Humidity is a common problem in many homes, especially during summer. Excess humidity can lead to various issues, from mold growth to unpleasant odors and musty smells. This is where a dehumidifier can come in handy.
Dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air, creating a comfortable and healthy living environment. It's practicing humidity reduction for cooler spaces, control of allergens, and much more.
But how do you know what size dehumidifier to choose? Well, that's where we come in!
In this article, we'll cover the importance of using a dehumidifier, the consequences of excess humidity in your home, and what factors to consider when choosing the right size dehumidifier for your space. So, let's dive in.
Understanding Humidity and Dehumidifiers
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity levels can cause various issues, including mold growth, musty odors, and an increased risk of respiratory problems.
Excess humidity can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and an increased risk of respiratory problems. High humidity can create an optimum environment to damage furniture, flooring, walls, and other items in the home, basement, and attic, whether finished or not.
A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air, creating a more comfortable and healthy living environment. Different types of dehumidifiers are available, including refrigerant dehumidifiers, desiccant dehumidifiers, and whole-house dehumidifiers. Gun-safe dehumidifiers are on the market to show the extent of options available. We have an article on them for our gun enthusiasts. You can read it here: Gun Safe Dehumidifiers – Breaking Down Their Functionality.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers are the most common and work by pulling in moist air through a refrigerated coil, which removes the moisture and releases the dry air back into the room. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a special material to absorb moisture from the air, and whole-house dehumidifiers are installed as a part of the HVAC system.
Calculating the Correct Size of a Dehumidifier
Choosing the right size dehumidifier is key to removing excess moisture from your space. Here are some steps to help you calculate the correct size dehumidifier for your room:
The first step is to determine the square footage of your room. Measure the length and width of the room and multiply the two numbers together to get the square footage. Next, you'll need to calculate the room's square footage. Multiply the square footage by the ceiling height to get the correct square footage.
Using a hygrometer is a quick and easy way to measure the humidity level in your room. Place the meter in the room and wait a few minutes for the reading to stabilize. This will give you a good idea of how much moisture is in the air. As you can see from the link provided here, they can be very low-cost and portable.
Once you have selected your room's square footage and cubic footage and measured the humidity level, you can use a chart to determine the correct dehumidifier size for your needs. These charts consider the room's size and the humidity level and will recommend a dehumidifier with the appropriate capacity.
Calculating the correct size of a dehumidifier may seem complicated. Still, by following these steps, you can find the right size for your needs, ensuring that you effectively remove excess moisture from your space.
How Do You Know What Size Dehumidifier To Buy?
Using a dehumidifier sizing chart can be a helpful tool in determining the right size dehumidifier for your space. Here's what you need to know:
A dehumidifier sizing chart considers the room's size and humidity level and recommends a dehumidifier with the appropriate capacity. These charts are readily available online or in-store and can help you choose the right dehumidifier for your needs.
Choosing the right capacity based on the chart
Once you have determined the correct dehumidifier size using the chart, you can choose the right capacity for your needs. Dehumidifiers are available in capacities ranging from mere ounces to more than 70 pints daily. We have yet to discuss humidifier systems that handle the entire home.
Choosing the right size dehumidifier is crucial to effectively removing excess moisture from your space. A dehumidifier that is too small will struggle to keep up with the humidity levels.
At the same time, a too large dehumidifier will waste energy and may not remove moisture effectively. Choosing the right size dehumidifier will not only improve the air quality in your home but also save you money on energy bills.
We have more information about how much electricity is needed to use a dehumidifier in our guide on Energy Consumption. We covered details on usage levels and answered important questions, such as how to calculate how fast it spins the meter so you can easily calculate the monthly cost before buying.
