If your living space is musty or stuffy, and water always condenses on pipes and windows, they are signs of high humidity levels that need to be reduced.
Showering, cooking, running a dishwasher or washing machine – all these activities are known to release moisture into the environment, which can be concerning, especially if your home is already situated in a climate with high humidity levels.
Balanced humidity within your living space is important both for the house itself and the well-being of your family members.
Manufactured Home Humidifiers: Eight Shopping Factors To A Successful Purchase
Whether you are looking forward to acquiring your first humidifier or you want to replace your old unit, you need to factor in a few things to choose the right product for your needs.
Consider these factors:
- Fix Existing Problems
- Figure Out Where the Device Will Go
- Size
- Features That Matter
- Type
- Water Tank Capacity
- Warranty & Maintenance
- Cost v/s Budget
1. Fix Existing Problems
Start by fixing issues that may hamper the smooth functioning of the new device.
Even the best product might not work as expected if too much outdoor moisture seeps into the livings space.
2. Figure Out Where the Device Will Go
Few things can be as upsetting as long continuous noises, more so in a living space.
To have a good experience with your dehumidifier, find a spot about 3 feet away from tables, seats, beds, and any other point you expect to relax.
Most dehumidifiers generate noise in the range of 58 – 67 decibels.
That’s bearable at such a distance, isn’t it?
Consider that normal room conversation is about 60 decibels, a washer is almost 70 decibels.
3. Size
Not just any dehumidifier of any size would be appropriate just anywhere.
The size of the device is dictated by its overall capacity to eliminate moisture.
The capacity of dehumidifiers is normally rated in total pints of moisture captured per day (24-hour period).
Large Capacity
Devices in this capacity class are designed to eliminate 40 pints or more per day.
Also, they can handle a wide range of moisture levels with very little or no extra noise.
You can also choose to run them on low, quieter settings. For large and wet spaces, choose the largest-capacity device your purse can afford.
Medium Capacity
For large or mid sized spaces that are not quite as damp, go for a medium-capacity capable of removing between 30 – 35 pints of water vapor per day.
Although medium-capacity dehumidifiers may sometimes cost the same or somewhat close to large models, you will typically pay less for one.
Small Capacity
This capacity class is designed to remove 20 – 25 pints of water vapor per day, meaning these dehumidifiers are perfect for small living spaces that feel damp rather than fully wet.
Whole House
This is the largest and most powerful capacity class of dehumidifiers.
Unless you live in a sizeable mansion, these devices are better left for industrial applications.
They are mostly portable add-ons that you can easily add to your existing air conditioner or central heating system.
Most of them can handle an open area of 5,000 square feet or more. Big means expensive, so be prepared to dig deeper in your purse for one.
If you consider the huge amount of water vapor they remove, and the fact that they can help you cut on air conditioning in large rooms, the high cost is worth it.
Note that most reviewers and testers out there don’t test this capacity class of dehumidifiers because of their rarity in residential spaces.
4. Features That Matter
Every home appliance comes with a list of must-have features that make them user-friendly.
Dehumidifiers are no different. Look for these features in a device of your liking:
Automatic Humidistat
You don’t need to be around to make all adjustments.
A humidistat will automatically maintain your desired humidity level by triggering the device to run only at the right time when necessary.
If you want to save energy with your device, then choose a product with this feature.
Programmable Timer
Do you want the device to start and run at specific times?
Choose a product with a programmer timer that lets you set specific startup and shutoff times all based on your needs.
Various Operating Speeds and Modes
Choose from more than one speed and mode to find the best level of dehumidification that fits your needs.
Automatic Restart
Devices with this feature will automatically restart themselves in the event of power failure. Great for basements!
Casters and Handles
If you will be moving the portable dehumidifier between places, then you need to go for one with carrying handles and casters that aid in portability.
Frost-Control Sensor
Lots of dehumidifiers nowadays come with sensors that shut down the device if frost starts to form on the coils—commonly experienced in cooler spaces.
This feature helps keep the device energy-efficient as there’s no point in running when it’s not dehumidifying.
Clean-Filter Alert
A typical dehumidifier is equipped with a filter that cleans the incoming air before the moisture is removed from it.
Over a given period, this filter accumulates enough dirt to require a replacement. If you delay replacing it, the efficiency of the dehumidifier will take a hit.
Choose a product that will alert you when the filter is too dirty to work.
Wi-Fi/App Control
Wouldn’t it be fun to make all settings and adjustments to your humidifier right on your smartphone from the comfort of your couch?
Some devices come with an app that you can install on your smartphone or tablet computer, link to your device via Wi-Fi, and control the device however you want.
Antibacterial/HEPA Filters
A product with this feature can remove the need for an air purifier in some spaces because the HEPA/Antibacterial filters will help capture such contaminants as dust mites, bacteria, or dust to relieve or control allergies and irritations.
These contaminants are removed from the air together with moisture before the air is pumped back into the air.
Buying such a humidifier, however, doesn’t completely remove the need for an air purifier.
Laundry Mode
Some products feature the laundry setting capable of drying your clothes quickly with much less energy compared to a tumble dryer. Sounds like a feature to consider if you intend the humidifier for your laundry room.
Continuous Drainage System
You are not going to available all the time to drain the water tank if the device has to run for extended periods, say, a full 24 hours. So, if you plan to run the humidifier continually, you will certainly benefit from an inbuilt hose that normally keeps the water running out of the device in your absence.
5. Type
Save for industrial dehumidifiers which we won’t talk about in this post, there are four types of dehumidifiers – or let’s call them residential dehumidifiers:
- desiccant
- compressor
- low energy
- mini.
Desiccant dehumidifier
They use desiccant dehumidification to eliminate moisture from the environment.
They come with a desiccant – special material designed to easily attract and hold water vapor.
This type of device is ideal for low-temperature spaces.
There are several benefits of using this type of dehumidifier including their ability to run quietly in temperatures as low as 1 – 30°C.
They can also be used anywhere in the home: the bedroom, garage, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
- There are disposable desiccant dehumidifiers – DampRid FG50T and FG83LV – that are only used once and thrown away.
- Then there are rechargeable ones – Eva-dry E-333, Eva-dry E-500, and Ivation IVA-DM05 – which don’t need to be plugged into the wall socket the whole time; just charge, use, and recharge again after a week or something.
All these dehumidifiers have three major drawbacks:
- low capacity
- low coverage area
- and tendency to leak.
Compressor/Refrigerant dehumidifier
This is probably the most common type of dehumidifier you will find. It works in a way similar to your fridge.
It comes with a refrigerant that cools off all the air, allowing the moisture to condense into water. The air is pumped back into the environment.
They are efficient at removing excess water vapor from heated properties. They function better between 10 – 15°C.
Low energy dehumidifiers (Ultrasonic humidifiers)
They are what the name says – energy-efficient devices that let you dehumidify your room at a low energy cost.
So, if you are looking for a product designed to help you save on your utility bills (this includes heating, by the way), choose a product of this type. Some machines will cost you just 2p every hour to run.
While pretty any technology out there can be used to make energy-efficient humidifiers, the most often used technology in this type of product is Ultrasonic vibration.
Ultrasonic humidifiers utilize high-frequency sound vibration to convert water vapor into liquid water. They’re by far the most energy-efficient option.
Mini Dehumidifier
This is the lowest you can go.
They are the best group of devices for protecting specific surfaces from moisture or mold, such surfaces as clothes, furniture, and furnishings.
6. Water Tank Capacity
Just as you would consider the size of the product, also put into account the capacity of the water tank that comes with the humidifier.
There are actually two types of humidifiers out there as far as water collection is concerned:
- One allows you to connect a hose so that the collected water can be automatically channeled elsewhere without your intervention.
- The other type comes with a water tank that collects the condensed water – you will be expected to drain the tank from time to time.
It’s the second type of device that you should evaluate the water tank capacity.
If you plan to use the equipment all night or day night—or both— ensure that you pick a product with a large capacity.
Also, check whether the water tank is removable. A removable tank will be easier to empty fill and return into the unit.
7. Warranty & Maintenance
Firstly, make sure the product of your choice is covered with a warranty.
A reasonably long warranty period is normally a reflection of the durability of the device – you don’t expect a 2-year warranty on a defective humidifier, for example.
The best route to making sure you receive the value of your money from the dehumidifier is to choose a product from a reputable brand and one that will take long to demand maintenance or repairs.
When you buy your dehumidifier and start using it, be certain to review the maker’s maintenance tips provided by the user manual. They normally include:
- Draining the water tank before storage season
- Replacing and/or cleaning the air filters if need be
- Instructions for cleaning the dehumidifier and its water reservoir
- Contact information for the brand’s warranty service
Troubleshooting recommendations
An average dehumidifier can keep delivering service for between 3 – 15 years.
Performing all the recommended maintenance operations and keeping the product in acceptable working conditions certainly adds a few years to its lifespan.
8. Cost v/s Budget
How much are you willing to spend on a humidifier?
After factoring in everything, you may find a product of your liking to be way above what you intend to spend.
It is recommended that you make up your mind about how much you are willing to spend on a unit.
A budget helps you avoid overspending, especially on the unintended model.
Depending on the type and size you think is perfect for your conditions, the cost of a decent dehumidifier can fall anywhere between $12 and $70.
Related: Can You Use a Ceiling Fan and Humidifier at The Same Time?
Conclusion
Damp air is a good breeding environment for allergens, mildew, and mold.
Dehumidifiers remove water vapor from the air in your room to keep you comfortable and healthy while protecting the space from destructive micro-growths.
If your room air feels musty or if you spot condensation on your windows and walls, you should be having a dehumidifier.
When choosing a dehumidifier, take one that can service the size of your room.
You can choose a model made for slightly bigger spaces if you want fast and more efficient moisture removal. However, such a decision needs to be made in consideration of the device’s energy consumption.
Figure out how you will manage the condensed water.
There are actually two types of humidifiers out there as far as water collection is concerned:
- one allows you to connect a hose so that the collected water can be automatically channeled elsewhere without your intervention.
- The other type comes with a water tank that collects the condensed water – you will be expected to drain the tank from time to time.
It’s the second type of device that you should evaluate the water tank capacity. If you plan to use the equipment all night or day night—or both— ensure that you pick a product with a large capacity.
There are four types of dehumidifiers – or let’s call them residential dehumidifiers:
- desiccant
- compressor
- low energy
- mini dehumidifiers.
Choose the type that fits your needs.
Every home appliance comes with a list of must-have features that make them user-friendly. Dehumidifiers are no different. Choose a product with features that suits your needs and also fit your control expectations.
Not just any dehumidifier of any size would be appropriate just anywhere. The size of the device is dictated by its overall capacity to eliminate moisture.
The capacity of dehumidifiers is normally rated in total pints of moisture captured per day (24-hour period).
Chances are your home falls in one of the four popular residential space categories – 300, 500, 800, or 1,200 sq. ft. Understand the size of your space and choose a product that suits it best.
Also, fix the issues that may hamper the smooth functioning of the new device.
Even the best product might not work as expected if too much outdoor moisture seeps into the living space.
The best way to get started is to unclog your gutters and ensure all downspouts are channeling their rainwater not less than 5 ft. from the house.
After factoring in everything, you may find a product of your liking to be way above what you intend to spend.
It is recommended that you make up your mind about how much you are willing to spend on a unit. A budget helps you avoid overspending, especially on an unintended model.
