Dehumidifier Information

Humidity Level

• Ideally, humidity level indoors should be between 40 and 50 percent. A level above 5 percent can result in mold, mildew and an increase in dust mites.

Types

• There are a variety of brands of dehumidifiers, such as Kenmore, GE and Whirlpool. They are available in different sizes, from small units that can remove 25 pints of moisture a day to those that can accommodate an entire home up to 3,000 square feet.

Features

• Important features that you may want to look for include an air filter that is washable, a tank that you can easily empty or a hose connection that allows you to drain the water into a sump pump or floor drain, wheels or casters and controls that are easy to read.

Use

• Your dehumidifier should be placed in the most humid area of your home (probably your basement or crawl space), either along a wall (for top-vented units) or 12 inches away from the wall (for side-vented units). Windows and doors in that area should be closed. Be sure to empty it regularly and keep the filter clean if it has one.

Cost

• According to Consumer Reports, units that can remove between 25 pints to 75 pints each day range from $100 to $300 or more. Home systems typically cost between $1,100 and $3,000 plus the cost of installation.

Considerations

• It is recommended that you purchase a dehumidifier with the largest capacity you are able afford, keeping in mind the cost of energy required to operate it.