If you’ve got damp air in your house, a dehumidifier could be the answer. Here’s how to find the best for your home and budget.
Excessive moisture in the air can lead to musty smelling rooms, damp environments and breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.
Investing in a dehumidifier is the perfect solution to deal with several issues related to high humidity levels. It works by reducing the moisture content and maintaining a comfortable environment.
You will find them in different models and sizes. To choose the best dehumidifier, make sure to take enough time to analyze through the options.
If you are unaware how to choose a dehumidifier, then read the below guide thoroughly. We have presented all the factors with clear descriptions that help you make a wise choice.
4 factors you need to know to make a perfect buying decision
Factor 1. Popular Types of dehumidifier
Based on their technology and application, dehumidifiers are available in two different categories – refrigerative and electronic.
Factor 2. Choosing the right dehumidifier size
Size is one of the main factors to consider while purchasing a dehumidifier. It is usually specified in terms of water extraction capacity. Buying an incorrect model may not provide efficient results as it can lead to over or under performance.
To choose the right dehumidifier size, it is important to consider the room size you are going to use. For clear identification, we have provided standard capacity recommendations for room sizes and humidity levels.
Factor 3. Must have functions to look for
Dehumidifiers come with different features that help to increase its efficiency or usability. The key is to choose a model that has maximum beneficial features that satisfy different requirements of your family.
Factor 4. Other factors to consider
Apart from the above-mentioned features, there are other factors to consider as well that help you analyze the quality and durability of the model.
a) Defrost Features
If you live in a lower temperature climatic region, then invest in a dehumidifier with an auto-defrost system. When temperature drops below 65° F, frost or ice will form on the coils. In such situations, the automatic defrost system will turn off the compressor completely to prevent any further damage.
Though it costs a little more for models with this feature, it will spare you money of replacing the entire damaged coils.
b) Hose Connection for Continuous Drainage
If the environment is too damp or wet, it collects more moisture. Thus, the tank will fill up quickly and you have to empty the bucket frequently. To avoid such hardship, some dehumidifiers come with a direct drain feature. This will let the device continue without emptying the bucket. However, you have to place it at the floor-level drain. If you don’t have access to floor-level drain, then you have to purchase a unit with an internal pump feature. This will pump water vertically over a sink.
c) Clean-Filter Alert
Filers are responsible for cleaning the air flowing into the dehumidifier. When this filter gets clogged up with dirt, the efficiency of the dehumidifier will be decreased. So, to help users identify this situation easily, brands have provided clean-filter alerts. This will indicate that filters are clogged and need to be cleaned immediately.
d) Noiselessness
Most of the dehumidifiers make noise more than 50 decibels which can be irritating for you, especially while sleeping or watching TV. If noise is a major factor that contributes to your purchasing decision, then go for a model that produces less than 50 decibels of sound. Usually, most of the refrigerators produce 2o to 40 decibels sound. By comparing it, you can choose any suitable model for your requirements.
e) Collection Tank or Bucket
They are responsible for holding water that is removed from the air. When this tank is filled up, water has to be removed manually to prevent overflowing. It is better to invest in models with larger collection tanks so that you don’t have to empty them frequently. Go for a tank that has translucent design so that you can clearly see the water levels. Also, some buckets or collection tanks come with comfortable handles which enables you to remove the bucket easily without any issues.
f) Easy to remove tank design
Look for the humidifiers, which has a large opening which will be helpful for cleaning or refilling the tank easily. You can also consider buying a transparent or translucent design which can help you to check the water level and you can refill accordingly.
