Tips on Buying a Dehumidifer

Space

• Find out the square footage of the area you need to dehumidify. The drying capacity of a dehumidifier is measured in terms of the pints of water it can extract from the air in 24 hours. This capacity is related to the space from where the air is removed. At the store, check the sizing chart that comes with a dehumidifier and pick the size that is recommended for your area dimensions. If you cannot find an exact fit, it is better to select a model that has a higher capacity which is more efficient than a lower capacity model.

Automation

• Dehumidifiers with a built in humidistat sense and control the humidity of the room automatically, and avoid too much drying of the air. If you buy a model without this option, it means more work for you: buy a hygrometer, hang it next to your unit and monitor humidity levels to know when to switch the unit on or off. If you have a floor level drain in the space where the dehumidifier is housed, look for a dehumidifier with a continuous drainage system, so you don't need to worry about emptying the water storage tray. If this option is not available to you, get a model that automatically shuts off when the tray is full.

Convenience

• If you plan to position your dehumidifier in your bedroom or a child's room, check the noise it emits when choosing a model. Generally, units with 2-speed fans are not very noisy at lower humidity levels. Pick a model with casters if you wish to move the unit from one part of the house to another. Also, look for a long power cord that makes it easy to place the unit at a convenient location. If someone in your family suffers from an allergy, look for extra features such as an air filter.

Cost

• Although you may shop around for the best prices, remember that the price of the dehumidifier unit is just one of the expenses you should consider. The electricity consumption, shipping charges during the warranty period, and repair costs after this period all contribute to the operating cost. It therefore makes sense to purchase a dehumidifier with a higher energy factor and longer warranty period although the unit may be more expensive than one with a lower energy factor. Units with an Energy Star label and those labeled as government-sponsored are more energy efficient models.