Dehumidifier Shopping Tips
Check warranty and look at feature options
Here is a list of things to look for and think about as you search for a dehumidifier:
- Warranty. Make sure your warranty will give you two good seasons at least, and not just one year.
- Buy off-season. The end of dehumidifying season is late fall in most areas, and if you can find a dehumidifier in the dead of winter, ask for a good price. You just may get it, so that the appliance store can make room for more humidifiers.
- Energy Star rating. Dehumidifier units are not cheap and neither is running them. Buying an Energy Star rated model may be more expensive up front but you will save money long term. In addition, you’ll be doing your part: in 2004, Energy Star products saved greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 20-million cars.
- Automatic shut-off. This is routine on most models, though some older designs may not have this feature. A full tank light indicator is also standard.
- Direct drain-off option. Water tanks are messy to empty. It is easiest to have a hose that can drain off so you are not bothered with emptying the unit every day when there is high humidity. We contradict ourselves, but very well then – if you do have a water tank unit, it may force you to better maintain your machine.
- Anti-frost. All dehumidifiers should have an anti-frost feature or the machines will be susceptible to freeze-up.
- Humidistat. Upscale models have digital displays which tell you what the relative humidity is; the unit should adjust itself accordingly. The display should be easy to use and read and have speed options and night settings.
- Noise. Dehumidifiers are typically noisy but some recent models are quieter. If the dehumidifier is hidden away in the corner of the basement, you may not care but in other cases, noise-frustration may prevent you from using it.
- The small things: make sure that you have along enough power cord. Casters need to be durable if you want to move the dehumidifier and you wan to use it for a long time. Handles are very, uh, handy, if you have a unit that weighs a lot.
- Air filters. Some dehumidifiers now come with filters to clean the air. There is a lot of maintenance involved with some filters; this can be costly, too. Some filters need replacing every month, other dehumidifier filters can be sanitized weekly and others need daily care. Make sure you know all maintenance labor and costs.
