Top 10 best Dehumidifiers products

Dehumidifiers: A Comprehensive Guide To Choosing The Right One

Air quality can be compromised in numerous ways, with excessive humidity being one of the most unfavorable factors. Unchecked, the accumulation of moisture can result in various issues within a household, including but not limited to musty smells, damaged wood, peeling paint, and mold. Should you become concerned about high humidity at any time of the year, what action can you take to change the situation? The answer: a dehumidifier. These seemingly unassuming devices are crafted to decrease humidity levels, fostering a more comfortable and healthier environment in our homes or workplaces.

What Is A Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is an electrical appliance that extracts excess moisture from the air, lowering the humidity levels in a specific area. It works by drawing in air, passing it over cooling coils, which condenses the moisture, collecting it in a tank or draining it out through a hose. This process results in drier air being released back into the environment.

What's The Difference Between A Humidifier And A Dehumidifier?

While a dehumidifier takes water out of the air, a humidifier puts water back into the air. This is useful for low humidity conditions like the depth of winter where you tend to get chapped lips and dry skin.

Different Types of Dehumidifiers

• Refrigeration dehumidifiers operate by pulling in air, filtering it, cooling it to condense the moisture, reheating it, and then circulating the warmer, drier air back into the room. While this process does slightly warm the room, it's not as impactful as a dedicated heater. These models perform optimally in hot, humid climates. The higher the air temperature, the easier it is to significantly cool it and extract moisture. They are less effective in colder conditions since cooling already cold air to condense moisture is more challenging.
• Desiccant rotor dehumidifiers are increasingly accessible. These models employ a slowly rotating disc or belt made of material that absorbs moisture from the air. The wet segment then undergoes a drying phase, usually involving a heating element, which evaporates the collected water and stores it in a tank.
• Thermo-electric dehumidifiers represent a less common technology, with underwhelming performance in the models tested. They function by drawing humid air over a peltier module, which serves as a solid-state active heat pump.

The Need for Dehumidifiers

Excessive humidity can lead to a multitude of issues. High moisture levels in the air can foster the growth of mold and mildew, leading to respiratory problems and allergic reactions. It can also damage furniture, clothing, electronics, and even the infrastructure of a building, causing wood to warp or metal to corrode.

Moreover, high humidity can create an uncomfortable environment, leading to feelings of stickiness, dampness, and an overall unpleasant atmosphere. This discomfort can hinder relaxation, productivity, and quality of sleep.

Choosing The Right Dehumidifiers

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Dehumidifier

When contemplating the purchase of a dehumidifier, several factors merit attention:

• Home Size: The square footage of your home or the specific room where the dehumidifier will be placed is a primary consideration. However, other household conditions can influence humidity levels, necessitating the right-sized dehumidifier.
• Occupancy: The number of residents in a home impacts humidity levels. Human activities such as breathing, sweating, and water consumption contribute to indoor humidity. While in most cases this factor might not significantly affect humidity, larger families may require a larger dehumidifier to manage increased moisture.
• Doors and Windows: The size and quantity of doors and windows affect indoor humidity levels. Their presence enables heat transfer, influencing humidity. Larger or poorly insulated windows can escalate humidity levels.
• Bathrooms and Laundry: Areas with washing machines and showers can spike indoor humidity. Investing in a dehumidifier capable of handling increased moisture in these spaces is advisable.
• Energy Efficiency: Opting for an Energy Star-rated dehumidifier can yield substantial benefits. These units consume approximately 15% less energy compared to conventional models, leading to cost savings of around $175 over the dehumidifier's lifespan and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 2,800 pounds.

Features To Look For In A Dehumidifier

Humidistat

The humidistat enables the configuration of the desired relative humidity in the room. Some models offer precise numerical settings, while others provide basic settings such as low, medium, or high. Models with imprecise rotary-dial humidistats might make it challenging to identify the exact humidity level. Human comfort typically lies within the 40–60% relative humidity range, but adjustments can be made from as low as 30% for a drier atmosphere to as high as 70% for more humidity.

Low Temperature Efficiency

Assess the dehumidifier's effectiveness at both high and low temperatures. Manufacturers often advertise water removal rates at ideal conditions, such as 30°C and 80% relative humidity, which might not reflect performance in colder temperatures. For combating winter condensation, inquire about performance figures at 10°C and 15°C, though these figures might not always be readily available.

Portability

Consider features like wheels, castors, and handles, especially if the dehumidifier is heavy. Cord storage also adds convenience when moving or storing the unit.

Tank Size

A smaller water-collection tank enhances portability but might require frequent emptying. Larger tanks reduce the frequency of emptying but can make the unit bulkier. Look for a tank that is easily removable and has a capacity of at least 4L.

Continuous Drain Option

Having a continuous drain option is advantageous for prolonged usage in a fixed location. Some models come with an adaptor hose for direct water drainage, while others require a separate hose.

Controls and Labels

Ensure that the controls and labels are visible, user-friendly, and easy to comprehend.

Filter

Most models come equipped with an air filter for trapping dust, while some also offer a UV light filter for eliminating airborne bacteria.

Laundry Mode

This special mode accelerates the drying process for damp clothes placed near the dehumidifier on drying racks. Typically, it involves high fan speed and optimized dehumidification to circulate dry air around the clothes, ideal for indoor drying when a tumble dryer is not available.

How Much Do Dehumidifiers Cost?

Dehumidifiers come in various sizes and types, with prices varying based on your preferences and conditions. They can range from approximately $100 to over $1600. In Australia, refrigeration models tend to dominate the market and are slightly pricier but more effective, especially in warmer climates compared to other technologies.

Here's a breakdown of typical price ranges for different sizes:

• Small dehumidifier: $100–700
• Medium dehumidifier: $299–800
• Large dehumidifier: $399–850 or potentially higher.

Maintaining Your Dehumidifier

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This includes emptying or cleaning the water collection tank, cleaning or replacing filters, and ensuring proper drainage.

Conclusion

Dehumidifiers might seem unassuming, but they play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy, comfortable environment. Understanding their functions, types, and the factors to consider while choosing one is key to improving indoor air quality. Investing in a dehumidifier can significantly enhance the quality of life by creating a healthier and more comfortable living space.