Humidity is something that every person has had problems with. If your home is musty or stuffy and water condenses on pipes and windows, then you surely have high levels of humidity, and you must do something about it. Getting the best dehumidifier is an excellent decision that is a solution to all of your humidity problems. Running a dishwasher or a washing machine, showering, cooking- these are all activities that put moisture into your air. The condition gets even worse if you live in an area with a climate that already has uncomfortably high levels of humidity.
Choosing the right unit is essential, and with so many products available on the market, you may experience some difficulties with that process. For this reason, in our buying guide, we have not only gathered the most useful information about dehumidifiers, but we have also prepared reviews on dehumidifiers, that we think are the top products available nowadays.
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What is Humidity?
If we look at the sky, we could clearly see that the air is not just gas, but actually consists of water as well. It may be vapor or liquid, but it is there, and we can’t deny it.
Well, surprise, surprise, this applies to your indoor air as well. We often don’t think about the air we breathe in our homes, or we tend to think of it as just gas. However, you may think that the air in your room is dry- and with central heating, it may actually feel that way- but in reality, there is a noteworthy amount of moisture in the room.
In general, humidity is a synonym for moisture. The humidity levels of your air could be really high if you dry your laundry inside, or cook often, without having proper ventilation. Condensation on your windows is a sure sign that you have a humidity problem. Thus, it is important to know what relative humidity is.
Why is Indoor Humidity a Problem?
High levels of humidity could cause different kinds of issues. The clothes in your cupboards can get moldy, rust may occur in the case of your computer, and let’s not start with how bad it is for your health. It is a well-known truth that high levels of indoor humidity help with the flourishing of mites, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and many respiratory sicknesses or infections. Keep reading to find more information about the problems humidity can cause.
What is a Dehumidifier?
An interesting fact is that the first dehumidifier was invented in 1902, more than 100 years ago, by Willis Carries. He wanted to dehumidify a printing plant, and because of his discovery, nowadays, we can breathe fresh air, keep our family and ourselves safe from allergies, and keep our home free from mold.
In general, dehumidifiers are electrical devices that reduce and maintain the levels of humidity. By extracting water from the air, they also prevent the appearance of mildew and eliminate musty odor. Top-rated air purifiers for smoke also eliminate bad odors.
You have to prepare everything you can to not only keep your house free of mold but to ensure yourselves that the air you breathe is clean and fresh. This is essential, when it comes to your health, therefore, we recommend that you also check our buying guide devoted to finding a high-quality air purifier for allergies or an air purifier for mold.
Dehumidifier Applications
Dehumidifiers can be used in many applications- commercial, household, and even industrial ones. Large dehumidifiers can be seen in many commercial buildings, such as swimming pools, storage warehouses, indoor ice rinks, manufacturing plants, and more.
The dehumidifiers meant for your household are smaller, but they are as essential as all others. They control many things and have various benefits that we are going to go through later on in this buying guide.
Types of Dehumidifiers
The main types of dehumidifiers are two- condensate and desiccant.
Condensate dehumidifiers
Condensate dehumidifiers have a refrigerator that collects water. This water usually is greywater that sometimes is reused and can be used for industrial purposes. Some companies even offer a reverse osmosis filter that can turn the greywater into water that’s portable. Some designs, do not dispose of water in the form of a liquid, but of a vapor (ionic membrane dehumidifiers, for example).
Desiccant/absorption dehumidifiers
Absorption (desiccant) dehumidifiers use hydrophilic materials to bond moisture. Silica gel is one of the options. Cheap domestic dehumidifiers contain hydrophilic substance cartridges, powder, and gel. On the other hand, large commercial units have hot air recovery systems that get rid of humid air from outside your room. Therefore, the energy efficiency of these devices varies.
What can a Dehumidifier Affect In Your Home?
Some Heating, cooling, and purifying products for your home are essential not only to the way your house looks and smells but to your health as well. Let’s look at some of the things a good humidifier can control:
- Excessive body perspiration build-up
- Condensation that drips from cold-water pipes
- Sticking and warping of doors and furniture
- Mildew and mold
- The development of mustiness on laundry, books, and furnishings
- Clothes moths, cockroaches, fleas, millipedes, woodlice, etc.- they all thrive in damp conditions
- The development of allergies and respiratory problems
What is the Purpose of a Dehumidifier?
You can think of the dehumidifier as a vacuum cleaner. The device sucks in air and takes the moisture out of it. Then, the unit blows it back into your room, this time fresh and dry. There is also a collection tank and you must empty it often, as the moisture drips into it. So, you are probably asking yourself, “how exactly is the moisture removed?”.
To understand it more clearly, we can compare the dehumidifier to an AC device, which itself, operates pretty much like a refrigerator. No, don’t give up, it sounds more complicated than it really is, just keep reading. Let’s see precisely how each type works.
Best Dehumidifiers Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Frigidaire FAD704DWD Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon | |
hOmeLabs Dehumidifier |
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Keystone 70-Pint Dehumidifier |
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Vremi’ Moisture Maniac Dehumidifier |
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Keystone KSTAD50B Portable Dehumidifier |
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Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
Best-Selling Dehumidifier Reviews – Effortless Control
These products are the top picks we have gathered for you. They are all reliable and therefore, are not arranged in any specific order. Read them all, and decide for yourself.
1. Frigidaire FAD704DWD Dehumidifier
If you are looking for a powerful and efficient device to improve the air in your home and reduce the moisture, then Frigidaire’s dehumidifier is the right choice. This product works great in big indoor areas up to 1400 sq. ft. and can remove 70 pints of moisture daily with its 8.5-gallon tank. But what we really liked about the unit is the antibacterial mesh filter which is intended to eliminate bacteria circulating in the air while removing moisture.
This product is also made to sustain continuous operation without being too noisy with its 53.4 dBA. Also, you will find efficient how easy it is to move this 46-pound unit from one room to another, thanks to the built-in rolling casters, the top handle or while using the integrated side handles. In addition, the 6-feet power cord is long enough so that you will not need to use extension cords.
Pros:
- 2 fan speeds
- Energy Star rated
- 6-feet power cord
- 53.4 dBA noise level
Cons:
- Instructions in the manual might be confusing
- Difference between humidity settings and the actual humidity levels
2. hOmeLabs Dehumidifier
We will continue our reviews with a brand known for its quality and efficient products. hOmeLabs’ comes with a great dehumidifier that will please everyone with its functionality and capabilities. The unit is built for storage rooms, offices, or any other indoor place up to 1500 sq. ft. Also, the product’s moisture removal capacity of 30 pints will make your medium to large rooms feel dry and safe.
This dehumidifier is designed not only to eliminate moisture but also to restore the freshness of the air in any place. Therefore, you can feel safe in your home, knowing that your rooms are protected against mildew, mold, moisture, and rot. Moreover, without these contaminants, the chances of activating allergies are cut down to zero. As for the design of hOmeLabs’ dehumidifier, you will really like its practicality and functionality because it comes with built-in wheels for a smooth relocation. Also, this compressor unit can be adjusted for continuous draining, but for this purpose, you will need an extra hose.
Pros:
- Energy Star certified
- 2-year warranty
- Turbo mode
- Stylish look
Cons:
- The drain hose has to be purchased separately
- No automatic shutoff
3. Keystone 70-Pint Dehumidifier
Keystone comes with a great product that will not only protect your home from moisture but also make you like it because of its natural and straightforward use and upkeep. This 70-pint dehumidifier has a large moisture storage container, and it is intended for rooms or indoor places of up to 4500 sq. ft. Also, the controls of this unit will let you set a timer and be warned when the bucket is full, and you need to empty it.
Moreover, with the LED display, you can set the working mode of the product to 3 different programs – normal, turbo, and auto defrost. This way, the dehumidifier will be right per your needs. Another thing we liked about this unit is the auto-restart option. You will no longer worry about your unit losing the preset settings because the auto-restart will save them during a power outage. There is an option for continuous draining, too as long as you buy a hose for this.
Pros:
- 70-pint unit
- Transparent water level indicator
- 1-year warranty
- Auto shutoff
Cons:
- May raise the room temperature
- No spout to pour the water
4. Vremi’ Moisture Maniac Dehumidifier
There is nothing better than a quality device for dehumidifying that will both remove excess moisture while keeping bacteria and allergens away. Vremi’s Moisture Maniac dehumidifier comes with 30 pints daily capacity to remove up to 4 gallons of moisture. It is aimed at indoor spaces which are no more than 1000 sq. ft. That said, your attics or rooms in the house will be protected, and the air will remain clean.
Also, this product can reduce unpleasant odors coming, coming for example, from your storage rooms as well as keep away dust mites from spreading in the air. And you will definitely like the fact that working with this product is a piece of cake. The operating buttons are on the top of the dehumidifier, conveniently situated next to the screen. In addition, there is a separate turbo mode button for extra thorough moisture removal and odor reduction. Also, the LED indicator will turn on when the tank is full and needs to be emptied. What is more, the filter is easy to remove and clean.
Pros:
- Energy Star certified
- Turbo mode
- 1-year warranty
- Drain access
Cons:
- A bit noisy
- Carry handle not that convenient to use
5. Keystone KSTAD50B Portable Dehumidifier
Keystone is here with another efficient unit for removing excess moisture from your home. The portable dehumidifier is intended for indoor spaces up to 3000 sq. ft. which makes it perfect for your large living rooms, or garages. It can draw up easily 50 pints of moisture daily and moreover, it will not make so much noise while working as its noise level is only 55dBA.
There are several really convenient features of this product that you will like. First, there are 3 modes for adjusting the unit according to your needs – Normal, Turbo, and Auto Defrost. Second, there is a humid level indicator displayed on the screen for letting you control the desired mugginess. And finally, the full bucket alert and automatic shutoff when it cannot take any more water will undoubtedly be labor-saving for you. Also, the dust filter can be cleaned without any difficulty. Besides, the dehumidifier comes with 4 durable rolling casters for better maneuvering as well as with a convenient 7.22-inch long power cord.
Pros:
- 2.0 EEV
- Energy Star rated
- UL listed
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Consumes more energy than expected
- Might become noisy
6. Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier
There is no need to buy a large dehumidifier if your rooms are small. With ProBreeze’s Mini dehumidifier, you will find a solution to the harmful and annoying moisture in your living space. This product comes with a 16-ounce tank and can remove up to 9 ounces of moisture daily. That means that your rooms should be no bigger than 150 sq. ft. if you want to feel the difference.
The product is very compact and can fit practically anywhere, because of its size of 6.29 x 7.08 x 11.02 inches. But do not be mislead by size as this unit has the same powerful and functional features as other bigger products in the same category. This dehumidifier comes with LED light indicator, auto-shutoff function, and a built-in thermoelectric cooling technology. Moreover, since it does not operate with a compressor, the product will not be that noisy. Another characteristic is the optimal operating temperature, which should be from 59° F to 86° F.
Pros:
- 12-month guarantee
- Perfect for small indoor spaces
- Works without a compressor
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- The tank will fill very fast
- For best results, you have to keep it on all the time
7. Hysure Dehumidifier
The first thing that grabbed our attention with this product is that it comes in 2 different colors. And the second thing that actually has made us like the Hysure unit, even more, is its size and functionality. This dehumidifier is very small with dimensions of 14 x 6.6 x 4.4 inches and a weight of only 2.75 pounds. You will not have any difficulty in moving it from room to room as it can any place in your rooms. It comes with a 24 fl.oz tank capacity and can extract up to 10.3 fl.oz. of moisture.
Also, unlike other dehumidifiers, this unit is really quiet, and its noise levels are below 33 dBA. That said, you can situate it in your bedrooms or in your children’s rooms as it will not disturb your sleep. Another thing you might like is that the unit is made of eco-friendly materials and no chemical substances, which makes it safe for your family. And although it has only one control button, this product has all the functions that you need. It can shut off automatically when the tank is full, and there is an LED indicator as well.
Pros:
- Whisper-quiet Peltier technology
- Air purify function
- 2-year warranty
- Made of safe ABS plastic
Cons:
- Only for tiny rooms or indoor spaces
- Not useful in dealing with allergens
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
We already mentioned the two main types of dehumidifiers. Now, we will have an in-depth look at how exactly does a dehumidifier work. These units operate in one of two main ways- by absorption (a drying material absorbs moisture and after that moisture is removed), or by refrigeration (the air is cooled so that moisture is removed).
Refrigeration
The most typical type of dehumidifier is the electric refrigeration dehumidifier. This unit draws wet air over an evaporator that is refrigerated, using a fan. Coiled tubes, microchannel technology, fin, and tube are the three main types of evaporators.
The cold evaporator coil condenses the removed water and then the condenser coil reheats the air. The now re-warmed and dehumidified air is blown back into the room. When it comes to hot temperatures this process is beneficial. However, this process is less effective in cold temperatures. If you want to reach the highest efficiency, 45% humidity and a minimum temperature of 20 °C are required. The lower the air temperature is, the higher the relative humidity value.
The main difference between an air conditioner and this dehumidifier is that both the condenser and the evaporator are put in the very same air path. The condenser coil of an average air conditioner releases heat outside of the room, but because all of the dehumidifier’s components are in the same place, the heat energy is not removed. Moreover, the room is actually heated since the consumed electric power stays in the room in the form of heat.
What’s more, if the water is condensed in your room, the heat needed for the previous evaporation of that water is also released one more time in the room. For this reason, an in-room dehumidifier always warms up the space in which it is working.
So, let’s look at the working process of this type of dehumidifier:
- The grill on one of the sides of your machine sucks in the warm, moist air.
- The air is drawn inward by an electric fan.
- The warm air moves through freezing pipes in which a coolant is circulating. As the air is cooled, the moisture turns into liquid and drips down off the pipes.
- Now, with no moisture in it, the air goes over a heating element (pretty much like the one of a fan heater) and then warms back up until it reaches its previous original temperature.
- Another grille blows the dry, warm air back into the room.
- Your unit has a collecting tray (or bucket) at its bottom. The moisture that was found in the air now drips down into this tray.
- As the collecting tray fills up, a plastic float located in the device rises upward.
- When your tray is full, the float will trip an electric switch. This switch turns the fan in your unit off, and an indicator light that shows you the device requires emptying is triggered.
Absorption dehumidification
This process includes a unique material that is humidity absorbing and is called a desiccant. The desiccant is subjected to the conditioned air. Then, the material is moved to another place. There it is ‘recharged’ so that it could repel the humidity, usually by heating it.
Units that operate in accordance with the absorption principle are perfectly suitable for low temperatures with high levels of humidity. Therefore, people who work in different sectors in the industry that require humidity levels no higher than 35% often use them.
These dehumidifiers are usually lighter and work more quietly than compressor ones due to the lack of compressor parts.
The working process of absorption/desiccant dehumidifiers is the following:
- The dehumidifier draws moist air from your room through a duct.
- The drawn air moves through a rotating wheel that is made of water-absorbing material. The material can remove humidity.
- A fan with an electric motor draws the air.
- The unit blows back the now-dry air into the room
- An electric heating element keeps the air duct underneath hot.
- The wheel that absorbs moisture rotates through the air space that is heated. The hot air is blown past it so that it could be dried out.
- The air gets sucked by a fan and an electric motor.
- The hot wet air is then blown out through the unit’s exhaust duct.
Ionic membrane dehumidification
This method for dehumidification is not that common, and that’s why not many people know about is existence. However, we want to say a few words about it as well.
The ionic membrane could be used both to move humidity out of or into an enclosed area. It operates at a molecular level, and it does not involve apparent liquid water. The SPE membrane is a low power type of dehumidifier that is used in areas that are enclosed and where maintenance is hard. The dehumidifying capacities of the electrolytic process are up to 58 grams per day from a 280 cu ft.Generally, SPE systems don’t have high capacities for dehydration. The process does not require any maintenance since the water vapor is extracted through electrolysis. It also requires a small amount of electrical energy for operation, as it uses no moving parts, and makes the operation of ionic membranes very quiet and reliable. SPEs are usually used for the protection of some delicate electrical components, such as medical equipment, scientific apparatus, etc., from humidity.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dehumidifier
The Quantity of Water that is Removed Per Day
Depending on the reason why you want a dehumidifier, this factor can actually be the most important one. Each unit has a certain amount of water that it can collect in 24 hours. Obviously, A bigger machine draws out more water than a smaller one. Therefore, if something like a river flood has occurred to you, and you have a lot of water to be shifted, this is the measurement you should go by.
Efficiency
If you plan to use your dehumidifier regularly, you have to know how much power your unit will consume. The measurement you must look for, in this situation, is the efficiency of the device, sometimes referred to as ‘energy factor.’ Generally, this shows how much water your unit can remove divided by the amount of power it uses. It is measured in L/kWh (liters per kilowatt-hour).
Wattage
If you choose a unit that has high wattage that means that it will work harder and remove more water per day.
An average mini dehumidifier has around 20 watts of power and a tank with a capacity of 0.5 liters. It can extract 250ml of water per day. On the other hand, a large wheelable dehumidifier can usually remove about 50 liters of water for one day, using 1000 watts. So, the big unit can extract 50 liters per day and use only 24kWh, while the small one will need 4 days to remove one liter and 200 days for 50 liters.
Basically, the big unit is a lot more energy-efficient and around 200 times faster than the small dehumidifier. However, most of the time you don’t need a big dehumidifier, as such units are used for commercial and industrial applications.
Dehumidifier Size
It is essential that you decide on a space where your unit will operate, before deciding on the unit itself. You need to knows the size of the room in which you will sue the device and also have a general idea of the moisture levels of the area. The drying capacity of the dehumidifier is measured in pints removed per day. Needless to say, we are talking about water pints here.
Most dehumidifiers have some sort of a size chart printed on their packaging. However, if you don’t find a sizing table with the model you look at, make sure you message the seller asking about it.
Our team recommends that you get a dehumidifier with a higher capacity. Small units will run all the time and won’t be able to keep the humidity at mid-levels. More top capacity dehumidifiers, on the other hand, are great for excessively damp spaces, such as dishwashers and clothes dryers. Also, such dehumidifiers are more suitable for humid regions.
Humidity Control
It is always an excellent approach to get a unit with automatic controls that will help you set and monitor humidity levels. In summer, the optimal relative humidity in your house should be around 45%, while in winter, even 35% is okay.
Some units come with hygrometers that can measure the relative humidity and give you the exact number. There is something called a humidistat. It works in the same way as a thermostat for heaters. Here. You simply set the humidistat to a specific number and your device will not only reach it but also maintain it.
In case the unit you decide on doesn’t support any of these, you can always buy a hygrometer separately. You won’t spend a fortune on it and it will give you a precise calculation of the humidity you have at home.
Portability
The most popular models for homes are portable dehumidifiers. They are great for homes that have periodic, localized issues with moisture as they simply need to be plugged in. You can find such dehumidifiers at big box hardware stores and home improvement centers. These units are an excellent choice since they are affordable, easy to use, and effective at improving the air quality of your home. Still, depending on the problems you are dealing with, a portable dehumidifier may not be suitable.
Water Capacity
Always consider the bucket size of the unit. Dehumidifiers with smaller water pans will need to be emptied more often. That’s why people prefer to buy units with large buckets, and more specifically with buckets that are loaded at the front. This is because they are the easiest to empty. However, you will have to pay a little more for the convenience.
Portable dehumidifiers do not to be emptied by you. They usually have some self-draining mechanisms. These mechanisms, however, are typically in the form of drain hoses. This means that you will have to have the device connected to either an external water line or the main drain line of your home. This will seriously limit the number of areas where you can use such a humidifier.
Features for Defrosting
Look for a unit that will handle low temperatures. This means that you should look for a dehumidifier that will do all the defrosting itself.
When the indoor temperature of your room drops below 65 degrees, the heating coils in your unit could freeze. We recommend that you find a dehumidifier that is certified to 40-45 degrees. Most of the time, you have to pay a bit extra for units that have defrosting features. However, this is better than having to replace your unit entirely because of damaged iced coils.
Mobility
There are 2 main accessories to consider when it comes to mobility:
- Caster wheels
- Long power cord
We find little need to explain any of the two further.
Automatic Shutoff
Auto shutoff is vital to most dehumidifier owners. This feature works thanks to a valve that provides the unit with overflow protection. When the water reaches certain levels inside the tank/pan, this valve will shut off your unit. This way you will also know that it is time to empty the dehumidifier.
Tips on How to Clean Your Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers have many components that are prone to build-up. For this reason, you want to make sure you clean those parts often.
Water Collection Tank
The collection tank is something you want to pay constant attention to. Make sure it never overflows and empty it regularly. Don’t skip cleaning it too. Just use regular soap water and a damp cloth.
The Grilles
This is where you will notice a lot of build-up throughout the season. You don’t have to clean the grilles very often but once a month would be sufficient. Your best shot is to vacuum the air intake up-front.
Tips on How to Maintain a Dehumidifier
The replacement of old parts and the correct use of your dehumidifier can help it operate smoothly for an extended period.
Adjust the Humidistat
The humidistat, as its name hints, is the thing that controls the levels of humidity in your room. For optimal efficiency and comfort, the ideal levels of humidity should be somewhere around 40 percent.
Dehumidifier Placement
A good rule of thumb is that you should not place your dehumidifier very close to a wall. Try to have at least six inches on each side. This way, the air exhaust, and intake will not be blocked. 65° is the lowest temperature that your room should have if you don’t want your unit to freeze up. Of course, some dehumidifiers are designed for such low temperatures, and if you have such a device, this rule does not apply.
Keep the Compressor Protected
The compressor is another part of your unit that you must be very careful with. If you turn your unit on and off rapidly, you risk getting an overheated compressor. After you have turned your dehumidifier off, we advise you to give it 10 minutes or so, so that you can allow the pressure inside to get equalized.
Replace your Filter
The purpose of the air filter is to clear allergens and dust from the air and that way to protect the insides of the appliance and at the same make the air you breathe cleaner. It is important to change the filter in your dehumidifier often, but we can’t specify how frequently, as each unit is different and has different characteristics. You can find more information in the owner’s manual. Make sure to also check out the best humidifiers for allergies.
Dehumidifier FAQ
1. How long should I run the device after a flood?
Many people wonder how long to run a dehumidifier after a water leak, and in reality, the answer is simple- it depends. There are some factors you have to think about, such as the extent of the leak and the area that is exposed to moisture. You need to make sure that the dehumidifier runs in a closed system. This way, you will decrease the time necessary to run the unit.
The primary purpose of dehumidifiers is to remove moisture from the air. These units draw damp air over cold coils that condense, then collect and remove the humidity before the dry air is returned to your room. Puddles evaporate, as the air in the room becomes drier. Therefore, moisture that is trapped in cushions, sheet rocks, and other affected materials is pulled out.
However, if your room is open to other sources of moisture, like humid air from open windows, the dehumidifier will labor to pull moisture out faster than moist air flows in. To dry an area affected by a flood quickly, try to contain the area so that your unit can do its job more efficiently.
Mold will start showing in areas affected by a flood within 48 hours of first exposure to moisture. For this reason, it is necessary to remove the water from this are within this time frame. This way, you will also avoid bacterial damage and protect your possessions from mold and rust.
If the flood is so extensive that you can’t finish clean-up and drying within this period, you may have to get yourself a commercial dehumidifier that has a larger capacity. Another option is to call a professional that can get the work done as soon as possible.
Most dehumidifiers can extract the water to around 50 or 55% relative humidity before the automatic shutoff. This suggests that if you have a leak, you will be able to run your device for days before it shuts off because of any other reason different than a filled basin.
In short, the solution to this problem is logical: Keep the dehumidifier running until the area is arid.
2. How much electricity does a dehumidifier use?
The thing that must surely be taken into consideration is the energy consumption in kWh the unit you want to purchase has. The next thing you must think about is the efficiency with which the dehumidifier uses that energy. The energy consumption can be found on the unit’s package and in its characteristics.
Energy efficiency, on the other hand, is expressed via the ‘energy factor’. For electric dehumidifiers, the energy factor is connected to their performance per kWh. This will show you the liters of water that are removed from air per kWh.
Usually, larger devices are more effective than smaller ones. Even so, the unit that has the highest energy factor is not always the most reliable or cheapest option since most spaces don’t need high capacity units. If your moister problem is in a place that is small, we would recommend that you get yourself a non-electric dehumidifier.
For example, if we have a standard model, operating at 280 Watts-hour, and having a current power rate of 15 cents/kW, an electric device will use 4.2 cents of power per one hour. Therefore, if your unit operates for 10 hours, the cost will be 42 cents per day and $153 per year. Of course, these are some illustrative calculations as they are based on rough figures.
3. Do air conditioners dehumidify?
Yes, they do, but that is not their primary function. The core function of the air conditioner is to cool the room. This happens because the unit pulls the air into the system and then runs it over refrigerant-filled coils. The cooled air is sent back to the room, after going through the AC process, while the heat that has been extracted from the air is expelled to the outdoors.
On the other hand, the primary function of a dehumidifier is to remove moisture from your air. For that to happen, the device pulls the air into the system, cools it, then heats it, and after that dispels the moisture into a drainage system or a bucket.
4. How long do dehumidifiers last?
If you ask the pros or the manufacturers, they will tell you that humidifiers can last up to eight-nine years. What we’ve seen is that most domestic units will last up to five years.
All of this depends on two main factors:
The conditions in which the dehumidifier is used. If it has to work tirelessly fighting huge amounts of humidity, it will not be able to last long. The opposite is also true.
The way the owner maintains it. Without proper maintenance, any unit will break down prematurely.
5. Where should I put the dehumidifier?
There are many places where you could put your dehumidifier- laundry rooms, crawl spaces, etc. However, depending on the size and capacity, some units may even help you dehumidify a warehouse. Looking for a dehumidifier for the basement? We have reviews on humidifiers from the unbiased experts you can trust.
Whatever room you pick, we advise you to have the unit at least 6 inches away from every wall. You don’t want to obstruct the air from flowing freely around the dehumidifier.
Do you also want to know how to buy a whole-house humidifier? Our helpful whole house humidifier reviews will tell you what to look for when it comes to selecting the best one for your needs.
Wrap Up
Well done, guys, you have read our complete buying guide to finding the best dehumidifier. You surely realize how many things you must keep in mind- the size, the placement, the brand, and all the other factors, we have already mentioned.
We really hope that our article and our reviews on dehumidifiers have been useful, and you have found what you looked for. If that is indeed true, we would appreciate it if you share this piece with others, as they may find it helpful as well. Also, if you think that we have missed something in our article, feel free to leave us a comment or pop us an email.
Make sure you have some free time for we have many other buying guides devoted to finding the most reliable unit, and we are confident that you will find them useful. Thanks for reading, and as always- stay put!