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Dri-Eaz LGR 3500i Dehumidifier
Though similar to the 2800i, the Dri-Eaz LGR 3500i takes water damage restoration and commercial dehumidification to another
level. Not only is the 3500i the largest and most powerful Dri-Eaz dehumidifier available, but this model is durable, technologically
advanced and rugged enough to tackle the most difficult clean up job with ease. With proper care the LGR 3500i is a sound investment
as either a rental dehumidifier or as a water damage restoration dehumidifier. After inspecting and testing this model, below is
what we liked and where we found the LGR 3500i lacking.
What I like about the LGR 3500i Dehumidifier
Water removal is the centerpiece of dehumidifier. At 90 F and 90% relative humidity, the 3500i will remove
200 pints per day. That's 25 gallons of water per day! Under AHAM testing conditions, the 3500i is still rated at 170
pints per day. An integrated condensate pump, with an included 40' hose, gives you the ability to push the water you remove from the air, outdoors or to a
nearby drain. And low grain refrigerant maximizes dehumidifying capability by allowing the 3500i to perform at higher temperatures
than comparable models. Under our test conditions, we ran the 3500i in a space approximately 3600 cubic feet. The temperature ranged
from 88 to 76 F with an initial RH of approximately 89% (as measured on a separate hygrometer). With the connected hose we ran the
condensate about 20' away to a large holding container. Within the first 6 hours we had lowered the RH by 22% and collected just over
six gallons of water. By the time the our 24 hour period had ended, the RH was down to our set point of 50% and we had collected just under
14 gallons of moisture. While our conditions are not fully representative of a typical water damage site, what the results do show is
that the LGR 3500i is a very capable dehumidifier with a very large capacity.
Other features include a built-in humidistat which allows you to create relative humidity set points at 5% increments. And an
automatic temperature control will adjust the unit to continue operation even in conditions that exceed normal operating temperatures. The
control panel allows you to select one of four languages and displays up to the minute humidity and temperature conditions while also
providing you with the amps the compressor is currently pulling and the temperature of the coils. An hours run meter can be reset to
display how many hours the unit has run for this current job while a Life Hours meter will give you overall use time. The optional
HygroTrac system gives you ability to monitor your system remotely (sold separately). Similar to residential models, an auto restart
feature allows the unit to power back up should the the power fail during a storm or under similar circumstances.
Lastly, this dehumidifier has a high velocity output that aids in accelerating drying by pushing dehumidified air out at floor level. For
us, the user interface was great. It gives you very precise control in an easy to use package. While we did not test the HygroTrac
system, if it performs as the dehumidifier itself does, we're sure you won't be disappointed.
One of our big concerns as an allergy company is indoor air quality. We place a lot of emphasis on air filtration.
The LGR 3500i has HAF (High Air Flow) filters, made by 3M, that are twice as efficient as washable foam filters used in many
dehumidifiers. Air filtration is an important but often neglected component in dehumidifiers. While the filters do not often
clean the air as a traditional air purifier would, it is important that they keep the compressor and coils area clean. The 3M HAF
filter provided is far superior to washable mesh or foam filters found in other models. Note that you should replace these regularly
since mold can often grow under warm, moist conditions where dehumidifiers are often used.
What I do not like about the LGR 3500i Dehumidifier
Like it's little brother, the Dri-Eaz 3500i is imposing. Not only is it large but also VERY heavy. This can be problematic for some
people. While the wheels and built in handles help, it is best if you don't often have to move this model.
Overall, we were very impressed by the performance and features the LGR 3500i have to offer. Not only does it excel in removing
excess moisture from the air and drying out waterlogged spaces, but the use (once you get it in place) is easy. The condensate pump can
push extracted moisture away from the space while the digital features truly add value and convenience to the machine. For large clean up
job or for persistently wet spaces, the Dri-Eaz LGR 3500i is an excellent choice!
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