Dehumidifiers, like other household appliances, come with various specifications. If you find these specifications confusing, you might end up feeling lost when making a purchase and rely on the salesperson's recommendations, which can be overwhelming and lead to buyer's remorse.
However, understanding just a few key points about dehumidifier specifications can help you choose the right product for your needs.The article is a bit long, but in order to choose the right dehumidifier for your needs, please take the time to read it thoroughly.
Bucket Capacity and Room Size
When selecting a dehumidifier, you should consider bucket capacity and room size. With the introduction of revised testing standards in 2019, dehumidifiers typically come in three sizes:
- Large: 45 to 50 pints of capacity
- Medium: 30 pints of capacity
- Small: 20 to 22 pints of capacity
To determine the right dehumidifier size for your room, measure it in square feet:
- 500 square feet or less: A small dehumidifier with a 10-pint capacity
- Over 500 square feet:Add 4 pints of capacity for every additional 500 square feet
For example, a medium-sized dehumidifier is suitable for a 2000-square-foot space.
- 500 square feet or less:A small dehumidifier with a 12-pint capacity
- Over 500 square feet:Add 5 pints of capacity for every additional 500 square feet
Tips:
In addition, other factors can also affect room humidity, so please consider the following factors when determining the dehumidifier size:
- If your climate is humid, add 10 pints to the recommended capacity.
- For rooms with multiple occupants or extended usage, add 5 pints.
- If the room has multiple windows or doors, add 5 pints.
- If there's a washer/dryer in the room or nearby, add 5 pints.
Moreover, the number of doors and windows in your home can affect the overall humidity level. Heat can easily transfer through doors and glass windows, resulting in higher humidity levels. Larger windows have a similar effect.
Power Consumption
Power consumption is generally measured by the rated power. Typically, the stronger the dehumidification capacity, the higher the power consumption.
Noise
Usually, residential dehumidifiers run while you sleep, making noise a crucial consideration. Generally, aim for a dehumidifier that operates at 50 decibels or less. Think of it like this: if a mosquito is buzzing in your ear while you're trying to sleep, or if two people are whispering nearby, it's difficult to tolerate.
Dehumidifier noise mainly comes from the working internal fan, which is unavoidable. However, professional dehumidifiers incorporate noise reduction technology. If the dehumidifier's core component, the compressor, is from a high-quality brand, it will make less noise. If your dehumidifier is too loud, placing a piece of cloth or a soft pad underneath it can reduce noise to some extent.
Tips: In some cases, a dehumidifier that seems slightly larger than what you need can have advantages. You can run it at lower settings, potentially reducing electricity consumption and lowering your utility bills. A dehumidifier that can operate at lower settings also means lower noise levels.
Safety
Safety is a paramount consideration when choosing any product. When a dehumidifier is in use, failing to notice when the water tank is full can pose a safety hazard. It's best to choose a dehumidifier with an automatic shut-off or alert function when the tank is full, or one that automatically stops operation. This added feature offers peace of mind, especially when using the dehumidifier at night or when you're away from home.
Appearance and Portability
While aesthetics can be a consideration, don't sacrifice functionality for looks. After all, appearance is less important if the product doesn't perform effectively. Most dehumidifiers come with wheels, making them easy to move, so portability is often not a major concern.
In Conclusion
When making your dehumidifier choice, focus on dehumidification capacity, noise, room size suitability, power consumption, and maintaining a balance among these parameters.