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An Interview with Coleman Retzlaff @Leizig

Admin • 2 October, 2026

Today's podcast explores Leizig's approach to modern dehumidification, discussing VFD compressor technology, energy efficiency, humidity control, utility rebates, electrical loads, building management integration, manufacturing quality, customer service, warranties, and the differences between legacy and VFD dehumidifier models.

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Introduction

Welcome to today's episode, where we sit down with Coleman Retzlaff, Director of Sales for the United States at Leizig, to explore the technology, efficiency, and innovation behind modern dehumidification. Join us as we discuss VFD compressors, energy consumption, humidity control, electrical loads, utility rebates, and the role of advanced controls in cultivation environments.

From staging multiple dehumidifiers and integrating equipment with building management systems to manufacturing quality, customer service, warranties, and the differences between legacy and VFD models, this conversation takes a closer look at the technologies shaping commercial dehumidification. We also discuss Leizig's 480-volt options, thermal management experience, and the company's approach to bringing energy-efficient dehumidification solutions to growers across the United States.

Coleman Retzlaff

US Sales Director

0:00

Meet Coleman Retzlaff of Leizig

Elliott introduces Coleman Retzlaff, Director of Sales for the United States at Leizig, and discusses his background in the cannabis and dehumidification industries.

1:43

Why Efficiency Matters in a Grow

The conversation explores why energy efficiency is especially important in cultivation facilities, where HVAC, lighting, and dehumidification can represent significant energy loads.

2:12

Two Kinds of Utility Rebates

Coleman explains the difference between prescriptive and custom utility rebate programs and why growers need to understand the requirements of their local electricity provider.

2:49

Pints per kWh Isn't the Whole Story

The discussion challenges the traditional use of pints or liters per kilowatt-hour as the sole measure of dehumidifier efficiency and explains why energy consumption over time can provide a more complete picture.

3:37

The Hidden Cost of Switching On

The conversation examines the energy impact of repeated compressor starts, including the inrush current that occurs when conventional on-off dehumidifiers switch back on.

3:54

What a VFD Compressor Does

Coleman explains how variable frequency drive technology provides a soft compressor start and allows the dehumidifier to modulate its operation as humidity levels rise and fall.

4:24

Why the Spec Sheet Can't Show It

Elliott and Coleman explain why a standard efficiency rating may not capture the energy savings achieved when a VFD dehumidifier continuously modulates rather than repeatedly operating at full power.

5:16

A Kid's Bike vs. an E-Bike

A bicycle and electric bicycle analogy illustrates the difference between single-speed compressors that operate in an on-off pattern and VFD compressors that can gradually adjust their output.

6:28

3 Benefits of a VFD Dehumidifier

The discussion highlights the benefits of VFD technology, including reduced energy demand, smoother humidity control, and less fluctuation around the desired relative humidity set point.

7:13

Four Dehus on One Humidistat

Elliott discusses controlling multiple dehumidifiers with a single humidistat and explains how simultaneous starts can create significant electrical demand and inrush current.

9:10

Why You Still Stage Your Dehus

Coleman explains why staging dehumidifiers can still be useful for managing electrical loads and operating efficiency, even when VFD technology helps reduce the impact of compressor startup.

9:44

A Dehumidifier That Reports to Your BMS

The conversation introduces Leizig's Modbus communication capabilities, allowing dehumidifiers to provide temperature, humidity, operating status, speed, sensor information, and error data to a building management system.

12:31

No BMS? It Still Works

Coleman explains that Leizig dehumidifiers can operate with simple control setups while also supporting more sophisticated building management systems, making them suitable for facilities with different levels of technical complexity.

13:08

VFD Units and Rebates

The discussion connects VFD dehumidifiers with utility rebate opportunities and explains that qualification and rebate amounts vary by electricity provider, program, and equipment model.

15:41

Legacy Units: The Budget Pick

Coleman discusses Leizig's legacy dehumidifier models, which use older non-VFD technology and offer a lower upfront cost while inventory remains available.

17:02

Who Is Leizig?

Coleman provides background on Leizig as a manufacturer with more than 30 years of history, explaining the company's expansion from Australia into China and its growing presence in the United States.

18:09

Judge a Dehu by What's Inside

The conversation focuses on manufacturing quality and the use of established HVAC components, including compressors, fan motors, and electrical components, as important considerations when evaluating dehumidifier construction.

19:30

More Than Dehumidifiers

Coleman explains that Leizig's parent organization works across thermal management applications beyond dehumidification, including temperature and humidity control for manufacturing and energy-related applications.

22:31

Voice of the Customer

Elliott and Coleman discuss how customer feedback and observations from the field can help manufacturers identify opportunities to improve equipment design, installation, maintenance, and future product development.

23:33

Service as the Difference

Coleman describes customer service and technical support as major priorities for Leizig's growing U.S. operation and discusses the importance of direct customer engagement.

24:32

What About the Warranty?

The conversation addresses Leizig's warranty and the company's commitment to standing behind its dehumidifier products over the long term.

25:12

Why Almost No Dehus Have a VFD

Elliott and Coleman discuss the relatively limited use of VFD technology in dehumidifiers and why Leizig has incorporated variable frequency drives across its newer product lineup.

26:09

A VFD Is Just an AC Inverter

Coleman explains that VFD technology is well established in air conditioning, where inverter-driven compressors modulate their output instead of repeatedly shutting off and restarting.

26:47

Why Others Haven't Done It

The discussion examines manufacturing and cost considerations surrounding VFD technology and how Leizig's production approach allows it to incorporate additional features while maintaining competitive pricing.

28:22

Legacy or VFD: Pick Your Price Point

Elliott and Coleman compare the lower upfront cost of legacy non-VFD units with the additional technology, efficiency features, and capabilities offered by newer VFD models.

29:05

Running 480 Volt?

Elliott highlights Leizig's 480-volt dehumidifier option for facilities with high-voltage electrical systems and discusses its availability for growers looking for an alternative to long equipment lead times.

29:49

Wrap Up

Elliott and Coleman wrap up the episode by discussing Leizig dehumidifiers, Green Thumb Depot's experience with the equipment, and the support available to growers looking for sizing and equipment guidance.

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