Tips For Purchasing a Dehumidifier

If you live in a very humid or moist environment, like in the south or in areas that do not receive much sunlight because of high trees, it may be necessary to have a dehumidifier. High humidity results in the growth of mold and mildew, and this will be a bad thing for your house or your health. Following is a guide to purchasing the best dehumidifier for your needs.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are dehumidifiers specifically for basements and other areas of the home. The ideal dehumidifier should take in lots of moisture. There are two main types of dehumidifiers: refrigerative types work by driving moist air over a refrigerated coil by a small fan. The other variety is dessicantive. This type of dehumidifier utilizes a dessicant material to make the air to dehumidify.

There are a few things to consider when you are ready to purchase a dehumidifier. You will want it to have a bucket that is easy to empty; a washable air filter for cleaning with ease; an power switch; clear controls; a large capacity; and be cost efficient. The most important consideration, however, is capacity. You will want to be sure the dehumidifier you acquire has the capacity to remove as much moisture as possible.

Ratings

You can look at ratings and reviews of dehumidifers. The consumer website www.wize.com/dehumidifiers is a nice place to start. The site gives an overall score to each item based on numerous reviews, so you will get a well researched sense of what product is recommended highly.

Technical Specifications

Technical specifications will vary according to the capacity of the dehumidifier. A $350 machine will remove around 65 pints of water in 24 hours. It dehumidifies a room of around 1,300 square feet. A model in this price range is thought to have a high capacity and good performance rating. It might also have touchpad controls, with a digital display of temperature and humidity. It will have a washable filter and easy access for water removal.

Price

Dehumidifiers may be quite expensive, depending on the size of your basement. You will need a standing model in a basement, and possibly in a crawlspace. Most standing dehumidifiers will cost in excess of $200 and up to over $3,000. This is because they are made specifically to remove a certain amount of moisture from the air. On the other side of the spectrum, you can get a $69.00 portable dehumidifier that can be used for the office, or placed in a bathroom. It is not meant to remove a significant amount of moisture, but it can be effective in a small space. Visit www.wize.com/dehumidifiers for more information on models and prices

Designs

Designs of dehumidifiers are relatively similar. Virtually all that will be placed in a basement or room at home are going to be standing models. Some will be more round, and others rectangular. Some may have some unusual shapes. You can view the many dehumidifier models at www.wize.com/dehumidifiers.

Where to Shop

Dehumidifiers can be bought in major home supply stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. You can first see the entire line of dehumidifiers on the internet, which often offers the best pricing. You can check out price, model and capacities so that you know which model is optimal for your home needs.