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Desert Aire Dehumidifier Units Provide Long Lasting Efficiency

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Desert Aire Dehumidifier Indoor Pool Systems Save You Money

Humidity control is crucial to the integrity of indoor pools, natatoriums, public works, warehouses, and other applications that require the removal of excess moisture. Dehumidification units manage humidity levels, which can cause mold and mildew growth outside of recommended levels. Desert Aire dehumidifier units are known for their longevity, dependability, and high efficiency. When compared to conventional ventilation units, they remove 3-4 times the moisture. The ExpertAire™ and the SelectAire™ units also use less energy than standard dehumidifiers. Protect your next project from premature deterioration with a Desert Aire dehumidification unit.

AHRI Standard 910

Proper humidity levels are essential for occupant health, indoor air quality, building integrity, and storage of goods. AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute) Standard 910 sets the precedence for minimum data requirements for published ratings, testing and rating requirements, operating parameters, definitions, classifications, and conformance conditions. It measures the effectiveness and capacity of dehumidification units. Standard 910 defines Moisture Removal Capacity (MRC) as the amount of condensate a unit produces and is expressed in lb/h (kg/h). Additionally, it defines Moisture Removal Efficiency (MRE) as the ratio of the MRC divided by the equipment’s power input at any given set of rating conditions. It is important to note that this is calculated in pounds of moisture/ kWh (kgs of moisture/kWh).

AHRI Standard 910 helps facility owners to maintain building integrity by reducing condensation on windows, walls, and floors. Uncontrolled levels of humidity can speed facility deterioration and put occupants at risk. Furthermore, humidity levels that are above 60% are proven to amplify the spread of airborne contaminants and contagions. Finally, in an effort to mitigate these challenges, Desert Aire created the ExpertAire dehumidification unit.

Desert-Aire ExpertAire

Desert Aire Dehumidifier Unit: ExpertAire

Desert Aire’s ExpertAire features the newest coil design technology to enhance evaporator and condenser capacity while reducing the pressure drop. This combination results in the highest MRE on the market. Through independent testing, ExpertAire received AHRI Standard 910 certification. It can remove anywhere from 4 to 100 lbs of moisture per hour. The design is optimized for applications with temperatures between 65° and 95°F. Additionally, the unique coil design maximizes the unit’s latent capability and yields 3 to 4 times the moisture removal capacity beyond that of a typical air conditioning system.

The ExpertAire system features a hot gas reheat coil, which allows continuous dehumidification without over-cooling the space. As an option, a capacity control design is available to protect the coil from freezing during low load/low-temperature operation. Moreover, scroll compressors are included in the unit for longevity and high efficiency.

A unique feature of the ExpertAire system is the ability to include an outdoor air intake connection. This boosts the capabilities to meet ASHRAE 62 standards. Outdoor air enters after the evaporator coil and before the reheat condenser for guaranteed moisture removal capabilities. Moreover, the systems have an evaporator bypass damper. The damper automatically adjusts the evaporator air volume to keep proper air distribution over the coil in all operation modes. Finally, ExpertAire has a control available that enables operation that is completely closed to outdoor air when the building is in an unoccupied mode. No outdoor air enters the system in this mode, so further outdoor air conditioning is no longer necessary. Moreover, this results in significant energy savings.

ExpertAire Features:

  • Capacity for pool surface less than 2,000 sqft.
  • Customizable to meet specific application requirements
  • Provides dehumidification, cooling, heating, and ventilation for pool facilities
  • Pool water heat recovery available
  • Indoor, outdoor, or roof curb installation
  • Electric or hot water coil auxiliary heat options
  • Integral microprocessor controller with all sensors
  • All voltages and phases available, including single phase
  • Building management connection available

Dester-Aire Dehumidifier Unit SelectAire

Desert Aire Dehumidifier Unit: SelectAire

Desert Aire’s SelectAire dehumidifier provides complete humidity control solutions for warehouses, water parks, large indoor pool applications, and other large moisture removal applications. The multitude of options allows you to control humidity and temperature while saving energy for significant operational savings. Contractors can install SelectAire both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, SelectAire supplies facilities with complete air quality and humidity control, automatic air balancing, and exhaust air energy recovery. The modular engineering and customizable design options are flexible for a targeted solution.

Lowest Operational Expenses

SelectAire provides significant operational expense savings. The heat pump design maximizes both the latent and sensible recovery. This method saves a substantial amount of energy when compared to the typical economizer method of heat recovery. Comparatively, Desert Aire’s SelectAire system has the lowest operational expenses of any indoor pool dehumidification system on the market.

Dual Circuit Design

Desert Aire’s SelectAir system is a dual refrigerant circuit, packaged dehumidification system that is specifically designed and manufactured for commercial natatoriums. Some ideal applications for this system are YMCA/YWCA, high school and university indoor pools, and municipal natatoriums. Additionally, SelectAire is favorable in other applications requiring large amounts of moisture removal. The exclusive heat recovery system and patent airflow balancing set this system apart. The dual-circuit design minimizes energy consumption while optimizing energy recovery with several condensing elements for each appropriate heat sink.

SelectAire Features:

  • Capacity for pool surface more than 2,000 sqft.
  • Available as a modular unit to meet logistical challenges of mechanical room with limited access
  • Indoor, outdoor, and roof curb installation
  • Offers dehumidification, heating, cooling, exhaust, and ventilation for natatorium facilities
  • Unique ventilation energy recovery design compliant to ASHRAE 62.1 requirements
  • Evacuator low exhaust sequence of operation available
  • Electric, hot water coil, and gas auxiliary heat options
  • Meets AHRI 910
  • All 3-phase voltages available
  • Building management connection available
  • Integral microprocessor controller with all sensors

About Desert Aire

Desert Aire is an industry leader in indoor air quality solutions, including humidifiers and pool units. Their mission is to create IAQ solutions that help people where they play, live, and work. Equally important, the Desert Aire team applies engineering, advanced technology, expertise, and focused support to meet design goals with accuracy, durability, and efficiency.

To learn more about Desert Aire’s dehumidification systems, click here or contact your SVL Sales Engineer.

Learn More About Desert Aire or Contact Our Sales Engineers

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                      Jim Lubratt

                      President & Chief Executive Officer

                      Jim Lubratt has been president of SVL since 2006. He first joined the company as a sales engineer in 1992 and was made a partner in 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University and first entered the HVAC industry as a marketing engineer for a heat pump manufacturer in Texas.

                      In addition to his role at SVL, Jim is vice president of AQC Industries, LLC, a manufacturer of specialized underground ductwork systems. He is also an investor and board member for Hydromx, Inc., a manufacturer of heat transfer nanofluids, and Crotega, Inc., creators of personal and building security solutions.

                      Jim and his wife, Tracy, met in college and married in 1993. They have three children, two of whom have graduated college in Texas, while their youngest is attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

                      Outside of work, Jim places a priority on his faith, family, friends, and fitness. He enjoys helping people-supporting charities, time with his wife and kids, road-biking with friends and efforts to stay physically fit.

                      A message from Jim on the achievements of SVL

                      SVL started in February 1967 by Charlie Schwab and Craig Vollhaber. Schwab-Vollhaber, Inc. (as it was named at the time) steadily grew and, in 1985, welcomed Paul Lubratt as another partner, becoming Schwab-Vollhaber-Lubratt, Inc. SVL’s founders had the determination to build the most talented, customer-focused HVAC representative in the Midwest. Our original drive and passion still shape the company and culture to this day. The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual. From humble beginnings, SVL founders paved the way to industry success with hard work and determination. “Today, SVL is strongly organized with great people to lead our industry forward as we are challenged with fast-paced changes to reduce our environmental impact,” says Jim. Now, 55+ years later, SVL is under the leadership of two new principals who share the same vision and drive that has propelled SVL throughout the years. Built on a foundation of integrity, Jim Lubratt, and Charlie Vollhaber strive to ensure opportunities for personal growth, improved work environment, and shared life enrichment. The achievements of our organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual.

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                      Charlie Vollhaber

                      Executive Vice President & Officer

                      Charlie Vollhaber is a third-generation employee at SVL, as a grandson of company co-founder Craig Vollhaber and son of former CEO Todd Vollhaber. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Minnesota. He became an outside salesman for SVL in 2013, was made a partner in 2019, and then executive vice president and officer in 2022.

                      He grew up playing sports, including football, basketball, golf, and track, and enjoys the competitive nature of the HVAC industry. “I like that no two days are ever the same as there are always questions to answer and problems to solve,” he says. “Most of all, I enjoy working with great people and coordinating together on challenging projects to achieve positive results together.”

                      Outside of work, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife, Lesley, and their three boys. He’s also fond of golfing, traveling, and attending concerts and sporting events. One of his favorite quotes is from the book of Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Because HVAC and construction is such a team effort, he says, “this mindset helps to create positive results in a vast majority of situations.”

                      A message from Charlie on the culture of SVL

                      “At SVL, we strive to cultivate a unique culture that revolves around finding and empowering exceptional individuals. We believe in equipping our team members with the right tools and resources to succeed.

                      As we’ve grown the business, we have deliberately maintained a small firm culture, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. We encourage open dialogue and promote a sense of comfort among our employees, allowing anyone to ask questions and seek guidance from anyone else, regardless of their level within the organization.

                      We foster a workshop-like atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued. Presenting your work to another individual or a group of teammates provides a platform for collaboration, where ideas are shared, dissected, and improved collectively. We firmly believe in the power of mentoring and provide various avenues for both formal and informal guidance. Whether it’s through structured training programs or casual conversations, we encourage team members to discuss a wide range of topics, from work-related successes or issues to everyday personal life topics.

                      In summary, our culture is built on the foundation of attracting exceptional individuals, empowering them with the necessary tools, and fostering a collaborative environment where mentorship and growth thrive. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where every team member feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.”

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                      Al Gramse

                      Vice President of SVL Service Corporation

                      Al Gramse has been in the HVAC industry for over 30 years. He began as a service technician.  Then over his career worked in technical support, building automation, then service manager prior to his current role.

                      How did Al end up in the HVAC industry?  “After high school, I took a couple years to figure out what I wanted to do.   Where I was working at the time, a grumpy old coworker, who I didn’t get along with, walked up to me and said ‘What are you doing here?  Go back to school.’”  I said, “For what?”  He said “There’s a tech school down the street.  Go down there and pick something that interests you”. Then he walked away.  That weird interaction, with someone I didn’t get along with, sent me down a 30-year path in the HVAC industry.   Never underestimate the potential of a little encouragement.   Even if it is from a strange source.

                      Al has been with SVL for 15 years and is the head of our SVL Service division. “The people here are some of the best in the industry,” Al says. “A bunch of team-oriented, knowledgeable, go-getters.” His personal mantra is “figure it out,” “Do a little fact-finding on your own. Use your own brain before you use someone else’s. But know when to ask for help.” he prescribes. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish on your own if you dig in a little bit.”

                      Outside of work, Al has lots of outdoor hobbies, including hunting, fishing, and motorcycling, though his favorite pastime is simply hanging out with family.

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                      Jennifer Roach

                      Director of Marketing, Events & Administration

                      More than just a creative director, Jen brings 30 years of marketing and leadership magic to SVL. Her journey began in the trenches of graphic design, quickly evolving into crafting eye-catching campaigns for iconic brands like Target, Gabberts, Gander Mountain and Camping World. As a seasoned director and agency veteran, she honed her skills with recreational vehicle giant Parts Unlimited before leading creative teams at HOM Furniture and, ultimately, landing at SVL during a crucial growth phase.

                      Jen thrives on "servant-leadership," empowering her team and fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. "It unlocks their potential, fuels creativity, and leads to work we're all proud of," she says. "I want my team to care, collaborate, and push boundaries together."

                      When not shaping impactful campaigns, Jen enjoys weekend adventures with her husband, Scott, and son, Crew. Their lives are a tapestry of shared passions, from bike rides and baking experiments to cheering on Simley High School wrestlers. And with her recently built forever home in Cottage Grove, her free time now includes a new, thrilling chapter: weekend renovation warrior!

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                      Mike Ruff

                      Vice President of Information Technology

                      Mike Ruff, the Vice President of Information Technology at SVL Inc., is a seasoned professional with an impressive 24-year tenure in the IT industry. His journey in the field is marked by extensive experience and expertise in various domains, including serving as a Cloud Architect focusing on Azure Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and both B2B and B2C solutions. Mike’s skills extend to being a Security Architect, where he has honed his knowledge in safeguarding digital assets, and he is also proficient in the Microsoft 365 stack, virtualization, routing, switching, and wireless technologies.

                      Beyond his professional roles, Mike is deeply passionate about technology in all its forms, which is evident in his career and personal hobbies. His love for technology is not just limited to his work but also spills over into his leisure activities. In the summertime, Mike enjoys the thrill of riding his motorcycle, embracing the freedom and adventure it brings. When winter arrives, he switches gears to snowboarding, seeking the excitement and challenge of the snowy slopes. These hobbies reflect Mike’s dynamic personality and continuous pursuit of technically engaging and physically exhilarating activities.

                      Mike Ruff's blend of professional expertise and personal passions make him a unique and valuable asset to SVL Inc., embodying a perfect synergy of technical acumen and a zest for life's adventurous aspects.

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