Buying a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is an appliance that removes moisture from the air, which can help improve indoor air quality and prevent issues like mold growth and musty odors. Dehumidifiers work by pulling in humid air, cooling it to condense the moisture, and then releasing the drier air back into the room.
Some models also have a filter to remove impurities like dust and allergens. Dehumidifiers help eliminate some of the common triggers of allergic reactions such as mold, mildew, and dust mites. This appliance can be particularly convenient for people suffering from seasonal allergies.
There are two main types of dehumidifiers - desiccant and compressor dehumidifiers:
A desiccant dehumidifier works like a sponge or silica gel, absorbing the moisture from the humid air via a desiccant wheel. The wheel is regenerated by a built-in internal heater that allows the process to continue. Desiccant dehumidifiers are generally quieter and more compact in design, therefore, they are preferred by many customers.
Compressor dehumidifiers use the condensation mechanism to extract water from the atmosphere. The compressor dehumidifier draws in warm damp air and passes it over a refrigerated coil, then the condensation occurs when warm humid air comes into contact with the cold surface. Dry air is reheated to room temperature via a warm coil and released back into the room. The compressor dehumidifiers generally work best in environments with high ambient temperatures.
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Capacity
Dehumidifiers are also rated by how many pints of water they can remove from the air in a day. The larger the capacity, the more moisture the unit can handle. Again, choose a capacity that's appropriate for the size of your space and the level of humidity you're dealing with.
Size
The size of the dehumidifier you need depends on the size of the space you want to dehumidify. Most manufacturers will list the square footage that a particular model is designed for, so make sure to measure your space and choose a dehumidifier that's appropriate.
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Here is a list of desired features to consider before your purchase of a dehumidifier:
Pint Capacity
Collection Tank or Collection Bucket
Humidistat or Hydrostat
Low-Temperature Operation
Electronic or Manual Controls
Auto-Restart
Caster Wheels
Air Filter
Noise Level
Automatic Shut-Off
Portability
Drainage
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