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Best Dehumidifiers in 2023

By Luna Thorton · Nov 03, 2022

Having a dehumidifier is important for removing moisture from the air in your home. When air is too humid, it becomes stagnant and stale and causes people with allergies or asthma to suffer more attacks. The biggest culprit of high humidity indoors is the outside climate, and AC alone cannot remove the moisture from the air. A dehumidifier then becomes a smart investment to maximize the efficiency and life of your HVAC unit and improve air quality in a way it cannot. There are different dehumidifiers to choose from depending on water capacity and the amount of space you live in. There are also a variety of customer reviews, which is why we've put together this list of seven dehumidifiers by reputable brands to help you decide on your next purchase. Reading the features of each will give you a better idea of which dehumidifier is right for you.
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Best dehumidfier for bathrooms

Tosot 20 Pint 1,500sq Ft Dehumidifier

Tosot 20-Pint Capacity 1,500 sq. ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier (GDN20AZ-A3EBA2A)

Settings N/A
Aromatherapy N/A
Run time N/A
Room size 1,500 Sq Ft
Voice commands N/A
Product Dimensions 11.7 x 15 x 20.7 Inches
Weight 32 lbs
Drainage Bucket, hose
Fan Speeds 3
Decibel Rating Up to 52 dB
Energy Star Rated Yes
Moisture Removal Capacity 20 Pints

Best dehumidifier for garages

Homelabs 1500 Energy Star Dehumidifier

hOmelabs 1 500 sq. ft Energy Star Dehumidifier (HME020030N)

Product Dimensions 15.2 x 10.2 x 19.7 Inches
Weight 30.5 lbs
Moisture Removal Capacity 22 Pints
Room size 1,500 Sq Ft
Drainage Bucket
Fan Speeds 2
Decibel Rating N/A
Energy Star Rated Yes

Product available at:



Best whole house dehumidifier

Colzer Commerical Dehumidifier

Colzer Commercial Dehumidifier 140 Pints (PD582A)

Product Dimensions 13.3 x 13.3 x 28.7 inches
Weight 50 lbs
Moisture Removal Capacity 140 Pints
Room size 6,000 Sq Ft
Drainage Bucket, hose
Fan Speeds 2
Decibel Rating N/A
Energy Star Rated No

Product available at:


Best dehumidifier for apartments

Frigidaire Ffap5033w1 Dehumidifier

Frigidaire High Humidity 50 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier with Wi-Fi (FFAP5033W1)

Product Dimensions 15.97 x 12.19 x 24.25 inches
Weight 43 lbs
Moisture Removal Capacity 50 Pints
Room size N/A
Drainage Bucket, hose
Fan Speeds 2
Decibel Rating Up to 47 dB
Energy Star Rated Yes

Product available at:



Best small dehumidifier

Frigidaire Ffad223w1 Dehumidifier

Frigidaire 22 Pint Dehumidifier (FFAD2233W1)

Product Dimensions 15.5 x 11.34 x 19.78 inches
Weight 36.3 lbs
Moisture Removal Capacity 22 Pints
Room size N/A
Drainage Bucket
Fan Speeds 3
Decibel Rating Up to 43 dB
Energy Star Rated Yes

Product available at:



Best dehumidifier for bedrooms

Midea 1500 Sq Ft Enery Star Dehumidifier

Midea 1,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier With Reusable Air Filter (MAD22C1AWS)

Product Dimensions 10.51 x 15.31 x 19.8 Inches
Weight 33.5 lbs
Moisture Removal Capacity 22 Pints
Room size 1,500 Sq Ft
Drainage Bucket, hose
Fan Speeds 2
Decibel Rating Up to 52 dB
Energy Star Rated Yes

Product available at:



Best dehumidifier for basements

Ge 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier

GE 50 Pint Prtable Dehumidifier (APER50LZ)

Product Dimensions 11.38 x 14.76 x 24.02 Inches
Weight 44 lbs
Moisture Removal Capacity 50 Pints
Room size 4,000 Sq Ft
Drainage Bucket, hose
Fan Speeds 3
Decibel Rating N/A
Energy Star Rated Yes

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7 of the Best Dehumidifiers in 2023

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Bathrooms can get very unbearably hot after showers, and the thick vapor normally dissipates in a few minutes. Sometimes, the exhaust fan is not enough. For removing moisture in bathrooms and any humid area up to 1,500 square feet, the best humidifier is the TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier. It's efficient, with three fan modes, auto shutoff, and auto on/off for custom settings or automatic adjustment. Two drainage options allow you to use the water bucket or the drainage hose hookup. Small size with a 1-gallon bucket and super-quiet operation keeps it out of the way while preventing wet spots. You get precise humidity monitoring that only needs your preferences for the humidistat and timer and even assist with drying towels. It's also great for very humid areas such as crawlspaces that affect the rest of the house.

FAQs

The TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier offers three fan modes for custom drying speed. Auto shutoff prevents water overflow if you are using the bucket, and auto on/off operates only when necessary. Two drainage options allow you to use it anywhere in the home or empty it according to your convenience.

The TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier automatically includes a One-Year Standard Warranty, starting on the purchase date. It guarantees the free repair or replacement of the product when it is defective due to materials or workmanship and covers the cost of labor for diagnosis as well as repair or replacement of the product.

The Department of Energy 2012 standard for this size of dehumidifier was 30 pints. Dehumidifiers are now tested at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% humidity instead of 80 degrees and 60% humidity, dropping the pint capacity due to there being less moisture in cooler air. This 20-pint dehumidifier is suitable for high humidity and high-temperature spaces.

The TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier is Energy Star certified. Compared to non-Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers, it uses at least 10% less energy and has an average improvement rate of 20%. This dehumidifier is also UL Energy Verified, meaning it has EPA-recognized third-party verification of its Energy Star energy rating.

There is no information for the noise level of the TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier. However, many reviewers state that it is quieter than similar dehumidifiers. Because it is small, its noise levels never exceed 45dB, which is a little bit louder than a quiet residential area, office, or library.

Pros & Cons

Advantages
  • 2 drainage options
  • Quiet operation that never exceeds 45dB
  • Excellent for high humidity, high-temperature areas
  • Auto shutoff and auto on/off
  • 3 fan modes
  • Energy Star certified and UL Energy verified
Disadvantage
  • Non-stop operation is not default
You can easily eliminate excess humidity from garages, medium to large rooms, and basements with the Homelabs 1,500 sq. ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier. Able to work in areas of up to 1,500 square feet, it removes up to 22 pints of moisture from the air per day with continuous operation. Your choice of using your own 5/8-inch gravity-fed garden hose for continuous drainage or the water tank with auto shutoff when full allows you to use it anywhere. Its modern design, portability, ease of use, and low noise level make it suitable for operation anywhere in the home and especially for garages, which have some of the highest humidity levels in the house. You can just as easily use it in a basement (40-65% average humidity) as a garage (30-50% average humidity).

FAQs

The Homelabs 1,500 sq. ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier is very efficient, with a 0.8-gallon water tank and a drainage hose outlet if you want continuous drainage. Turbo Mode helps to reach peak airflow from the Normal Air CFM 118 to High Air Normal Air CFM 135 for even faster moisture removal, and comfort mode automatically sets humidity to 45-55%.

The Homelabs 1,500 sq. ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier automatically includes a Limited Two-Year Manufacturer Warranty, starting on the purchase date. It guarantees the free repair or replacement of the product when it is defective due to materials or workmanship and covers the cost of labor for diagnosis as well as repair or replacement of the product.

The Department of Energy 2012 standard for this size of dehumidifier was 30 pints. Dehumidifiers are now tested at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% humidity instead of 80 degrees and 60% humidity, dropping the pint capacity due to there being less moisture in cooler air. This 22-pint dehumidifier works between temperatures of 41 degrees and 95 degrees.

The Homelabs 1,500 sq. ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier is Energy Star certified. Compared to non-Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers, it uses at least 10% less energy and has an average improvement rate of 20%. This model is efficient in medium to large rooms of up to 1,500 square feet with high humidity levels.

There is no information for the exact noise level of the Homelabs 1,500 sq. ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier. However, it is relatively quiet. Some people who are sensitive to noise that is not whisper-quiet may not be comfortable with it operating in the same room as them, especially when trying to sleep. It is common to use in basements and garages.

Pros & Cons

Advantages
  • 2 drainage options
  • Efficient even in humid garages
  • Turbo mode and comfort mode
  • Energy Star certified
Disadvantage
  • Drainage hose develops gooey gel that needs yearly cleaning
Another best whole-house dehumidifier choice is the Colzer 140-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier. With its compressor, it can remove up to twice as much water as a 70-pint dehumidifier, with the ability to remove 140 pints or 17 gallons per day in areas up to 6,000 square feet with continuous operation. Two drainage options of the 6.56-foot gravity-fed drainage hose or the 2.1-gallon water tank conveniently let you use it anywhere. It has laundry mode to dry clothes faster regardless of the temperature. It also shuts off when the bucket is full or your humidity level is reached and turns on when there's excessive humidity. Smart operation mode, auto defrost, and intelligent control make sure it's exactly the way you want it. Child lock adds safety by preventing accidental touching.

FAQs

The Colzer 140-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier has two drainage options: you can either empty the water bucket or use the included 6.56-foot hose. Auto shutoff prevents water overflow and auto on/off adjusts humidity as necessary. It includes laundry mode for drying clothes and auto defrost for large basements and other wet areas.

The Colzer 140-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier automatically includes a Two-Year Manufacturer Warranty, starting on the purchase date. It guarantees the free repair or replacement of the product when it is defective due to materials or workmanship and covers the cost of labor for diagnosis as well as repair or replacement of the product.

The Colzer 140-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier has double the daily water removal capacity of a 70-pint dehumidifier. It is excellent for very large homes, large offices, and other buildings where high humidity is an issue, and works in areas up to 6,000 square feet. Despite its very large capacity, it weighs only a few pounds more than the average 50-pint dehumidifier.

The Colzer 140-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier is not Energy Star certified. However, it removes moisture from spaces much faster than the average dehumidifier with the same floor area because of its unique tower design, meaning it doesn’t have to use as much time for removing moisture. It operates on 110-120V outlets or 50/60Hz.

There is no information on the noise level of the Colzer 140-Pint Commercial Dehumidifier. However, because it is a commercial dehumidifier, it operates in very large spaces and so is louder than smaller-capacity dehumidifiers. As a whole-home or large office solution, it is best to use it away from people or areas where quiet is necessary.

Pros & Cons

Advantages
  • 2 drainage options
  • Included drainage hose
  • Works in up to 6,000 square feet of space
  • Laundry mode and auto defrost
  • 360-degree easy-roll wheels
Disadvantage
  • Drainage hose over built-in pump means gravity is necessary
When you need a dehumidifier that is best for apartments, the Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier is the best choice. That's because it can remove up to 50 pints of moisture from the air in 24 hours from large rooms of up to 1,500 square feet of space, upper floors, or whole apartments with two to three bedrooms. It includes a built-in pump so you don't have to lift a finger to drain the water. Sleep operation mode operates on low power and custom humidity control automatically adjusts to the environment. Auto-shutoff prevents water overflow when the bucket is full. Maneuverable, easy to use, energy-efficient, and for small spaces best describe this dehumidifier. It's also quiet, operating at less of a noise level (47dB) than a refrigerator (50dB).

FAQs

The Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier operates quietly. It features a low-temperature operation of 41 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it great for chilly but humid spaces. The built-in pump, auto shutoff, sleep operation mode, and custom humidity controls make it convenient so that you don’t have to adjust it or drain the water.

The Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier automatically includes a One-Year Manufacturer Warranty, starting on the purchase date. It guarantees to repair or replacement of the product when it is defective due to materials or workmanship and covers the cost of labor for diagnosis and repair or replacement of the product. There is an optional five-year warranty which you can apply after the one-year warranty expires.

The Department of Energy 2012 standard for this size of dehumidifier was 70 pints. Dehumidifiers are now tested at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% humidity instead of 80 degrees and 60% humidity, dropping the pint capacity due to there being less moisture in cooler air. This dehumidifier works best for moderate (frequent) or high (constant) humidity and has a design that is specific for low-temperature operation at 41 degrees.

The Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier is Energy Star certified. Compared to non-Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers, it uses at least 10% less energy and has an average improvement rate of 20%. On average, a 50-pint dehumidifier uses 3.6-7.2 amps and 600 to 700 watts of power from a 110-volt outlet. It uses about as much energy as a 70-pint dehumidifier.

The Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier’s average noise level during active operation from a distance of up to one meter away is 47dB, making it relatively quiet to use. It is especially good for apartments, where noise is an issue. Its noise level is between that of a quiet office, library, or residential area (40dB) and a large office (50dB).

Pros & Cons

Advantages
  • Built-in pump
  • Works in up to 1,500 square feet of space
  • Low-temperature operation
  • Custom humidity control and automatic shutoff
  • Energy Star certified
Disadvantage
  • Heavy
If you're looking for the best small dehumidifier, consider the Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier. It is not only small but efficient, quiet, portable, and easy to use and maintain. As a low-temperature dehumidifier, it can operate at temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. It is durable and excellent for chilly but humid rooms such as basements, medium, and large-sized rooms that can create condensation and moisture damage. It can remove up to 22 points of moisture from the air from almost the entire basement in 24 hours with continuous operation. The carrying handle, splash guard, front-loading bucket, bucket handle, and casters make it easy to empty and move without mess or difficulty. A washable filter removes dust and auto-shutoff turns the dehumidifier off when the water tank is full. Plus, a continuous drain option and three fan speeds with custom humidity control make it flexible to empty and cool.

FAQs

Three fan speeds, automatic shutoff, custom humidity controls, portability with casters, large area functionality in basements, the continuous drain option, and low-temperature operation are the Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier’s best functions. These features make it best for use in basements and allow the user to operate it with minimal adjustments and drain the water automatically.

The Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier automatically includes a One-Year Manufacturer Warranty, starting on the purchase date. It guarantees the repair or replacement of the product when it is defective due to materials or workmanship and covers the cost of labor for diagnosis and repair or replacement of the product. There is an optional five-year warranty which you can apply after the one-year warranty expires.

The Department of Energy 2012 standard for this size of dehumidifier was 30 pints. Dehumidifiers are now tested at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% humidity instead of 80 degrees and 60% humidity, dropping the pint capacity due to there being less moisture in cooler air. This bucket capacity is the second smallest and has a design that is specific for low-temperature operation at 41 degrees.

The Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier is Energy Star certified. Compared to non-Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers, it uses at least 10% less energy and has an average improvement rate of 20%. On average, a 22-pint dehumidifier uses 2.7 amps and 297 watts of power from a 115-volt outlet, compared to the 2.6 amps and 286 watts of a 20-pint dehumidifier.

The Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier’s noise level is 43dB, making it quiet anywhere you use it in your home. It is a few decibels louder than a quiet residential area, office, or library, each of which has a noise level of about 40dB. Its noise level remains the same whether it is in operation with low (rare) or moderate (frequent) high humidity spaces.

Pros & Cons

Advantages
  • Optional drainage hose hookup
  • Quiet operation
  • Low-temperature operation
  • 3 fan speeds and automatic shutoff
  • Energy Star certified
Disadvantage
  • Heavy
The Midea Standard 22-Pint Dehumidifier is the best dehumidifier for bedrooms. It also works great in bathrooms, any medium or large-sized rooms, and basements. You can remove up to 22 pints from up to 1,500 square feet of space in 24 hours with continuous operation. It can adjust the humidity from 35% to 85% or a comfortable 45-55% by default. Noise is a factor in using a dehumidifier in occupied rooms, especially when people want to sleep. But the Midea is quiet, making less noise than a household refrigerator (50dB) to allow you to breathe and sleep comfortably. Its modern design makes it appropriate for any style of room. You can choose to use the water tank or connect a hose (not included) to the socket for gravity-fed drainage. 

FAQs

Auto defrost prevents water from freezing and auto restart prevents disruption. Turbofan mode sets maximum fan speed for the most effective operation, and auto comfort sets a comfortable 45-55% humidity. 360-degree rotatable wheels make it easy to transport. These features make the Midea Standard 22-Pint Dehumidifier unique and convenient to use.

The Midea 22-Pint Standard Dehumidifier has a One-Year Parts & Labor Warranty, starting on the purchase date. It guarantees the repair or replacement of the product when it is defective due to materials or workmanship and covers the cost of labor for diagnosis and repair or replacement of the product.

The Department of Energy 2012 standard for this size of dehumidifier was 30 pints. Dehumidifiers are now tested at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% humidity instead of 80 degrees, dropping the pint capacity due to there being less moisture in cooler air. Compared to the other two, this capacity is best for medium and large-sized rooms.

The Midea 22-Pint Standard Dehumidifier is Energy Star certified. Compared to non-Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers, it uses at least 10% less energy and has an average improvement rate of 20%. This model uses 250 watts of power in 115-volt outlets, which is more wattage than a household refrigerator (194W) and less than half of a desktop computer (550W).

The Midea 22-Pint Standard Dehumidifier has a noise level of 46.5-52dB, which is quiet. For comparison, a whisper is 30dB, a quiet residential area, office, or library is 40dB, a refrigerator is 50dB, and normal conversation is about 60dB within one meter of distance. Its exact noise level at any given time depends on your settings and how far away you are from it.

Pros & Cons

Advantages
  • Optional drainage hose hookup
  • Quiet operation
  • Auto restart and auto comfort for hands-free adjustment
  • 360-degree rotatable wheels for easy transport
  • Energy Star certified
Disadvantage
  • The exiting air is hot
The GE 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier (APER50LZ) is the best dehumidifier for a basement. It is ideal for rooms with very damp to wet humidity levels, which cause condensation and moisture damage to surrounding structures. It can remove up to 50 pints of water a day from up to 4,000 square feet of space with continuous operation. A very large capacity of 4,000 square feet of floor area can easily remove moisture from full basements. Conveniently equipped with a built-in pump, empty bucket alarm, and clean filter alert, the dehumidifier eliminates the need to check the water level, empty the bucket, or guess when it's time to clean the filter. Smart Dry technology measures humidity levels in the room and adjusts the fan speed for maximum efficiency.

FAQs

The GE 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier (APER50LZ) has pocket handles, which make it easy to transport from room to room. It also has an adjustable humidistat, three fan speeds with Smart Dry technology, auto restart, and auto defrost. These features provide quick, effective moisture removal and ease of use in wet rooms.

General Electric dehumidifiers have a one-year limited warranty, which you can use after troubleshooting issues with your product. The warranty starts on the date of purchase and guarantees the replacement of a dehumidifier that fails due to defects in materials or workmanship. There are no repair parts available for GE dehumidifiers.

The other GE dehumidifier sizes are able to remove up to 20 pints and 35 pints of water within 24 hours, respectively. The 20-pint dehumidifier is for damp rooms, bedrooms, and closets, and the 35-pint one is for very damp rooms. Compared to the other two, the 50-pint dehumidifier is a whole-home solution for removing moisture from the air.

The GE 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier (APER50LZ) is Energy Star certified. Compared to non-Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers, it uses at least 10% less energy and has an average improvement rate of 20%. For a 50-pint dehumidifier, the most common wattage is 600W, but each has a unique wattage depending on the model and settings.

There is no information on noise level available for the GE 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier (APER50LZ). As a large dehumidifier that can remove up to 15 pints of water from 4,000 square feet of space a day, its noise level is not suitable for occupied rooms such as bedrooms, but acceptable for use in rooms next to or below occupied rooms.

Pros & Cons

Advantages
  • Full home capacity
  • Built-in pump for hands-free drainage
  • Convenient empty alarm and clean filter alert
  • Energy Star certified
Disadvantage
  • Emptying the bucket is a little difficult
  • Heavyweight

List of all Best Dehumidifiers in 2023 for your needs

Product Date Price Shop
Tosot 20-Pint Capacity 1,500 sq. ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier (GDN20AZ-A3EBA2A) 11/2022 $ 171.67 Buy
hOmelabs 1 500 sq. ft Energy Star Dehumidifier (HME020030N) 11/2022 $ 157.97 Buy
Colzer Commercial Dehumidifier 140 Pints (PD582A) 11/2022 $ 439.99 Buy
Frigidaire High Humidity 50 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier with Wi-Fi (FFAP5033W1) 11/2022 $ 321.75 Buy
Frigidaire 22 Pint Dehumidifier (FFAD2233W1) 11/2022 $ 199.00 Buy
Midea 1,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier With Reusable Air Filter (MAD22C1AWS) 11/2022 $ 179.00 Buy
GE 50 Pint Prtable Dehumidifier (APER50LZ) 11/2022 $ 209.99 Buy

Why use a dehumidifier?

The purpose of a dehumidifier is to remove extra moisture from the air. Humid air is stifling and makes it difficult to breathe, causing irritation, triggering asthma, and causing stuffy noses. It can also cause mildew to grow and encourage insects to reproduce in your home. If you live in an area with high humidity levels of 60% or more, whether the temperature is hot or chilly, you can benefit from a dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier terms to know

  • Floor area: The maximum space the dehumidifier can remove moisture from, usually in square feet
  • Operation mode: Usually the default setting but can also refer to additional modes you can choose from
  • Air flow volume: The amount of air in the number of cubic feet per minute (CFM) the dehumidifier takes in
  • Capacity: The amount of water the dehumidifier can remove in 24 hours, often measured in pints
  • Bucket capacity: The amount of water the bucket or tank can hold
  • Relative humidity: The percentage of moisture in the air the dehumidifier can operate well in
  • Air changes per hour: The number of times the dehumidifier draws all of the air through it in 60 minutes
  • Humidity range: The levels of humidity the dehumidifier can remove moisture from

Dehumidifier parts

Most dehumidifiers have the following parts:

  • Reservoir: To collect the condensation in the form of water
  • Compressor cooling coils: To cool the humid air
  • Reheater: To collect the heat from the humid air
  • Fan compressor: To compress and expand a refrigerant gas (such as Freon) to cool the coils
  • Hose or hose hookup: To drain the water instead of the bucket
  • Humidistat: A control that lets you set your favorite relative humidity level. A sensing element and a relay amplifier work together to create resistance between two conductors, then turn the dehumidifier on

How a dehumidifier works

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air by drawing the air into its coils with a fan using the following process:

  1. A fan draws air from the surrounding area and into the dehumidifier.
  2. The air comes into contact with the dehumidifier’s cooling coils.
  3. Collected moisture drips from the coils into the reservoir.
  4. The dehumidifier reheats the air and releases it back into the area.

Types of dehumidifiers

The mechanism for removing the moisture depends on the type of dehumidifier, either desiccant or refrigerant (mechanical):

  • Refrigerant or mechanical dehumidifiers are most common in residential areas. They each have a compressor to draw in warm air and pass it over cold coils, which results in condensation. Water collects for drainage, and the dried air passes back out.
  • Desiccant dehumidifiers are common in commercial areas where there are strict humidity requirements, usually below 45% relative humidity. They each have a silica gel wheel to absorb the moisture from the air. Dry hot air blows over the wheel to allow more moisture removal.

There are also portable dehumidifiers. They are not a type of dehumidifier but a subclass of desiccant or mechanical dehumidifiers and are an alternative to permanent ones, which require professional installation. They allow you to move them anywhere, often with a carrying handle and wheels. Affordable, plastic, and lightweight, their weight usually ranges from 40 to 50 lbs. Portable refrigerant dehumidifiers are easier to install than desiccant ones.

Other subclasses of dehumidifiers include:

  • Whole-home dehumidifiers: usually remove 70 or 100 pints of water a day
  • Basement dehumidifiers: have a design that is best for the humid environment of basements. They are efficient for humidity levels of up to 95%
  • Crawlspace and indoor pool: have special sizes available from some manufacturers to target especially high humidity

How dehumidifiers drain water

Dehumidifiers have three methods of drainage, either a water bucket, a built-in pump, or a drainage hose. The option you have depends on the dehumidifier. Some have two drainage options that include both a water bucket and a drainage hose hookup, while others include a drainage hose, so you don’t have to buy one.

  • The water bucket option comes with an auto shutoff feature so that water won’t overflow. It needs emptying once it becomes full.
  • The drainage hose inclusion or hookup option needs gravity to work. It needs elevation in its placement.
  • The built-in pump option is easy to install. Since it doesn’t require elevation, it can operate anywhere. It is great for draining over long distances or over obstacles.

Dehumidifier operation settings

Each dehumidifier comes with different function settings to choose from. Some have more than others, but the main ones are:

  • Fan: Usually 2 or 3 settings, including the fastest, which is turbo
  • Relative humidity: Allows you to customize your humidity range
  • Continuous: Also called Non-Stop, this mode keeps operating until the water bucket is full.
  • Smart or Auto: Adjusts humidity level automatically
  • Auto on/off: Turns on and off when necessary
  • Sleep: A low-power mode
  • Comfort: Has a default humidity range of 45-55%, which is considered comfortable for most people

Dehumidifier humidity and temperature operation

Many dehumidifiers have a humidity range of 35-85% and maintain humidity levels between 45-55% by default. Less than 45% humidity is dry, 55-60% or more is sticky, and 65% or more is very damp. 30-60% humidity is acceptable for homes. A dehumidifier can be most suitable for low (rare), moderate (frequent), or high (everyday) humidity, or damp, very damp, and wet. Very damp rooms will always feel damp, have damp spots on walls, and have a musty odor, whereas wet rooms have wet areas.

Some dehumidifiers are specifically for low-temperature spaces. These spaces are chilly but have enough humidity to cause a decrease in air quality and even create a wet feeling on the skin.

How much water does a dehumidifier remove?

The capacity of a dehumidifier is the amount of water it can remove in 24 hours. The 2012 standard capacities for what is currently 20, 30, and 50-pint dehumidifiers were 30, 50, and 70 pints. That’s because were tested at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 60%. Instead, they are now tested at 65 degrees and at 60% humidity.

This change makes for a much more realistic testing condition that is similar to the temperature of a basement. It does not mean that it removes less water, is smaller, or has different parts, but gives you a better baseline for understanding how much water it can remove with a typical temperature rather than a hot one. Hence, although a 30-pint dehumidifier could still remove 50 pints of water from an area that is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and has 60% humidity, it is more realistic to say it can remove 30 pints of water from an area that is 80 degrees and 60% humidity.

Have you noticed that when the air is dry, you are more comfortable with higher temperatures? It’s the reason behind the saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!” Your skin evaporates sweat more efficiently under dry air than under humid air. That is why low-temperature dehumidifiers were made. Areas such as basements and crawlspaces often have a “cold wet” damp feeling to them and have less airflow. Low-temperature dehumidifiers are great for people who live in cold or chilly, rainy areas.

Why airflow matters

A dehumidifier needs to replace the air enough times in a certain amount of floor area to work efficiently. Airflow volume is in cubic feet per minute (CFM), such as 118 (Normal) and 135 (High). Another way to gauge the efficiency of the dehumidifier is to find out the number of air changes per hour it has.

To calculate it, multiply the CFM by 60 to find out the CFM per hour. Divide it by the area’s volume in cubic feet. A good number is 5. Lower than that, the air cannot properly dehumidify. Higher, and the dehumidifier is whiny and loud.

How much energy does a dehumidifier use?

The manufacturer sometimes lists the amps and wattage a specific dehumidifier uses. Many dehumidifiers on the market are Energy Star certified. Some are also UL Energy Verified, which means a third party tested their energy rating. At the same time, those that are not Energy Star certified and have a lower moisture removal capacity draw less power.

On average, a portable dehumidifier uses 160-kilowatt hours in a month (kWh). It uses more than a refrigerator (41kWh) and less than the average air conditioner (300kWh). On the other hand, if you have excessive humidity and only use air conditioning, you will save on overall energy use.

Common wattage for the 3 main capacities of dehumidifiers are:

  • 20-pint: 300W
  • 30-pint: 300W
  • 50-pint: Up to 800W

Dehumidifier vs. air conditoning

Air conditioning can indeed reduce the humidity in your home, but it can’t dry up very damp or wet areas. It’s also not cost-effective in the place of a dehumidifier. The AC has a condensation coil that causes water to drip onto a drainage area below, but it has nowhere near the capacity of a dehumidifier. It has to work harder and longer than it would normally, using more power. Its performance is based on assuming the accumulation of a small amount of water in the drip pan, which should not overflow. Both the air conditioner and dehumidifier draw in warm air over cooling coils. Unlike a dehumidifier, an air conditioner does not reheat the air before exhausting it. That’s part of how it cools the air. The AC also does not have a humidistat as it only senses temperature. Using the AC as a dehumidifier can make you feel a little cooler for a few minutes but will stop and the humidity will increase again.

If you use AC as a dehumidifier, your skin will feel sticky. While you would be able to cool down somewhat, the dampness will not evaporate quickly. A dehumidifier alleviates your discomfort by removing the water from the air. It gives you better and fresher air to breathe by not allowing allergens to grow. It also allows you to dry off from sweating, instead of feeling heavy and tired from dampness weighing you down. A dehumidifier is the only device that can make a big difference and quickly.

When there is high or constant humidity or wetness in an area, it is common to have water damage. A dehumidifier is an essential tool for water damage restoration, removing water from the air to allow the water to evaporate from surfaces.

Dehumidifier vs. silica

We’ve all seen silica gels to keep shoes and other items free from moisture. They’re available at pet stores and home improvement stores and will change color to let you know when to heat them up again. You can reheat them using the oven or sunlight, and they’re useful for small spaces such as a crawlspace or closet.

It can be an alternative to using a dehumidifier. However, silica gel is dangerous to consume. Not only is it a choking hazard, but it does not break down in the body and can cause dehydration. Some packets are coated with cobalt chloride, which is toxic. Silica gel should only be used in areas that are unoccupied or away from children and animals.

Dehumidifier vs. air purifier

Both dehumidifiers and air purifiers can help people with allergies or respiratory issues. The difference is that air purifiers remove pollutants and allergens from the air to improve air quality, while dehumidifiers only remove moisture. Using an air purifier in an area with excessive humidity would make the air cleaner but not fresher or dryer than before.

Dehumidifier vs. fan

A fan works well for drying out damp tile floors or drywall by circulating a lot of air at a time. It can do so quickly. For soaked carpets and floorboards, though, you need a dehumidifier to truly dry out the room. It dries out both the air and underneath surfaces.

On the other hand, bathrooms do well with an exhaust fan. It removes the moist air quickly so you don’t have to keep it on after you leave. But if your bathroom is still humid even after using the exhaust fan, a dehumidifier is best.

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Last updated on Nov 03, 2022