Dehumidifiers are used to remove excess water from the air most commonly found in basements. If you are not sure if you need a dehumidifier here are the most common indicators that you do need one: wet stains on the ceiling or wall, stuffy feeling in the room, rotting wood, condensation on windows and musty smell. If the air in your home is too moist, it will encourage the growth of bacteria and mold, common allergens which really be harsh for people with allergies. If you need a dehumidifier it is recommended to use an Energy Star model because they are the most energy efficient.
Earning the Energy Star
Products that have earned the Energy Star label means it meets the strict guidelines set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Energy Star qualified dehumidifier have more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans. This means they use less energy than conventional dehumidifier models. They function the same, removing the same amount of moisture from the air as a similarly sized unit, but use 10-20 percent less energy.
Dehumidifier Basics
The capacity of a dehumidifier is measured in the amount of pints it removes from the air every 24 hour period. Two factors in determining this capacity is the size of space that needs the dehumidifier and the conditions of the space before the dehumidifier is used. Units are available in the following capacities: 25, 40, 50 and 60 pints. The chart below will help you determine what size dehumidifier you will need for your space.
Features To Consider
There are some features to consider that add a convenience factor to using a dehumidifier. Here are those features to look for:
Energy Factor
The energy efficiency of dehumidifiers is measured by its energy factor, in liters of water removed per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy consumed or L/kWh. Basically a higher energy factor means a more efficient dehumidifier. Energy factors can be found on the Energy Star product list. Here is a list of 5 Energy Star Dehumidifiers that are available:
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I had read somewhere that dehumdifiers are really useful for asthma patients. Is it true ? I mean not only asthma patients but for everyone as it cleans the air.
Aamod, I don’t know if dehumidifiers are useful for asthma patients, but I can tell you we run an energy star dehumidifer night and day and love it.
I think dehumidifiers are helpful to reduce humidity in the air and prevent health issues and problems such as allergies, asthma and other health issues associated with molds.
My dehumidifier definitely helps my asythma. I can’t stay in my Nana’s house without one, as she’s got quite a bit of damp in the guest bedroom.