How to choose the right size dehumidifier for your space

When you’re aiming to make your home cozier and shield it from too much moisture, picking the right dehumidifier size is a crucial move. A unit that’s too small might leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable, while an oversized one can be wasteful and not as effective. In this piece, we’ll look into how to figure out the perfect capacity based on your room’s dimensions, humidity levels, and special spots like basements or main living areas.

The information in this article may not apply exactly to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you have any questions.

Why getting the right capacity matters

When you’re buying a dehumidifier, you want something that tackles indoor moisture effectively without jacking up your energy bill. Dehumidifiers usually get rated in pints per day, meaning how much moisture they can pull out over 24 hours. If you pick one that’s too tiny, your space might stay damp, leading to that sticky feeling and possibly mold popping up. On the flip side, if your unit’s too big, it might cycle on and off too much, wearing it out faster and boosting your energy costs.

Handling moisture isn’t just about feeling comfy. Too much humidity can warp wood, mess up electronics, and create a breeding ground for mildew. By picking the right-sized dehumidifier, you’re helping keep the air healthy, protecting your home’s structure, and making your living spaces more pleasant. Plus, your HVAC system will thank you, since it won’t have to work overtime trying to cool down heavy, moist air.

Keep in mind, different models come with their own designs and specs. If you’re scratching your head about your dehumidifier’s model or the capacity you should be aiming for, it might help to peek at your unit’s paperwork or check out our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Figure out your square footage

Before you settle on a dehumidifier, you need to know the size of the space you’re dealing with. You can get this info by calculating the square footage of the room or area you want to dry out. Even if you’ve got several rooms that flow into each other, like with open doorways, add up all the areas to get a better estimate.

Here’s how you can crunch those numbers:

1. Measure the length of the room in feet. If the room’s got a funky shape, break it down into sections and measure each one separately.
2. Measure the width of the room in feet.
3. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. If you chopped the space into bits, add up all those results to find the total area.
4. Jot this number down. It’ll help you pick out the right dehumidifier size.

Generally speaking, smaller rooms up to 300 square feet usually need a dehumidifier with a modest pint-per-day capacity, while bigger spaces (over 1,000 square feet) call for a higher capacity. But room size isn’t the only thing that matters, because humidity levels can swing a lot based on climate, ventilation, and daily stuff like cooking or taking showers.

Think about your humidity level

The amount of moisture inside plays a huge role in picking the right dehumidifier. Typically, it’s best to keep indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%. If your home’s humidity is higher than that, you’ll want a dehumidifier with a bigger pint capacity. Some models come with built-in hygrometers that automatically check humidity, or you can use a separate gadget to get a precise reading.

If you’re in a place with naturally high humidity or your household cranks out more moisture (thanks to lots of cooking, showering, or other activities), it’s a good idea to go for a larger capacity within your room size category. Having that extra oomph helps tackle those humidity spikes without overloading the unit.

A few pointers to gauge your humidity needs:

• If you constantly see condensation on windows or catch whiffs of musty odors, it’s wise to consider a larger capacity.
• If your humidity readings are just a bit over 50%, a moderate capacity might do the trick.
• Don’t aim for super low humidity (under 30%), as that can make the air too dry.

Being in tune with your surroundings helps you dial in the right amount of moisture removal. If you’re not sure how to measure humidity, you can snag an affordable digital or analog hygrometer at most hardware stores.

How basements are different from living spaces

Basements tend to be cooler and have less ventilation than rooms upstairs, which can crank up the relative humidity. If you’re planning to dehumidify a basement, measure that specific area and consider that the temps down there can be several degrees lower. Dehumidifiers might need extra capacity in damp or chilly spots, and some models are specially designed to handle lower temperatures and heavier moisture loads.

Contrast that with living areas, where there’s usually more airflow and warmer temperatures. In your main living space, you might get by with a moderate capacity if the humidity is close to acceptable levels. But if you often feel or see moisture in these areas, it might point to poor air circulation or leaks. In these situations, a mid- to high-capacity unit can make a big difference, helping keep your furniture, floors, and electronics safe from moisture issues.

Also, think about whether the dehumidifier is going into a room you use a lot, like a bedroom or living room, where noise might bug you. Bigger dehumidifiers can sometimes run quieter because of more efficient fans, but that’s not always the case. It’s a good idea to check out product specs or user reviews if noise levels are a concern.

Match your needs with the right-sized device

Dehumidifiers usually list their pint capacity, ranging from about 20 pints per day for smaller models to 70 pints per day or more for the heavy hitters. Your choice depends on:

• Room size: Bigger spaces need dehumidifiers that can remove more pints per day.
• Humidity level: If you’ve got consistently high humidity or damp conditions, you might need a larger unit.
• Climate: Living in a hot and humid area means a higher capacity can help you keep relative humidity under 50%.
• Usage patterns: If you often have gatherings, cook a lot, or do other activities that generate moisture, you’ll need extra capacity.

When you’re comparing units, keep an eye out for energy efficiency ratings. A high-capacity dehumidifier with an Energy Star label can give you top-notch performance without skyrocketing your utility bills. Also, consider how you’ll get rid of the collected water. Some dehumidifiers offer continuous draining options, so you don’t have to empty the bucket every time it’s full. If you go for a high-capacity model, it’ll pull out moisture faster, so the bucket will fill up quicker.

Wrap it up and find extra resources

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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