule.
Drainage: Gravity drains are preferred over pumps. Incorporate traps and slopes for smooth flow.
Clearance: Aim for at least 12" around each unit to ensure proper airflow and ease of servicing.
Ducting: Undersized ducting can degrade performance. Always follow the manufacturer’s design guidelines.
Filter & Coil Care: Replace filters every 90 days (or more frequently in harsh conditions). Clean coils annually, or sooner if debris and dust accumulate quickly.
Humid Zones (e.g., Southeast, PNW): High ambient RH demands a higher-capacity or multiple-unit approach.
Arid Zones (e.g., Southwest): Even if outside humidity is low, indoor activities (like irrigation in grow rooms) can still spike RH. Variable-speed units handle these fluctuating conditions effectively.
Cold Zones (e.g., Northern US): Watch out for ice formation and condensation in unheated areas. Use auto-defrost units and insulate drain lines.
Space Type (grow, storage, archive, etc.)
Volume (total cubic feet vs. just square footage)
Target RH (45–55% for typical commercial, 50–60% for grow rooms)
Climate Zone (humid, arid, cold, etc.)
Electrical Infrastructure (voltage/amperage available)
Mounting Options (freestanding, ducted, ceiling-hung)
Noise Constraints (public area vs. sealed space)
Automation/BMS Integration (variable-speed tech, external controllers)
Commercial cannabis cultivation presents one of the highest moisture-load scenarios for dehumidifiers. Plants constantly transpire, raising humidity levels—and in sealed grow rooms, that moisture lingers without adequate ventilation or dehumidification. Here’s how Quest and Anden each address these challenges, along with considerations to ensure your grow stays mold-free and high-yielding.
Maintaining VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit)
Quest Advantage: High-efficiency operation (pints/kWh) suits 24/7 sealed grow environments, where dehumidifiers may run continuously to hold the VPD in the optimum range.
Anden Advantage: Models featuring VLGR adapt to the rapidly changing moisture loads throughout a day/night cycle. This can reduce energy use by matching output to real-time humidity levels.
Ducting & Airflow Management
Grow rooms often employ fan-driven circulation to keep air moving across the canopy. Quest’s large-capacity units can handle ducted or free-standing configurations, ensuring balanced coverage in multi-room grows.
Anden’s smaller footprint units can be easier to fit into dense mechanical spaces, especially if you’re adding them after a facility expansion.
Preventing Bud Rot & Powdery Mildew
Both brands help keep RH steady around 50–60%, a sweet spot to prevent microbial growth while preserving terpenes.
Maintenance is critical: In a high-spore environment, filters clog faster. Changing them at least every 90 days (sometimes even monthly) can significantly reduce issues.
Temperature Interaction
Many cannabis grows also rely on air conditioning to remove sensible heat. Dehumidifiers handle latent heat (moisture), and some models do generate additional heat as they run. If your grow runs hot, Anden’s variable-speed approach can help mitigate large heat spikes. Quest’s line is well-known for robust performance in heavy-load scenarios but may introduce more heat if run constantly at full capacity.
Scalability & ROI
For multi-room or large-scale grows, Quest’s top-tier efficiency can be a major cost-saver over many years.
Conversely, Anden’s simpler electrical requirements (lower starting amperage on certain models) may reduce up-front wiring costs. This can be beneficial in older facilities or retrofit situations.
Self-storage facilities have increasingly turned to climate-controlled units to attract higher-paying tenants and protect stored goods. High humidity can cause mold, mildew, rust, and musty odors, all of which lead to customer complaints and insurance issues. Here’s how Anden and Quest perform in this sector:
Variability of Contents
Wooden furniture, electronics, documents, and fabrics are especially prone to moisture damage. A stable RH near 50% extends the lifespan of these items.
Quest’s high-capacity models—like the Quest 506—can cover large expanses of storage units, reducing the need for multiple smaller machines.
Noise and Public Spaces
Unlike grow rooms (which are often sealed and off-limits), self-storage corridors can be semi-public. Anden dehumidifiers tend to run slightly quieter (~55–60 dB), which could be a factor if tenants frequently visit.
If your storage facility is partially indoors, consider the unit’s placement to minimize noise or vibrations.
Humidity Infiltration and Seasonal Shifts
Storage sites in humid climates (such as Florida or the Gulf Coast) see massive daily infiltration loads—tenants opening and closing doors, high ambient RH, and infiltration through older or less insulated buildings.
Multiple units distributed strategically might outperform one large central dehumidifier. Quest and Anden both support ducted configurations that tie into existing HVAC or run standalone.
Energy Costs & ROI
A key selling point for climate-controlled units is the higher rental premium. However, operating costs can erode profits if the dehumidifiers aren’t efficient.
Quest typically shines in lower long-term energy consumption, which can be crucial if you’re running units 24/7 across thousands of square feet.
Anden can still deliver solid efficiency, especially with VLGR models, and might be more cost-effective initially or simpler to install for smaller facilities.
Tenant Satisfaction & Insurance
High humidity may void certain storage insurance coverage or cause higher claims. Both Quest and Anden help you maintain a consistent 45–55% RH that insurers favor.
Happy tenants who trust the facility’s environmental control are more likely to renew and refer others.
Modularity & Future Expansion
If you plan to expand your facility, you may opt for multiple mid-range units instead of one or two extremely large ones, ensuring you can scale up as new blocks of storage open.
Quest’s robust ducting options and Anden’s flexible mounting configurations both cater well to modular expansion—just ensure each new area has sufficient drainage and power access.
Choose Quest If You:
Want top-tier energy efficiency (reaching ~9+ pints/kWh in some models).
Operate multiple rooms or 24/7 sealed environments (like commercial grows).
Need robust ducting and proven commercial-grade durability, especially for large or multi-facility operations.
Choose Anden If You:
Have limited power infrastructure or prefer simpler electrical setups.
Require quieter units in more public or frequently accessed spaces (e.g., self-storage).
Value controller-ready, variable-speed technology that adapts to load changes in real time.
In many cases, both brands can serve you well—it boils down to your specific environment, budget, and infrastructure constraints.
Q: Can I use a home dehumidifier in a grow room?
A: No. Home units aren’t built for constant operation under heavy moisture loads. They also lack the robust components needed for 24/7 commercial use.
Q: How loud are commercial dehumidifiers?
A: Quest units typically range ~65–70 dB, while Anden’s are around ~55–60 dB. Exact noise levels depend on the model, placement, and ducting.
Q: Can these units integrate with automation software?
A: Yes. Anden units often feature compatibility with proprietary or third-party controllers. Quest typically works well with external humidistats or building management systems (BMS).
Q: What RH should I target for storage?
A: Aim for 45–60%, depending on the nature of the items stored. Electronics or paper archives might need lower RH.
Q: Is it better to use multiple units instead of one large one?
A: Often, yes—splitting capacity improves redundancy, reduces wear on each unit, and can yield more uniform humidity control across large or subdivided spaces.
At Grow Light Central, we specialize in matching the ideal dehumidifier to your specific needs—whether it’s a high-traffic self-storage facility or a tightly sealed cannabis grow operation. We carry a full line of Quest and Anden models and can help you balance up-front costs, long-term energy savings, and noise constraints.
Contact us today – No pressure, just straight answers from our experts.
Grow Light Central is your go-to source for comprehensive climate control solutions. From large-scale cultivation rooms to community self-storage sites, we know the challenges of managing humidity—and we have the insights and products to ensure you’re always protected.
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