Before jumping to invest in the first dehumidifier that you see, it’s necessary to pay attention to key factors about the product and your home to figure out what size dehumidifier you need, along with the type and efficiency level that would be most appropriate to reduce the humidity.
Test for excess moisture.
There are several signs of high humidity in a home that can help you determine whether you need a dehumidifier. Inspect the windows and doors for fogging or excess condensation and note whether any moisture is accumulating on the walls or ceilings.
If you see some of these signs but aren’t certain whether your home has been experiencing significant moisture issues, research the problem by purchasing and monitoring a humidity gauge, also known as a hygrometer. This device monitors the indoor air quality and reports the readings.
For most homes, a humidity level of between 30 and 60 percent shouldn’t cause issues, but narrowing the range to about 30 to 50 percent will help ensure that the air is easy to breathe and the home is comfortable. Humidity levels higher than this ideal range should be treated with a dehumidifier.
Determine the scope of the problem.
Is the entire house overly humid, or is the issue confined to one area (such as the basement)? The scope of the problem directly determines the nature of the solution. Larger whole-house dehumidifiers tie into the HVAC system and include a drainpipe that empties directly into a slop sink, sump pump, or to the outdoors. These types of dehumidifiers aren’t cheap and typically involve professional installation.
Portable dehumidifiers, meanwhile, are much less expensive and much more consumer-friendly. They plug right into the wall and operate via built-in interfaces that are easy to understand and configure. Some portable dehumidifiers are equipped with hoses that can drain or pump out collected water automatically; others feature a collection bucket that must be emptied on a regular basis.
What size dehumidifier do I need?
Even dehumidifiers of the same basic design can differ in capacity. Select a small one that can hold 10 pints of water for a 500-square-foot space; add 4 pints of capacity for every additional 500 square feet. So, to determine the size of humidifier for a 1,000-square-foot basement, you’d need to add 4 pints for a total 14-pint capacity.
For a very damp basement or other space, it might be necessary to increase the size of the dehumidifier to efficiently remove the increased level of moisture from the air. Choose a dehumidifier that holds 12 pints of water for a 500-square-foot space, adding 5 pints for every additional 500 square feet.
Consider these additional factors before selecting a dehumidifier for your space.
The square footage of the home or of the room where you will set up the dehumidifier is the main deciding factor for choosing a product, but there are other household conditions that can affect the humidity level in the home and what size humidifier you need.
People consume water, sweat, and breathe out hot, humid air, so the more people in the home, the higher the humidity will be. In most homes, the humidity produced by humans is negligible, but large families of six or more people might want to consider a larger dehumidifier to handle increased humidity levels.
The size and number of doors and windows in the home can also influence the humidity levels in the home. Windows and doors allow heat to transfer more easily into the home, so the more windows and doors, the higher the humidity. Similarly, very large windows are poor insulators, leading to higher levels of humidity.
Laundry rooms and bathrooms can affect a home’s humidity level when you use the washing machine or shower, so it’s important to invest in a dehumidifier that can handle the increased moisture in the air. In summary, when determining what size dehumidifier is right for you consider the size of the room or home, plus:
- The number of occupants in the home
- Size and number of doors and windows
- Laundry room and bathroom usage
Prioritize energy efficiency.
Energy Star-rated dehumidifiers use about 15 percent less energy than conventional units. In the long run, that means a savings of approximately $175 over the life of a dehumidifier, not to mention avoiding roughly 2,800 pounds’ worth of greenhouse gas emissions.
dehumidifiers can provide a continuous flow of fresh, dry air in the home, resulting in an energy-efficient solution that improves indoor air quality and keeps mold growth at bay all season long.
