Humidity can be a major problem in many homes, especially during the humid months of the year. Excess moisture can result in mold growth, water damage, and musty odors. A dehumidifier can help alleviate these issues, but how many do you actually need?
In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when choosing the right-sized dehumidifier for your home, including square footage, humidity levels, and type of dehumidifier. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how many dehumidifiers you need for your specific house and why it’s important to choose the right one.
How Many Dehumidifiers Do I Need For My House
Determining the number of dehumidifiers you require for your home is crucial in ensuring a more comfortable and healthier living environment. The factors to consider when deciding on how many units you need include the size of your home, humidity levels, the number of rooms that require dehumidification, and your budget.
1. Size of Your Home
The size of your home is a crucial determinant when deciding on how many dehumidifiers you need for your house. The larger the area, the more units you will require to extract excess moisture from different parts of the house. A smaller home, on the other hand, would require fewer units to maintain ideal moisture levels.
2. Humidity Levels in Your Area
The humidity level in your area is a crucial factor when it comes to determining the number of dehumidifiers you require for your home. In areas with higher humidity levels, moisture extraction appliances will have to work harder to remove excess water from the air, requiring more units. Locations with low humidity levels will need fewer units, even if some of the rooms have excess moisture.
3. Rooms and Areas to be Dehumidified
If your home has several rooms that require dehumidification, then you may require more units than smaller homes. The location of the rooms also dictates the number of units needed. For example, rooms such as the basement, which is prone to dampness, may require more dehumidifiers to eliminate excess moisture.
4. Budget Factor
When deciding on the number of units to purchase, your budget plays a crucial role. You may opt to purchase a single large dehumidifier that can extract moisture from multiple rooms, although it may cost more. Alternatively, you may opt to purchase smaller, cheaper units for different rooms in your home.
How to Choose the Right Size Dehumidifier
When choosing the right size dehumidifier, it’s not only the square footage that matters. You also need to consider the temperature and humidity level of your environment. Using a humidity monitor can help with this. The primary purpose of a dehumidifier is to prevent damage to your walls and paint, as well as the growth of mold by removing excess moisture from the air.
However, if you have a severely damp 300 square foot space or extreme humidity, a 30-pint dehumidifier may not be enough. In such cases, it’s best to opt for a slightly larger model that can effectively and quickly eliminate the moisture in the air.
Dehumidifier Size Chart (AHAM)
| Humidity Levels | 300-500 sq. ft. space | 800-1200 sq. ft space |
| Slightly Heavy Air (50-60% humidity) | 20-45-pint | 40-70-pint |
| Occasional Musty Smell (60-70% humidity) | 20-45-pint | 40-70-pint |
| Wet Spots on Floor or Walls (70-80% humidity) | 25-50-pint | 45-80-pint |
| Mold, Seepage on Walls (80-100% humidity) | 30-60-pint | 50-90-pint |
What Are The Most Common Capacities Available
Dehumidifiers come in a range of sizes, but the 30 pint, 50 pint, and 70 pint are the most common capacities available. A 30 pint dehumidifier is suitable for moderately damp areas up to 2000 square feet. A 40-50 pint capacity is preferable for areas with visible mold or noticeable dampness while covering the same square footage.
For larger spaces with musty smells, visible seepage, and 85% to 100% humidity, a 70+ pint capacity is recommended. Generally, one dehumidifier is enough for each area of your home if it has the proper capacity for the region and humidity level.
How To Measure The Room’s Size
To determine the size of a room, you need essential tools such as a tape measure, a pen/pencil, and a sheet of paper. Measure the length and width of your room, then multiply the two values to get the square footage of your area. Reference the provided chart to figure out which dehumidifier size will effectively address your moisture levels.
Why It Is Important to Pick the Right Size Dehumidifier for Your Home
Dehumidifiers are essential for maintaining proper humidity levels in your home. Investing in a dehumidifier that is too small or too large for your home can lead to wasted energy and money. Below are some reasons why it is important to pick the right size dehumidifier for your home.
1. Dehumidifiers Come with Different Size Capacities
Picking the right size dehumidifier is not as simple as choosing the largest or smallest one on the market. Different dehumidifiers come with varying size capacities, and choosing one that is too small or too large for your room will not be effective in extracting humidity from the air.
2. Too Large of a Dehumidifier Can Waste Energy
Buying a dehumidifier that is too large for your room can lead to energy wastage. The unit cannot extract moisture from the air if there is no humidity in it, leading to energy and money wastage. Conversely, purchasing a dehumidifier that is too small for the room will not extract moisture effectively, thereby defeating the purpose of buying one.
3. Humidity Differences
The size of the room is a crucial factor to determine the right size dehumidifier needed for a home. The larger the area, the more likely it is that you will need a larger capacity dehumidifier. On the other hand, one unit may suffice in smaller rooms regardless of how humid or moist your home is.
4. Dehumidifier Effectiveness
Choosing a dehumidifier that is too small for your room will not extract moisture effectively and will fail to maintain an optimal humidity level. Conversely, an oversized unit will use up more energy than necessary and can leave wet spots on the floor or furniture. To ensure proper humidity level, it is crucial to measure your room before purchasing a dehumidifier or select one with an accurate size capacity according to the chart above.
5. Other Factors
Several other factors should be considered when selecting the size of a dehumidifier for your home. Room height, window location, and size can affect the size of the unit needed. Suppose your windows are located high off the ground or have small openings; in that case, a larger dehumidifier is recommended to extract moisture from all areas of the room effectively.
Additionally, activities such as working out or having an indoor pool can increase humidity levels, necessitating the need for a higher-capacity dehumidifier.
FAQs
If you want to know how many dehumidifiers you need for your home, here’s what you should do: divide the number of pints of excess moisture required to be removed from the air by your dehumidifier’s capacity. You can check the manufacturer’s website to determine your dehumidifier’s AHAM rating in case you don’t have it. This calculation will tell you the number of dehumidifiers required for your space.
Yes, you can use a whole-house dehumidifier to treat the excess moisture in your entire house. These dehumidifiers are versatile and can be used as standalone units in your basement or integrated into your duct system. The capacity of a whole-house dehumidifier varies and you should choose one according to the size of your house and the level of humidity. For instance, the Aprilaire 1850 Dehumidifier can remove up to 11.9 gallons of water per day. Using a whole-house dehumidifier can help prevent mold growth, musty odors, and water damage by maintaining the right level of humidity and improving indoor air quality.
Determining the right size of a dehumidifier is crucial to maintaining indoor air quality and preventing water damage and mold growth. When it comes to dehumidifying a 3-bedroom house, you need to consider the square footage and level of excess moisture in the air. Typically, a 3-bedroom house ranges from 1500 to 2500 square feet, and the recommended dehumidifier capacity is between 20 to 70 pints of moisture per day. If the humidity level is higher than 50%, you should opt for a larger model or a whole-house dehumidifier. It is recommended to consult a professional or use a humidity meter to determine the exact size and type of dehumidifier that suits your needs.
When it comes to using a 50-pint dehumidifier, it can cover an area up to 2000 sq. ft. But for better dehumidifying, one can go for more advanced 50-pint models that help in extracting moisture from an area of approximately 3000 sq. ft. Choose the right-sized dehumidifier as per the square footage of your room to maintain optimal moisture levels and promote good indoor air quality.
When it comes to dehumidifying a 2,500 square feet area, you will require a dehumidifier with a capacity ranging from 60-pint to 70-pint. This will effectively manage the excess moisture levels, prevent mold growth, and eliminate musty odors, ensuring the indoor air quality of your living space remains optimal. Ensure that you select the right-sized dehumidifier to avoid excessive energy consumption and further complications such as water damage and wet spots.
A dehumidifier can lower the humidity level in your home to a relative humidity of 30 to 50 percent, which is considered ideal for indoor air quality. To achieve this level of humidity, most dehumidifiers come with a meter to monitor the relative humidity and can then be set to the desired percentage. However, it’s important to note that a dehumidifier cannot completely remove all humidity.
Do you wonder whether dehumidifiers consume a lot of electricity? The answer is yes. Although the average wattage or energy usage of most models is low, they tend to operate for at least 12 hours, sometimes longer if not set on timers, which could lead to higher costs, especially for less energy-efficient models.
When it comes to placing a dehumidifier, the ideal location is the center of the room with at least 6 inches of space between the unit and any nearby wall or furniture. Placing it near the source of excess humidity in large rooms can help concentrate its drying efforts. Remember that proper placement can optimize the function of your dehumidifier to maintain healthy indoor air quality.
The time it takes for a dehumidifier to dry out a room depends on various factors such as the room’s size, humidity level, and degree of water damage. However, it generally takes between 24 and 72 hours for a dehumidifier to completely dry out a room.
Oversizing your dehumidifier can make your air too dry, which can lead to discomfort and increased energy bills. To choose the right size dehumidifier, consider the size of the room and the level of humidity. Avoid going overboard for the sake of energy efficiency and maintaining optimal indoor air quality.
Conclusion
Determining the number of dehumidifiers needed for your home depends on several factors, including the square footage of your space, the level of humidity, and the amount of excess moisture present. It is important to consider the type and size of the dehumidifier, as well as the capacity, tank size, and other features when selecting a unit.
A portable dehumidifier may be sufficient for small spaces, but larger homes or those with a damp basement may require a whole-house dehumidifier. Properly controlling humidity levels can help prevent mold growth and water damage, as well as improve indoor air quality and eliminate musty odors. Overall, using the right-sized dehumidifier can help maintain a healthy and comfortable living environment.
