Portable Dehumidifiers
Best choice for occasional humidity issues
Portable dehumidifiers are popularly used in the basement, but they are more versatile than just that. If you need to move your dehumidifier around (whether that means from room or from home to home), a portable unit is ideal.
There are many questions about what size of dehumidifier you need. If you are unsure, the best answer is to buy one designed for an area larger than the room you want to dehumidify. In the issue of portability, you should also consider how big a unit you want to move around as well as how heavy the tank is when it is full of water.
If you buy an oversized portable unit, make sure that it is equipped with a humidistat and automatic shut off. You can simply set the relative humidity level; it will shut off when the humidity falls to the appropriate level.
A few things to look for when buying a portable dehumidifier:
- Price and warranty.
- Filters available and cost of replacement parts.
- Automatic shut-off.
- Casters (unidirectional ones are best for rolling) and handles.
- Noise level under 50 decibels.
- Length of power cord.
- Anti-freeze.
- Humidistat with easy-to-read and program display.
- Full tank indicator light.
- Energy efficiency or Energy Star ratings.
- Direct drain hose.
- A long power cord so you can put the dehumidifier where you want it.
- Stylishness and compact design.
When purchasing a portable dehumidifier, you really want to strike a balance between compactness of size and functionality. A compact design may seem esthetically pleasing. However, in the long run, this may need more maintenance (taking out the water) and it may not function as fully and completely as you need.
No matter where you move your portable dehumidifier, make sure that you deal with all dampness issues first. If you have done all these things and you still have high humidity, a dehumidifier may be a worthwhile expense to keep your family healthy.
