Feeling as though your house has turned into a sauna? Peeling paint, the ominous specter of mold, and that damp, musty odor are unwelcome guests brought on by too much humidity. Don’t forget our invisible enemy: the prolific rise of dust mites and allergens.
The solution? A dehumidifier. But hold on! With a plethora of options on the market, how do you determine the right size dehumidifier for your needs? No sweat (pun intended), we’ve got you covered. This guide will outline how to choose the right dehumidifier capacity that’s just right for your home.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
Before we dive into sizing, let’s take a peek under the hood of a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier acts like a moisture magnet. It uses an internal fan to draw in humid air. This air then takes a cold, refreshing ride over refrigerant coils, leading to the moisture condensing and dripping into a bucket or drain hose.
Think of it as the dehumidifier giving the air a blow dry. The now dried air is reheated and introduced back into the room, effectively lowering the humidity levels. The unit’s muscle is measured by its water removal capacity, denoted in pints per day.
Determining the Right Dehumidifier Size
Here’s where it gets interesting. Choosing a dehumidifier with just enough capacity is like finding that perfect pair of shoes. An undersized unit will struggle under the weight of moisture, while an oversized one might be too eager, frequently cycling on and off, reducing efficiency. Here’s how to nail the right fit:
Measure Room Dimensions
First, you need to play architect. Calculate the total square footage of the area you need to dehumidify by multiplying length by width. This gives you the foundation for the capacity requirements.
Focus on notorious problem areas like basements and crawlspaces which, like stubborn teenagers, tend to be more humid. For these spaces, you’ll need a unit with a higher pint-per-day removal.
Estimate Moisture Load
Next, conduct a moisture inventory:
- Number of inhabitants (more people equals more breath and sweat)
- Activities like cooking, baths, laundry (these can feel like indoor rainstorms)
- Aquariums or indoor pools (they’re not just fish, they’re evaporation factories)
- Humid climate (the external weather’s impact on your home)
- Poor insulation or air leaks (they invite humidity in)
Having more moisture sources means you’ll need a dehumidifier with greater power, much like needing a bigger sponge for a bigger spill.
Check Manufacturer Specs
Ensure your room size and the dehumidifier’s recommended coverage area are a match made in humidity-free heaven. Take a peek at the pint-per-day removal rate and make sure it aligns with your moisture load estimates.
The larger the space and the higher the humidity, the more capacity you’ll need. For very damp basements 2000+ square feet, search for 70+ pints-per-day removal. However, smaller rooms under 1500 square feet might just need a 20-30 pint sidekick.
Consider Other Functions
If your dehumidifier has a side job as a laundry dryer or needs to operate in low temperatures, adjust your capacity accordingly.
A unit with a laundry mode is like having an extra sun indoors, pulling out more moisture to help dry clothes. Meanwhile, low temperature dehumidifiers efficiently remove dampness, even in cold, basement-like conditions.
Allow for Air Circulation
Much like a superstar, dehumidifiers perform better when given space. Leave a clearance of at least 20-30 cm on each side of the unit.
Positioning the device strategically to optimize airflow is key. Consider open room placement over an interior closet location, which would be akin to trying to soak up a pool with a tissue.
Dehumidifier Capacity Chart
To summarize, here’s a handy dehumidifier size guide based on room dimensions and humidity levels:
| Square Footage | Level of Humidity | Ideal Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 500 – 1000 sq ft | Moderate | 20 – 30 pints/day |
| 1000 – 1500 sq ft | Moderate | 30 – 50 pints/day |
| 1500 – 2000 sq ft | Moderate | 50 – 70 pints/day |
| 500 – 1000 sq ft | High | 35 – 45 pints/day |
| 1000 – 1500 sq ft | High | 45 – 60 pints/day |
| 1500 – 2000 sq ft | High | 60 – 80 pints/day |
For cavernous, damp basements or crawlspaces under 3000 square feet, a 70 pint or larger capacity dehumidifier is recommended. Think of it as your personal climate superhero.
Other Sizing Considerations
- In a sprawling open concept home, multiple smaller dehumidifiers may be the ticket, rather than a single giant unit. It’s like having a fleet of moisture-battling drones instead of one jumbo jet.
- For targeted treatment of pesky areas like closets or bathrooms, a nimble 30 pint dehumidifier should do the trick.
- If your finished basement has HVAC, you can reduce the capacity since some dehumidification is already in play.
- For homes that are bustling with people, upsize the unit to handle the increased moisture production.
- In humid climates, go big or go home. Opt for higher pint capacities to combat external moisture sources.
While the pints-per-day metric is a great starting point, manufacturer sizing guides based on home size can help refine your choices. It’s like having a tailor for your dehumidifier needs.
Install Properly for Optimal Performance
Now that you’ve selected the appropriately sized dehumidifier, proper positioning and installation will keep it purring:
- Provide ample elbow room on all sides of the unit.
- Place the dehumidifier centrally, like a star on a stage, to maximize air circulation.
- Keep doors open between rooms so the air flows freely, like an indoor breeze.
- For continuous moisture removal, employ a drain hose.
- If using a bucket, empty it regularly to avoid overflow shutoffs. It’s like taking out the garbage – ignore it, and you’ll regret it.
- If pumping upstairs, ensure the condensate pump height allows gravity drainage.
Shy away from direct sunlight and heating/cooling ducts for your dehumidifier. They are like kryptonite to your moisture-busting superhero.
Equipped with an adequately sized and properly installed dehumidifier, you’ll have the right tools to banish excess humidity, creating a comfortable, healthier home environment. Whether you need a beefed-up capacity to tackle damp basements or a mini-sidekick for closets and bathrooms, remember that the right pint-to-square-footage ratio and an understanding of your specific humidity woes will guide you to your perfect dehumidification partner.
Remember, in the battle against humidity, you’re not alone. Here at Humidity Solver, we’re with you every step of the way. You’ve got this!