On today’s R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes Nikki Kruger from Santa Fe dehumidifiers. As the industry grapples with the challenges of increasingly airtight homes, Nikki sheds light on the latest innovations in dehumidification technology and their role in maintaining healthy, comfortable living spaces.
Nikki brings over 20 years of experience in the indoor air quality (IAQ) industry to her role as Director of Marketing & Business Development at Santa Fe Dehumidifiers. A RESNET certified home energy rater and member of various industry committees, including the ACCA Manual Low Load Homes (LLH) Advisory Committee, Nikki is at the forefront of developing effective and sustainable solutions for ventilation and moisture control in buildings.
Ken and Nikki debunk dehumidification myths and reveal surprising insights about current technologies. Nikki's expertise shines as she explains why some popular solutions may not be as effective as commonly believed. As she pointedly states, "Everybody wants to use a technology to dehumidify that's not a dehumidifier... The reality of keeping our mechanical systems separate in order for them to focus and being able to deliver what we actually need is the simplest solution for the HVAC community."
In this episode:
- The impact of tighter building envelopes on indoor air quality and the need for mechanical ventilation
- Strategies for managing humidity in energy-efficient homes, including whole-house dehumidifiers
- The importance of proper HVAC system sizing in modern, well-insulated buildings
- Challenges with exhaust-only ventilation systems and the benefits of supply ventilation
- Discussion of dehumidification needs in various climate zones and building types, including Passive Houses
- The role of occupant behavior in managing indoor humidity and comfort
- Sizing considerations for dehumidifiers in different applications, such as crawl spaces and living spaces
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