A Consumer Reports-designed dehumidifier is a great way to reduce moisture levels in your home. A dehumidifier can be useful if your basement is damp or you are experiencing seasonal moisture problems. Dehumidifiers also help keep humidity between 30 and 50 percent, which is the optimal level for people with asthma or allergies. They are great for controlling mildew, mold, and other spores.
There are many styles and sizes of dehumidifiers. They come in stand-alone, whole-home, and portable models. They can be classified by their capacity (or the amount of water they can remove). Larger capacity units consume less energy and have lower operating costs. Additionally, larger capacity units typically cost less per pint. Buying a dehumidifier with a smaller capacity may be more expensive and may not be as energy efficient, according to the Consumer Reports team.
Energy Star certification is a standard for dehumidifiers. It has been in existence for many years. However, the DOE's energy efficiency requirements differ from the Energy Star program's requirements.
Energy Star program for example requires testing at different temperatures. Energy Star version 5.0 requirements call for testing at 60 degrees F and 60% RH. In contrast, the Department of Energy (DOE) requires testing at 80degF and 60% RH. Manufacturers must adjust their recommendations to account for the difference in test conditions.
Consumer Reports evaluated many dehumidifiers, and they produced impressive performance results. The best unit could remove 70 pints in less than 24 hours. The unit's programmable humidity control allows you to set the desired humidity level for your home. A digital display shows the performance of your device.
A majority of dehumidifiers also have a programmable humidistat. An air filter filters out large particles in air. Some models come with a pump that pumps the water to a drain. A dehumidifier that has caster wheels makes it much easier to move the unit about the house.
The best dehumidifiers are those that come with a large capacity, such as a 70-pint tank, and are also energy efficient. A smaller dehumidifier is more efficient if you do not have moisture issues. A dehumidifier with hose connections is recommended if moisture problems are present.
Some of the best consumer reviews dehumidifiers come with some cool features. For example, a unit's auto-restart feature helps keep the unit running when it's left off for a prolonged period. The dehumidifiers that use ultra-quiet compressor technology are another notable feature. They run at very low dB noise levels. It is also a smart idea to get a remote-controlled dehumidifier, since it is easy to forget to turn off the unit when you leave the room.
In addition to the dehumidifier's most impressive features, a few other items to look for are a unit's energy efficiency and fan speed. A high CFM fan pulls more air from larger areas, making them the best dehumidifiers. High CFM fans can cause noise, so a quieter model may be better.