How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Dehumidifier

Overview

A dehumidifier is an essential home appliance for preventing mold, mildew, and moisture damage. The right dehumidifier for your home depends on your environment, space size, and humidity levels. This buying guide provides an overview of the different types of dehumidifiers available, along with information on how to choose the right model for your home. We’ll also cover the factors to consider when shopping for a dehumidifier, such as price, energy efficiency, and other features.

Key features

  1. Size - Consider the size of the dehumidifier to ensure it is suitable for the space you plan to use it in. Ensure it can fit in the space without overcrowding or taking up too much space.
  2. Capacity and Efficiency - Look at the capacity of dehumidifier, which is usually measured in liters per hour, and make sure it is suitable for the size of the space you plan to use it in. Also check the Energy Star rating of the model to ensure it is energy efficient.
  3. Moisture Removal Features - Look at the various moisture removal features such as auto shut off, adjustable humidity settings, timer, and air filter to ensure the dehumidifier can maintain a comfortable humidity level.
  4. Noise - Consider the noise level of the dehumidifier to ensure it meets your comfort level. Check the manufacturer's specifications for decibel levels.
  5. Maintenance - To ensure the dehumidifier runs optimally for a long time, consider the maintenance required such as emptying the water tank or changing the filter. Also check the warranty period.

See the most popular Dehumidifier on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Health Benefits: A dehumidifier can improve the air quality in your home by reducing humidity and eliminating mold, bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens, which can cause respiratory problems.
  • Energy Efficiency: Dehumidifiers come with energy-saving features that help maintain the desired humidity level without using too much electricity.
  • Noise Level: Dehumidifiers are relatively quiet machines that won't disturb your peace of mind.
  • Durability: Most dehumidifiers are built to last, so you can expect many years of reliable service.
  • Compact Size: Dehumidifiers come in a variety of sizes to fit any room or space, so you can get the most out of your purchase.

Cons

  • High energy costs - Dehumidifiers use a lot of energy and can significantly add to your monthly electricity bill.
  • Lack of portability - Dehumidifiers are large and bulky and may not be suitable for small spaces.
  • Noise levels - Dehumidifiers can be noisy when running, and may not be suitable for bedrooms or other noise-sensitive areas.
  • Maintenance - Dehumidifiers require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure that they are operating efficiently.
  • Cost - Dehumidifiers are often quite expensive, and the cost can add up quickly if you have multiple rooms to dehumidify.

Best alternatives

  1. Air Conditioner - A device that cools air and removes humidity from a small, enclosed area.
  2. Desiccant Dehumidifier - A type of dehumidifier that uses a hygroscopic material, such as silica gel, to absorb moisture from the air.
  3. HVAC System - Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that are used to provide climate control for buildings.
  4. Air Purifier - A device that filters the air of particulates, allergens, and odors.
  5. Ventilation System - A system of ducts and fans that are used to circulate air throughout a building.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Dehumidifier- A device used to reduce humidity in a home or room by removing excess moisture from the air.
  • Humidistat- A device that measures and controls the relative humidity in a given room or area.
  • Air Filter- A device used to filter out particles and other airborne contaminants from the air.
  • Deodorizer- A device used to reduce odors in the air.
  • Humidifier- A device used to add moisture to the air in order to reduce dryness.
  • Hygrometer- A device used to measure the relative humidity in the air.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of dehumidifiers? The two main types of dehumidifiers are the compressor dehumidifier (also known as the refrigerant dehumidifier) and the desiccant dehumidifier. The compressor dehumidifier works by using a refrigerant to cool the air and condensate it, while the desiccant dehumidifier uses an absorbent material to absorb the moisture from the air.
  2. What size dehumidifier should I buy? The size of dehumidifier you should purchase depends on the size of the space you want to dehumidify. Generally, a larger dehumidifier will work better in larger spaces while a smaller dehumidifier will be better in smaller spaces.
  3. What are the features of a good dehumidifier? A good dehumidifier should have adjustable humidity settings, a timer, an energy-efficient compressor, a low noise level, and a filter to remove allergens and other particles from the air.
  4. What is the best location to place a dehumidifier? The best location to place a dehumidifier is in an area of your home that is close to a source of air, such as a window or door. This will help maximize the efficiency of the dehumidifier.
  5. How often should I empty the water tank of a dehumidifier? The water tank of a dehumidifier should be emptied when it is full, which can vary depending on the humidity levels of the space. It is recommended to check the tank at least once a day.
  6. What is the difference between a portable and a built-in dehumidifier? A portable dehumidifier can be moved from room to room and is usually smaller than a built-in dehumidifier. A built-in dehumidifier is stationary and designed to be installed in one location, usually in a basement or crawlspace.

Trivia

In 2017, a woman in upstate New York purchased a dehumidifier from an online marketplace only to find out that it was actually a bomb! Fortunately, the bomb squad safely removed the device and no one was harmed. It is believed that a former military ordnance officer had mistakenly sent the device to the woman instead of the dehumidifier she had ordered. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.