The Ultimate Dehumidifier Buying Guide

Humidity in the home is a particular concern during the summer months, but it’s something homeowners and apartment dwellers need to consider all year ‘round, which is where dehumidifiers come in. These small appliances are designed to help you control the level of humidity in the home. How do they work, what do they do, why do you need one, and what types are available? We’re here to help with this comprehensive dehumidifier buying guide. Read through this dehumidifier buying guide and you’ll be armed with all the right information to choose the perfect one for your home.

Table of Contents

1. What is a dehumidifier?
2. Why you need a dehumidifier
3. Signs you need a dehumidifier
4. Types of dehumidifiers
5. Key features to consider
6. How to choose the right dehumidifier for your needs
7. Maintenance and care tips

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a small appliance that helps remove water vapor from the air. It contains a fan that draws warm air currents in, feeds it through refrigerated coils, and keeps condensation inside. This condensation is collected in a storage tank that you can periodically empty. As it works, a dehumidifier gets the humidity in the home down to a safe level. This helps prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites so you can breathe easier and enjoy a more comfortable environment.

Why you need a dehumidifier

So, we’ve established what a dehumidifier is. Now, the question is: why? Keeping the proper humidity level in the home is important for many reasons.

Helps remove or reduce allergens – Dehumidifiers can help combat issues caused by high humidity indoors. This can range from mold and mildew to dust mites and other allergens. For households with people who suffer from allergies and/or asthma, it’s more important than ever to protect your family from allergens. Moisture in the air can make it difficult to breathe. Humidity can cause issues like wheezing, sneezing, eye irritation, itching, even chest pain.

Prevent mold, mildew, and dust – Mold and mildew can form when there’s too much humidity, which poses its own set of challenges. Mold and mildew can spread and cause health issues. What’s more, the presence of mold, mildew, and dust can also attract pests like cockroaches and spiders.

Improve air quality – A dehumidifier can help improve the air quality in a room. Humidity can result in a musty smell in a space like a basement, for example. Having a dehumidifier can help create fresher, cleaner air without this pungent odour.

Protect home and belongings – Certain types of wood can be damaged by humidity. This can include items like your kitchen or dining room table, recreation items in a basement like a TV stand or pool table, and other furniture and items. Keeping the humidity at an acceptable level can help preserve the integrity of these items.

Cooling the air – For those who live in particularly hot climates, or who experience especially hot and humid summers, a dehumidifier can help with cooling the home. You’ll likely still need to run air conditioning. But adding a dehumidifier to the mix can reduce how high or how often you need to run it. This, in turn, helps reduce your carbon footprint, not to mention energy bills.

More comfortable environment – If you have ever sat outside on a humid day, you know how uncomfortable it can be. While dry heat is one thing, humid heat is a completely different ballgame. Now imagine having that in your house! Reducing humidity in the air can make your home more comfortable, overall.

Offset additional causes of high humidity – There are certain things you can do in the home that will cause already rising humidity levels to get worse. Running the dryer, for example, can cause an increase in humidity. Boiling a pot of water can do the same in the kitchen, as can running a hot bath in the bathroom. Proper ventilation is important in these rooms, which often contain fans for this very purpose. But a dehumidifier can help, too.

Signs you need a dehumidifier

You might be wondering if you need a dehumidifier. There are surefire signs to tell.

Feeling uncomfortable and muggy – If you feel generally uncomfortable in the home, like you’re sweating or stripping off clothes, chances are the air is too humid. Even feeling sticky and uncomfortable in one room of the home when the air conditioning is running means it’s time for a dehumidifier.

Musty smell – Usually found in basements, if you notice a musty smell, even after you clean, it’s likely being caused by high levels of humidity. In this case, a dehumidifier in that room or space can help.

Condensation on windows – If you notice a build-up of condensation on the inside of your windows, chances are you need a dehumidifier. This suggests that the humidity inside the home if too high. If not taken care of, this can lead to mold and mildew forming behind the walls, under flooring, and in other spots of the home.

Damp spots – Because high levels of humidity creates excess moisture, this can lead to damp spots. This could damage your floors, furniture, and other items and surfaces in the home.

Types of dehumidifiers

Now that you’re fully educated on what dehumidifiers are, what they do, and why they’re important, it’s time to consider the various types. You can find the right one for your home, room, setting, and budget.

Refrigerant dehumidifiers – Most consumer-level dehumidifiers are refrigerant dehumidifiers. These work similarly to a refrigerator. A fan draws in room air, which falls over a cool metal plate. Moisture condenses on the plate and the water droplets fall into a tank you can empty. A refrigerant dehumidifier is ideal for use in warmer climates, even if that’s just for a few months out of the year.

Desiccant dehumidifiers – An alternative to refrigerant dehumidifiers, desiccant dehumidifiers are suitable for colder climates. They absorb water from the air using a special desiccant material. If you have ever seen a package of silica gel in something you have purchased, these work the same way. Like with refrigerant models, the condensed water collects in a tank. With some desiccant dehumidifiers, water can drain through a tube to the outside. The advantage is that these tend to be smaller and lighter. They can also operate at lower temperatures. This makes them ideal for spots like a garage or workshop. But they are also energy hogs.

Portable dehumidifiers – These are suitable for single rooms or small spaces. You might use one in a child’s bedroom or nursery, a home office, or your apartment bedroom. As the name implies, they are smaller than a full-sized dehumidifier. The standalone units don’t take up much floor space. But they aren’t designed for larger rooms or big, open spaces.

Whole-house dehumidifiers – Integrated into a home’s HVAC system, whole-house dehumidifiers can cover large areas. These are ideal for larger, multi-level homes and if you find that there’s an issue with high humidity levels on every level. They are also ideal if you live where it’s hot and humid for most of the year. It’s advised to get installation from an HVAC specialist, but a DIYer with knowledge and skill might be confident enough to handle it themselves. A whole-house dehumidifier is worth it for those who require a more all-encompassing solution.

Key features to consider

Once you narrow down the options and decide on what type of dehumidifier to get for your home, the next step is to look at the key features. You’ll want a model that fits just right, in every way.

Room size and capacity – It might be tempting to go with the smallest, most unobtrusive model. But if you want effective coverage for the area, make sure you’re getting the right size. First, measure the room’s dimensions. There are typically three main sizes of dehumidifiers: large with 45-50-pint capacities; medium with a 30-pint capacity, and small with a 20-22-pint capacity. A room that’s 500 square feet or smaller can do with a small or portable dehumidifier. If the room is larger than 500 square feet, a rule of thumb is to add four pints of capacity for every extra 500 square feet. To remove humidity from a 1,500 square-foot open-concept bungalow’s main level, then, a small dehumidifier might still do, but you could benefit from a medium sized one.

Additional factors related to room size – Along with picking the right size based on the room size, there are other things to consider. For example, how damp the area is. If you find that it’s really damp, start off with at least a 12-pint model. Move up to five additional pints capacity per 500 square feet. For humid climates, add an extra 10 pints to ensure it works effectively. In rooms where many family members often congregate, like the kitchen or living room, add another five pints to compensate. Do the same if there are multiple windows and/or doors in the room, and/or a washer and dryer. Along with upping to a large unit, you could also consider having two small or medium-sized dehumidifiers running at either side of a larger room.

Energy efficiency – As with any small appliance, energy efficiency is key. Desiccant dehumidifiers tend to use a lot of energy, so if this is a concern, go with a refrigerant model. Look for the ENERGY STAR label and ratings on the model that confirms it runs as efficiently as possible. This will be beneficial not only in reducing your carbon footprint, but also your electricity bills.

Noise level – You don’t want something that’s loud. That’s especially so if the dehumidifier is going to be in a room like a bedroom or nursery. Thankfully, most dehumidifiers aren’t very loud. The majority run at about 37dB to 55dB, which is about the same level as a small household fan. Nonetheless, if you are placing it in a room where the noise could be distracting to sensitive ears, look for the quietest dB rating possible.

Drainage options – There are two main ways to drain the collected water from a dehumidifier. The most common with household units is manually. There’s a removable bucket to empty periodically (depending on the moisture level in the room, but you might want to do this once a day or at least a few times per week). Pull out the bucket, dump the water down the sink, rinse, and re-insert it. The second option is through continuous drainage via built-in pumps. These can drain the collected water to the outside of the home using a pump. You’ll need installation assistance. It works through a small hole cut to fit a small hose, which then drains through a floor-level drain.

Humidity control – Humidity level controls work similarly to heat from your furnace or air conditioning from your AC unit. You can adjust the setting so that the dehumidifier only kicks in when it’s needed. Set your desired humidity level and let it do its thing. Models that have built-in humidistats can sense the room’s level of moisture and adjust accordingly.

Additional features – There are some other features you might find useful in a dehumidifier, like auto-shutoff. A defrost function can melt ice on the coils, perfect if you place one in a room like the garage during the winter months). Castors and wheels make it easy to move them from room to room or around the room. Digital displays, meanwhile, offer easy control. Some even come with built-in Wi-Fi and app connectivity for remote control. The most high-tech can even work via voice control.

How to choose the right dehumidifier for your needs

Now, let’s recap.

Measure, measure, measure – First, measure the room or rooms where you think a dehumidifier is needed. Factor in windows, doors, how damp the room tends to get, how often you and your family members spend time in that room and determine which size.

Consider personal sensitivities – Do you have family members who suffer from allergies or asthma? If so, you might want to consider a heavy-duty larger model, even if it seems like overkill for the room.

Choose the right type – When it comes to the type, most often, you’ll opt for a refrigerant model. But if it’s for the garage, shed, or workshop, you might prefer desiccant. You might find these better if the weather is more often cooler where you live as well. A room like a kitchen, meanwhile, could do with a smaller, countertop model, or one that can sit out of the way in a corner and go unnoticed while it does its job.

Other considerations – For a basement, arguably one of the more common levels to suffer from high levels of humidity, consider going with a larger model that can be remotely controlled. For a baby’s nursery or your bedroom, sound level might be the deciding factor. You may also want something stylish that can fit with the décor.

Once you have decided on a dehumidifier type and specific model, enjoy using it in your home. But also make sure to get the most out of that investment. This means taking proper care of the unit by doing what’s necessary to maintain it.

Regular cleaning – As with any small appliance, you should keep the dehumidifier clean. This includes not only periodically washing the tank but also the exterior of the unit. Before cleaning, make sure to turn the unit off and unplug it. Clean the tank with a mixture of vinegar and water, then wipe it dry. Wipe the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth or use a mixture of vinegar and water. Clean the filter with a soft bristle brush.

If you can take the machine apart and get to the blades, wipe those down with a damp cloth and clean the coils with water and vinegar as well. You can also lubricate the blades, if needed, with a few drops of motor oil. Additionally, use a handheld vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust.

Filter replacement – Dehumidifiers with built-in air filters typically need changing every 12 months, depending on how often you run it. But you should clean them every month or so. Turn the unit off and unplug it. Remove the filter cover panel, which is usually on the back of the unit. Place it in the sink, dust side down, and move it under running warm water to clean. Let it air dry for about 30 minutes before placing it back inside. Note that you should consult your manual before removing and cleaning the filter for any special instructions. Some units will advise via the display or a companion app when it’s time for the filter to be replaced.

Troubleshooting common issues – If your dehumidifier isn’t working properly, know some of the common issues. Check the filter to make sure it’s clean. Verify that the water tank isn’t full. Remove and reposition the tank to ensure it was placed back correctly. Check it for cracks if the tank is leaking. If the machine seems noisy, make sure it’s sitting on a flat surface. For colder environments, check that the coils have not frozen. Finally, know when to call a professional. If the dehumidifier isn’t working and you have followed the proper care and maintenance steps, and done your own troubleshooting, contact a specialist.  

Proper placement – Make sure, as noted, that the dehumidifier is placed on a flat surface. If not, this could lead to leaks or noises because it’s not sitting flat.

FAQs

What should a home’s humidity level be?

As a dehumidifier does its job, it helps bring down the humidity level in the room or home to anywhere from 30% to 50%. This is considered a healthy level of humidity according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA advises that homes should never exceed 60% humidity. Consider that dust mites can survive and procreate at a humidity level of about 65%.

Who could use a dehumidifier?

If you find that the humidity in your home exceeds these thresholds, particularly during the muggy summer months or in rooms like a basement, you could use a dehumidifier. If you find your home is even approaching the high end of this threshold, you can benefit from a dehumidifier as well. But the appliance is also useful to maintain proper humidity so you never get to this point.

What negative effects can dehumidifiers have?

Dehumidifiers do make the air drier, so if you live somewhere with dry heat (think Las Vegas), you might not need one. If not, you might see things like eczema flare-ups if the environment gets too dry. If you have a cold with symptoms like a dry cough or stuffy noise, running a dehumidifier might worsen how you feel. Balance this by making sure to stay hydrated and keeping humidity at a level that’s comfortable for you, but still within the safe zone.

How often should you run your dehumidifier?

You don’t need to run a dehumidifier constantly. Once the home had reached the optimal humidity level, you can turn the dehumidifier off. It should only need to run for about eight to 12 hours per day. Most units can run on a timer or have sensors to determine when they should run. Only running as necessary will ensure that you don’t remove too much humidity from the air. This will also help reduce electricity bills. Consider additional convenience features that make sense for your home. Learn how to properly maintain the unit and common issues you could run into.

Take the next step

Once armed with the knowledge about dehumidifiers, how they work, where and why you need them, you can make the right choice. Improve air quality, prevent mold and mildew formation, reduce allergens in the air, protect furniture, and allow for a more comfortable breathing experience in the home with a dehumidifier. Recognize the signs and consider the various types of dehumidifiers to choose the right one. Consider where you’ll place it and the size of the room as well as how often you’ll need it before selecting a model. Finally, explore some of the best dehumidifiers depending on where you’re going to use the unit.

Browse a wide selection of dehumidifiers at Best Buy Online.