If you’ve ever walked into your bathroom and noticed an unpleasant, musty smell, or looked at your windows and found them to be foggy and moist, then you may have already encountered the telltale signs of a silent intruder inside your home - excess humidity. A common yet sneaky problem that has the potential to do more than just make your living space uncomfortable, high humidity levels have the power to infiltrate all aspects of your house, and over time, can lead to serious concerns such as structural damage, rot, mildew, and even long-term health issues. Impacting your quality of life, your belongings, and your family, too much moisture is not something you want to allow to fester for too long, and if you’ve started to notice your home being affected, then it may be time to consider adding a dehumidifier to your space. 

But before you run out and purchase the first dehumidifier you can find, it’s essential that you understand the ins and outs of these moisture-fighting machines, as not all models will be the right fit for your home. From the wide array of sizes available to the various technical aspects such as capacity, energy efficiency, and drainage, there's a lot you will need to examine to ensure the option you select is truly equipped to tackle the job. Thankfully, this guide is here to help you make these important decisions, and by diving into the different types available, the potential sizes, and even key considerations, you will walk away from this guide with all of the information you require to effectively tackle your home’s humidity problem with the perfect dehumidifier for your living space. 

Do You Need A Dehumidifier?

A versatile appliance that can make a significant difference in your household, dehumidifiers are invaluable tools that go a long way in helping you to maintain a comfortable, safe, and healthy living environment for you and your family. Whether you're contending with a persistently humid climate, combating the threat of mold and mildew, or simply seeking to breathe cleaner air, a dehumidifier will be the best resource at your disposal, and it is an essential addition to all types of homes, all across the globe. With the ability to efficiently extract all of that excess moisture from the air around you, the right dehumidifier not only enhances your overall well-being but also protects your home, and many renters and homeowners will benefit greatly from adding one to their living space.

So what are some clear indications that will alert you to the fact that you might have a humidity problem in your home? Some of the potential signs you will want to keep an eye out for inside your living space could include things such as:

While not all of these signs will be present in every home, if you do happen to observe one or more of these indicators then it is worthwhile to look at purchasing a dehumidifier, as the earlier you can tackle this problem, the less severe the damage will be.  

Types of Air Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are not a one-size-fits-all type of product, and if you’re considering adding one to your home then you’ll first want to start by understanding the various types of models that exist in the market. From convenient, portable models that are budget friendly, to whole-house solutions that work seamlessly alongside your existing HVAC system, you’ll find an array of options out there to choose between, and the main differences lie in the cost, how powerful they are, and how effectively they can remove moisture in a variety of settings. By exploring these diverse options, you can tailor your choice to match the unique needs of your space, your budget, and the extent of moisture control required, and the main types of dehumidifiers you’ll want to browse include:

The first big consideration you will need to make when buying a dehumidifier is whether or not you’re looking for a model that will only tackle a specific area in your home, or if you want one that will be able to handle the entirety of your house. Broken down into portable or whole house versions, this decision plays a crucial role in effectively managing indoor humidity, and it will be greatly impacted by your budget as well as how your home is designed. For households that already have a complete HVAC system, a whole-house dehumidifier can be an efficient and effective solution that will integrate seamlessly with your existing set-up, and can remove moisture from all areas simultaneously. However, these powerful models can be much more costly than their portable counterparts, and you’ll likely require professional installation services which add another expense to consider. On the other hand, portable dehumidifiers are incredibly common and easy-to-use, and they are the perfect budget-friendly option if you want to target specific rooms like a basement, bedroom, or living room. Requiring nothing more than an outlet, and in some cases a drainage spot, portable dehumidifiers are a versatile choice for smaller spaces and are a cost-effective solution for budget-conscious shoppers. 

Another common distinction that is made when it comes to dehumidifiers is whether or not you require a refrigerative/compressor model, or if a desiccant model is better suited to your space. Although this aspect can be quite complex, the two options are very different from one another, and in order to know which one to purchase, you’ll first need to examine your environment. For individuals who live in warmer, more humid climates, a refrigerative/compressor dehumidifier is likely going to be the right option for you, as these work by taking the hot air and cooling it, which in turn condenses the moisture and ultimately removes it from the air in your environment. But for those who live in colder climates, this type of moisture removal method won’t be as effective since your air is already colder, so for you, a desiccant dehumidifier will be more useful. Operating quietly in the background, a desiccant model relies on moisture-absorbing materials inside its design to efficiently extract humidity from the air, and this makes it suitable for cooler climates, colder rooms, and throughout the winter months. 

Size Guide

Once you have identified a humidity issue inside your home, and you understand the type of dehumidifier you require, the next step in the purchasing process will be to determine what size model is best suited to tackle your space. Choosing the right size dehumidifier is crucial for efficient moisture control, and in order to make the right choice, you will want to factor in not only the size of the room, but how damp it is, and how frequently you want to be emptying the reservoir. To ensure you select the perfect fit for your needs, you’ll want to narrow down your search by focusing on:

The main consideration when choosing the right size dehumidifier for your space is the square footage, and most models will clearly state directly on their packaging the amount of space they are equipped to tackle. In order to know the square footage of your space, the best method is to physically measure it yourself, and all this will require is a measuring tape and a bit of math. However, if you don't have access to a measuring tape or prefer a quick estimate, you can go by common room sizes to get a general idea of which option might work best for you. For instance, a typical bedroom, small living room, or closet will more than likely be under 500 sq ft., whereas an open concept living room, master bedroom, or medium-sized basement can range from 600 to 1,000 sq ft. Extra large basements or whole houses can be 1,500 sq ft and up, and if you’re dealing with a commercial space then it could easily exceed 2,000 sq ft or more. Again, these are all just estimates though, so if you want a more tailored fit then the best choice will always be to properly measure the room or space that you’re attempting to dehumidify. 

Dehumidifiers are most often rated based on square footage, but each model should also indicate exactly how much moisture it is capable of removing from the air in a full 24 hour period. This moisture removal capacity, typically measured in pints per day, is a critical specification to think about when selecting a dehumidifier, and beyond just helping you determine the appropriate size for your space, it also plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels. If you live somewhere with a very moist climate, or you’re trying to tackle a damp basement or bathroom, you’re going to require a dehumidifier with a higher moisture removal capacity than someone who is in a drier area or has a milder moisture problem. By aligning your choice with your existing environmental conditions, you can ensure that your selected dehumidifier efficiently controls your humidity levels, and volume is one of the key factors that will help you achieve a more comfortable, healthier living space. 

When looking at portable dehumidifiers, most will come equipped with a large reservoir tank which is where all of that excess moisture will be deposited after it has been removed from the air. But how big that reservoir actually is needs to be taken into consideration when making a purchase, as it directly impacts how frequently you’ll be required to interact with your dehumidifier. If you don’t want to spend all of your time emptying out your reservoir, then you need to make sure you are selecting a model that has an increased tank capacity, as this will ensure it is able to hold more water and will only need to be emptied once a day at most. At the same time, the larger the reservoir the bulkier the unit, so if you’re going to be placing it inside a very small, cramped space then you don’t want to automatically reach for the largest capacity you can find. Striking that perfect balance does take some effort, but when paired alongside the square footage and volume, it can go a long way in guaranteeing you purchase the perfect dehumidifier for your home. 

Additional Factors

Beyond the type and size, there are some additional factors that you’ll want to explore before settling on a final dehumidifier unit for your home, and these can have a direct impact on both performance as well as how much it impacts your space. From how noisy the unit is when turned on to what safety features it comes equipped with, some of the components and elements worth looking into include:

Depending on how moist your home is, you may be required to run your dehumidifier for multiple hours each day, or in some cases, 24 hours without stopping. All of that extra electricity usage can mean a big increase in your monthly bills, which is why it’s important to look for models that are certified as Energy Star efficient for greater savings.  

Trying to fall asleep while it sounds like an airplane is taking off in your bedroom isn’t at the top of anyone's to-do list, so you’ll want to ensure that the dehumidifier you purchase isn’t going to keep you awake every night. A quieter model is a must-have for bedrooms, offices, and even living rooms, and you should always check the decibel rating before you make your final pick. 

Almost all portable dehumidifiers come equipped with a reservoir tank that can be emptied when full, but if you want to avoid that extra work then you may want to look at units that include a built-in or attachable drainage hose. As long as your room is set-up with an area where that hose can empty into, you can take advantage of a hassle-free system that ensures continuous, hassle-free moisture removal 24/7. 

Dehumidifiers are frequently run for long periods of time and without supervision, so looking at the built-in safety features is absolutely something you should do before you purchase a model. Will the unit automatically shut off once the reservoir reaches capacity? Does it include overheat protection to ensure it isn’t a fire hazard? Is there a programmable timer so you can set it to run only during specific periods of the day? These are all questions you need to find the answers to if you want to feel confident your dehumidifier won't potentially cause damage to your home. 

Bottom Line

If you’re tired of living in a house that feels damp, smells musty, and is overrun by pests then purchasing a dehumidifier should be at the very top of your to-do list. With the ability to transform your living space from a humid nightmare into a comfortable, inviting sanctuary, dehumidifiers are an essential household appliance, and they are available in a wide range of types, sizes, and styles to meet any need or budget.  Whether you live in a humid climate or just want to improve your indoor air quality, a dehumidifier can make a significant difference in your life, and it is an easy, affordable solution that will make your home more enjoyable for you and your family.