Using a Consumer Reports dehumidifier can help you reduce moisture in your home. Dehumidifiers are a useful tool when you have a damp basement or a problem with seasonal moisture issues. Dehumidifiers can also keep humidity levels between 30-50 percent. This is the best level for allergy sufferers or those suffering from asthma. They are also good for controlling mildew and mold.
There are many styles and sizes of dehumidifiers. They come in stand-alone, whole-home, and portable models. They are categorized by the size of the capacity, or amount of water the unit can remove. Larger capacity units are less expensive to run and more efficient. Also, large-capacity units usually cost less per pint. Consumer Reports suggests that dehumidifiers with smaller capacities may be more expensive, and therefore less efficient.
Energy Star certification is a standard for dehumidifiers. It has been in existence for many years. However, there are some differences between the DOE energy efficiency requirements and those in the Energy Star program.
Energy Star requires testing at different temperatures, for example. Energy Star version 5.0 requires testing at 60°F and 60% RH. Contrary to this, the Department of Energy's (DOE), requirements call for testing at 80°F and 60% RH. Manufacturers may need to adapt their recommendations because of the different test conditions.
Consumer Reports evaluated many dehumidifiers, and they produced impressive performance results. The unit that removed 70 pints within 24 hours was the best. 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.
Most dehumidifiers have an air filter that removes large particles from the air. Some models even have a pump that helps move the water to a utility sink. A dehumidifier equipped with caster wheels makes it easy to move around the house.
These dehumidifiers have the highest efficiency and capacity (such as a 70-pint tank) and are also very energy efficient. A smaller dehumidifier is more efficient if you do not have moisture issues. If you have a moisture issue, a smaller dehumidifier might be more effective.
Some of the most popular consumer-recommended dehumidifiers have some neat features. The unit's auto start feature keeps it running even after it's stopped for a time. Another feature that is notable is the ultra-quiet compressor technology used by dehumidifiers to operate at low dB levels. It's a good idea also to buy a dehumidifier with a remote control as it's easy for people to forget to turn the device off while they're away.
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. High CFM fans are the best, as they draw more air from a wider area. High CFM fans can cause noise, so a quieter model may be better.