Commercial Dehumidifier Australia 2025: Sizing, Uses & Where to Buy
Commercial dehumidifiers deliver higher capacity, tougher build and 24/7 use for restoration, offices, basements, pools and industry. In Australia, commercial dehumidifiers—including LGR (low-grain refrigerant) models—are used for water damage, mould control and building drying. This guide covers types, sizing (50L–90L+ per day), where they’re used and where to buy ASA/SAA units from Thorair.
Why Use a Commercial Dehumidifier?
Higher capacity
Commercial units remove far more moisture per day (often 50–90L or more) than typical domestic models. That means faster drying of large spaces, structures and contents after floods, leaks or high humidity.
Built for heavy use
Designed for long run times, restoration jobs and trade use. Tougher construction, robust compressors and options like continuous drain support 24/7 operation without constant tank emptying.
Restoration and trades
Restorers, builders and remediators rely on commercial and LGR dehumidifiers for water damage, mould drying and building moisture. They pair with air movers and scrubbers for system drying.
Large and complex spaces
Offices, basements, warehouses, pools and strata common areas need more drying power than a home unit can provide. Commercial dehumidifiers are sized for bigger volumes and tougher conditions.
Commercial vs Domestic Dehumidifiers
Capacity and run time
Domestic dehumidifiers often deliver 10–25L per day and are meant for intermittent use in one or two rooms. Commercial units typically offer 50–90L/day or more and are built for continuous operation across larger areas, basements and whole buildings.
LGR for cool, damp conditions
LGR (low-grain refrigerant) commercial dehumidifiers remove more moisture in cool, damp environments—common after floods, in basements and in southern Australian climates. They outperform standard refrigerant units at lower temperatures, so they’re a common choice for restoration and building drying.
Drain, ducting and placement
Commercial units usually have built-in or optional continuous drain and sometimes duct connections. That allows 24/7 running without tank emptying and lets you direct dry air into cavities, under floors or into specific zones. Placement and ducting are part of professional drying design.
Types of Commercial Dehumidifiers
LGR commercial dehumidifiers
LGR (low-grain refrigerant) units are built to work well from about 10–15°C upwards. They’re widely used in restoration, basements, cool warehouses and anywhere damp and cool combine. Capacities of 50–90L/day are typical; they pair with air movers for faster structural and contents drying.
- Effective in cool, damp conditions (10°C+)
- 50–90L/day common for restoration and buildings
- Ideal for water damage, basements and southern climates
- Often include drain and sometimes duct options
Standard refrigerant commercial
Standard compressor commercial dehumidifiers perform best in warmer, humid conditions (often 18°C and above). They suit offices, pool halls, warmer storerooms and tropical or subtropical regions. Lower purchase cost in some cases; check L/day and whether the space stays warm enough.
- Best in warmer, humid environments
- Used in offices, pool areas, warmer storage
- Higher daily capacity than domestic models
- Choose by space temperature and humidity
Desiccant (industrial and cold)
Desiccant dehumidifiers absorb moisture via a rotor and work in cold and very low-humidity conditions—cold storage, refrigerated areas, unheated plant. They’re a different technology to LGR; use them when refrigerant models are less effective or when you need very low RH in cold spaces.
- Works in cold and very dry, cold environments
- For cold rooms, unheated sheds, some industrial use
- Can achieve very low relative humidity
- Often higher running cost; select when refrigerant doesn’t suit
Sizing Commercial Dehumidifiers
Capacity (litres per day) should match room or building volume, how wet the space is, temperature and construction. Multiple units or 70–90L+ single units are common for whole buildings, large basements and heavy restoration.
50–70L/dayMedium commercial
Suits offices, large retail, medium basements, 2–4 room restoration, smaller strata common areas. Often one or two units; use LGR if the space is cool or after water damage.
70–90L/dayLarge commercial
For whole-house or multi-room restoration, large basements, warehouses, pool buildings, bigger strata. Single high-capacity unit or several 50–70L units. LGR preferred in cool, damp jobs.
Multiple unitsVery large or complex
Industrial, multi-level commercial and major restoration: use several commercial dehumidifiers with air movers and ducting. Size and placement follow a drying plan; under-capacity slows drying and increases mould risk.
Benefits of Commercial Dehumidifiers
Faster drying
Higher L/day output shortens dry times for structure and contents, reduces disruption and helps meet insurance and project timelines.
Mould and moisture control
Rapid moisture removal and sustained low humidity limit mould growth during and after water damage, and help in chronically damp buildings.
24/7 and continuous drain
Commercial build and drain options support round-the-clock running without tank emptying, which is standard in restoration and many commercial jobs.
Suitable for trade and insurance
Restorers, strata and insurers often expect commercial-grade equipment. ASA/SAA-compliant units support professional use and documentation.
Where Commercial Dehumidifiers Are Used
Water damage restoration
Floods, burst pipes and leaks. Restoration teams use LGR and commercial dehumidifiers with air movers and scrubbers for faster, documented drying and mould prevention.
Offices and retail
After leaks, HVAC issues or high humidity. Commercial units dry large open areas, under raised floors and in server or storage rooms. Run during and after remediation.
Basements and underground
Cool, often humid and hard to ventilate. LGR commercial dehumidifiers are a strong fit. Size for volume; use drain and sometimes ducting for 24/7 operation.
Pools, strata and common areas
Pool halls, gyms, foyers and strata plant rooms. Commercial capacity handles high moisture loads and large volumes. Continuous drain and robust build suit ongoing use.
Tips for Using Commercial Dehumidifiers
Match capacity to the job
Under-sized units extend dry time and mould risk. Use capacity guidelines, room volume and water load. For restoration, err on the side of more capacity or multiple units.
Use continuous drain
Connect a hose to a drain or sump so the unit can run 24/7 without tank emptying. Ensure the hose is secure and that the drain can handle the flow.
Pair with air movers
Dehumidifiers dry the air; air movers increase evaporation from surfaces. Use both for system drying in restoration and large, wet spaces.
Choose ASA/SAA for Australia
For safe, compliant use, select commercial dehumidifiers that meet Australian (ASA/SAA) electrical standards. Non-compliant imports can pose safety and insurance issues.
Australian Standards: ASA/SAA Commercial Dehumidifiers
Commercial dehumidifiers used in Australian buildings must meet local electrical and safety standards. Thorair’s commercial dehumidifiers and dehumidifier range include ASA/SAA-approved LGR and high-capacity units for restoration, commercial and industrial use.
- Verify ASA or SAA compliance on the unit or product listing before purchase.
- Restoration and commercial work often require documented use of compliant equipment.
- Check that voltage and plug type match Australian supply (e.g. 240V).
Commercial Dehumidifier: FAQs
What is a commercial dehumidifier?
A commercial dehumidifier is built for higher capacity (often 50–90L/day or more), longer run times and tougher conditions than domestic units. Used in restoration, offices, basements, pools, warehouses and industry. Many are LGR for cool, damp environments or desiccant for cold spaces.
Why use LGR for commercial and restoration?
LGR (low-grain refrigerant) dehumidifiers remove more moisture in cool, damp conditions—typical after floods and in basements. They outperform standard refrigerant units at lower temperatures, so restoration and building-drying jobs often specify LGR. In warm, humid spaces, a well-sized standard commercial unit can also work.
How many commercial dehumidifiers do I need?
Depends on room or building volume, water load, temperature and construction. One 70–90L/day unit can suit many whole-house restorations or medium commercial spaces; larger or very wet jobs need multiple units or higher total capacity. Use sizing guides, drying calculations or supplier advice to avoid under-capacity.
Where can I buy commercial dehumidifiers in Australia?
Thorair supplies commercial dehumidifiers and LGR and high-capacity dehumidifiers for restoration, buildings and industry. Browse our range or contact 1300 263 551 or info@thorair.com.au. Free delivery on orders over $2,000.
Commercial Dehumidifiers at Thorair
LGR and high-capacity commercial dehumidifiers for restoration, offices, basements and industry. View our commercial dehumidifiers and dehumidifier collection, or call 1300 263 551 or email info@thorair.com.au. Free delivery on orders over $2,000.
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