Compare the best dehumidifiers

Dampness and excess humidity can affect the structural integrity as well as the air quality in your home. If you live in a humid environment or your home has poor ventilation, buying a dehumidifier can save you time and money by preventing damage.

The most popular dehumidifiers

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Water removal rate (pints per day)	Tank capacity (gallons)	Purchase
hOmeLabs 3,000 sq. ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier	$209.99	35	1.8	Shop now
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier	$45	9 oz.	16 oz.	Shop now
Frigidaire 70-Pint Dehumidifier	$225	70	2	Shop now
Black + Decker BDT70WT	$167	50	8.5 pints	Shop now

How do dehumidifiers work?

Most dehumidifiers work in the same basic way. The dehumidifier uses a fan to suck in air. As this air moves through the dehumidifier, it passes through cooling coils, which remove moisture from the air. This air is then reheated and redistributed back into the room.

The moisture is collected in a tank or reservoir that you can empty. Most dehumidifiers will shut off when the water tank is full to prevent overflow.

How do I know if I need a dehumidifier?

If your home has any of the following warning signs, you should consider getting a dehumidifier:

• Water damage or stains on walls or ceilings
• A musty or mildew smell
• Mold or small black spots growing in high-humidity rooms
• Rotting wood
• Rooms with high humidity and little or no ventilation
• Regular condensation on windows and doors

How to compare when choosing a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier typically costs between $140 and $1,000. Choose a dehumidifier based on the size of your room or home, and the humidity and temperature of your environment.

• Size

  If you want to remove moisture from individual small rooms there are many affordable models available. At the higher end of the market are dehumidifiers with a larger capacity to work in large rooms, open spaces and even entire apartments and houses. Most dehumidifiers specify the amount of square footage they work best for.

• Environmental conditions

  There are two main types of dehumidifiers: desiccant models and refrigeration models. If you live in a cold, damp climate, a desiccant dehumidifier will be more effective because it won’t cool down the room. If you live in a hot, humid climate, a refrigeration dehumidifier may be more effective.

• Water removal rate

  The effectiveness of a dehumidifier is measured by how much water a dehumidifier can remove from the air in a 24-hour period. A typical dehumidifier removes from 2 to 6.5 gallons of water per day.

• Tank size

  Small dehumidifiers can usually hold around 0.5 to 1 gallon of water and might need to be emptied daily or even multiple times per day. Large models hold more water so you don’t need to empty them as often, but they cost more and can be difficult to move or carry.

When comparing dehumidifiers, look for the following additional features:

• Humidistat. A humidistat allows you to choose your desired humidity in a room. The dehumidifier then works to meet this target and shuts off before overdrying your room.
• Drain. If you’ll always be using your dehumidifier in the same room, you can get a model with a tank that drains down a hose and directly into a drain so that you don’t have to empty the tank manually. You should still clean the tank regularly.
• Wheels and handles. Large dehumidifiers can weigh 65 lbs or more when empty — and significantly more when full of water. Wheels and handles will make your life easier every time you have to move your dehumidifier or empty the tank.
• Dust and UV filter. Many dehumidifiers come with dust filters, and some include UV light filters that help kill bacteria.

Bottom line

If your home has too much moisture, your health, home and belongings could be affected. Buying a dehumidifier is a cost-effective method of reducing mold and dust and saving money on costly home repairs.

If you live in a humid or damp environment, start browsing dehumidifiers today.

Frequently asked questions

• What's the difference between dehumidifiers and air conditioners?

  In addition to removing water from the air, air conditioners also make the room colder. A dehumidifier can’t cool your room down on a hot day like an air conditioner can, but it’s more cost-effective to run.
  If your house is cold and damp, a dehumidifier will get the job done. If your home is hot and humid, you might want to use the dehumidifier with a ceiling fan or use an air conditioner to cool your room while getting rid of moisture.

• Is a dehumidifier expensive to run?

  The average cost to run a dehumidifier is around $15 to $35 per month. This can vary based on how frequently you use it and which model you have. When comparing different models, check the energy efficiency ratings to help save money on your electric bill.

• How long do you need to run a dehumidifier?

  There’s no set rule for this, but many industry experts suggest running your dehumidifier for at least 10 to 12 hours per day.

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