Buying a Dehumidifier: The Most Important Features to Look for

Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, preventing mold and mildew growth and damage to your home and furnishings. To find the right dehumidifier for your environment and situation, you must take certain features into consideration.

Capacity

The most important feature to consider before purchasing a dehumidifier is the amount of moisture that needs to be  extracted from the air. Observe the size of the area and how damp the air feels to determine what size unit to get. It's better to purchase one with a larger capacity than you need than one smaller than required because the dehumidification won't take as long. If the unit is too small, it may run continuously and never get the humidity to a desired level. What a waste of energy and money.

Built-In Humidistat

When a dehumidifier has a humidistat built right in, the humidity of the room is automatically controlled. It measures the relative humidity of the environment and then makes any needed adjustments. Humidistats can be purchased separately but it's much more convenient to have them incorporated into the unit itself.

Collection Tank, Bucket or Reservoir

To prevent the constant need to empty the dehumidifier, make sure the collection tank holds enough water in comparison to the capacity of the unit and the moisture levels in the room. Also make sure the collection bucket is easy to remove so that when it's full, it's easy to empty.

Drain Hose Connection/ Self Draining Capability

Sometimes a collection tank, bucket or reservoir isn't practical for a dehumidifier because it's being used in a particularly humid environment or in an area that's not easy to access. In these situations, a convenient feature is a drain hose connection and self-draining capability. This way, the collected water is drained or pumped instead of being stored.

Low Temperature Operation

When a dehumidifier is needed in a low temperature environment, such as a basement or crawl space, it needs to have an appropriate operating temperature range. Some can operate in environments as cold as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. An automatic defrost feature is also important to prevent quick cycling and frost from building up on the sensor.

Energy Star Certification

When a dehumidifier is Energy Star certified, it features low energy consumption and operating costs. This is good for the environment as well as your wallet.

Noise Level

If an overly humid environment is also a noise-sensitive one, how much noise a dehumidifier makes while operating is an important feature to consider. Pay attention to decibel ratings and consider purchasing one with thermo-electric peltier technology because those units feature silent operation. Multiple fan speeds are also a good way to keep noise down when not as much dehumidification is needed.

Portability

Casters, a carrying handle, a long power cord and the weight of a dehumidifier all affect the portability of the unit. If it needs to be moved from room to room, features that make it more easy to be maneuvered are required.

Auto Shut Off and Overflow Protection

When the collection reservoir needs emptying, this feature automatically turns the dehumidifier off to prevent overflowing. This ensures effective operation and eliminates damage to your home. It's also helpful if an indicator light alerts you when the water storage bin is full.

Air Filter

It's beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers to have a dehumidifier with an easy-to-remove filter to trap airborne dust and particles. Sometimes these filters are washable so replacement is less frequent.

For more facts about important dehumidifier features or to browse a wide selection of models, feel free to visit Air Conditioner Home.