Adsorption Dehumidifier: Desiccant dehumidifiers use the adsorption property of materials like silica gel to remove moisture from air. This process is exothermic; so, when water vapor binds to the desiccant surface, it releases heat, which is transferred to the process air. Combined with heat from the reactivation cycle, the result is air that is warmer but much drier.

Condensation Dehumidifier: DX dehumidifiers remove moisture by cooling air below its dew point using a refrigeration coil. As the air passes over the cold evaporator, moisture condenses and drains away. The now dry but cold air is then reheated using heat from the condenser resulting in a warmer but drier air.