The short answer
What Lgr Means
LGR stands for low grain refrigerant. A standard refrigerant dehumidifier is designed for warm, humid air. An LGR unit is built to keep working when the air is cooler, which matters a lot after a flood or leak because the drying process itself cools the room.
As water evaporates from wet materials, the air temperature drops. A regular dehumidifier struggles in those conditions and may shut off or slow down. An LGR model keeps pulling moisture even when the air is cooler, so the drying process continues at a steadier pace.
Why Cooler Air Matters
After water damage, your walls, flooring, and framing stay wet for a long time if the air is not dry. The pros use LGR dehumidifiers because they can remove moisture even when the room temperature is below what a standard unit can handle. That means deeper drying in the materials themselves.
Without effective dehumidification, moisture can wick up drywall and into wood framing. That can lead to swelling, warping, and conditions where mold can take hold. An LGR unit helps pull that trapped moisture out before those problems start.
- Removes more water per kilowatt-hour in cooler conditions
- Keeps working as evaporation cools the air
- Helps dry wall cavities and subfloors
- Reduces the chance of wood swelling and warping
- Supports faster structural drying after extraction
- Works well in basements and crawl spaces
How Lgr Units Fit the Drying Process
The pros usually start with water extraction to remove standing water and heavy saturation. After that, structural drying and dehumidification take over. LGR dehumidifiers are a key part of that second phase because they target the moisture left inside materials, not just the air.
These units are often used alongside air movers and moisture mapping. Air movers keep air circulating, while the LGR unit pulls the moisture out. Moisture mapping helps the pros track where wet spots remain so they can adjust the drying setup.
What to Expect in Your Home
When the pros bring in LGR dehumidifiers, you will see large machines with hoses that drain into a sink or outside. They may run for several days, depending on how wet your home is. The room may feel cooler because of the evaporation, which is normal.
The drying process is not instant. It depends on the extent of the water damage, the materials involved, and how quickly the work starts. Acting quickly after a leak or flood can reduce the overall drying time and help prevent secondary issues.
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Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How long do LGR dehumidifiers need to run?
The run time depends on how much water is in your walls and floors, the size of the area, and the humidity level. In many cases, the units run for several days. The pros will monitor moisture levels to know when drying is complete.
Can I rent an LGR dehumidifier myself?
You can rent one from equipment rental shops, but using it correctly takes planning. You need to know where to place it, how to set up drainage, and how to measure moisture in materials. The pros have experience with this equipment and can manage the whole drying process.
Will LGR dehumidifiers remove all the water from my walls?
They remove a significant amount of moisture, but some water may remain trapped in wall cavities or under flooring. That is why the pros often combine LGR dehumidifiers with moisture mapping and targeted drying. Complete drying depends on the extent of the damage and the materials.