Features to consider while choosing a dehumidifier
When choosing the best dehumidifier possible, you should stick to some essential features each model has. Take this list when you start shopping – if a model impresses you in most of these fields it’s a winner.
Coverage area
Much of shopping for your best portable dehumidifier for bathroom use is matching your scenario to a unit’s capabilities. Therefore, before you start shopping determine your need.
Firstly: how large an area should the machine work for? And don’t forget to consider alternative scenarios too. If you plan on using it elsewhere in a room much larger than your bathroom (such as the kitchen), then adjust your goal. Coverage area describes the size of the space the particular dehumidifier can effectively dry out. Make sure you’re not disappointed by misjudging your needs. For example, the KEDSUM model will never live up to the same performance as the Keystone, but they’re both brilliant at what they’re designed to do.
Secondly: what moisture levels must your new humidifier cope with? If you’re going to hang clothes in your bathroom during the day, this will increase the humidity levels, and this scenario is much different than merely dealing with moisture from showers.
Thirdly: what is it like outside? Living in areas with high humidity levels such as near the sea will require your appliance to work even harder.
In general, the experts advise you to rather go for a unit that’s slightly more powerful than what you really need.
To assist consumers, experts such as the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) place handy tools online to help you determine your need. Search for charts and tables that will guide you in determining your needs.
Water tank capacity
The other capacity many consumers value is how big that tank is. Let’s face it: most of us enjoy life with as little effort as possible, and after a relaxing shower you don’t want to struggle with emptying a water tank. If this only has to happen once a week instead of daily, it increases a machine’s value exponentially: a big tank is a plus.
However, note that the water tank size may influence how big your machine will be and how much it costs. If you only have limited space available or you’re shopping on a budget, this should be your number one priority.
Continuous drain option
Modern appliances are designed to match consumer needs, so to limit manual emptying, many models have drain hoses. This means the water in the tank will automatically flow out. What’s the problem here? It means that you’re limited in options of where you’ll position the unit. It must be near a sink or shower drain. But yes, this makes life even more effortless!
Luckily, most units that have this option also allow for emptying a tank, such as the Frigidaire 22-Pint above. Just make sure you buy one that will work for your room’s layout.
Dehumidification performance
Here’s what really matters: can this machine pull all the moisture from the air so mold doesn’t get a chance to grow anymore? For this it’s smart to read reviews like this article instead of only relying on marketing jargon. The dehumidification rate can tell you how much moisture (maximum) the unit can extract in a 24-hour period. Decide on the necessary dehumidification performance depending on your bathroom size, humidity, and temperature. Research how quick a unit works as well as how effective it is.
Also consider units that allow you to pick how humid you want the air to be. As we said, a high tech unit such as the Ivation can help you customize even this part of your life.
Sound level
This is a number one complaint many brands get from consumers, but you can’t blame them if you forget to research this beforehand. Depending on the type you pick, prepare yourself for some noise the moment you switch on your dehumidifier.
Luckily, thanks to technological advances there are types of dehumidifiers that now work quietly. Instead of gas or compressor types you can get one using Peltier technology. This is silent technology so you can leave yours on at night as well. The Eva-dry’s renewing method also comes in handy for this reason.
For some this will surely be a luxury option: pick a silent one, so you have a quiet home. Alternatively, settle on a noisier one if you want the job to be done much faster. Then again if you have small kids who need their naps, you don’t want home appliances waking them, so investing in a silent unit is once again worth it.
Dimensions and weight
Portable. That’s what most of the units above are supposed to be. That means you must be able to carry (or push) and store them easily. Unless you plan on leaving yours out at all times, in the same place, consider this:
- What is a comfortable weight to carry?
- Should it be manageable for kids so they can help around the house?
- What storage space do you have available?
Now pick a size and weight that won’t make your new, handy appliance more cumbersome than helpful.
Warranty
You don’t want to lose your new appliance just as you’re starting to enjoy it, so make sure you get an impressive warranty as can be seen on top of the range items such as the Keystone’s five-year promise.
Just note the warranty guidelines: As this item works with both water and electricity (creating a potentially dangerous situation that can lead to damage), you must use it within the brand’s parameters in order to claim that warranty.
Extra features
New features hit the market all the time, and it’s worth investing in some of these (for safety, efficacy, and convenience):
- Wheels: Rolling a unit on casters between rooms is easier, safer and faster than carrying.
- Shutoff: This should be linked to when the tank is full for practical and safety reasons.
- Filters: If you can wash the filters it prevents rust so you won’t have to replace them often.
- Defrosting: This is necessary unless you get high temperatures 24/7/365. This prevents coils from frosting over if temperatures dip below 60°F. If it’s an automatic feature it makes for effortless maintenance, and you prevent
Tips to reduce humidity level in your bathroom
First of all, you should do an entire audit of your home setup. Did you know there’s a lot you can do to limit the humidity in your bathroom, even before your new dehumidifier arrives? Implementing these guidelines will give you better results, and along with your dehumidifier there’s no reason you’ll have mold problems again:
- Did you check for any leaks in your pipes? It could be that the moisture sits in the walls and the leaks result in more water than you’ll find in average bathrooms. Remember, a dehumidifier is designed to handle a certain moisture level. If the condition of your house results in more humidity than the average building, you won’t ever get the area dry.
- For the same reasons mentioned above, ensure you clean your gutters so water doesn’t flow inside.
- Mop up excess water from the floor and shower when you’re done. The more water you take care of manually the better results you’ll have.
- Improve air flow in that part of the house by opening the windows.
- Use or install a bathroom fan.
- After a shower, give the walls and the door a wipe down before you leave the room.
- Try and keep water temperature to a minimum, while still enjoying a comfortably hot shower. The heat will cause mold to form even quicker.
- If possible don’t use your bathroom to hang wet washing.