Dehumidifiers buying guide
A dehumidifier can take that sticky feeling out of a damp basement or crawl space. Humidity levels above 50 percent can breed
dust mites, mildew, and mold, which may worsen allergies and asthma. As our testers found, the best dehumidifiers aren’t necessarily
the highest priced.
- Getting started
- Types
- Features
- Brands
Types
Dehumidifiers vary according to how many pints of moisture they can remove in 24 hours. Here are the types of dehumidifiers to consider.
Large-capacity dehumidifiers
These models, rated at up to 75 pints per day, tend to be the most energy efficient. They can also handle a wider range of humidity levels with little or no additional noise. For large, wet spaces, buy the largest-capacity model you can afford. The modest extra cost is worth it.
Medium-capacity dehumidifiers
These models are typically rated to remove 45 to 50 pints of moisture per day—adequate for medium-sized or large spaces that are damp rather than wet. While medium-capacity dehumidifiers can cost as much as large models, the best we tested still cost a bit less.
Small-capacity dehumidifiers
These can dehumidify small spaces that are damp rather than wet and are rated to remove as little as 25 pints of moisture a day. They also cost the least overall.
Whole-house dehumidifiers
These are available as portable units or add-ons to your existing central-heating and air-conditioning system. Manufacturers say they can handle an area up to 3,000 square feet. These units are expensive, but the large amount of moisture they remove lets you run your air conditioner less.
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