All Categories
  • Categories
    • Appliances
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Cleaning
    • Electronics
    • Furniture
    • Organizing
    • Garden & Outdoor
    • Home Climate
    • Kitchen
    • Office
    • Tools
  • More
    • About
    • Contact
logo
  • Home
  • Home Climate
Unclutterer.com may earn commissions if you purchase a product through one of our affiliate links. Learn more

12 Best Dehumidifiers (Review) In 2021

Written by:
Unclutterer
Last Updated: February 25, 2021
Show Contents
Contents
  • The Best Dehumidifier
  • 1. hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft. Large Room Dehumidifier
  • 2. Frigidare 50-Pint Dehumidifier
  • 3. Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
  • 4. MIDEA 20 Pint Dehumidifier
  • 5. Honeywall Energy Star 70-Pint Dehumidifier
  • 6. Eva Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier
  • 7. Hysure Compact Dehumidifier
  • 8. LG Black PuriCare Dehumidifier
  • 9. Vremi Moisture Maniac 4,500 Sq. Ft. Large Space Dehumidifier
  • 10. SHINCO 3,000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier
  • 11. Inofia 30 Pints Dehumidifier
  • 12. Vacplus 30 Pints Medium Room Dehumidifier

A hot and humid climate may be appealing to some, but it can, unfortunately, cause major issues within your home. In fact, too much humidity in the air can affect your personal health too! Common issues that arise from high humidity levels include damp, mold, and mildew, which can attack and damage wood, particularly windowsills that are prone to rotting. If you notice signs of any of these within your home, or you want to prevent this from occurring, you may want to consider a dehumidifier.

It's too simple to say that these devices are nothing but the opposite of humidifiers. Not only do dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, but they also help reduce the number of allergens, bacteria, and dust mites that typically flourish in high humidity levels within your living space. They are also capable of eliminating those unpleasant odors associated with mold and mildew. By reducing these, your overall health can be improved and for those who suffer from allergies, a reduction in sinus issues will be prevalent. Dehumidifiers have also been credited with improving your sleep, and who doesn't want that?

So, how do dehumidifiers work? There are three types of dehumidifiers - compressor, thermo-electric, and desiccant, all of which reduce the overall humidity level and air quality in your home, but go about doing so in slightly different ways. The basics of any dehumidifier rather than a humidifier are that they filter the air to remove excess moisture by using a fan to draw the air in. Water that the dehumidifier removes from the air is absorbed or condensed and stored in a tank, that is either manually drained or continuously drained via a drain hose or built-in pump.

With so many models available, it can be hard to determine which dehumidifiers are best for your needs. This guide will analyze the best dehumidifiers that will remove moisture from your home, preventing the occurrence of mold, mildew, and damp that grows rampant in homes that retain large levels of moisture.

The Best Dehumidifier

1. hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft. Large Room Dehumidifier

Best Choice
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    For use in rooms up to 4,500 sq. ft

    1.8 gallon tank

    Touch panel control

    6 settings

    Turbo setting

    Durable and portable

Check Latest Price
offer-image
hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft. Large Room Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

First up we have the hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft. Large Room Dehumidifier, which helps regulate humidity levels in your home by removing excess moisture from the air. With the modern home in mind, this dehumidifier is easy to use, runs quietly, and blends in due to its sleek design and neutral color. You can easily move this dehumidifier from room to room, as it is conveniently manufactured with side handles and wheels. Its large capacity 1.8-gallon water tank allows for daily removal of up to 50 pints of excess moisture from the air. Ideal for larger rooms, or those that are very damp, this portable dehumidifier can be used in rooms up to 4,500 square feet – but is not bulky or obtrusive, as this model measures in at 15.4 x 11 x 24.3 inches.

Operation is simple! Simply use the touch panel control at the top of the unit to select your humidity level preferences and leave it running for 24 hours, which will fill the tank and automatically switch itself off once full, avoiding any overspill. There is a hose drain outlet should you wish for it to continuously drain itself. The hose is not included, and it is recommended that you use a 5/8 inch diameter garden hose with an internally threaded end. For rooms with high relative humidity, there is a turbo setting that provides a boosted fan speed to quickly eliminate moisture and reduce bad odors. Every two weeks you should clean the water tank reservoir and wash the filter monthly. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with this product, the manufacturers do offer you a two-year warranty.

    Pros

    Easy operation

    Portable

    Runs quietly

    Sleek, neutral design

    Easy to clean

    Cons

    No drain hose included

    Auto-defrost requires monitoring

    No pump

    Outputs heat into the room

    No splash guards

2. Frigidare 50-Pint Dehumidifier

Biggest Tank Capacity
product-image

Key Features

    Best for rooms 1,500-3,000 sq. ft

    Large 2 gallon tank

    Electronic controls

    2 fan speeds

    6 ft power cord

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Frigidare 50-Pint Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

This Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier boasts a large, two-gallon tank, suited for rooms sized 1,500-3,000 sq. ft. By removing up to 50 pints of water from the air per day, your home will benefit from protection against dreaded mold and mildew that not only is damaging to your home but also your health. Sized at 24.65 x 11.32 x 16.08 inches, this dehumidifier is easy to move thanks to its caster wheels and ideally positioned side handles and top handle. With its energy star certified rating, you can save money while efficiently reducing humidity levels in your home. Electronic controls provide ease of use and allow you to choose the humidity levels; you can also choose between automatic shut-off or continuous drainage.

In the automatic shut off mode, the dehumidifier will alert you when the tank requires emptying. Removal is easy and won’t leave water dripping on the floor due to the smart built-in splash guards. Alternatively, the continuous drainage mode requires a hose connection for constant gravity-fed drainage. The mesh air filter can be washed monthly to keep the relative humidity at the correct level and free of bacteria, allergens, and dust. This product includes full one-year parts and labor warranty, as well as a limited five year, sealed system warranty.

    Pros

    Ease of use

    Portable

    Energy Star certified

    Antibacterial mesh filter

    Anti-splash guards

    Relatively quiet

    Cons

    No drain hose included

    Wait at least 2 days prior to use

    Top heavy

    Requires gravity for continuous drainage

    Fan runs constantly

3. Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

Best Small Room Pick
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Great for small rooms (1,200sq3)

    Lightweight and portable

    Very quiet

    Auto shut-off

    Simple operation

    Energy efficient

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

For a small space up to 1,200 cubic square feet (150 sq. ft.), the Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier is ideal. This is a great lightweight model, making it easy to move from room to room. Measuring only 7 x 6 x 11 inches, you can use this in a range of small rooms, a closet, or even an RV! With an 18-ounce capacity water tank, up to nine ounces of moisture can be removed from the air per day. Unlike many other dehumidifiers, this model is super quiet, so you can leave it running all night as there is no noisy compressor kicking in and out as it runs.

Worried about the tank overfilling while you sleep? No worries! A handy auto shut-off function will communicate to the dehumidifier, turning it off and an LED light will come on, alerting you that it requires draining. With a simple on/off switch, there are no fiddly controls to navigate. Draining the tank is easy, simply remove the tank and drain into the sink or drain. This dehumidifier includes a full 12-month warranty.

    Pros

    Easy on/off switch

    Simple drainage

    Runs quietly

    Suitable for RVs

    Auto shut-off function

    Cons

    Not ideal for reducing relative humidity

    No condensor

    Slow moisture removal

    Can overheat

    Not ideal in cooler temperatures

4. MIDEA 20 Pint Dehumidifier

Best Medium Room Pick
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Suitable for rooms up to 1,500 sq. ft.

    0.8 gallon tank

    Energy Star certified

    Auto-defrost function

    Auto-restart function

    Cleaning alert

Check Latest Price
offer-image
MIDEA 20 Pint Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

Maintaining optimal humidity levels in your medium-sized rooms, up to 1,500 sq. ft. is best with the MIDEA 20 Pint Dehumidifier. Conveniently sized at 15.31 x 10.51 x 19.90 inches, it fits comfortably into your home with its sleek design and provides no disruption, boasting a maximum decibel level of 51. The wheels and handles make it easy to transport between rooms. You can leave this unit running for 24 hours and conserve energy as it is Energy Star certified. Choose between an auto shut-off or continuous drainage, when connected to a gravity-fed hose pipe. The 0.8-gallon tank is easy to remove from the unit for you to drain.

Should you experience a power outage, this unit has a smart function that restores your chosen settings prior to the outage, without you needing to do anything. Many dehumidifiers have issues with frost and ice build-up, but the MIDEA 20 Pint Dehumidifier includes an option for auto-defrost to prevent damage. It can be so easy to forget to clean certain appliances, but this model actually has a function that will alert you when the reusable, washable filters require cleaning. This model also includes a one year parts and labor warranty.

    Pros

    Very quiet

    Offers turbo mode

    Washable, reusable filter

    Smart functions for optimal use

    Energy efficient

    Auto-defrost function

    Cons

    No hose pipe included

    Produces a lot of hot air

    Tank is hard to clean

    Instruction manual hard to read

    Loud compressor

5. Honeywall Energy Star 70-Pint Dehumidifier

Best Value
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Use in large rooms up to 4,000 sq. ft.

    14 pint tank

    Energy Star certified

    Auto-restart function

    Filter clean notification

    Anti-splash guards

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Honeywall Energy Star 70-Pint Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

The Honeywell Energy Star 70 Pint Dehumidifier is an all-around winner with so many excellent functions all providing you with value for money and ensuring that unnecessary moisture is removed from the air, keeping it clean and your home free of mold and mildew. Targeting a large space of up to 4,000 sq. ft with this powerful, yet compact and portable dehumidifier, measures 12.4 x 15.75 x 25.4 inches. There is a handy full tank alert that notifies you that the 14-pint tank requires emptying; there is also a drain tube included if you wish to leave this dehumidifier running for longer periods of time when no one is home. Emptying the tank is not a messy task, unlike some other dehumidifiers, as the comfortable handle and anti-splash guards make drainage easy.

Operation is easy due to the digital control panel, simply select the humidity level you want to achieve and turn on the 24-hour timer to save energy. The auto-restart function is great for those who live in areas where power outages are frequent, as it reverts back to the settings you had chosen prior to the power going out. By using washable, mesh filters supplied with this dehumidifier, your air is cleaner; better yet, to ensure there is no buildup of bacteria, dust, and allergens in the filter, there is an alert that will let you know when the filters require cleaning. This dehumidifier also includes a generous five year warranty.

    Pros

    Full tank alert

    Versatile and portable

    Ease of use

    Sleek, modern design

    Low temperature option

    Cons

    Unprotected vent collects dirt

    No hose pipe included

    Difficult to connect a hose

    Short power cord

    Small tank

6. Eva Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier

product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Sleek, compact design

    For use in spaces up to 333 sq. ft.

    Removes up to 6oz moisture

    Cordless, battery-free

    Eco-friendly

    Uses silica gel technology

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Eva Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

This cordless Eva Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier is powerful and robust while being sleek and compact, drawing up to 6oz of moisture from the air. Perfect for use in a smaller space like closets, pantries, cars, bedrooms, and RVs, this dehumidifier is suited for spaces no larger than 333 sq. ft. It can be easily be moved, weighing only a pound and measuring 9.00 x 8.25 x 2.88 inches.

Featuring non-toxic crystallized silica gel technology, the beads will absorb moisture from the air and then change from orange to green to alert you that it requires recharging – no need to worry about spillages or mess, unlike some other units. This unit requires no batteries or electricity while running and is 100% renewable, making it eco-friendly, lasting up to ten years. This mini dehumidifier also comes with a five-year warranty guarantee. For more home climate devices that are suitable for smaller spaces, check out our list of mini split air conditioners.

    Pros

    Eco-friendly

    No spills or leaks

    Rechargeable

    Portable

    Lightweight

    Cons

    Can overheat while recharging

    Slow moisture absorption

    Beads dry slowly

    Long recharge time

    Hook is delicate

7. Hysure Compact Dehumidifier

Quiet Pick
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Use in rooms up to 215 sq. ft.

    Whisper-quiet Peltier technology

    Auto-off function

    Energy efficient

    One button operation

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Hysure Compact Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

The Hysure Compact Dehumidifier is beautifully sleek and designed for the modern home. It is compact and runs quietly, featuring whisper-quiet Peltier technology; the noise levels while in use do not exceed 33dB as there is no compressor unlike other models, but is still incredibly powerful. Convenient for rooms up to 215 sq. ft., this portable dehumidifier, measuring 13.8 x 6.6 x 4.4 inches, removes up to 300ml of moisture from the air. Condensed moisture is stored in the 700ml spill-proof tank; when full, an LED light indicator will turn on and the unit will automatically turn itself off to prevent overfilling.

Using this dehumidifier is very simple as one button controls the entire unit and is energy efficient, making it affordable to run. This model includes a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as a 24-month warranty.

    Pros

    Runs quietly

    LED indicates full tank

    Portable and lightweight

    Spill-proof tank

    Sleek design

    Cons

    No air filter

    No compressor

    No range of settings

    Small tank

8. LG Black PuriCare Dehumidifier

Premium Pick
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    For use in spaces up to 2,000 sq. ft.

    13.3 pint tank

    Safety functions

    Auto-off function

    Check filter light

    Energy Star certified

Check Latest Price
offer-image
LG Black PuriCare Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

Remove up to 50 pints of water from the air per day in rooms up to 2,000 sq.ft. with the LG Black PuriCare Dehumidifier, which stylishly suits many rooms in your home. Measuring 12.6 x 16.8 x 26.2 inches, this dehumidifier features a 13.3-pint capacity water tank that is removable from the side of the unit; once full, the unit will use the auto-shutoff function. The bucket is very easy to remove as it has a large handle, helping prevent spills. There are several settings including an automatic 12 hour on/off timer, as well as continuous drainage (up to 23 hours) if positioned near a drain. The large LED display control panel allows for ease of use and has an auto-restart function to restore your settings in the event of a power outage.

Designed with your safety in mind, there is a selection of safety features including a safety plug, airflow blockage alarm, and auto safety standby. Cleaning is made easy as the light will turn on when you need to check the filter, which is easy to remove and washable for your convenience. While this model is quite heavy, weighing in at 49.2 pounds, it is conveniently set on castor wheels to allow for portability. There is a one-year parts and labor warranty included with this dehumidifier.

    Pros

    Removes 50 pints of moisture

    Large LED display

    Castor wheels

    2 fan speeds

    Washable air filter

    Cons

    No hose pipe included

    Chimes when full

    Average noise level

    Heavy

9. Vremi Moisture Maniac 4,500 Sq. Ft. Large Space Dehumidifier

product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    For large rooms and spaces, up to 4,500 sq. ft.

    Easy operation

    Auto shut-off function

    Auto-restart function

    Compact and portable

    Sleek, modern design

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Vremi Moisture Maniac 4,500 Sq. Ft. Large Space Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

The Vremi Moisture Maniac 4,500 Sq. Ft. Large Space Dehumidifier isn’t called the ‘Moisture Maniac’ for nothing! For use in large rooms up to 4,500 sq. ft., this dehumidifier removes up to 50 pints of water from the air every 24 hours, reducing the overall humidity in your home. Featuring a modern, sleek design, this dehumidifier offers built-in wheels and handy side handles, making it conveniently portable. Measuring 16.6 x 11 x 24.3 inches, it offers a tank capacity of 1.8 gallons. You can set this model up for continuous drainage into a floor drain with a gravity-fed hose, or you can manually empty the water tank once full; you will know when drainage is required as there is an auto shut-off feature to prevent overfilling, and the water level is visible on the bucket.

Operate this model with the easy touch control panel at the top of the unit, which allows you to set your desired humidity level and mode, such as comfort or turbo. With the auto-defrost function, you need not worry about the coils freezing up, which can be a problem with other models. The air filter requires cleaning once a month but is very easy to maintain. This dehumidifier also includes a 12-month warranty.

    Pros

    Easy to clean filter

    Turbo mode

    Auto-defrost function

    Energy Star certified

    Clean, modern design

    Cons

    Loud, especially in Turbo mode

    No hose pipe included

    Bucket can be hard to remove

    Air intake is on the back

    Small tank requires emptying often

10. SHINCO 3,000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier

product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    For use in rooms up to 3,000 sq. ft.

    Energy Star certified

    Runs at 48dB maximum

    Auto shut-off function

    Auto-restart function

Check Latest Price
offer-image
SHINCO 3,000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

Remove up to 50 pints of water from the air per day with the SHINCO 3,000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier. This well-designed model fits nicely into your home and works best in rooms up to 3,000 sq. ft. Not only is it Energy Star certified, but it also runs quietly at a maximum of 48dB, which may earn it a valuable place in your living areas. This model is compact and portable, measuring 13.5 x 9.4 x 20.1 inches and perched on wheels. This model is very easy to use thanks to the LED screen and buttons positioned on top of the unit.

You can either let this dehumidifier run continuously when connected to a gravity-fed hose that leads to a floor drain, or empty the 1.1 gallon capacity tank when full by using the handy, hidden handle that allows for easy removal; the auto shut-off function will ensure that it does not overflow if the continuous drainage mode is not selected, and a light will come on to alert you. The washable air filter requires cleaning once a month to help keep your air cleaner. There is also a mode that allows you to dry clothes – talk about multi-functional! This dehumidifier is backed by a 12 month warranty.

    Pros

    Multi-functional – dehumidifies and dries clothes

    Wheels for portability

    Washable filter

    Quiet

    Easy to remove bucket

    Child-lock feature

    Cons

    Small tank requires emptying often

    Vague instructions

    Produces a lot of heat

    No hose pipe included

    Quite heavy

11. Inofia 30 Pints Dehumidifier

product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    For smaller spaces, max 1,056 sq. ft.

    Multiple convenient built-in functions

    Includes 6.56ft drain hose

    Compact and portable

    Less than 46dB at high speed

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Inofia 30 Pints Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

The Inofia 30 Pints Dehumidifier runs quietly while removing up to 30 pints of moisture from the air daily when used in a smaller space, up to 1,056 sq. ft. Choose between continuous drainage and use the supplied 6.56 ft drain hose for gravity drainage, or set a timer and allow this dehumidifier to use its auto shut-off function paired with an audible beep, once the 0.5-gallon tank is full, for manual drainage. With a recessed handle, you are able to move this 12.2 x 8.2 x 17.3 inch from room to room with ease.

The LCD control panel at the top of the unit allows makes it easy to use to set the humidity level and choose between the high or low fan speed. Auto-defrost, auto-stop, auto-restart, and auto-error detection functions allow for optimum functionality and all add to its ease of use. The air filter is washable, and it is recommended that you wash this once month to help reduce dust, allergens, and bacteria in your home. This model includes a one year warranty.

    Pros

    Easy to use

    Includes drain hose

    Auto-defrost function

    Washable air filter

    LCD display on control panel

    Cons

    No wheels

    Small tank capacity

    Unclear instructions

    Inaccurate thermostat

    Audible beep is loud

12. Vacplus 30 Pints Medium Room Dehumidifier

product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Removes 30 pints of moisture

    Runs quietly

    Includes 1m hose

    Auto shut-off function

    Intelligent humidity control

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Vacplus 30 Pints Medium Room Dehumidifier
Check Latest Price

For efficient and quiet removal of 30 pints of moisture in the air of medium-sized rooms, the Vacplus 30 Pints Medium Room Dehumidifier fits the bill! Running at just 36dB, this ultra-quiet model stylishly fits into your home but remains powerful at dehumidifying. Measuring 11.3 x 6.7 x 19.7 inches paired with high quality, 360-degree spin wheels, this dehumidifier can be moved from room to room easily. The operation is simple! Use the controls at the top of the unit to set your desired humidity level and the intelligent humidity control will do the rest of the work for you.

With a 1m hose included, you can either choose for continuous drainage or manual drain when the 1.35L capacity tank is full; the unit will automatically turn off when full and an indicator will come on, alerting you. With the option to dry clothes, this dehumidifier provides dual usage. The filter should be cleaned every three months or so; simply remove the filter cap and the filter and wipe clean with a soft cloth before re-fitting. If, within two years, you are not satisfied with this dehumidifier, when used under the appropriate conditions, you can receive a full refund or replacement.

    Pros

    Drying clothes mode

    24 hour timer

    Humidity control and automatic adjustment

    High quality compressor

    Easy to clean

    Portable and compact

    Cons

    Small capacity tank

    Buttons are sometimes unresponsive

    No pump

    Not Energy Star rated

Features To Consider With Dehumidifiers

Filter

When you are considering the purchase of a dehumidifier, a key component is the air filter. Like air purifiers and smart air purifiers, they help ensure your air is free of dust, allergens, and bacteria that affect your health; they also protect the coils on some models, which helps prevent damage. Filters should be easy to remove so you can clean them at least once a month. A washable, mesh filter is best overall so that you don't have to spend more money purchasing new filters every time they require cleaning.

Humidistat

The best dehumidifiers include a humidistat that allows you to select your preferred humidity level in your home, and the dehumidifier will automatically maintain that level. Humidistats allow for ease of use, especially if your home is highly humid, you need not stress when a humidistat keeps moisture under control. If a dehumidifier does not include a humidistat, it is best to purchase a hygrometer to keep near the unit, but of course, comes at an additional cost.

Operational Temperatures

Dehumidifiers all have various temperatures at which they best operate. So, if your home is too cold, or if it too hot, the dehumidifier may not operate at its highest functionality, thereby reducing the overall amount of moisture they can remove from the air. For rooms such as basements that are typically much colder, it is crucial that you check the operating temperatures to ensure you won't damage the unit or render it inefficient in its performance.

Auto-Defrost

Compressor style dehumidifiers use coils to help condense the moisture it draws in, but water can freeze on these coils, resulting in damage and decreased performance (and not to mention, a mess!). Compressor style dehumidifiers should include an auto-defrost function to ensure that water does not freeze on the coils; this function will automatically turn off the unit if frost begins to form. Desiccant and thermo-electric style dehumidifiers do not use compressors, therefore the auto-defrost function is not something you need to consider when purchasing one of these models.

dehumidifier settings

Room Size

If you need a dehumidifier to reduce moisture, nasty odors and to prevent mold or mildew, you need to consider room size. Sticking a tiny dehumidifier into a massive living area won't result in reducing relative humidity, and while it may pull some moisture from the air, it won't be doing so in an efficient manner. A good rule of thumb is that the larger or more damp the space in which you are wanting to use the dehumidifier, the larger the capacity of dehumidifier required. If you have a big space that you want to equip with quality home climate devices, don't forget to check out our list of air purifiers for large rooms.

Energy Efficiency

An Energy Star dehumidifier will help keep your electricity bills low, while efficiently removing pints of moisture per day. The last thing you will want to do is reduce humidity, but at the significant expense of your wallet, as your electricity bill can be tripled when using a unit that is not energy efficient, much like an air conditioner. It is common that the larger the dehumidifier, the more energy-efficient they tend to be. Keep your eye out for models that are Energy Star certified.

Pints Per Day

The more damp your space, the more pints per day of water you will want your dehumidifier to pull. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers provides guidance that can help you determine approximately how many pints of water per day that could potentially be removed, based on the size of the room. For example, a moderately damp room measuring about 2,500 sq. ft. could draw 26 pints per day, so a 30+ pint capacity dehumidifier would be suitable for you.

setting dehumidifier

Water Tank Capacity

If you are able to set your dehumidifier up for continuous drainage, water tank capacity is not so relevant, however, if you will be manually draining, it can make all the difference! The smaller the tank capacity, the more often you will need to empty it. The majority of dehumidifiers have an auto shut-off function so that when it is full, it will stop running; while this is excellent so that the unit does not overrun, if you are out all day (or perhaps do not hear the alert), your dehumidifier will no longer be removing moisture from the air. For rooms that produce many pints of moisture per day, a small capacity water tank can be a pain.

Hose Outlet

For units that allow for continuous drainage and do not include a pump, the hose outlet will be essential in setting up gravity-fed drainage. Most dehumidifiers have a hose outlet that allow for you to connect an internally threaded garden hose, but you do need to check this, as it can vary from model to model. Some manufacturers, however, do provide a hose fit for purpose.

Noise Level

Most dehumidifiers are not louder than an air conditioner or similar appliance, but are not always necessarily the quietest things to have running, especially if you have one in your bedroom! To put it into a bit of perspective for comparison purposes, the average conversation is about 55dB, so any dehumidifiers running at this level or lower generally do not become bothersome to most people. Think about where you are placing your dehumidifier, as that will dictate the kind of noise level you will be happy with when running it.

dehumidifier in living room

Types Of Dehumidifiers

Compressor Dehumidifier

Compressor dehumidifiers use feature a compressor and pump, drawing in warm air that hits a cold surface which results in condensation, removing water from the air. They are generally more efficient, using less energy than other types. Compressor style dehumidifiers work well in warmer rooms as the inside of the unit needs to be cooler than the air outside of it to work well.

Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier

Thermo-electric dehumidifiers also referred to as a Peltier dehumidifier, converts energy into temperature. A fan pulls damp air into the unit - there is an element within the unit that is cool on one side and hot on the other (due to different voltages applied to either side) - which then passes through the cold section where it is then condensed into the water tank and dry air is exhausted. They are typically quiet to run, but generally have a small water tank capacity and remove moisture slowly from the air, so they are not suited to areas that have high humidity levels.

Desiccant Dehumidifier

Desiccant dehumidifiers do not use a compressor but have a wheel that functions like a sponge would absorb moisture from the air. Due to the lack of a compressor, most desiccant models are much quieter, making them popular for use in bedrooms and living areas. They can be used in colder rooms as there is no concern about coils freezing up, unlike dehumidifiers that use a compressor.

dehumidifier in bedroom

Dehumidifier FAQ

Q: Where should I place my dehumidifier?

A:

When using a dehumidifier for the first time, you should place it into each room to ensure moisture is removed from your house, as opposed to just one room. Once you have allowed the dehumidifier to work its magic in each room, place it in a central location like a living area. Most dehumidifiers have air vents positioned on the back of the unit, so you need to keep a few inches between it and the wall. Of course, if you have purchased a dehumidifier for a specific room, then you simply need to set it up for use in your desired location.

Q: Should I leave my dehumidifier on all the time?

A:

When you first get your dehumidifier, you may need to run constantly to reduce the relative humidity in a room. However, it is typically not necessary to run your dehumidifier 24/7 once humidity is under control. Some dehumidifiers have humidistat which will allow you to set your preferred humidity level; it will then run and maintain that level, without you needing to monitor it constantly.

Q: Should I run a fan with a dehumidifier?

A:

You can run a fan with a dehumidifier, but it will not assist with removing moisture from the air. A fan can help with circulating air throughout a room and provides ventilation. Running a fan can also help make rooms feel cooler, which can help reduce the effects of the heat produced by some dehumidifiers.
dehumidifier controls

Q: Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?

A:

It all depends on the capacity of the dehumidifier that you have purchased, as well as the type! While larger capacity units require more electricity to run, they are usually much more energy efficient compared to their smaller capacity counterparts. Compressor style dehumidifiers typically use less electricity; while larger compressor units will draw more electricity, they run quickly, so the compressor is not constantly running, thereby making them energy efficient.

Q: Can a dehumidifier dehydrate you?

A:

No! A dehumidifier cannot dehydrate you - it can only pull moisture from the air. If you are using a dehumidifier in your bedroom and notice that you feel dehydrated, it could be that humidity levels are high or that you have not had enough water. It is common, however, to feel dehydrated after a long night's sleep.

Q: Can a dehumidifier help prevent mould and mildew?

A:

Yes! Mold and mildew love damp environments and grow rampantly in them, which is a result of high moisture levels in the air. A dehumidifiers main function is to remove moisture from the air, thereby drying spaces out and preventing mold and mildew from growing on your patio. Air filters on most models are also great at collecting dust, bacteria, and allergens which further reduce the chances of mold and mildew appearing in your home, also improving your health and helping those that suffer from allergies. If you are concerned about health threats caused by air quality, you might consider devices like carbon monoxide detectors too.

Sources

    How to Set a Dehumidifier - SF Gate

    How do dehumidifiers work? - Explain that Stuff

Related Reads

Best Air Purifiers For Large Rooms
Best Humidifiers
Best Air Purifiers
logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Reviews
DMCA.com Protection Status
  • 21781 Ventura Blvd PMB 32418 Woodland Hills, CA 91364
up