Jeff Flowers on February 26, 2014 4 Comments A dehumidifier is a powerful tool that can make your living and working space much healthier. Whether you’re dealing with damp winter weather or sweltering summer humidity, dehumidifiers can keep you comfortable and protect your possessions from mold and mildew. If you’re thinking about buying a dehumidifier, these five tips can help you choose the best unit for your needs and use it as efficiently as possible. 1. Know Your Space Home dehumidifiers are rated by their pint capacities, which correlate to the size of the space in which the dehumidifier will be used. Something to keep in mind is that units with a higher pint capacity are more efficient in both moisture removal and energy use, so you shouldn’t shy away from buying a larger unit if you aren’t sure exactly what pint capacity your space requires. Also, if you’ll be using the dehumidifier in a basement or large, unfinished space, know that there are units made especially for basements and crawlspaces. 2. Spend Time Shopping and Comparing A few hours spent on comparison shopping can save you some serious money down the road. Do the research on different brands of dehumidifiers and think about what will work best for your particular needs. Different brands offer different types of models with different features, from size and design, to the capacity and draining method. All the different types are designed with the features necessary to resolve humidity issues in their designated spaces. Familiarizing yourself with the different types and their features will help you make an educated purchase. 3. Watch for Drain Hose Attachments Many modern dehumidifiers come equipped with drain hose attachments, allowing water to drain away while the dehumidifier does its job. This is especially important if you plan on using your dehumidifier continuously, whether it’s in a basement or a particularly musty room. Top 3 Dehumidifiers: EdgeStar 70-Pint Portable Dehumidifier Danby 60-Pint Portable Dehumidifier Danby 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier Having a drain hose attachment (and an available drain) will eliminate the hassle of needing to empty the water reservoir frequently. But in case a floor drain is not accessible in your space, look for a model that has an automatic shutoff for when the water bucket fills up. 4. Don’t Forget the Defroster Dehumidifying units are useful in hot weather, but if you will be using your dehumidifier year round, or in a basement or crawlspace, you should look for a unit that says “low temperature operation.” Most dehumidifiers will have an operating temperature range that should be suitable for most basements and colder climates, but low temperature models can operate in an environment as cold as 30°F and still run efficiently without danger of the coils icing over. 5. Think About Placement The most important tip of all has to do with the placement and installation of your dehumidifier. Once you bring the unit home, you need to choose exactly where it will go. This choice can make a huge difference in comfort and efficiency. Some quick hints on placement can help you make the best choices: A single dehumidifier is generally most efficient when placed in the center of a large room or open area. The usual manufacturer recommendation is that there be at least six inches of clearance on all sides of your dehumidifier. Coverage area for each unit does not take into account walls that separate rooms, so even if the first floor of your home is 2,000 square feet and the coverage area of your dehumidifier is 2,000 square feet, that only refers to open areas and you will need to take into account obstructions to the airflow. Don’t hesitate to get multiple units for multiple rooms or work areas. By shopping carefully for a dehumidifier and installing it with care, you can get the best results for your living space. Modern dehumidifying technology can make your home or office a comfortable place all year round. Recommended Reading: The Benefits of Dehumidifiers Dehumidifier Comparison Chart What Capacity Dehumidifier Do I Need? How to Select the Right Dehumidifier For Your Home
Sandra Cherry says September 4, 2016 at 6:21 pm I purchased a Frigidaire dehumidifier at an estate sale. It is 24″ high, 10″ deep and 16″ wide. I do not know how many pints it holds. There was no instruction book with it, but on the side it has 10/15. Serial number is KN54410010. If you can tell me anything about it or if I can get an owner’s manual, please let me know. Reply
Colleen Anderson says September 6, 2016 at 5:13 am We need a dehumidifier for our finished lower level. We had our water heater die and since, have had higher levels of moisture. It is approximately 2200 sq ft and we don’t have a lot of money. The 70 pint with pump sounds like the best for our needs and it can be set up on the kitchen counter or table. We are having the vents cleaned AGAIN so the mold problems should be rectified. This was set up as a ” Mother in law ” apartment but unfortunately my husband lost both his parents and mine are very ill. It is rarely used for anything but has been completely remodeled and is a very open design. So, 70 pint energy star with pump sounds best. Any help? Reply
Lisa McPhaul says October 17, 2017 at 6:46 pm I have two rooms where I have inside condensation on the window. What size dehumidifier would you recommend for each room? Reply
Carolyn Steen says June 19, 2018 at 12:43 pm I am looking for a dehumidifier for our basement. Colonial house. No plumbing in the basement, so we need to put the dehumidifier on a shelf so that it can drain into a pump. Getting a heavy dehumidifier onto that shelf is not easy. Is there a good dehumidifier that is lighter weight? Reply
