Waykar PDGT701BA 180-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier: specs and who it suits

The Waykar PDGT701BA is a large, wheeled dehumidifier for big or damp spaces such as basements, warehouses and job sites. Waykar rates it at up to 180 pints of moisture removed per day and says it covers areas up to 7,000 square feet. It has a built-in condensate pump and a drain hose, so it can run without anyone emptying a tank.

Understanding the 180-pint figure

Dehumidifier capacity is the amount of water removed in 24 hours under set conditions. Waykar states that the 180-pint figure applies at 95°F and 90% relative humidity. In cooler or drier conditions, such as an ordinary basement, the output is typically lower, so treat 180 as a maximum rather than an everyday figure.

The unit's humidity can be set anywhere from 10% to 98%, according to the brand. For comparison, indoor humidity of roughly 30% to 50% is a commonly cited comfortable range.

Airflow

Waykar gives the airflow as 295 CFM (cubic feet per minute). Higher airflow moves more air across the cold coils per minute, which suits jobs where moisture needs to come down fast, such as drying after water damage. The brand also lists scientific research sites, commodity storage and underground engineering among suitable uses.

Draining the water

There are two ways to handle the condensate:

• Pump: an internal heavy-duty pump lifts water up to 15 ft (about 4.6 m) through the included 9.84 ft (3 m) drain hose, which allows draining to a sink, floor drain or outdoors.
• Gravity: pull out the rubber plug and let the water drain straight from the tank.

Continuous draining is the key feature of commercial units, since a tank this size would fill quickly.

Operating features

Auto defrost helps when the coils ice over in cool conditions, and auto restart lets the machine resume after a power cut. The listing also mentions overload protection. Check the manual for the operating temperature range and electrical requirements.

Size and moving it

The unit measures about 19.7 x 21.3 x 32.7 inches and weighs 90.4 lb (about 41 kg). Large semi-pneumatic wheels and a rigid handle let you roll it on a flat surface. Waykar says it can be moved between floors, though at this weight, two people or a ramp make sense on stairs.

Support

The brand lists a one-year warranty with a second-year extension, a 30-day return period, and technical support by email.

Who it suits

It suits contractors handling water-damage restoration, owners of large basements or workshops, and businesses storing goods that don't tolerate damp. For a small bedroom, a smaller dehumidifier is usually enough.

What to check before you buy

• Space and conditions: compare the room size and typical temperature and humidity with the conditions behind the 180-pint figure.
• Power: check the plug type, voltage and circuit capacity.
• Drainage route: make sure the hose can reach a drain, and that the lift height works for your layout.
• Noise: large units are loud; check the manual for sound levels.
• Upkeep: plan for cleaning the air filter and checking the coils.
• Placement: keep clear space around the intake and exhaust.

The short version

• A portable commercial dehumidifier, model PDGT701BA, from Waykar.
• Rated up to 180 pints per day at 95°F and 90% RH, for spaces up to 7,000 sq. ft.
• 295 CFM airflow and humidity control from 10% to 98%.
• Built-in pump with 15 ft lift and a 9.84 ft drain hose.
• Auto defrost, auto restart, wheels and handle; weighs 90.4 lb.

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