CoolAndPortable.com
Let's Connect!

NOTE: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Learn More.

What Size of Dehumidifier Do I Need? (Complete Guide)

On the lookout for the ideal dehumidifier for your basement, apartment, or crawl space can seem like a tricky task.

There are hundreds of models, sizes, and makes, all with their own unique selling points and data attached. First, look at our dehumidifier reviews and then keep reading to learn what size dehumidifier you require?

Your dehumidifier's size depends upon where you'll use it and the humidity level in addition to overall floor space. By way of instance, basement dehumidifier size could vary from the size you'd use in a living room or perhaps a crawl space.

Industrial dehumidifier sizing can be tricky to get your head around, so we have assembled a dehumidifier sizing guide to ensure you get the ideal system for your area.


Where Do You Want To Use Your Dehumidifier?

dehumidifier

The first thing you will need to do before launching into a full-blown look for a brand new furnace measures the area that you would like to use it in.

You will need to work out the square footage of a particular area. This is roughly accomplished by multiplying the width and duration of your room.

Hence, if your room is 20 feet long by 10ft broad, the square footage comes out to be 200. This is necessary to understand because many brands use square footage as a measure in commercial dehumidifier sizing.

Certainly, the reason you're trying to find a dehumidifier is the fact that your room is moist -- but just how wet is it?

There are various power settings for dehumidifiers, and you do not want to wind up getting one that's too weak or even too strong for what you require.

A simple way to assess your area's humidity level is just by looking around the room itself.

Check corners and behind furniture for mold growth, pick up soft furnishings such as cushions and feel how moist they are and, for the most obvious indication, smell the air quality for this"moist" musty smell.

Check the inside of your windows for condensation. If you discover the interior of your glass is always running with water and moisture, then you could find your area has too much humidity.

Other signs may be stains on the ceiling, and family members with allergies can report breathing difficulty or increased sneezing or coughing. You can even use a damp meter.


Things To Find In A Dehumidifier?

With so many styles and brands on the market, it can be tricky to choose between them. In the guide below, we've set out a few unique things to search for, but you also need to think about some overall benefits.

Installation, warranty, and guarantees may also help you choose which unit to put money into. If a unit is a permanent fixture, a few businesses will install them at no cost.

A warranty to cover for you for any repairs or breakdown is also helpful when buying a large or complex unit.

And guarantees can set your mind at rest when making a costly purchase. This will be assured you are covered should anything go wrong.


What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need --Different Capacity Units

Units are measured in the number of pints of water that they could collect, and they arrive in roughly three categories based on how big your room.

Small Dehumidifiers

dehumidifiers sizes

The best small dehumidifiers generally hold about a whole pint of water and fill in a half-pint daily. These are perfect for RV's or small rooms.

30 Pint Dehumidifier

 

Any space up to 2,000 square feet, with a moderate humidity level, will be appropriate for a model that collects 30 pints of water per day. However, in a basement, you may want to go for a slightly bigger dehumidifier as they usually tend to be damper though the floor space could be the same.

50 Pint Dehumidifier

dehumidifier size for basement

A 40 or 50-pint dehumidifier also functions up to sizes of 2,000 square feet, but these are stronger and better at managing damper homes. So in case you know your house is very humid, then it's worth investing in a 40 or 50-pint model to be sure this is tackled. The 50-pint model could be recommended for 2,000 square feet in which there is visible mold or other obvious signs of moisture.

70 Pint Dehumidifier

dehumidifier

The biggest dehumidifiers are 70 pints each day. These are the best dehumidifiers for your cellar or crawl space if it's very damp or more than 2,000 square feet in size.

While these might be more expensive, it's well worth getting the perfect size dehumidifier to ensure that your moist issue is dealt with.

Bear in mind that if your house is on the top end of these measurements, say it's 1,900 square feet, you might benefit from getting the next size up to ensure it is functioning as efficiently as possible.

Dehumidifiers also include a collection bucket, a pump and drain system, or occasionally both.

If you're opting to get a smaller capacity unit, but your area is too damp, you may want to think about having it drain off directly from the machine to save you draining it daily.


Added Features And Extras To Consider

Some terrific additional extras come with dehumidifiers that are worth checking. In a basement or garage, you need a machine that operates at a lower temperature, and a few even include a de-icing feature to be sure they work efficiently.

If you get a dehumidifier that's a bit too strong for the size of your room, then get one with an integrated humidistat.

This tracks the moisture level in the air and just uses the dehumidifier once it reaches a specific, pre-programmed level.

Not only does this save you bucks, but also, it provides you peace of mind that your room will always be in the proper humidity.


Conclusion

Hence now you can see that finding the ideal size dehumidifier doesn't need to be a pain. The next time you are thinking, what size dehumidifier do I want? Then just follow these simple steps.

Measure your room, assess the level of moisture, examine the capacity and any additional features.

With these easy steps, you will be sure that the decision you make is the best one!

About the Author Tom Hanson

I’ve worked as an HVAC tech in Phoenix, AZ for the past 10 years. I created CoolAndPortable.com to help home owners select the right portable air conditioner, cooler or air purifier for their needs & budget in just a few minutes.

follow me on:

Leave a Comment: