If your room or house smells damp and musty, it is an indication that you need an excellent dehumidifier to enjoy clean, dry air. Unfortunately, with endless options available in the market, it is not very easy to choose the right dehumidifier for your home. The primary purpose of buying a dehumidifier is to make your home comfortable, and thus, you cannot afford to get it wrong. A question every person must answer before doing anything else is what size of dehumidifier do I need for the house.
The right-sized dehumidifier should be effective and efficient. It is also worth noting that the size of the dehumidifier does not necessarily refer to the physical attributes but the capacity. The sizing refers to the amount of water the dehumidifier is capable of extracting in a day. Although the larger capacity models are usually physically big, it is not always the case. You should also not confuse the water tank size with the dehumidifier capacity. Dehumidifiers typically have a tank that is smaller than their performance capacity as they are less likely to extract to their full capacity every day.
Below is a straightforward guide to help you find the right dehumidifier size for your home.
How to Choose The Right Size Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are rated by the amount of water in pints that they can extract from the air in a day. A smaller unit can be able to obtain 5 to 10 pints per day while a bigger sized model can manage 60 to 70 pints in a day. Keep in mind that industrial models capable of grabbing hundreds of pints in a day are also available. The industrial models are capable of clearing flooded properties as well as big spaces. Nevertheless, you should always remember that the numbers are just estimates. The actual amount of water a dehumidifier can extract will vary depending on the level of humidity and the temperature, among other factors.
Steps That You Should Take To Determine The Right Dehumidifier Size For Your Home
1. Measure Your Home
The first step in answering what size of dehumidifier do I need, to determine the space you would like the dehumidifier to cover. You should measure the room you would like to dehumidify and calculate the square footage. To get the dimensions, you should use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of your room. You should then multiply the measurements together to get the size of your home in square meters or feet. If you are planning to use the device in a space where two rooms connect, such as a dining room and living room with an open arch, you should treat the two rooms as one. Places that connect with open space should be measured as one as the air flows from one room to the other unabated.
2. Consider The Humidity Level
The humidity level can range from mildly clammy to water dripping on your walls. Different humidity levels require particular settings to get the air dry. You can determine the level of humidity by looking for signs of dampness. You should look out for condensation inside the windows or damp spots on the walls. The space is moderately damp if the air feels damp or cramp or if you notice the presence of a musty odor in humid weather.
A very damp house feels damp and smells musty with some noticeable damp spots on the wall or floor. Your room can be described as wet if you find water bleeding on the floors and walls or the presence of moisture around the edges of the room. A wet room will always feel and smell damp. An extremely wet room will have standing water on the floor. If you find it difficult to determine the humidity of your home, you can use a humidity meter to get the precise humidity level, but it is not necessary.
- Moderately damp space: You do not need a super high-capacity dehumidifier unit for a moderately damp space. The best capacity will depend on the size of your space. For example, if your space has a measurement of 500 square feet, a dehumidifier with a 10 US pints will be effective. For an area measuring 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 square feet, you should consider a dehumidifier with a capacity of 14, 18, 22 and 26 US pints, respectively. For a moderately damp space, you should always go for a unit with a capacity of between 10 and 26 US pints (4.7 – 12.3 L).
- Very damp space: If you are looking for a solution for a room that is always musty and with moist spots, your answer to what size of dehumidifier do I need, a slightly larger unit of between 12 to 32 US pints (5.7 – 15.1L). If you have a space of 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500 square feet, you should buy a device with a capacity rating of 12, 17, 22, 27, or 32 US pints, respectively.
- Wet space: If seepage and sweating on the walls and floors is the prevailing trend, you should consider a higher capacity unit of 14 to 38 US pints (6.6 – 18.0 L). For a room-sized 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500 square feet, consider a dehumidifier unit with a capacity rating of 14, 20, 26, 32, or 38 US pints, respectively.
- Very wet space: When you have water on your floor, your answer to what size of dehumidifier do I need should be in purchasing a high-performance dehumidifier. The capable unit for a wet space should have a rating of between 16 to 44 US pints (7.6 – 20.8 L). If you have an area of 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500 square feet, we recommend that you buy a unit with a capacity rating of 16, 23, 30, 37, or 44 US pints.
3. Consider A Whole-house Dehumidifier
If you are looking to dehumidify an entire house or a space larger than 2500 square feet, your best option is to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. If you already have an existing central heating system, then consider installing a dehumidifier that can attach to your pre-existing network. The whole-house dehumidifiers can work for spaces as large as 3000 square feet. The units are expensive to buy, but they offer higher savings in the long run.
4. Choose Between Desiccant or Refrigerant Model
In addition to the humidity and size of your room, the type of dehumidifier can significantly affect the performance. The refrigerant model is ideal for a space that is hot and humid. The refrigerant dehumidifiers have a higher capacity rating than desiccant models and also operate more efficiently. However, they are not ideal for spaces that experience temperature drops of below 18 degrees Celsius as they can form ice on the evaporator coils preventing the unit from functioning correctly. Desiccant dehumidifiers operate more efficiently at lower temperatures. They are also quieter than refrigerant models.
The Wrap Up
With the right sized dehumidifier, you can be sure that your summer will be enjoyable without overbearing humidity. This guide will help you quickly find the ideal dehumidifier for your home. You should not buy a dehumidifier without due diligence!