In ice arenas, what you don’t see can be just as important as what you do. Fog hovering over the rink, condensation dripping from the ceiling, or soft patches forming on the ice—these are all symptoms of a deeper issue: poor moisture control. And while traditional HVAC solutions often fall short, a new generation of technology is changing the game.
CDI’s ARID-Ice® Dehumidification Series is helping ice arenas move from fog-filled to flawless. Designed with both engineers and operators in mind, these desiccant-based systems bring precision humidity control, consistent performance, and real-world results. Whether you’re running a community rink or managing a high-capacity venue, ARID-Ice is the key to dry, safe, high-performance ice.
The Moisture Problem in Ice Arenas
Ice arenas act like “reverse submarines,” constantly fighting vapor pressure trying to push moist air into every crack and crevice. This moisture leads to:
- Fog over the ice
- Condensation on glass, walls, and steel beams
- Mold and mildew growth
- Slippery surfaces and increased safety risks
- Poor ice quality and increased resurfacing cycles
Traditional cooling systems and humidistats don’t cut it. They either over-dry or underperform depending on the room temperature, which changes throughout the day and year.
The ARID-Ice® Solution
CDI’s ARID-Ice® units aren’t your standard HVAC add-ons—they’re precision-engineered tools designed to tackle the very specific challenges of ice arenas. At the core of the system is active desiccant dehumidification, which uses a solid desiccant wheel to pull moisture from the air. This allows facilities to achieve consistent dewpoint control, even down to 35°F or below—well beyond the limits of traditional cooling or reheat systems.
The ARID-Ice system doesn’t just manage moisture—it gives you total control over both humidity and temperature with an onboard PLC and intuitive interface. Whether installed indoors or out, the units are built to perform with durable, stainless-steel construction, direct-drive fans, and insulated double-wall panels that hold up in the most demanding environments.
From a performance standpoint, ARID-Ice units handle a wide range of airflow requirements—starting at 3,000 CFM and scaling up to 15,000. They’re also highly configurable. Need dewpoint-based control instead of basic RH? Add it. Looking for waste heat recovery or a push-button purge to keep the air fresh without relying solely on contaminant sensors? The system can handle that, too.
Engineers will appreciate the unit’s ETL/ETL-C certification and straightforward integration into code-compliant ventilation schemes. Facility managers will value the reliability and low maintenance: built-in alarms for rotor rotation and high temps, plus filter monitoring, mean fewer surprises and more uptime.
Real-World Results – Lakeville Arenas
After an $8M renovation, Lakeville Ames Arena chose ARID-Ice to tackle their humidity issues—and they haven’t looked back. The CDI units:
- Improved air quality and visibility
- Delivered consistent performance across all seasons
- Integrated seamlessly with their building management system
- Reduced maintenance and eliminated fog and drip complaints
“The overall experience has been excellent. These units are consistent and low-maintenance—exactly what we needed,” said Joe Burk, Lakeville’s General Manager.
Dewpoint Control and Long-Term Benefits
For ice arenas, dewpoint control isn’t just a feature—it’s essential. Unlike relative humidity sensors, which fluctuate based on temperature and often result in over-drying or underperformance, dewpoint control delivers stable results regardless of season or usage patterns. That means no fog, no dripping steel beams, and no soft ice—just a dry, controlled environment you can trust.
And the benefits extend far beyond the ice. Consistently low dewpoints reduce the frequency of resurfacing, ease the strain on refrigeration systems, and help prevent corrosion or mold in structural components. Athletes enjoy better visibility and faster, more consistent ice. Spectators stay comfortable. And facility operators avoid costly surprises.
Engineers working on ventilation design will appreciate that ARID-Ice offers modular solutions that satisfy ASHRAE and mechanical code requirements—without over-engineering the system. With optional integration into BACnet™, Modbus®, or LonWorks® systems, it fits seamlessly into smart building strategies.
Whether you’re renovating an aging rink or building new, ARID-Ice gives you control, efficiency, and peace of mind—all in one system.
Humidity doesn’t have to be a problem. With ARID-Ice® desiccant dehumidifiers, you get precise, efficient, and proven control that keeps your arena dry and performance-ready.
Ready to upgrade your ice arena’s performance? Contact our application experts at sales@cdihvac.com to learn how ARID-Ice can transform your facility.
