Learn how to do anything: How to Choose a Dehumidifier for Your Home

High humidity is uncomfortable, can have a negative effect on air quality, and promotes the formation of mold and mildew. A dehumidifier is an appliance that can reduce the humidity in your home. More powerful dehumidifiers are required for larger spaces, while portable dehumidifiers can handle single rooms. Once you determine the size of your unit, you can compare features and prices to purchase one that fits your needs.

EditSteps

EditChoosing the Right Sized Unit

Use a hygrometer to accurately test humidity levels in your space. Comfortable humidity in a house is anywhere in between 35%-40%. If you're unsure if you even need a dehumidifier, you can use a hygrometer to test the air in your space. To use an electric hygrometer, place it off the ground for at least 3 minutes and read the humidity output. If humidity levels are above 60%, you should use a dehumidifier.^[1]
- Some dehumidifiers will have a hygrometer built-in.
- You can purchase an electric hygrometer online or at certain department stores.
- A moderately-damp room will have 45%-50% humidity.
Measure the square footage (meters) of your space. Measure the length and width of the room that you want to dehumidify with a tape measure, then multiply the figures together to get total square feet (meters) of the area. Write the number on a piece of paper. This will help you determine the size of the dehumidifier that you need.^[2]
- For example, if your room is , then the room is 200 square feet (18.3 m²).
Determine the pint removal capacity you need. The pint removal capacity is the standard to measure how powerful a dehumidifier is. Most portable dehumidifiers will work on a residential room. A dehumidifier that has of removal capacity is able to dehumidify a moderately damp room. From there, add of capacity for every additional of space.^[3]
- For example, if your space is a moderately damp room, you'd want to get a dehumidifier with a pint removal capacity of at least .
- The pint removal capacity represents the amount of water that a dehumidifier is able to gather in a 24-hour period.
Get a higher pint removal capacity if the room is wet or flooded. If you are dehumidifying an area that has wet walls and floors, get a stronger humidifier with at least of capacity for a or smaller room. If the room is flooded or especially wet, you should purchase a dehumidifier that has at least of capacity for a or smaller room.^[4]
- You can also use graphs to determine how much pint removal capacity you need, such as the one found at https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/dehumidifiers/dehumidifier_basics.
Purchase a miniature dehumidifier for smaller rooms. Miniature dehumidifiers are less expensive and more user-friendly than industrial humidifiers or humidifiers designed for an entire home. Mini dehumidifiers are even smaller than the traditional portable models and can usually fit in a windowsill or on a counter.^[5]
- If you have a small room that is occasionally too humid, a portable dehumidifier is an excellent choice.
- Portable dehumidifiers will typically have less than of capacity.
Get an industrial dehumidifier for a whole house or office building. Industrial dehumidifiers tie into the building's HVAC system and are much more expensive than portable models. Call an HVAC specialist if you want to install one. They will typically come out and inspect the location to determine which kind of industrial humidifier will best suit your needs.^[6]

EditComparing Features and Cost

Search for user reviews of the dehumidifier you plan on purchasing. Online customer reviews will give you an idea of whether the model is reliable before you spend your money. If there are a lot of negative reviews, consider buying another model or brand of dehumidifier.
Compare prices for different brands and models. Portable dehumidifiers can cost anywhere from $40-$400 USD. Consider your finances and purchase a model that falls within your budget and fulfills your needs. If you need a whole house or industrial dehumidifier, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 - $6,500 + USD.^[7]
Purchase a direct-drain model if you have to remove a lot of water. You can get around a limited pint removal capacity by purchasing a dehumidifier with a direct-drain. These models feed the water into a floor-level drain which allows you to continually operate the dehumidifier. Purchase a dehumidifier with this feature if you’re trying to dehumidify a very damp or wet space.^[8]
Choose an energy efficient model to save money on bills. Look for a dehumidifier with an Energy Star certification on the packaging to save money on your electricity bill. These models will sometimes have an auto-humidistat that adjusts the dehumidifier settings based on the humidity in the room. This will prevent you from using the dehumidifier when you don't need to use it.^[9]
- An energy efficient dehumidifier may cost slightly more upfront but will save you money over time.
- The majority of new dehumidifiers are energy efficient.^[10]
Buy a humidifier with a digital display for greater control. A dehumidifier with a digital display enables more precise control over the humidity level in your room. These models are more accurate when reducing the humidity in your home or room.^[11]
- Most modern dehumidifiers will have some sort of digital display.
Get a dehumidifier with low-temperature settings if it’s cold. Cold temperatures can freeze the water in the dehumidifier. If it's regularly cold near you, dehumidifiers with low-temperature settings can operate in temperatures as cold as . Some dehumidifiers will also come with an auto defrost option that will prevent it from becoming frozen when it gets too cold.^[12]
- A dehumidifier with low-temperature settings may cost slightly more than a regular unit.