Dehumidifiers
Dampness, mold, itchy skin, musty odors, condensation on windows, rotting wood... These are some of the symptoms of a humid home. The solution? A
dehumidifier.
Recommended Dehumidifiers*
*ConsumerSearch.com
Buying a Dehumidifier
There are several types, some for home use and others for industrial use. Both types come in three forms, either as a
heat pump dehumidifier, a chemically absorbent dehumidifier, or as a dehumidifying
ventilator. This guide primarily concerns the first type, the heat pump dehumidifier.
* '''Humidifier Size'''
** Most units are described by how much water they can remove from a given square footage.
** It is usually better to have a more powerful dehumidifier than you need it will remove moisture more quickly.
** Some dehumidifiers are small enough to place in the corner of a living room. Others need to be out of the way and close to the main problem source, such as in a basement.
** Low power dehumidifiers can work in small spaces from 500 to 1000 sq.feet, which can remove 50 pints of water in 24 hours. Meanwhile, high power models can work in spaces as large as 4000 sq. feet and can remove more than 100 pints of water a day.
** The three models shown above are all on the high end of the capacity spectrum. A 40-pint capacity should be more sufficient in most homes.
* '''Your Climate'''
** Will windows be left open in the area where the dehumidifier will be placed? Dehumidifiers, like air conditioners, work better when the windows are closed.
** For homes near the water or in humid climates, you will want a more powerful model.
* '''Severity of the Moisture Problem '''
** Large problems require large investments.
'''Purchase Cost''' vs. '''Maintenance Cost '''
'''Cost range''': $130 and up for smaller models and from $250 and up for larger capacities. Cost increases as more features are added. Plus, for larger, more heavy-duty models for the whole house or basements, be prepared to spend at least $1000. Some commercial or industrial dehumidifiers can cost upwards of $5000. However, unless you have a serious humidity problem or have suffered severe water damage, most of these machines are probably overkill for the home.
'''Maintenance cost''': Includes electric bills. Be careful to look at the EF, or Efficiency Factor, which measures amount of moisture that can be removed compared to operating costs. Energy Star rated models are usually quite dependable as they fall within regulation efficiency levels. While higher cost models are initially more expensive, they are less costly in the long run.
'''Cleaning Procedures'''
Dehumidifiers need to be properly maintained to ensure quality performance. The coils need to be
vacuumed twice a year and the internal
filters need to be cleaned every two weeks, or as often as they get dirty. Also, water needs to be drained on a regular basis, depending on how often you run your dehumidifier and on how big the drainage bucket is.
Alternatives
* For relatively little money, you can purchase a
bucket of calcium chloride crystals (under names such as "No Damp") which will readily absorb water from the air.
** Calcium chloride is a highly hygroscopic salt, meaning that it will absorb a lot of water so much, in fact, that it will dissolve itself if left in the open.
** These are usually only suitable for small areas, such as as closets or storage areas.
** Require periodic water removal occasional refills.
*
Air conditioners will also remove humidity from the air.
** Some dehumidifiers will also warm the area by a few degrees; air conditioners will cool it.
* There are also wholeround.
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