Dehum Innovations and Essentials w/ Nikki K.

In this live episode recorded at the AHR Expo 2026 Podcast Pavilion in Las Vegas, host Bryan sits down with longtime friend and industry expert Nikki Krueger of Santa Fe and AprilAire. Nikki brings over 15 years of experience in indoor air quality and whole-home dehumidification to the conversation, having started her career with AprilAire before moving to Santa Fe (formerly Ultra Aire) — and now coming full circle as the two brands have integrated under the AprilAire umbrella as of January 1st of this year. The episode dives deep into a topic close to both hosts' hearts: how to properly manage indoor humidity, and what role a whole-home ventilating dehumidifier plays in a comprehensive HVAC system strategy. Bryan and Nikki lay out a holistic framework for tackling moisture problems, emphasizing that a dehumidifier should be the last tool added — not the first. Before reaching for dedicated dehumidification equipment, contractors need to assess the building envelope for air leaks, evaluate whether the air conditioning system is properly sized (oversizing is a major contributor to poor latent removal), confirm that the AC is set up with the right airflow and sensible heat ratio, and take into account the ventilation strategy and occupant behavior. The pair discuss real-world scenarios ranging from elderly residents in Florida who keep their thermostats at 80°F, to a project in Barbados where overcooling caused interstitial condensation in walls and ceilings. The message is clear: humidity control is a systems problem, not a single-product fix. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to proper installation practices for whole-home dehumidifiers. Nikki explains why Santa Fe recommends pulling from a dedicated return and discharging into the supply side of the AC duct — rather than tying into the return side — because the heat generated by dehumidification (roughly 1,054 BTUs per pint of water removed) can warm the AC evaporator coil and reduce its latent removal capacity. Bryan adds nuance around dew point management when routing outdoor air ducts, and both hosts agree that fan operation strategy (continuous low-speed vs. intermittent) matters more in tight, low-load homes where mixing is harder to achieve naturally. They also clarify a common misconception: a ventilating dehumidifier is not a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) and does not automatically condition incoming ventilation air before it enters the home. The conversation wraps up with an exciting look at Santa Fe's newly launched Ultra V Series, which features an upgraded 8-inch ventilation duct (up from 6 inches), a more powerful fan for handling higher static pressure in retrofit applications, a new digital control panel, and a wired remote humidity sensor that can be placed in the living space for more accurate readings. Nikki and Bryan also field audience questions on topics like short-cycling risks from oversized dehumidifiers and why Santa Fe chose a wired sensor over wireless (accuracy, reliability, and fewer callback headaches). Bryan closes by noting that rising dew points across most U.S. markets over the last 20 years make whole-home dehumidification more relevant than ever — and that any region where you can see green grass outside is a candidate for a more advanced moisture control strategy. Topics Covered Introduction to Nikki Krueger and the merger of Santa Fe and AprilAire under one brandThe purpose of whole-home ventilating dehumidifiers and how they fit into an overall HVAC system strategyLatent vs. sensible heat loads explained — and why both matter for comfort and moisture controlGeographic reach of humidity problems — why dehumidification isn't just a Florida or Gulf Coast issueKen Gehring ("Teddy Bear"), inventor of the whole-house ventilating dehumidifier, and his framework for diagnosing moisture problemsThe four-factor checklist before deploying a dehumidifier: building envelope, AC sizing, AC setup/airflow, and ventilation strategyHow occupant behavior (thermostat preferences, activity levels, large households) creates latent load variabilityThe dangers of overcooling — how setting thermostat too low can cause interstitial condensation in walls, ceilings, and atticsSensible heat ratio (SHR) and its role in a system's ability to remove moisture — targeting ~350 CFM per ton in humid climatesWhy dehumidifiers should connect to a dedicated return and discharge into the supply — not tie into the AC return sideHow dehumidifier heat output (~1,054 BTUs per pint) can reduce AC coil efficiency when ducted incorrectlyFan-on strategy debate: when running continuous low-speed circulation helps vs. hurts humidity controlTighter homes, smaller systems, and the importance of air mixing strategies (including ceiling fans) Ventilating dehumidifiers vs. dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) — clearing up a common misconception about how ventilation air is conditionedDew point management for outdoor air ...