How to Choose a DehuMIDIfier That Meets Your Needs?

Answer 1

By Andreina Urdaneta

Dehumidifiers were designed to remove moisture from indoor air. They are used to address moisture problems such as window condensation and comfort problems associated with high relative humidity. Dehumidifiers can also help keep a damp basement dry. The only problem may be that dehumidifiers can be expensive to purchase and operate. The following tips will help you decide if you need a dehumidifier and how to choose one that meets your needs.

1 Recalculate your electric bill budget to figure the total costs of humidity control. For example, the operating costs associated with the electricity consumed by dehumidifiers over the life of the unit can be more expensive than the purchase price. On the other hand, if you do not get excessive indoor moisture under control, the costs of resulting damage and adverse health effects can be much higher than the costs of dehumidification.

2 Size matters. Choose the size based on the floor area and the level of dampness of your home. Larger dehumidifiers are more efficient and can deal with your moisture problem more quickly.

3 Think about the energy factor It takes electricity to run both the compressor and the air circulation fan of a dehumidifier. Try to purchase Energy Star equipment .

4 Ask yourself the following questions :

Is it big enough? Does it have a high EF? Does it have a long warranty period?

Does it have a frost-free feature? Can you get local service if needed? Can you drain it into a sump or laundry tub, etc.?

Dehumidifiers not only reduce allergens by controlling humidity in your home, but also can be used in basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms, laundry rooms, to maintain humidity levels and to keep these areas dry and comfortable.