How to Buy a Dehumidifier
Look for signs that your home is too humid., Consult a home inspector to find out if damp conditions are causing mold., Buy a hygrometer., Measure the space you want to dehumidify., Look for tabletop models if you want to dehumidify a small single...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Look for signs that your home is too humid.
They can include condensation on windows, allergies, musty smells and wall stains. -
Step 2: Consult a home inspector to find out if damp conditions are causing mold.
Mold can affect property values and a home inspector can tell you how to mitigate mold problems. , This small temperature and humidity gauge is available online for $15 to $30.
Measure the humidity in each room of your home to see how many rooms require a humidifier.
Hygrometers are available in digital and mechanical displays.
Digital hygrometers with LCD displays are slightly more expensive and may not pick up low levels of humidity.
Make sure you reset the hygrometer as you move from room to room and wait an appropriate amount of time before judging the humidity., You will need to convert the measurement to square feet or square m.
For rectangles or squares, you can simply multiply the length measurement in feet by the width measurement in feet.
You can also use an online calculator at http://www.squarefootage.org/square-footage-calculator.php , A 500 square foot (47 square m) room will need a dehumidifier that can process between 10 and 16 pints (4.7 to
7.6 l) of water in a 24-hour period. , A floor model can work for 1 large room or a few smaller rooms that are connected by a door or entryway. , These models can be as large as a window air conditioner.
If you plan to use a dehumidifier in several rooms, pick a model that is on casters so you can push it from room to room. , You can attach it to existing air circulation systems for best results.
It will need to process between 22 and 44 pints (10.4 to
20.8 l) of water per day. , Laundry rooms and basements usually need the maximum dehumidifying power for the space. , If you have a home improvement store or a large department store, you may be able to compare accessibility factors before you purchase a model.
If you can’t find dehumidifiers to test, then make sure you have a quality assurance and/or satisfaction guarantee. , If you are using a small to medium-sized dehumidifier, you will probably need to empty the bucket manually.
The bucket should be accessible through the front and the top. , Basement and whole house humidifiers may require a hose to empty large amounts of water that is removed from the air.
Ensure you have a place in your house, such as a utility sink or a drainpipe that will work for this purpose.
Whole-house dehumidifiers require a hose that extends outside of the house.
You should employ an installer to make sure the hose is emptying into an appropriate place on your property. , These models are certified as energy efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy.
Check with your power company to see if you can receive a credit on your bill for using an Energy Star device. , If the temperature regularly drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), you will need to buy a special cold-weather and frost-resistant model.
These models will work to approximately 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 degrees Celsius). , You can control the machine based on the humidity level in the room.
It should also have several safety features, such as an automatic shut off if the water bucket is full., You may choose to upgrade for an additional 5 years of protection, but try to avoid expensive service agreements. -
Step 3: Buy a hygrometer.
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Step 4: Measure the space you want to dehumidify.
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Step 5: Look for tabletop models if you want to dehumidify a small single room.
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Step 6: Choose a model that can process 14 to 23 pints (6.6 to 10.9 l) of water per hour for a space of 1
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Step 7: 000 square feet (93 square m).
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Step 8: Upgrade to a dehumidifier that can process 18 to 30 pints (8.5 to 14.2 l) for a space that is 1
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Step 9: 500 square feet (139 square m).
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Step 10: Opt to buy a whole house humidifier if you have a space of 2
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Step 11: 000 or more square feet (186 square m).
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Step 12: Judge your needs based on how wet the areas are.
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Step 13: Go to a store to view several dehumidifier models.
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Step 14: Assess how easily you can empty the water bucket.
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Step 15: Choose a dehumidifier that empties through a hose
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Step 16: if you are using a larger model.
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Step 17: Look for Energy Star appliances.
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Step 18: Measure the temperature in your rooms.
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Step 19: Pick a model with a built in humidistat.
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Step 20: Sign up for a warranty that lasts at least one year.
Detailed Guide
They can include condensation on windows, allergies, musty smells and wall stains.
Mold can affect property values and a home inspector can tell you how to mitigate mold problems. , This small temperature and humidity gauge is available online for $15 to $30.
Measure the humidity in each room of your home to see how many rooms require a humidifier.
Hygrometers are available in digital and mechanical displays.
Digital hygrometers with LCD displays are slightly more expensive and may not pick up low levels of humidity.
Make sure you reset the hygrometer as you move from room to room and wait an appropriate amount of time before judging the humidity., You will need to convert the measurement to square feet or square m.
For rectangles or squares, you can simply multiply the length measurement in feet by the width measurement in feet.
You can also use an online calculator at http://www.squarefootage.org/square-footage-calculator.php , A 500 square foot (47 square m) room will need a dehumidifier that can process between 10 and 16 pints (4.7 to
7.6 l) of water in a 24-hour period. , A floor model can work for 1 large room or a few smaller rooms that are connected by a door or entryway. , These models can be as large as a window air conditioner.
If you plan to use a dehumidifier in several rooms, pick a model that is on casters so you can push it from room to room. , You can attach it to existing air circulation systems for best results.
It will need to process between 22 and 44 pints (10.4 to
20.8 l) of water per day. , Laundry rooms and basements usually need the maximum dehumidifying power for the space. , If you have a home improvement store or a large department store, you may be able to compare accessibility factors before you purchase a model.
If you can’t find dehumidifiers to test, then make sure you have a quality assurance and/or satisfaction guarantee. , If you are using a small to medium-sized dehumidifier, you will probably need to empty the bucket manually.
The bucket should be accessible through the front and the top. , Basement and whole house humidifiers may require a hose to empty large amounts of water that is removed from the air.
Ensure you have a place in your house, such as a utility sink or a drainpipe that will work for this purpose.
Whole-house dehumidifiers require a hose that extends outside of the house.
You should employ an installer to make sure the hose is emptying into an appropriate place on your property. , These models are certified as energy efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy.
Check with your power company to see if you can receive a credit on your bill for using an Energy Star device. , If the temperature regularly drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), you will need to buy a special cold-weather and frost-resistant model.
These models will work to approximately 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 degrees Celsius). , You can control the machine based on the humidity level in the room.
It should also have several safety features, such as an automatic shut off if the water bucket is full., You may choose to upgrade for an additional 5 years of protection, but try to avoid expensive service agreements.
About the Author
Debra Tucker
Experienced content creator specializing in crafts guides and tutorials.
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