PROS
The beads inside this mini dehumidifier change colors to show you that it works. It does not require a battery or a power source and can work in a room of up to 333 square feet.
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Best Dehumidifier
UPDATED January 2020
A dehumidifier can help you breathe easier and feel better. Before you shop for one, you should use our shopping guide to the best dehumidifiers of 2019.
BEST
DEHUMIDIFIER 2019
BOTTOM LINE
With Energy Star certification, this 70-pint dehumidifier from Frigidaire can save you money every year. The built-in drainage system saves you some cleaning time too.
PROS
Designed to work with any 115V outlet, this Frigidaire model removes the moisture that can cause outbreaks of mold and mildew. It uses a lower temperature setting to save you money too.
CONS
A few customers claimed the dehumidifier died while still under its original warranty. Others complained that some parts rusted.
BOTTOM LINE
With a smaller footprint and a compact design, this is the best dehumidifier for small spaces. As it shuts itself off when full, you can let it run when you’re at work.
PROS
As the EDV-1100 lacks a compressor, it runs so quietly that you might not even hear it. The dehumidifier actually turns itself off when the tank inside reaches its full capacity.
CONS
This is really too small for use in some spaces and homes. It has a short power cord too, which can make it hard for you to find the right spot for the dehumidifier.
BOTTOM LINE
Suitable for spaces of up to 4,500 square feet in size, this dehumidifier can keep the humidity in your entire home under control. Though it has some of the same features as the top Frigidaire model, this Keystone model costs less.
PROS
An LED display and electronic controls make it easier to set up and run this dehumidifier in your home. This model has a restart function that saves your settings in case of a power failure.
CONS
The humidity indicator level isn’t always accurate. A few shoppers found that the hose on the dehumidifier stopped working.
BOTTOM LINE
You can drain the tank on this Honeywell dehumidifier with a hose or after removing the included tank. That tank sits on a stand that keeps it from tipping over and spilling on your floors.
PROS
With a 70-pint capacity, this dehumidifier will work in any room or space. It comes with an air filter that removes bacteria from the air and a stand that keeps the tank from spilling.
CONS
The accuracy of this dehumidifier might not match the humidity level of your home. You may need to use a bucket to drain it rather than a hose.
BOTTOM LINE
Safe for use in any home, this dehumidifier works especially well in smaller spaces. You can use it for up to 30 full days before you need to replace the interior beads, which change colors as they work.
CONS
You can really only use this dehumidifier is an extremely small space such as inside your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Some shoppers wonder how accurate the beads are.
Shopping Guide for the Best Dehumidifier
Though you often hear about the dangers of black mold, you might think that your home and family is safe because you don’t see any of those spores for yourself. Black and other types of mold can grow inside your walls and in other places that you cannot see. The best dehumidifier of 2018 will significantly reduce the amount of moisture and humidity in your home that can cause mold to grow. We recommend looking at the top five dehumidifiers of 2018, including both the matrix located above and the detailed reviews below. You can trust our advice and guidance when hunting for one of these handy home tools.
The best dehumidifier for you might be one that has a smaller footprint and takes up less space because you want to use it in your child’s bedroom. If you need one for your attic or basement, you should look for a larger model that works in a big space. Our handy shopping guide gives you the top five models that you can buy online and lets you know more about the benefits of a dehumidifier and why you might need one in your home. By the time you reach the end of this page, you’ll know everything possible about dehumidifiers.
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Selection Criteria
A good dehumidifier is something that almost every home needs. It can stop the mold that you see and the mold that grows inside your walls. A dehumidifier can also reduce the presence of mildew and bacteria and remove some common odors too. We know that you might want one because you have loved ones struggling with asthma and other breathing conditions. That is why we worked hard to find the best models based on expert advice, customer reviews and top features. We also spent hours doing research on the web about dehumidifiers. You can view all the resources we used in the section at the bottom of this page.
Though we took into account expert advice, we really wanted to see what actual shoppers thought. Amazon allows customers to write their own reviews and to rate any products that they buy. We looked at all the reviews available for the best dehumidifiers and narrowed down our list to the top five models with the top reviews. To make sure that our readers understand why some models are better than others, we created a short list of pros and cons for each dehumidifier. Thanks to our shopping guide, you should have no issues finding the best dehumidifier for your family and home.
How We Selected the Best Dehumidifiers for 2018
Benefits of Running a Dehumidifier
- Reduce mold and mildew: The biggest benefit and reason to run a dehumidifier is that it will reduce mold and mildew in your home. It removes the moisture from the air that those spores feed on can stop those spores from moving to other rooms.
- Make dry goods last longer: Any moisture in your home can get inside boxes and bags and make dry goods turn soft and chewy. This is especially true of cereals and crackers. A good dehumidifier can make nonperishable foods last longer.
- Help with allergies: If you suffer from allergies or live with someone who does, running a dehumidifier can help. Many people with allergies and breathing conditions have a hard time living in homes with a lot of humidity. That moisture can feel like a weight sitting on their chests. When you run a dehumidifier, you reduce that humidity.
- Remove odors: Though you might not know it, a dehumidifier can also remove some odors from your home. If you live with anyone who smokes, the tobacco smell can linger in the air. Many dehumidifiers come with a filter that cleans and purifies the air at the same time that it removes moisture.
Signs of Mold in Your Home
- Flu-like symptoms that come on slowly over time and do not go away
- A musty smell coming from the walls
- You and/or others develop unexplained breathing problems
- There are water spots on your walls, floors or ceiling
- You notice condensation anywhere in your home
Frigidaire makes a number of great appliances for homes today and makes several durable dehumidifiers too. We picked its 70-pint model as one of the best dehumidifiers because it is so easy to use. As this model features buttons on the top located around a digital screen, you’ll never again fumble around to change a setting or use a dehumidifier. You can actually set the humidity level that you want in your home. When that level climbs too high, this appliance will kick on and pull moisture from the air to bring that level back down.
Capable of removing up to 70 pints of excess water and moisture from your home every day, this model is suitable for use in any room and in larger spaces such as a basement or living room. Not only will this help you reduce the risk of mold or mildew, but it will help you remove the common types of bacteria found in most homes. This dehumidifier has both a control lock and a timer. The control lock keeps others from turning it off in the middle of the day, while the timer lets the machine turn itself on and off as needed. We also like the wheels on the bottom of the appliance that makes it easier to move.
Signs That You Need a Dehumidifier
- Musty odors: A common sign that you need a dehumidifier is when you notice a musty smell in your home. That scent can occur because of mildew in your kitchen or bathroom and mold growing inside the walls.
- Peeling paint and wallpaper: When you see wallpaper peeling off your walls, you might assume that the original glue is old and failing. That wallpaper can actually peel because there is so much moisture in the environment. That moisture can get inside the walls and weaken the glue. You might notice bubbles forming in a painted wall or sections of paint peeling away too.
- Electronic failures: Electronics are sensitive products that can fail because of exposure to any type of moisture. You might find that your television suddenly develops spots as you watch shows or that your remote stops working with that TV. If you experience regular electronic failures, it may be the result of high humidity.
- Sticky feeling: When you vacation in a city with a high humidity level such as Florida, you might notice that the air feels hot and sticky. A higher level of humidity can make a hot day feel even hotter. It’s important that you look for that same problem in your own home. If the air feels sticky and you can’t stop sweating, you may need to run a dehumidifier.
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
A dehumidifier is a type of appliance designed to pull moisture from the surrounding air. While some models use a compressor for this step, others use coils. The dehumidifier pulls in the air and sends it over the coils or the compressor. It pushes the moisture into a tank or a hose and releases the dry air back into the room.
Best Places to Use a Dehumidifier
The best place to use a dehumidifier is anywhere that has a high humidity level. Many people find it helpful to use one in their bathrooms, especially if they don’t have windows in that room. Whether you love taking hot and steamy showers or prefer using cooler water, that water can add to the humidity in the room. If you don’t have any windows, that moisture has nowhere to go. Not only can it build up in your bathroom, but it can spread to other rooms too. You might notice spots of green or blue mildew growing on the shower walls and curtain, but you may also see brown or black mold spots on the walls.
Another good place to use a dehumidifier is in your laundry room. Most laundry rooms are small and do not provide an escape for the moisture that builds up as you wash and dry your clothing. Even if you properly vent your appliances, you may still need to run a dehumidifier. You can also use one of these appliances in your attic or basement. If you notice that one room in your home feels hotter than the others, you can set up a dehumidifier in that space.
Tips for Picking a Dehumidifier for Your Bathroom
- Choose a smaller size that won't overwhelm the space
- Pick a model with a cord that will work where you want to use it
- Look for one that lets you adjust the setting for longer showers
- Know where you want to place it in the bathroom before you buy
- Consider a model that does not use any power
Choosing the Right Size and Capacity
Though there are many things to consider when buying a dehumidifier, the most important is the capacity of the unit. The term capacity refers to the size of the tank inside the unit. Most manufacturers tell you the capacity in terms of pints. This tells you exactly how many pints of water the tank can hold before you need to empty it. The right size for you depends on how damp the room is and its overall size. Some models have a capacity of just 25 to 30 pints. Those models are best for smaller rooms that are less than 200 square feet in size and are only slightly damp. If the room is always damp, you need to choose one with a larger capacity.
The minimum size that you need for a room of 3,500 square feet of space or larger is 40 pints. These larger units are suitable for use in a big room or a home with an open layout. As the dehumidifier works, it will pull in more moisture from across that space and push out dryer air. A room that always feels wet and sticky that is larger in size needs one of the top models with a capacity of up to 70 pints.
Not all homes and spaces require the use of a larger dehumidifier, which is why we wanted to find some smaller units. The best dehumidifier for a smaller home is the EDV-1100 from Eva-Dry. This model is so small and compact that you really can place it anywhere. It’s great for using in your bathroom to keep the humidity level low as you shower. Some also run this model in their closets or place it in their campers or boats. While larger models come with a compressor that produces a lot of noises, the EDV-1100 runs much quieter. You can even run this dehumidifier for hours without hearing a single beep.
This smaller model has a simple power button and two lights on the front. You press the button once to turn it on and again to turn it back off. One light comes on to tell you the unit is active, while the second light comes on when the tank inside reaches full capacity. As soon as the tank fills, the appliance will shut itself off. When you use this model in your home, you can reduce some of the odors associated with common bacteria strains and stop mold and mildew.
Drainage Options
One thing you may not know about dehumidifiers is that you can drain those units and empty the tanks in a few different ways. Some of the more popular units have an internal tank. When choosing one of these appliances, you need to make sure that the tank comes out and that it has a handle on the top. That handle helps you remove the tank and carry it outside or to a drain without dropping it. One of our top choices comes with a tank stand too. This stand supports the weight of the tank and keeps it from toppling over.
Those with a tank can come with a hose or work with a separate hose too. You can attach the hose to the dehumidifier and run it into a nearby drain such as the one in your sink or tub. Instead of filling the tank, the appliance will send water through the hose and into that drain. Some shoppers might prefer a continuous draining model. These units will only work when placed directly above a drain. The dehumidifier will automatically move the moisture it collects into a tank and then into the drain. Most of these models have a hole in the bottom of the tank that forces the moisture into the drain.
Benefits of Hose Models
- Will work with any nearby drain, including a sink or a shower drain
- Easy to install and run
- Can move water vertically to a drain
- Does not require a floor drain
- Often costs less than other types of dehumidifiers do
Energy Star Rating
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the Energy Star program in 1992 after finding that many people wanted appliances that used less energy. This program is completely voluntary. Manufacturers have the option of enrolling their products into it. Those products will go through a series of tests that compare their performances to the way that other similar appliances perform. Those that do better than their competitors will receive a higher rating. For a dehumidifier to have an Energy Star rating, it must perform well and use at least 20% less energy than standard dehumidifiers use.
While you can buy a dehumidifier that does not have this rating, you have no way of knowing how it will perform in your home. You might find yourself surprised when you get your first power bill after setting one up before it uses so much energy. Any dehumidifier that has an Energy Star rating will use less power and will help keep your utility bill down. Energy Star ratings typically range between 1.2 and 1.4. Those that collect more water from the air have a higher rating. You’ll want to look for a dehumidifier with the highest Energy Star rating that you can afford in your price range.
Where to Find an Energy Star Rating
Humidity Level
Depending on how much control you want over the humidity in your home, you might consider a unit that comes with a built-in control. Many of the smaller units that we looked at, including those that you’ll find on our list of the top dehumidifiers, lack this feature. They simply have a power button that you can turn on and off at will. The dehumidifier will run until you shut it down or until its tank fills. When using one of these units in your home, you may want to invest in a device that monitors the humidity level. You can place that unit right next to the appliance.
We highly recommend dehumidifiers that come with a built-in level indicator, especially if you want to see how well it works in your home. You’ll typically find this feature on models that have an LCD or digital screen. The screen shows you the current humidity level in the room. You can tell the machine the exact level that you want to see. It will run until it reaches that level and then turn itself off or slow down to maintain that level. You can view both the level you set and the level of your home or room.
Signs That You Should Decrease the Humidity Level
- There is condensation on the windows or walls
- You and others living in the home feel uncomfortable in the room
- The room feels hotter and/or stickier than other rooms
- You notice water damage to furniture, books and other objects
- The wallpaper and paint keeps peeling, even after setting up the dehumidifier
Though Frigidaire also makes a dehumidifier with a 70-pint capacity, this Keystone model has some of the same features but sells for less. We highly recommend it for shoppers who need a dehumidifier for a larger room who are on a budget. You can use this model in a room that measures up to 4,500 square feet in size and still get some good results. The electronic controls help you easily set up the dehumidifier and move through the various options. Those controls turn on the dehumidifier and let you turn on the fan. It also has buttons for setting up the timer feature.
We like the lights located next to those buttons too. Those lights tell you when the dehumidifier entered an auto defrost cycle and when you need to change the filter. You’ll also find a light that shows when the tank is full. Many shoppers like the built-in auto restart feature too. This feature retains your settings in the dehumidifier’s memory. If you have a power surge or failure, the dehumidifier will turn itself back on and automatically return to your settings. In addition to a normal setting, this Keystone dehumidifier also has a turbo setting that works much faster.
Automatic or Manual Defrost
When you think about humidity, you probably think about a hot summer day. During those long summer days, temperatures can easily climb into the 90s and even hit more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you combine those high temperatures with the high humidity, you might feel uncomfortable sitting in the middle of your living room or while in bed, even if you have an AC running. Humidity can feel just as uncomfortable during the winter months, which is why experts recommend that you run a dehumidifier all year long. If you want to use one during those colder months, you must look for one with a defrost option.
As the temperature in your home drops, the coils or compressor in the dehumidifier can get colder too. Once the temperature drops below 60-degrees Fahrenheit, you risk those parts freezing over because of the cold air. Models that come with a manual defrost option will alert you of a problem and give you the chance to turn on the defrost setting to remove any ice buildup. Many shoppers prefer those with an automatic defrost setting. If the dehumidifier detects the presence of ice, it will automatically switch to this setting to defrost that ice before it returns back to your original settings.
Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier During the Colder Months
- Maintain a steady and constant temperature
- Reduce moisture damage caused by cool temperatures and ice
- Remove musty odors that can worsen in the winter
- Prevent the growth and spread of mold
- Keep your home safe from bacteria and germs
Portable Dehumidifiers
Though most dehumidifiers are safe to use in any room, you may want to invest in a single appliance that you use in multiple rooms. A portable unit allows you to move the dehumidifier from one bedroom to another and around other rooms to maintain a low humidity level in each space. Some of the features you should consider when choosing this type of dehumidifier include:
- Weight: Dehumidifiers that weigh more are extremely hard to move. You may need to get help from some family or friends whenever you want to use it in another room.
- Casters: Two of the models that we found and included on our list come with four casters on the bottom. Each caster sits in one of the four corners of the appliance, which help evenly distribute the weight of the unit. Those casters allow you to move the unit on your own without any help.
- Power cord: We also recommend checking the length of the power cord when selecting a portable model. If the cord is too short, it may limit where you can set it up. You may need to use an extension cord too.
Expert Tip:
If you need a dehumidifier and have kids at home, you should look for one with locking casters. Once locked, those casters will not move and will keep kids from pushing or pulling on the dehumidifier.
Intuitive Design
Have you ever brought home a new electronic device and spent hours scouring the web and reading through the instructional manual just to see how to use it? When you buy a dehumidifier, you might spend just as much time trying to understand the directions the manufacturer gave you and figuring out what each control does. If you want one that is really easy to use, we recommend one of the smaller and more portable options. Eva-Dry offers several models that feature just one button. That button both turns the dehumidifier on and off. Though larger models have more features and buttons, you’ll still want to look for one with an intuitive design that anyone in your family can understand.
Some of the best models are those with digital displays and electronic buttons. The display, which usually sits in the center on the top of the dehumidifier, shows you the current humidity level. You can use the electronic buttons nearby to select the humidity level that you want. Those buttons often let you set up the timer too. Many shoppers like units that come with arrow buttons. Those buttons let you know which one to press to adjust the temperature and time up or down.
Top Dehumidifier Brands
Another large dehumidifier that is suitable for most homes is this Honeywell model, which has a tank inside that can hold up to 70 pints. This tank actually sits on a stand that keeps it upright. The stand does a good job of keeping the tank from tipping over and spilling any of the water that it collected. As the tank has an attached handle, you can remove it to dump out that water. You can also use a hose to drain the water faster. This model has Energy Star certification and can help you save money on your power bills when compared to other dehumidifiers without this certification.
Thanks to small wheels on its base, this dehumidifier is easy to move too. You can use those wheels when moving it to another room or when you want to connect it to a hose for regular draining. Honeywell added an air filter to this model that can save you money too. Instead of replacing that filter, you can slip it out of the dehumidifier and clean it yourself. The filter removes both particles and odors from the surrounding environment. As with other larger dehumidifiers, this Honeywell model features digital controls too.
Sound Level
When you first turn on your AC at the beginning of summer, you might have a hard time sleeping because you forgot how loudly it runs. Many home appliances are quite loud and can become even louder when you adjust their settings. Even if you love falling asleep to white noise, you might not like the sounds produced by your new dehumidifier. That is why we recommend finding out more about its sound level before you buy. You’ll especially want to look at that sound when choosing one that you plan to use in your own bedroom or in your child’s bedroom.
The best models for those concerned with noise are dehumidifiers that come with multiple fan settings. You can choose a faster fan to use when you’re at home or out of the room. No matter how loudly it runs, those noises won’t disrupt your daily life. You can then turn the fan to a lower setting before spending time with your family or climbing into bed. Some of the dehumidifiers we found run so quietly that you can use any setting and not hear a single sound. Those that run more quietly often use less power and can save you more money too.
Whole House Dehumidifier Basics
A whole house dehumidifier is a system designed to work in every area and room of a house. These units usually work with your HVAC system and use any existing ducts to pull in and push out air. A whole house system can easily cost $2,000 or more.
What to Look for in a Filter System
- Removable design: The first thing you want to look for is a filter that you can easily remove. While all models with this type of system use a removable filter, some are easier to take out than others. If you find yourself constantly fighting with the machine just to get the filter out, you might skip changing it as often as you should.
- Clean or replace: Some models come with a filter that you must replace every few months. You may need to replace the filter every six months or every three months. It really depends on how often you use the dehumidifier and the number of particles and impurities in your home’s air. Other models let you clean that filter and pop it right back inside.
- Odor removable: We highly recommend looking for a dehumidifier that works on both odors in the air as well as moisture. The filter removes particles, but a good filter can also remove some of the impurities that make your home smell worse than you would like.
- Particle size: You may want to look at the size of the particles that it can capture too, especially if you or anyone else in your home has allergies or breathing problems. Filters that work on smaller particles will remove more allergens from your home.
How to Clean a Dehumidifier Filter
- Turn off the unit and unplug it from the wall
- Remove the door on the dehumidifier before pulling out the filter
- Wipe the filter down with a soft cloth to remove any large particles stuck to the surface
- Run the filter under cold water to remove any other debris
- Give the filter a good shake and let it dry for a few minutes before placing it back in the dehumidifier
Benefits of a Dehumidifier With a Timer Function
Even if you work from home, you won’t spend every minute of every day inside. You might run out to meet with clients and pick up some groceries or to shop for supplies and drop the kids off at school. When you pick a dehumidifier that comes with a timer feature, you have the freedom to run the appliance when you’re home and when you’re not. The problem with models that lack this feature is that you must be there when running one. No matter how confident you feel with the appliance, you don’t want to leave it running and risk the tank overflowing or the unit overheating. Those problems can cause flooding or significant smoke and fire damage.
One benefit of a model with a timer function is that you can let the unit run when you head off on vacation but tell it when to shut down. Some of the more modern models come with a schedule timer too that lets you set a schedule for when and how long it will run in the future. The right model can save you some money too. Instead of running 24/7, you can let the dehumidifier run only when you need it to run.
How to Set a Dehumidifier Timer
- Press and hold the timer button until the screen flashes
- Push the up arrow button to reach the number of hours you want the timer to run
- Use the down button to reduce the number of hours that the timer runs
- Release all the buttons and wait a few seconds
- Hit the timer button a second time to make sure it works and begins counting down
If you want a dehumidifier that you can use anywhere in your home, you should consider this Renewable Mini Dehumidifier from Eva-Dry. As it does not require batteries and does not have a power cord, you can use it in a room without any outlets. You can also place this model in your boat, camper, garage or outdoor shed and let it work on the humidity in the air. This is a fairly unique model that features a number of small beads inside. Those beads start out with a dark blue color and slowly become orange as they absorb moisture from the air. Once the beads become orange, you can remove them and replace them with a new batch.
Eva-Dry claims that this dehumidifier will last for up to 30 days before you need to replace those beads. Some shoppers found that it only lasted for two weeks or less though. It works in spaces that measure up to 333 cubic feet, but you may find that it works better and lasts longer in an even smaller space. This is a great choice for use inside cabinets and in closets. According to the manufacturer, this dehumidifier is a renewable model that can last for up to 10 years.
How to Choose the Right Spot for a Dehumidifier
Before you use our links and buy a good dehumidifier for your home, you really need to think about where you’ll put it. Though some models will work in larger spaces, they typically work best when used in a home with an open layout. If you have a kitchen that opens up into your dining room, which opens into your living room, feel free to invest in a larger model that you can use in all those rooms. You might decide that you want one that you can use in just one room though.
A good way to decide on the placement of that unit is with a look at some of the signs that you see in your home. You can look at which rooms show the most signs of damage based on any water damage that you see such as bubbles in the paint and peeling wallpaper. It’s also helpful to place the dehumidifier in a spot that won’t get in your way. If you put it right in the center of the room, you’ll need to walk around it each time you enter and leave. The best spot for a dehumidifier is in an out of the way location in the room most affected by the humidity.
What to Look for in a Dehumidifier for a Child's Bedroom?
- Wheels or casters that you can look in place
- A smaller design that won't get in the child's way
- Features that you can lock to keep kids from changing those settings
- A timer that lets you run the dehumidifier while your child sleeps or is in school
- One that operates quietly
Tips for Setting Up a New Dehumidifier
- Set the dehumidifier in the appropriate room: Once you decide where you want to use the appliance, you can carry or roll it into the room. You should measure the cord length ahead of time, which will help you decide which outlet to use or whether to plug it into an extension cord.
- Go over the manual: Before you turn on and run the dehumidifier, you should really read the included instructional manual. This manual will walk you through all the steps of adjusting the settings and using some of the top features. It should contain information on troubleshooting the appliance too.
- Turn it on: Depending on the model that you buy, you will turn it on in one of two ways. Some models require that you press the power button just once. Other models ask that you press and hold down on the power button until you see the screen light up.
- Pick your humidity level: Most of the top models that experts recommend let you select the right humidity level for your home down to an exact percentage. You’ll usually want to select a percentage between 30 and 50. To do this, you can press the humidity or the level button and use the up and down arrows.
What Not to Do When Running a Dehumidifier
- Place it too close to furniture or walls that restrict the flow of air around the dehumidifier
- Use the dehumidifier around any area cluttered with dust or appliances that release dust
- Plug it into a non-grounded outlet
- Wrap or bend the cord
- Leave the windows and doors open
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Dehumidifier
- Wrong size: Buying the wrong size is the biggest mistake that you can make. This includes both the capacity of the tank and the size of the unit in terms of room size. You should measure the size of the space and use the chart on this page to choose a unit. It’s equally important that you factor in the capacity of the unit and how much moisture it can hold.
- Cord length: The length of the cord can cause problems when it’s too long or too short. A cord that is too short can be frustrating because you can’t use the unit where you wanted. If you buy one with a cord that is too long, you’ll need to decide what to do with that extra length. Wrapping the cord around the unit can significantly damage it.
- Lack of features: We went over some of the top features you should consider because we want you to find the best dehumidifier for your needs. When you decide to go with a cheaper model to save money, you won’t get all the features that you need. At the bare minimum, you should choose a dehumidifier with a timer and a digital screen.
What to Do in Case of a Recall?
When you purchase a dehumidifier, the manufacturer will include a warranty card with it. You should visit the manufacturer’s website and enter the information on that card to register your product. If the company recalls that model, it will contact you through the mail or via email. You can then contact the manufacturer and get information on returning the dehumidifier and getting a new one or getting your money back.
How to Reduce Humidity Without a Dehumidifier
The longer that you let the humidity level in your home climb, the more problems you’ll experience in the future. We found a few ways you can reduce that humidity level until your new dehumidifier arrives.
- Keep the air moving: The best way to reduce the humidity in your home without a dehumidifier is with a more constant and steady flow of air. You can use an air conditioner that will keep the room cool and let a few fans run at the same time. Many people find relief using just fans too.
- Turn off your dryer: If you walked around your house and tracked the humidity levels in each room, you would likely find that this level is the highest in your laundry room. Even if you properly vented your dryer, it can still increase the temperature of the space and make other parts of your room feel more humid.
- Adjust your water heater: Taking colder showers is an easy way to reduce the humidity of your home. If you hate cold showers, you can adjust your water heater down to a lower temperature. Even going down a few degrees will significantly help, especially if you live with multiple people who take daily showers.
- Take care of leaks: A leaky pipe is potentially dangerous because it can cause water damage. That leak will also increase your water bills and can cause the humidity in your home to rise. We recommend taking care of any leaks as soon as possible.
Long-Term Effects of Mold Exposure
Any type of mold can cause some serious problems in humans and animals. If you think that you might have mold in your home, you can take look at the some of the long-term effects of exposure to those spores.
- Sudden onset of asthma or a worsening of asthma symptoms
- Frequent headaches
- Respiratory infections that recur
- Irritations of the eyes and skin
- Infections that can affect the mouth, nose and throat
Buying a Dehumidifier – Features You Need
Even if both you and your neighbor buy dehumidifiers at the same time, you’ll likely each purchase different models. This is because the one that works for that home might not work for yours. We created a handy list that lets you see the top features you should really consider to buy the ultimate dehumidifier for any space.
- Automatic restart: It can take a lot of experimentation to find the right settings for one room. When you suffer a power failure during a storm, you might not want to go through all those settings again. That is why we recommend models with an automatic restart. Not only will the dehumidifier start itself after the power comes back, but it will remember all your settings.
- Humidity sensor: A dehumidifier with a humidity sensor lets you keep an eye on the moisture level in your home. You can view the current level on the digital screen and also view the level that you want for your home.
- Timer: Unless you only want to use a dehumidifier when you’re home, you’ll want one with a timer. This timer lets the appliance run and turns itself off while you’re on vacation or running some quick errands.
Other Features That are Worth the Money
- Locking casters that let you move the dehumidifier and keep it stable
- A removable filter that you can wash in your kitchen or bathroom
- Automatic settings such as a defrost setting that automatically defrosts the interior of the dehumidifier to remove ice
- Filters that remove bacteria and other impurities from the air
- Electronic controls that make adjusting the settings and system easier
How Much Do Dehumidifiers Cost?
The average prices for dehumidifiers today typically fall into one of three price ranges: under $50, $100 to $200 and $200 and up. While you might decide on one of the cheapest models, these dehumidifiers do have some issues. Most are quite small and have a capacity of 30 pints or less. You may find that you can only use one in your bathroom or laundry room and that it doesn’t have the capacity necessary for use in a damper or larger space. While some models do not require any type of power, they may not work as well as you would like.
Those in the $100 to $200 price range are often much better. Dehumidifiers priced under $100 generally have some of the same problems that even cheaper models do. We recommend spending at least $100 on one, especially if you need a dehumidifier for your bedroom or a shared larger space such as your living room. Those priced above $200 come with more features and have a capacity of up to 70 pints. A larger and more expensive model will often come with electronic controls and some nice features that you can use, including automatic shut off and defrost settings and a timer.
The Average Prices of the 5 Best Dehumidifiers
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Experts typically recommend a humidity level of no more than 50% in most homes. This is the highest rating you’ll want to see during the summer and spring months. During the fall, you can lower that rating slightly. The maximum humidity that is right in the winter is around 30%. Black mold thrives in climates and areas with a humidity level of at least 50%.
A: Unless you buy a continuous drain model, you’ll need to empty the tank inside the dehumidifier. How often you empty the tank really depends on how long you run it and the amount of moisture in the space. Most manufacturers recommend that you empty the tank at least once every two days. Smaller models may require that you empty the tank every day.
A: Though most dehumidifiers require little maintenance, you may need to clean the tank every few months. Each time that you take it out, look at the bottom for any debris stuck to the surface. You can also run your hand around the inside and check for anything clinging to the sides. Limescale and other types of buildup can stick to the tank, especially if you have hard water. You can easily wipe down the inside and remove that build up before putting the tank back.
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