Dehumidifier Buying Guide

Humidity is not exactly pleasant, almost oppressive, especially when felt at home and in enclosed spaces. A high level of humidity provides a breeding environment for certain indoor allergens, most common of which are dust mites and mold. These airborne allergens can be a threat to general health, most especially to children and adults who are prone to asthma.

Cockroaches, fleas, moths and other insects thrive in highly humid surroundings – pests that are a nuisance to any household with a concern for sanitation and cleanliness.

Dehumidifiers are household appliances that regulate humidity levels in the home. They are typically installed in the basement, laundry areas and crawl spaces where moisture is usually trapped in the air. Air humidity should ideally be below 50% in order to prevent the proliferation of dust mites and spores.

Dehumidifiers are indispensable implements to remove moisture from the air, and to keep humidity levels under control.

Dehumidifiers come in many brands with different specifications. Sizes, shapes, and functions are largely dependent on the consumer’s immediate need. When shopping for a dehumidifier, it is always recommended that the gravity of humidity in your space be evaluated to further determine which type of machine will have the capacity and the efficiency to counteract such humidity levels.

Identifying Humidity Problems

Humans can relate to humidity as much as they can relate to extremely hot and cold temperatures. On a summer day, we involuntarily shudder when a whiff of air touches our damp skin. In sauna rooms, humidity is at its highest form – that clammy feeling we get in that hot steamy cubicle. The hotter the air, the more moisture it contains. The body reacts naturally to humidity by sweating, to keep cool and to maintain the normal body temperature.

Meanwhile, humidity at home may have altogether different indicators. They can be manifested by the presence of mildew, pests and termites, by condensation on glass windows and doors, by stained ceilings and walls and most importantly, by increased occurrences of allergy symptoms. A prevailing musty odour is also a sign of high humidity.

Some people may dismiss these warning signs as temporary discomforts due to erratic changes in weather and climate conditions. They do not realize that the long term effects of unaddressed humidity problems may lead to permanent damages on the house itself – plus its home furnishings and appliances. Worse, it could lead to more serious respiratory problems and ongoing allergy anxieties.

Systems Used In Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers basically work on the principle of cooling the air to regulate humidity. Cool air generally has little or no ability to hold moisture so the air moisture is pushed to condense. Do you notice in that in very cold weather, the air is typically dry? Also, this is the reason why air conditioners drip water outside the home as they are being used because the air moisture inside the room where the unit is running condenses into the air conditioners cold coils.

Simply put, a dehumidifier is an air conditioner that has both hot and cold coils inside the unit. An internal fan seeps the air over the cold coil to condense the moisture. The dry air then passes into the hot coil to bring it back to the normal, regulated temperature.

1. Compressors

Compressors are the most common systems used in dehumidifiers, and which is also used for room for conditioners. Typically, air conditioned rooms will no longer need a separate dehumidifier because air conditioners already have a built in dehumidifier. Compressed air or refrigerants move through the coils, cooling them in the process and transferring the absorbed heat to another set o coils. A fan draws in the air from the room, cooling the air and condensing water from the air into droplets which fall into the water bucket. The dehumidified air then passes over the hot coils, warming back up to room temperature as it passes back into the room. This type of dehumidifier can be loud, but is very effective. The larger the dehumidifier, the louder it will be and the more electricity it will use.

2. Thermo-Electric Cooling

Peltier is another known system for dehumidifiers. It uses the thermo-electric cooling technology. It was first discovered in 1834, indicating that transferring electric current between two metals transfers heat, causing one metal to cool and the other to heat similar to the compressor system. In effect, this method produces the cooling effect needed to condense water from the air but this time; no noise is generated apart from the fan that circulates the air.  While using a compressor is more energy-efficient, thermo cooling is still most effective for smaller dehumidifiers because of the low-noise feature, nearly silent operation.

3. Chemical Dehumidifiers

Chemical dehumidifiers use desiccants that naturally absorb moisture from the environment. This same principle is applied to desiccant packets used in keeping certain products or materials to stay dry. Dehumidifier technology adapts to this system to provide silent, reusable units for smaller areas such as closets and crawl spaces.Dehumidifier features to consider

Dehumidifier Features To Consider

• Humidistat

A humidistat is particularly useful for dehumidifiers that need to function continuously without much control. Similar to a thermostat for heaters, the humidistat specifies the desired humidity level of the user. The dehumidifier will then work while the humidity is on or above the level set by the user, and will automatically shut off once the humidity drops below that specified level. A sensor works to turn the unit on when the level of humidity increases again. The main advantage is that the dehumidifier will never allow the air to become too dry because of the automatic shut-off feature while saving energy by shutting off when the dehumidifier is not particularly needed.

• Water Collection

All dehumidifiers normally have a water bucket included to primarily collect the water that condenses within the unit. It is important to consider bucket size when shopping for a dehumidifier. Make sure it is big enough so that you will not be inconvenienced by frequent emptying. However, make sure also that it is not too small to decrease the chances of water spillage.

Choose a dehumidifier with a water bucket that can be easily checked – clear buckets allows you to immediately see the water level while a water level indicator at the dehumidifier’s control panel gives you instant information. Most dehumidifiers have auto shut-off features to prevent water from overflowing.

Continuous drainage is another option for dealing with the water flow. Hose attachments are typically included in some dehumidifier models to act as a drainage system.

Using this method will free you from the task of manually emptying the water bucket because the collected water simply flows from the unit through the hose. Some consumers believe this system to be the most convenient but make sure you consider where the dehumidifier will be installed and if there is a nearby drain that can be utilized.

• Temperature Range

Temperature ranges could be an important factor to consider when buying a dehumidifier especially when it will be specifically installed at the basement. Because moisture levels in basements are always high, you have to be sure that the dehumidifier can operate smoothly under typically cold environments.

Dehumidifiers are generally intended to operate at room temperature so if the temperature falls below 60 degrees, your unit might not be able to withstand it.  Dehumidifiers have different specifications on ideal temperature ranges, some are designed to deal with temperatures as low as 38 degrees. Make sure you check on such specifications.

If indeed you need a dehumidifier for low temperature, look for one that has a built in frost detector that will shut off automatically when the frost starts to build up on the compressor. Other dehumidifiers also have an auto-defrosting system to keep the dehumidifier operating while eliminating the frost.

• Portability

Portability is another good point to consider especially when you live in an environment where humidity is not a permanent problem. Seasonal moisture problems call for portable dehumidifier units which can be kept in storage or moved to another location when not in use for a specific area. The most important features to consider when looking for a portable are size and weight.

However, many units include rollers and handles for easy grip and transport. This feature can be extremely helpful even when the unit will not be repeatedly moved because it can be convenient for future use, such as when moving to a new residence.

• Air Filtration

Air filters specifically remove impurities such as dust and dirt before it goes through the dehumidifier, improving the quality of air in the process. Air filters also extend the life span of your dehumidifier so look for filters that can be effortlessly removed and washed and is generally easy to maintain.

• Adjustable Fan Speeds

Fan speed can either lessen or increase the noise level of your dehumidifier. Typically, when the dehumidifier is functioning at its fastest, this is when the noise levels are highest. A unit with adjustable fan speed can be useful in an area where noise levels need to be moderated at times, or where the humidity problem is variable.

• Control Panel

Dehumidifiers have either a digital or mechanical control. It is the buyer’s ultimate decision to choose between simply pushing buttons on a remote control or manually turning dials on the unit. A digital display is also a determinant because most people appreciate having information on demand to be able to have more flexibility and supremacy over the controls.

• Hybrid Units

Hybrid units are definitely more expensive than regular dehumidifiers precisely because they offer more features not found in typical dehumidifiers. By hybrid, it means having super abilities which may include heating, cooling, and air purifying. Hybrid units are also more durable and stable but might be bulkier and more difficult to transport or transfer to another room.

• Energy Costs

Operating costs for dehumidifiers is also a main area of concern. With the rise of energy expense, consumers are always looking for ways to save on electricity and other utility bills. The most energy saving system would be the chemical dehumidifier because it doesn’t make use of electricity while functioning but these dehumidifiers are only applicable to small confined spaces.

Larger rooms need thermo-electric cooling or compressor systems because a higher level of moisture demands such strength of machine.

Sensibly, a small dehumidifier consumes lesser energy than a bigger one. However, small dehumidifiers also have different energy level capacities even when they have similar size specifications.

When shopping for a dehumidifier, consider one that is powerful enough to take care of the problem areas while being affordable long term.

On average, dehumidifiers consume between 50 and 200 watts of energy. Most dehumidifiers are run constantly such that a small difference in power level can have an explicit impact on the electric bill. An Energy Star certification should be present when comparing features to help get the most energy efficient unit for long-term operation.

• Pricing

Pricing for dehumidifiers could go as low as $10 and as high as $500 or more. Like in any other appliance, the e larger the capacity, the more costly the model is. Additional features and specifications will also be detrimental to the dehumidifier’s retail price.

Hybrid dehumidifiers are the most expensive, costing more than $400.

Perhaps the most inexpensive dehumidifiers are those which use the chemical technology simply because they are generally low-maintenance and use no electricity to operate. Only the housing of the dehumidifier is relevant to the cost and of course, the size of the model.

Expect to find chemical dehumidifiers between the ranges of $10 to 70.

Types of Dehumidifier

1. Commercial Dehumidifiers Commercial dehumidifiers, unlike industrial or home, are used to maintain relative humidity levels for healthy indoor air quality of public areas where people live or work.  A humidity control system uses large capacity dehumidification equipment to regulate moderate indoor humidity for museums, libraries, warehouses, office buildings and large homes.
2. Mini DehumidifiersMini dehumidifiers absorb moisture from small rooms and areas such as basement areas, pantry, storage closets, laundry rooms, bathrooms, nurseries, small bedrooms, wardrobe area and cupboards, under sinks, small offices, small kitchens and even used on boats.A mini dehumidifier is a 60 watt or more device which specifically designed to be used for small areas. Humidity is the base for mold, bacteria and fungus. By reducing the level of humidity in an area reduces the chances of mold and fungus growth. Mini dehumidifiers have the advantage of being light weight, portable and generally quiet.
   
   
3. Portable DehumidifiersSmall portable dehumidifiers can be as effective as fixed units in most situations, but with several advantages. Being portable means you can move them around from room to room, where ever they are needed.Rearranging the furniture becomes a much easier task, and you can even put them into storage for the few months of the year when they are no longer required. Compared to their larger cousins, these are also relatively cheap to buy.
4. Whole House DehumidifiersIf you have severe humidity problems throughout your entire home, store or business, whole house dehumidification systems that are reliable, rugged, quiet and energy efficient are available in the market.Whole house dehumidifiers are installed and ducted in as part of your central heating and cooling system and require little maintenance. The dehumidifier then measures the condition of your home’s air to decide when to run and balance the humidity levels.
5. Basement DehumidifiersThe most effective solution to eliminate problems associated with basement humidity is a good quality basement dehumidifier.  Many homeowners make the mistake of buying a cheap, off-the-shelf standard home unit that cannot possibly meet the demands of a harsh basement environment.Purchasing a basement dehumidifier is like buying many other products; you get what you pay for.  Of all the areas in your home, the basement is the most vulnerable to dampness and humidity.  This requires heavy-duty dehumidifier that was designed especially for basements.
6. Wall-mounted dehumidifiersThis slim-line dehumidifier is easily installed on to a wall and provides permanent dehumidification to any area. Wall mounted dehumidifier the unit ideal for damp areas like cellars, garages, utility rooms and bathrooms as well as for drying clothes inside.The unit works by sucking humid air in by a fan. The air then travels through a cooled coil, causing the humidity to condense into water droplets. This condensation is collected in the 3.5 litre water tank.With its very quiet operation and slim dimensions the unit will be very adaptable in tight applications, such as caravans/boats, motor homes and small flats.
7. Industrial dehumidifiersIndustrial dehumidifiers are typically for de-flooding, damp basements, museums, computer storage rooms, spas, or gyms. These industrial dehumidifiers are for high levels of humidity in large settings. Tough, heavy-duty industrial dehumidifiers are designed to operate in extreme conditions. Industrial dehumidifiers are perfect for removing water from damp basements, museums, computer storage rooms, spas and gyms.Some of industrial dehumidifiers are rated to run down to 33°F, and have a unique hot gas defrost mechanism that prevents icing, which helps keep the unit running in cold conditions. Low temperature operation and high water removal capacity make these an excellent choice for light commercial and industrial dehumidification needs.

Finding The Right Dehumidifiers

Consider the space where the dehumidifier will be installed. In order to get the correct dehumidifier size, measure the room area and have the moisture levels tested. A dehumidifier’s drying capacity is measured by how many pints of water it can remove from the air in 24 hours.

Dehumidifier manufacturers always include a sizing chart in the box or packaging so that you will be guided by the room size and appropriate unit to purchase.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) sets the standards for sizing dehumidifiers to match a homeowner’s needs. If you do not see a sizing chart with the model you want to buy, ask a sales clerk for the AHAM Selection Guide.

Remember that it is much better to buy a dehumidifier that is larger than your need rather than a dehumidifier that is too small to address the humidity problems in your room or house. Smaller units may run continuously without bringing the humidity down to optimal levels. Higher-capacity humidifiers also can handle spaces that may be extremely damp from clothes dryers or dishwashers that add humidity to the air.

Keep in mind that if the outdoor climate is humid, it will increase indoor humidity levels. So you may want to choose a higher-capacity dehumidifier than what the square footage typically requires.

Opt for a unit that has an automated control for ease of use in monitoring and regulating levels. The optimal relative humidity in a home should be between 40 percent and 50 percent in the summer, and 30 percent to 50 percent in the winter.

Dehumidifiers with built-in hygrometers measure relative humidity and display the number. An adjustable humidistat allows you to dial a desired humidity level, and the unit will automatically maintain it.

Invest in a hygrometer to put next to the dehumidifier if in case your dehumidifier does not have these settings. You can pick up this device at the hardware store, ranging in price from $10 to $60. It will measure the indoor humidity, so you know when to toggle the unit on and off.

Check on the dehumidifier’s water bucket capacity. Dehumidifiers with outsized drip pans do not need to be emptied often but you should be prepared to add in a little more money for the convenience feature. It is common knowledge that the more a dehumidifier can hold and extract water, the more expensive the unit will be.

It is always wise to compare prices before actually jumping on one unit, even when it becomes on sale (because sometimes the units are defective or can have missing parts). The best deals are often in spring, you can find pay $140 for a 25-pint dehumidifier and $225 for a 70-pint dehumidifier. If you can, choose dehumidifiers that have front-loading buckets because they are the simplest to manually empty.

Some portable dehumidifiers are also self-draining, and come with a drain hose connection similar to a garden hose, but the dehumidifier will need to be specially situated where the hose can empty water, such as a basement floor drain or above the sink in your laundry room.

Select a dehumidifier that operates even at low temperatures. If you live in a place with extremely cold weather conditions, opt for a dehumidifier that has automatic defrosting abilities. This is because heat-exchange coils on a dehumidifier can frost over when indoor temperatures drop below 65 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will result in poor dehumidifier performance – working less efficiently and stop removing moisture and humidity altogether. Paying a little more for this feature will be worth it in the long run, so never scrimp on this specific feature.

Always look for the Energy Star-certification on 45 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit units.

5 Professional Dehumidifier Buying Tips

Choosing the best dehumidifier for your home, office, store or room can be a rather tedious task especially when it is your first time to get introduced to the vast lines of dehumidifier models and units. Aside from the specific tips given above, here are some of the most important key features to consider before finally purchasing your first dehumidifier:

(i) Less noise or no noise is best!

A dehumidifier that causes enough commotion to wake up your neighbours is not pleasant at all! Especially when a dehumidifier is in a bedroom or near one, it is very important to prioritize low noise levels, among other features to consider. Find a dehumidifier with a two-speed fan because it runs quietly at lower humidity levels and also saves on energy expenditure. It is advised to test a dehumidifier’s noise levels at the store (which is usually allowed), and decide if the noise it generates is completely acceptable to your standards.

(ii) Find ease in wheels!

Mobility is another key point to consider, unless you want to hire at least a couple of men to carry the load for you. Lugging your humidifier down the road and up to your home is not exactly enjoyable so make sure that your new dehumidifier comes with casters, so it can be rolled from room to room. A long power cord will enable you to put the unit where you want it.

(iii) Please, no overflows!

An automatic shut-off feature is recommended to prevent accumulated water from overflowing from the water bucket. An overflow protection valve will cause the unit to switch off automatically when the tub is full and needs to be emptied. In the absence of automatic shut-off, some dehumidifiers also have light indicators to inform you that the water bucket is almost full and should already be emptied.

(iv) Save on energy costs!

Energy efficiency is perhaps one of the most important features to consider when purchasing a dehumidifier. Make sure that the dehumidifier carries the Energy Star label that guarantees savings on utility bills. Dehumidifiers certified with the government-sponsored label assure the consumers that these products have been tested and proven to use less energy and to run efficiently.

(v) Keep it clean and fresh!

Washable filters help extend the life of your dehumidifier. Some dehumidifiers protect coils from dirt, dust and silt by covering them with removable filter. Test the ease of filter removal at the store, and check if you can do it manually without too much hassle. The easiest and simplest filters to remove are always the best to clean. Remember to wash your filters twice a month. With careful maintenance, you can replace the filters less often.

Conclusion

While every home has different humidity levels and different needs for dehumidifying, the first step in fighting humidity is to recognize the problem itself and to be aware of the potential hazardous effects it will have on your general health, as much as in the preservation of your home.

Excessive humidity can lead to health setbacks especially in young children prone to asthma and sinusitis. There are particular allergens that thrive in damp environments such as dust and mites – and as common knowledge, asthma can be a life threatening disease if not treated correctly or prevented conscientiously.

The decision to purchase a dehumidifier is still relative to the consumer. Sad to say, some people find it unnecessary to have dehumidifiers installed in their homes possibly out of the lack of knowledge and information concerning the functions and causes of dehumidifiers.

Remember that the benefits of removing moisture from your home remain to be simple. The reasons for buying dehumidifiers are:

• They reduce allergy and allergenic reactions resulting in less discomfort
• They reduce or permanently eliminate mildew build up
• They reduce the incidence of cough and colds in the household
• They reduce or permanently eliminate musty odours, damp smells and fungus
• They preserve your home and appliances for longer periods

That being said, dehumidifiers should be one of the major appliances that you have in your house. The investment that you put into it may as well be the best you made in your life. Choose carefully, choose wisely.