Buying Guide for the Best Home Dehumidifiers
Choosing the right home dehumidifier can significantly improve the comfort and health of your living space by reducing excess moisture in the air. This can help prevent mold growth, reduce allergens, and protect your home and belongings from moisture damage. To find the best dehumidifier for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific situation.CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of moisture a dehumidifier can remove from the air in a 24-hour period, usually measured in pints. This is important because it determines how effective the dehumidifier will be in different room sizes and humidity levels. Small capacity units (20-30 pints) are suitable for small rooms or areas with mild humidity. Medium capacity units (30-50 pints) are ideal for medium-sized rooms or areas with moderate humidity. Large capacity units (50+ pints) are best for large rooms, basements, or areas with high humidity. To pick the right capacity, consider the size of the room and the level of humidity you are dealing with.
Coverage AreaCoverage area indicates the maximum room size that the dehumidifier can effectively handle, usually measured in square feet. This is important because using a dehumidifier that is too small for the room will not effectively reduce humidity levels. Coverage areas can range from small (up to 300 sq. ft.) for bathrooms or closets, medium (300-700 sq. ft.) for bedrooms or living rooms, to large (700+ sq. ft.) for basements or open floor plans. To choose the right coverage area, measure the size of the room where you plan to use the dehumidifier and select a model that can handle that space.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency refers to how much energy the dehumidifier uses to remove moisture from the air, often indicated by an Energy Star rating. This is important because a more energy-efficient unit will cost less to operate over time and is better for the environment. Energy-efficient models use advanced technology to remove moisture while consuming less power. To pick the right one, look for dehumidifiers with an Energy Star certification, which ensures they meet specific energy efficiency guidelines.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the dehumidifier is when it is operating, usually measured in decibels (dB). This is important if you plan to use the dehumidifier in a living space or bedroom where noise could be disruptive. Noise levels can range from very quiet (30-40 dB) for bedrooms or offices, moderate (40-50 dB) for living rooms, to louder (50+ dB) for basements or areas where noise is less of a concern. To choose the right noise level, consider where you will place the dehumidifier and how sensitive you are to noise.
Drainage OptionsDrainage options refer to how the dehumidifier disposes of the collected water. This is important because it affects how often you need to empty the water tank and how convenient the dehumidifier is to use. There are typically three options: manual removal, where you empty the tank yourself; continuous drainage, where a hose is connected to a drain; and pump drainage, where the unit has a built-in pump to move water to a higher location. To pick the right option, consider how often you want to empty the tank and whether you have access to a drain or sink for continuous drainage.
HumidistatA humidistat is a built-in device that measures and controls the humidity level in the room. This is important because it allows the dehumidifier to automatically maintain your desired humidity level, providing consistent comfort and efficiency. Humidistats can be manual, where you set the desired level, or digital, offering more precise control and additional features like timers. To choose the right humidistat, consider how much control you want over the humidity levels and whether you prefer manual or digital settings.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the dehumidifier from one location to another. This is important if you plan to use the dehumidifier in multiple rooms or need to store it when not in use. Features that enhance portability include wheels, handles, and a lightweight design. To pick the right one, consider how often you will need to move the dehumidifier and whether you need features that make it easier to transport.
