When it gets hot and sticky on Chicago’s North Shore, the saying “it’s a dry heat” does not apply. Summer air in Chicago is loaded with humidity. And that humidity can enter your home.
You want to keep the humidity in your home at 30% to 50%. The best way to do that is with a dehumidifier that extracts excess moisture from indoor air. Not only will that make your home more comfortable, but it will reduce allergens from mold and dust mites.
In choosing the best dehumidifier, size is the first consideration. For significant issues, you may want a central whole-house dehumidifier that uses your home’s heating and cooling system to reduce the humidity in the entire house. For more localized issues, a plug-in, portable dehumidifier that you can buy at the hardware or home improvement store may be the best solution. Following are some thoughts on buying a portable dehumidifier.
You want to keep the humidity in your home at 30% to 50%. The best way to do that is with a dehumidifier that extracts excess moisture from indoor air. Not only will that make your home more comfortable, but it will reduce allergens from mold and dust mites.
In choosing the best dehumidifier, size is the first consideration. For significant issues, you may want a central whole-house dehumidifier that uses your home’s heating and cooling system to reduce the humidity in the entire house. For more localized issues, a plug-in, portable dehumidifier that you can buy at the hardware or home improvement store may be the best solution. Following are some thoughts on buying a portable dehumidifier.
- Size. A dehumidifier’s drying capacity is measured by how many pints of water it can remove in 24 hours. That is a function of the square footage and moisture level of the room you want to dehumidify. When you purchase the dehumidifier, ask the salesperson for the AHAM Selection Guide, which will help you pick the right size for your area. If the room is especially humid, you may want a larger unit.
- Humidity control. You’ll want a unit with automated controls to keep the humidity level at 30% to 50%.
- Water capacity. Dehumidifiers with larger tubs or drip pans need to be emptied less often, but will likely be more expensive. Dehumidifiers with front-loading buckets are easiest to empty.
- Draining. Many portable dehumidifiers are self-draining and come with a drain-hose connector. But these units need to be placed in an area where the hose can empty water.
- Defrost features. The heat exchange coils can frost over if indoor temperatures fall below 60 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit. So look for a unit that is Energy Star certified to 45 to 40 degrees. It may cost a little more, but will spare you the expense of replacing a unit due to damaged coils.
- Quiet. Dehumidifiers with two-speed fans run more quietly, and also save on energy costs.
- Mobility. Make sure your unit has casters so it can be rolled from room to room.
- Automatic shut off. An overflow protection valve will cause the unit to shut off when the tub is full. Some units have indicator lights to show when the bucket is full.
- Energy efficiency. Dehumidifiers with the Energy Star label will save money on utility bills.
- Washable filters. Select a model that has a filter that protects the coils from dust and dirt. But make sure you can easily remove the filter. Remove and wash the filter twice a month, which will allow you to replace it less frequently.
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