Whether it’s a damp basement, humid bedroom, or musty attic, dehumidifiers can keep the air inside comfortable and dry. But with all the different sizes and models of dehumidifiers available, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose the right dehumidifier by calculating the size you need and considering other important factors.
How Dehumidifiers Free a Space of Moisture
Dehumidifiers are an effective way to reduce humidity levels in a room, creating a more comfortable environment and reducing the potential for mold and mildew growth. When selecting a dehumidifier, there are several factors to consider, including:
- How the machine works: Dehumidifiers use a fan to draw in air, which passes through a filter and over a cold evaporator coil. The moisture in the air condenses on the coil and is collected in a tank, with the dry air being released back into the room.
- The size of the room to be dehumidified: Dehumidifiers come in a range of sizes, from small units designed for a single room up to larger units capable of servicing multiple rooms. The size of the unit required depends on the size of the room and the desired level of moisture removal.
- The type of dehumidifier desired: Desiccant dehumidifiers use a chemical desiccant to absorb moisture from the air, whereas refrigerant dehumidifiers use a refrigerant to cool the air and condense the moisture. Refrigerant dehumidifiers are generally more efficient and less costly to operate.
- The desired features: Some models come with features such as automatic shut-off, adjustable humidity settings, and built-in humidistats, which can make the operation of the unit more convenient.
See also: Settings for a Dehumidifier
What are the uses of the Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is an essential appliance for any home, especially in areas with high humidity. It helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well as other health issues. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of dehumidifiers, how to choose the right one for your home, and how to maintain it.
What are the uses of the Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers are used to remove excess moisture from the air, which may be caused by high humidity. The air in your home may contain a high percentage of water molecules, which can cause damage to the structure of your house, as well as health problems.
Dehydrators are designed to reduce the amount of water in the air within a room or building. This can help prevent mold and mildew growth, as well as reduce dust mites and allergens found in carpeting, furniture and other common household items.
There are many products that fall under the category of dehumidifiers. These include:
Portable Dehumidifiers – These are smaller units that can be moved from room-to-room within your home or office building. They work well for small areas of dampness or humidity, such as basements or closets that tend to get damp during the winter months. Portable units must be emptied after each use so they do not overflow with water collected from the air.
Whole-house dehumidifiers – Whole-house dehumidifiers are large devices that are installed outside the foundation walls of your home, where they draw moisture from inside the walls and discharge it through outlet hoses attached to each side.
Read also: Mold on Carpet After Water Damage
How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier for Your Home
If you’re looking to purchase a dehumidifier for your home, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase. The size of the dehumidifier is an important factor to consider, as it will determine how much moisture it can remove from the air.
Small dehumidifiers are ideal for small spaces, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. These units are typically portable and can be moved from room to room. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for those on a budget.
Medium-sized dehumidifiers are best for larger spaces, such as basements and living rooms. These units are more powerful than small dehumidifiers and can remove more moisture from the air. They are also more expensive, but they are worth the investment if you need to dehumidify a large area.
Large dehumidifiers are best for very large spaces, such as warehouses and commercial buildings. These units are the most powerful and can remove the most moisture from the air. They are also the most expensive, but they are worth the investment if you need to dehumidify a large area.
When choosing a dehumidifier for your home, it’s important to consider the size of the space you need to dehumidify. Small dehumidifiers are ideal for small spaces, while medium and large dehumidifiers are best for larger spaces. No matter which size you choose, make sure to read the product reviews and compare prices before making your purchase.
Dehumidifier Size Chart
| Room Size / Relative Humidity Level | <= 400 Sq. Ft. Max | <= 600 Sq. Ft. Max | 800 Sq. Ft. Max | 1,200 Sq. Ft. Max |
| 50% to 60% | 20-pint | 25-pint | 35-pint | 50-pint |
| 60% to 70% | 20-pint | 30-pint | 40-pint | 50-pint |
| 70% to 80% | 25-pint | 35-pint | 45-pint | 55-pint |
| 80% to 90% | 30-pint | 40-pint | 50-pint | 60-pint |
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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are an essential appliance for many households, especially in areas with high humidity. They help to reduce the moisture in the air, which can prevent mold and mildew from forming and can help to reduce dust mites and other allergens. But, like any appliance, there are advantages and disadvantages to using a dehumidifier.
Pros:
- Dehumidifiers help to reduce the humidity in the air, which can help to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
- They can also help to reduce dust mites and other allergens in the air, which can be beneficial for those with allergies or asthma.
- Dehumidifiers can also help to reduce the amount of condensation on windows and other surfaces, which can help to reduce the risk of water damage.
- They can also help to reduce the amount of energy used to cool a home, as the air is less humid and therefore easier to cool.
Cons:
- Dehumidifiers can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
- They can also be noisy, which can be disruptive in some households.
- If not properly maintained, dehumidifiers can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms.
- They can also be a fire hazard if not properly maintained and used.
For those looking to purchase a dehumidifier, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Dehumidifiers can be a great asset to any home, but it is important to understand the potential risks and costs associated with them.
See also: How To Remove Black Mold From Concrete
FAQ
Can I use a Dehumidifier bought for a room in a basement of the same size?
Yes, you can use a dehumidifier bought for a room in a basement of the same size. However, you need to make sure the dehumidifier is the right size for the room, the type of dehumidifier you’re using is suitable for the higher humidity levels in a basement, and that the dehumidifier is properly ventilated.
How do I calculate the size of dehumidifier for a room?
The size of the dehumidifier you need depends on the size of the room and the amount of moisture in the air. Generally, you should choose a dehumidifier that can remove at least 15 pints of moisture from the air per day. To calculate the size of dehumidifier you need, measure the square footage of the room and multiply it by the amount of moisture in the air.
How many square feet does a 50-pint dehumidifier cover?
A 50-pint dehumidifier can cover up to 2,500 square feet.
How many square feet does a 22-pint dehumidifier cover?
A 22-pint dehumidifier can cover up to 1,100 square feet.
Can a dehumidifier be too big?
Yes, a dehumidifier can be too big for a room. If the dehumidifier is too large, it will run inefficiently and use more energy than necessary.
Is it better to undersize or oversize a dehumidifier?
It is better to undersize a dehumidifier than to oversize it. An undersized dehumidifier will run more efficiently and use less energy.
What is the difference between a 35-pint and 50-pint dehumidifier?
The difference between a 35-pint and 50-pint dehumidifier is the amount of moisture they can remove from the air. A 50-pint dehumidifier can remove up to 50 pints of moisture from the air per day, while a 35-pint dehumidifier can remove up to 35 pints of moisture from the air per day.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Dehumidifiers use a moderate amount of electricity. The amount of electricity used depends on the size of the dehumidifier and how often it runs.
Can a dehumidifier make mold worse?
No, a dehumidifier can help prevent mold growth by removing excess moisture from the air.
Is a 22-pint dehumidifier enough for a basement?
It depends on the size of the basement and the amount of moisture in the air. Generally, a 22-pint dehumidifier is enough for a basement up to 1,100 square feet.
Where is the best place to put a dehumidifier: high or low?
The best place to put a dehumidifier is on the floor. This will allow the dehumidifier to pull in the most moisture from the air.
Do dehumidifiers make rooms less stuffy?
Yes, dehumidifiers can make rooms less stuffy by removing excess moisture from the air. This can help reduce the feeling of stuffiness in a room.