Ebac CD85 Dehumidifier

Ebac CD85 Dehumidifier

The Ebac CD85 is the Ebac counterpart to the Dri-Eaz CMC100. Built in a similar fashion for roughly the same humidity problems, the CD85 is a compact, steel dehumidifier with an integrated pump and built-in humidistat. I had the perfect space in which to test this model. Our home here in GA literally put the "crawl" in crawlspace. Most people think that term refers to the low ceilings where a person can often only crawl and not stand. Not true in my house. My crawl space is literally crawling with insects. Pleasant, I know. After breaking down a test model and running it for a week in my crawlspace, here is what I found.

What I like about the Ebac CD85

First, like most other Ebac models, the unit is well built. The steel frame is durable and ensures that the unit will not be bothered by much less than perhaps a tornado. Unlike other Ebac models though, this unit features a fairly substantial air filter, and for operation in spaces like crawl spaces and basements, this can help filter out dust and debris, keeping the motor performing better, longer.

Once the unit was placed where I needed it, I simply ran the cord to my power outlet then connected the drain hose. For this application, I ported the completely outside of the crawlspace by using a drill and punching a 1" hole through the bottom of the wooden crawlspace door. After this was complete, I set the humidistat/dial and turned the unit on. The noise level was about what I was expecting if not a little less. For crawl spaces and basements, it shouldn't be any concern.

The next morning I first checked the condensate line. Water was slow but steady. In the crawlspace itself the humidity level had settled down to a much more manageable 56%. That was still not where I would like it to be, but a far cry better than the 77% humidity reading I had the day prior to installing the CD85.

I monitored the humidity level each day for the next five days. By the second day, the humidity had fallen nearly to where I wanted it. I dialed it down a little more, and by the third day the humidity was reading under my preferred level of 50%. After my week was complete, there was a very noticeable difference in the crawlies I had in the crawl space. While not all of the spider crickets were gone quite yet, it no longer looked like I was commercially raising them for fish bait in that space!

What I do not like about the Ebac CD85

Though compact, the CD85 is fairly heavy. Luckily for my application, I had someone giving me a hand. I would suggest the same, especially if the installation is in a confined space like a crawl space.

Going with the weight, the lack of handholds or handles is nothing short of a pain in the rear. You can manage without them, but it would have been nice for them to have been built into the steel sides.

I've never been a big fan of humidistats that do not give you a relative humidity readout. Though the dial is often the industry standard, for most effective monitoring of humidity levels, you'll want to purchase a separate hygrometer/humidity gauge.

Aside from a few minor issues, I'm pleased with the performance of the Ebac CD85. Not only did it do an excellent job of removing moisture and driving the spider crickets out of my crawl space, but it also put a halt to mold growth on the joists. In all, I would recommend the unit, particularly for basement and crawlspace applications or other spaces where there is a moderate moisture issue (no standing water).