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HVAC
By Joanna Brown
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Posted 8/1/23

It’s getting warm and steamy out there – now is the time of year when homeowners rely on dehumidifiers the most! Remove excess moisture from your indoor air to improve air conditioning efficiency, indoor air quality, and home comfort.

There are many options available for house dehumidifiers, from whole home models to portable units. Learn your options, what they do for your household, how to care for them, and more in our Guide to Dehumidifiers.

What Does a House Dehumidifier Do?

Many areas of the country experience high humidity levels, especially during the summer months. When outdoor humidity is high, the humidity levels inside your home rise, too, if not kept in check. A house dehumidifier pulls this excess moisture out of your indoor air, to leave your home with balanced humidity levels for better comfort.

Homeowners have two basic options for house dehumidifiers: portable and whole house.

Dehumidifier Benefits

With a house dehumidifier, there are many advantages for better health, comfort, and protection. Learn how a dehumidifier helps through these top dehumidifier benefits:

Dehumidifier Brands

When shopping for a new portable or whole house dehumidifier, there are many equipment brands to choose from. The following are popular house dehumidifier brands which include a number of options suited for your home.

Dehumidifier FAQs

What is the right humidity level for my home?

Humidity in a home should be kept balanced between 35 and 50 percent. This range is ideal to deliver better comfort while lowering the risk of mold and mildew development. The right indoor humidity level varies based on outdoor conditions. You may find some adjustment is needed when temperatures rise and fall – don’t worry, no matter the temperature, your dehumidifier can help you manage indoor conditions.

Do I need a house dehumidifier?

House dehumidifiers are useful in any home, as balanced humidity is important throughout the country. Some signs you should absolutely be using a dehumidifier include: condensation, water spots, mold growth, ground water dampness and musty spells.

How long will a dehumidifier last?

The useful service life of a dehumidifier depends on the type of unit you use. Portable dehumidifiers typically last between three and five years, while a whole house dehumidifier offers a service life of approximately eight years. The length of service you’ll attain with your dehumidifier depends on how you care for it over the years. Proper maintenance is essential for prolonging service life. The more you use your air conditioner, the less your dehumidifier has to work as air conditioners also help dehumidify the air – this helps your house dehumidifier last longer.

Do I need to clean my dehumidifier?

Both portable and whole house dehumidifiers require cleaning of their filter. A portable model needs this maintenance more frequently because the unit is smaller.  Check your unit’s owner’s manual to determine how often you need to clean its filter, and learn the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods. The water reservoir should also be cleaned to prevent mold and mildew growth within the unit.

Is a dehumidifier loud?

Dehumidifiers produce some noise when they operate, but it’s typically not intrusive. Components within the dehumidifier such as the fan and compressor are the sources of operating noise. Portable dehumidifiers are louder than whole house dehumidifiers, because they sit within the room or area where they are used. The amount of sound produced varies from one unit to the next. A whole house dehumidifier is the quietest option, as it is installed with your HVAC system, which is typically located outside of your living areas.

What size dehumidifier do I need?

The appropriate size of dehumidifier is different for every home. Two things to consider are the size of the space you want to treat and the moisture level within that space. Dehumidifiers are measured in capacity, which explains the maximum amount of moisture the unit is able to remove from the air over a 24-hour period.