10 Questions You Should to Know about commercial ducted dehumidifier

Author: Ada

Sep. 01, 2025

Dehumidifier FAQs | How Dehumidifiers Work | AchooAllergy

Dehumidifier FAQs

What is Dehumidification?

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Dehumidification is the process of removing excess moisture from the air in your home and is primarily accomplished through the use of a dehumidifier. But how do dehumidifiers work? Dehumidifiers work by combining threebasic principles: cooling the air, adsorption, and absorption. Most home dehumidifiers–like Danby, Stadler Form, Soleus, and Santa Fe–work on the first principle. By using coolant, home dehumidifiers cool the air below the dew point which causes the moisture in the air to condense. The water is captured in a drain bucket or pan. This same principle is also true for commercial/industrial dehumidifiers. Dri-Eaz and Ebac dehumidifiers come equipped with larger fan motors, drain buckets, or internal condensate pumps to condense, collect and drain water away.

Smaller dehumidifiers, such as our Eva-Dry Dehumidifiers, work through adsorption. Adsorption is the process whereby chemicals, particles, or whatever you are trying to remove adheres to the outer surface of an adsorbent, generally called desiccant. A porous, odorless, non-toxic and safe silica gel will adsorb water up to 40% of its own mass. An indicator lets you know when to dry these mini dehumidifiers. Via a small amount of electricity, heat reactivates the gel and returns its water adsorbing capability. The Ebac desiccant dehumidifier is a larger version of this principle. This model must be ducted to push the moisture collected by the desiccant out and away from the air you are drying. The last type of dehumidification is absorption. For home applications, this type of dehumidification is the least used. It involves an absorbent material such as calcium chloride which is hard to reactivate once it has absorbed moisture.

How will a dehumidifier help with my allergies?

Some of the most common allergens are directly affected by humidity levels in your home. Mold and dust mites flourish in more humid environments. According to the EPA and other sources, mold generally thrives in relative humidity levels as low as 60-65%. Dust mites live and breed at levels over 50%. For these reasons, our best advice is to keep your household relative humidity under 50% whenever possible. Dehumidifiers are a crucial component in keeping relative humidity levels low. Most of the models we sell have a built in humidistat that gives a relative humidity reading, but for use throughout the home you can use an Acu-Rite Digital Humidity Gauge. Overall, maintaining a relative humidity of less than 50% will greatly reduce or eliminate dust mites, mold, mildew, insects and other allergens.

Where does indoor moisture in the air come from?

Most of our everyday activities contribute to increased humidity in the home. Showering can add a 1/2 pint of water into the air. Simply preparing meals adds approximately 5 pints of water to indoor air for a family of four over course of a day. Washing your laundry, mopping, using the dishwasher and even indoor plants contribute moisture to indoor air. Our most basic activity of breathing can add 1/2 a pint of moisture to the air over four hours. In a home of square feet with a constant temperature, four to six pints of water can increase relative humidity from 15% to as much as 60%. This doesn’t even include sources like leaking pipes and open or drafty windows. As you can see, the most basic activities have a growing impact on indoor humidity levels.  In a relatively short period of time, elevated humidity levels create a suitable environment for mold and dust mites to flourish.

What is relative humidity?

Relative humidity is a percentage showing how much water vapor is currently trapped in the air relative to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature. Imagine that you have a glass of water and begin to stir sugar into the water. When you get to point where you have put a full cup of sugar in the glass, you notice that the sugar no longer dissolves and that it begins accumulating at the bottom. At this point, the water is saturated with sugar and will hold no more. At the point where you have put only 1/2 a cup of sugar in the water, you are at 50% of the maximum the water can hold at the current temperature. Temperature can effect relative humidity. Take two glasses of the same size. Add ice to one then fill both to the same level with water. Now try the same technique as before, add sugar while stirring. The glass of ice water will stop dissolving sugar sooner than the other, and this is due to the lower temperature. Now, think of the air in your home as that glass of water and the moisture vapor in the air as the sugar. Your relative humidity level is the ratio of the current amount of water vapor in the air relative to the maximum amount of water vapor it will hold at a given temperature.

Where do I put a dehumidifier?

Most of our non-commercial dehumidifiers work best when placed in one room. There are several sizes available to fit any room in your house. Danby and Soleus dehumidifiers range in size, while the Stadler Form dehumidifier is limited to one size. All of these models will work well in your basement, laundry room, living room, or bedroom. By far, the most common area to place a unit is either the basement or laundry room because these rooms tend to be on the lower levels of the home and spaces where humidity can be the highest. These areas have constant contact with the moisture of the surrounding earth which makes them more susceptible to moisture problems. In reality, you can use a dehumidifier in any room where moisture and humidity levels lead to problems.  Other residential humidifiers like Santa Fe and AprilAire are specifically built for use in your basement, crawlspace or to be tied directly into your HVAC system for whole home dehumidification.

What are “commercial” dehumidifiers?

Our most popular commercial dehumidifiers are manufactured by Ebac and Dri-Eaz. These heavy duty units are constructed primarily of steel instead of the ABS plastic commonly found in typical home dehumidifiers. In the case of Dri-Eaz, they use a heavy-duty, rotomolded polyethylene that doesn’t crack, break or become brittle like traditional plastics. Many come with built in condensate pumps, operate in temperatures as low as 33° F, and offer higher water extraction rates than typical home dehumidifiers. These units are generally more expensive, shipped via truck freight (as opposed to parcel service), and built for the rigors of crawlspaces, restoration sites, construction sites, and industrial settings. These units are equipped to operate in settings where the moisture being extracted could be contaminated with harmful or noxious substances. To see a sample listing of the various uses of our commercial Ebac dehumidifiers, visit our A to Z Guide of Uses for Ebac Dehumidifiers.

Dri-Eaz are primarily used for restoration and water damage projects where maximum drying in a rugged or contaminated environment is a necessity. Most are stackable so that you can use more than one in any area while utilizing vertical space. Ideal for the cleanup of “gray water” Dri-Eaz has a dehumidifier for nearly any restoration or water damage project.

What do the terms “capacity,” “pints per day,” and “CFM” mean?

These are critical dehumidifier FAQs, as they are often the basis upon which most dehumidifiers are initially compared. These are three different terms commonly used when describing the extraction capabilities of a dehumidifier. “Capacity” is the amount of water the drain bucket will hold before having to be emptied. It can also be used to describe how much water, under specified conditions, a dehumidifier can extract from the air in a twenty-four hour period. This will vary based on several factors. In the first case, larger capacity dehumidifiers will hold more water and mean less frequent trips outdoors or to the drain to empty them, they also mean that the full bucket will be heavier. If you are porting your dehumidifier, the capacity is not nearly the concern that the pints per day is. For the second use of that term, this is a measure that you’ll want to pay attention to, particularly with regard to the severity of your moisture problem and the size of the space you are wanting to dry.

“Pints per day” (or PPD) refers to the maximum number of pints of water a particular dehumidifier will remove from the air during a 24 hour period. This is the measurement term that is most often associated with the second use of the term “capacity”. If you have a 70 pint dehumidifier that most often means that under AHAM rating conditions (60% Relative Humidity @ 80° F), this unit will remove up to 70 pints of water per day. That same unit can often remove MORE than the 70 pints per day rating if conditions are more severe, i.e. the temperature is higher than 80 or the relative humidity is higher than 60%, and for conditions below AHAM, performance will drop accordingly.

“CFM” or Cubic Feet per Minute is the same measurement used in many HEPA air purifiers. This number represents the volume of air the fan will move in any particular appliance. The greater the CFM, the more air that is cycled through a dehumidifier for moisture removal every minute. Commercial models built for more rugged applications typically have a higher CFM than home/room models. Many people also equate CFM with how powerful a dehumidifier or the blower/fan of a dehumidifier is.

What about AHAM ratings and saturation?

AHAM rates apply not only to air purifiers but also dehumidifiers. When it comes to dehumidifiers, AHAM certifies that the PPD that a manufacturer claims their product will remove is accurate. AHAM also certifies that power consumption for a given model is in line with manufacturer stated specifications. With PPD, AHAM will test a dehumidifier in a controlled environment that has a temperature of 80° F and relative humidity of 60%. Under these conditioners a dehumidifier is tested for 24 hours to determine whether or not the actual amount of moisture removed from the air is what the manufacturer claims.

With our Ebac and Dri-Eaz dehumidifiers, you will find not only a PPD rating but also another number given for another set of conditions. “Saturation” is best described as an extreme condition where the amount of moisture in the air is so much that the dehumidifier will run constantly over a 24 hour period. Some examples are a flooded basement, clean up site after a natural disaster, or an industrial environment that continually saturates the air with moisture. Instead of the controlled environment of AHAM testing, the extraction rate provided at saturation or under extreme conditions will often far exceed typical dehumidifier results.

How do I know what size is right for me?

There really is no easy answer to this question, and deciding which model and size is right for you will depend on several factors.
You need to ask yourself several questions before purchasing.

  • How severe is my moisture problem?
  • How large is the room/location where the dehumidifier will be used?
  • Under what conditions will my dehumidifier typically operate?
  • Is energy consumption a primary concern?
  • Will I port the unit or empty the drain bucket?
  • How much do I want to spend?

With a mold or mildew smell and some dampness, a small to mid-size pint model would be a logical place to start. If your problem is more severe, with visible condensation on the floors and walls, you will need to opt for a larger room style dehumidifier, the Soleus 95 pint, or a more heavy duty model like a Dri-Eaz or Santa Fe dehumidifier. Power consumption is also no small matter. Annual costs can add up quickly if you are using a dehumidifier throughout the year. Whether or not there is a direct drain (porting) option or included condensate pump can also be very important for situations where the dehumidifier is likely to run often. Small to midsize units would be better suited in the upper floors of your home, while the larger units would be best suited for the lower levels. As a basic guide for home usage,

  • Use a 30-45 pint model for small (8′ x 10′) to medium (15′ x 15′) rooms with moderate levels of humidity (45-55%)
  • Use a 50 pint model for small to large (20′ x 20′) rooms with moderate to high humidity levels (55-65%)
  • Use 65, 70, and larger pint models for large to extra large rooms (20′ x 30′) or rooms with high humidity (65% and above)

Remember, these are just basic guidelines that do not take into account other important factors. If you are placing the dehumidifier in a crawlspace or basement, you want to consider a Santa Fe or AprilAire dehumidifier. These are heavy duty and equipped to handle the rigors of the elements.
Dehumidifiers are not an end-all solution. If you have recurrent problems with moisture in your home, consider finding and remedying the source of the moisture. A leaking roof, a cracked foundation, older pipes, backed up drain lines, and inadequate ventilation are more severe problems that could be at the source of excess moisture in your home, and all are problems that no dehumidifier can truly fix.

Square Footage? Cubic Footage? Which Do I Use?

Another of the most common dehumidifier FAQs deals with coverage area. When comparing dehumidifiers, you might notice that some manufacturers will rate their products for a certain square footage while others will rate them for up to a specific cubic footage. So which do you use, and how can you make an apples to apples comparison? Quite simply, that’s tricky. Cubic footage is a much more accurate measurement since it gives you a volume of space, taking into account all dimensions of a room. The volume of air in a given space is determined by the Length, Width, and Height. Square footage is calculated by only two dimensions, Length and Width. This ignores ceiling height and the actual amount of air/space in a room. Using square footage will give you a rough estimate upon which to make your decision, but cubic footage will allow for a more precise guess as to which dehumidifier will work in your space.

If you are trying to compare two models that list their coverage differently, one thing you can do to help sort this out is to take measurements of the space where you plan to use the dehumidifier. Then multiply that out to get your cubic footage (L x W x H). You can then compare the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to get a good idea of how quickly a dehumidifier could theoretically dry all the air in your space. For example, Dehumidifier A has as CFM of 300 and coverage listed as cu. ft. then in a tightly sealed space, the dehumidifier could cycle through all the air six times every hour. If Dehumidifier B is listed for 250 CFM, it would cycle the air through five times every hour in that same space. If both are 60 pint dehumidifiers under AHAM testing standards then your higher CFM model will likely extract more moisture in real world conditions. This isn’t to say CFM is the only metric to consider, but with all other things being equal (except one model rated in square footage and the other in cubic footage), it can help you make a better one to one comparison of models.

What is Porting?

Porting is the process of using an exterior drain line to continuously drain your dehumidifier. As mentioned above, most of the dehumidifiers we offer come with a port where a plastic or rubber hose can be attached to drain the water collected from the unit. A suitable type and length of hose can be purchased from your local hardware store. Porting is a fairly simple process that only works when gravity is on your side. The dehumidifier needs to be placed in a higher position than the receptacle where you want the water to drain into. If this is not possible due to a grade or a lack of a nearby drain, you can still port your dehumidifier, but you will require a condensate pump to push the water over a longer horizontal distance or even vertically.

Do I need a condensate pump?

A dehumidifier condensate pump is a simple pump device that pushes fluids much in the same way a sump pump does. The only difference is a condensate pump is built mainly for the purpose of moving moisture removed by dehumidification. This small pump attaches to the dehumidifier the same as if you were simply porting it. You run a hose from the dehumidifier to the condensate pump and then a separate line runs from the pump to your drain. A condensate pump allows for continuous drainage of your dehumidifier and eliminates the hassle of emptying a heavy water bucket. This is a simple and inexpensive solution to use when there are no drain lines readily available for your dehumidifier, or when gravity is working against you. The condensate pump pictured is for use with home dehumidifiers and even HVAC systems, and can pump water both horizontally AND vertically. Some models in the Ebac, Dri-Eaz, and Santa Fe lines of dehumidifiers come with an integrated condensate pump, while for many others, it’s an optional feature or part of a package purchase.

How long will my dehumidifier last?

If your unit does not run every day or 24 hours a day, it will inevitably last longer. Most of the units we carry are durable and typically last from 5 to 15 years though most have warranties that are shorter than that time frame. As long as your unit is not running constantly, the only thing that will shorten your dehumidifier’s lifespan is freezing temperatures. Some have features that will prevent the unit from running in low temperatures, and other dehumidifiers have de-icing/defrost capabilities to thaw frozen coils. In low temperatures, the coils will freeze, but some units will continue to run. You waste electricity as well as the wear and tear on the motor, while getting no dehumidification results. To protect the unit and prevent wasting energy, some units have automatic shutoff points at low temperatures. Durability is a factor, and generally, the most durable units will often feature heavier, steel construction and cost you more.

What do I do when my dehumidifier stops working?

Your first step would be to reference the user manual to check any simple troubleshooting measures. While a dehumidifier is a simple appliance, there are several things that could go wrong with it. From sensors, air filters and a humidistat to heating and cooling coils there are several aspects of a dehumidifier that could be malfunctioning. Some have filters that need to be changed, other times a certain feature has stopped working such, as a faulty humidistat causing the dehumidifier to run constantly. In most instances you will want to locate your closest servicing dealer. Contact the manufacturer and they can point you in the right direction. With an Ebac, Santa Fe and sometimes Dri-Eaz models you can often order replacement parts for a DIY repair. If the dehumidifier is under warranty the repairs likely will cost little if anything at all. Though, sometimes you may have to pay to ship it to a repair facility. If your unit is beyond its warranty, you may find it less expensive to purchase a new dehumidifier rather than repair your current one. If this is the case, contact the manufacturer or a local organization about recycling options. As with all of our products should you have a problem with a dehumidifier you purchased from us at AchooAllergy.com, contact customer service, toll-free, at 1-800-339- for an exchange of a defective or malfunctioning dehumidifier.

Should I keep the box?

Should a dehumidifier you purchase from us encounter problems due to no fault of your own within 60 days of purchase, you can contact customer service to obtain a Return Authorization number and exchange the unit. For this reason, we recommend you keep the box your dehumidifier arrived in for at least 60 days. If you have the storage space you may want to keep the box for as long as the manufacturer’s warranty time period.

For more commercial ducted dehumidifier(es,vi,ar)information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

How do I maintain my dehumidifier?

There is very little regular maintenance required for dehumidifiers. For most models, including Danby, Soleus, and Stadler Form, you simply unpack them and plug them in. The primary maintenance with these units is disposing of the water collected in the drip/condensate tanks. Most come with convenient built in handles so after you slide the bucket out of the unit you can easily carry it outside or to your drain to dump. A more convenient option is to port your dehumidifier. Nearly all of these units come with a small port toward the bottom or on the back off the unit. From this port you run a small hose to an existing drain. Some people find it best to tie this drain line into your existing HVAC drain line (for moisture produced by your air conditioner) or possibly to a basement drain. From time to time you may want to check the tank and make sure it is clean and check the drain line (if ported) for blockage. If the unit has a removable cover you should check and clean the condensing coils annually. Air filters are often a coarse mesh that can simply be vacuumed or rinsed off. Air dry and reinstall them.

Are dehumidifiers heavy?

The larger the unit means the heavier it will be. Though medium to large home units weigh between 35 and 55 pounds most come equipped with casters, so on hard surfaces, moving them is not difficult. The smaller units (20 to 35 pounds), usually have hand holds built into the sides and some of these units have casters as well. For our commercial/industrial Ebac dehumidifiers the weight can range from 50 lbs. to as much as 353 lbs. AprilAire and Santa Fe models are also heavy crawlspace/basement dehumidifiers, but generally once in place, you do not move them. The all steel construction of most of these dehumidifiers lends itself not only to their heavy-duty, durable nature, but also to their increased weight. The weight for each dehumidifier we sell is listed in the specifications section on each product’s webpage.

How loud is a dehumidifier?

As with any appliance that has a fan, the higher the fan setting the more noise these units will make. Honestly, for those who have owned older dehumidifiers, you likely will find that many of the home or room models we offer are much quieter than what you are used to. For those who have never owned a dehumidifier, the noise level may seem loud, particularly when close to the machine. To give you some comparison, the noise equivalent for most of these models is that of a basic air purifier. On higher settings the noise may keep you up at night if the unit is in your room, but on the lower settings, the noise is comparable to white noise which actually helps many people sleep. With the commercial models we offer, the noise can be greater, but these units are typically used outdoors, in industrial settings, and often locations where noise is not a primary concern. Crawlspace and basement dehumidifiers are often quiet enough that the only time you may hear them is if you are directly over them when the house is completely quiet. Other than this, the noise level blends into the everyday sounds found in a typical home. The quietest dehumidifier we offer is the Stadler Form Albert. On its highest setting it is quieter than comparable Danby, Soleus, or any other room dehumidifier on its LOWEST fan setting.

Can I safely recycle the water my dehumidifier produces?

This is a “yes, but” answer. If you are not porting water away from your dehumidifier, there are many things you can do with the condensate that your dehumidifier produces. Keep in mind that the water produced by air conditioners and dehumidifiers is not meant for human consumption. While it will often initially be free of pathogens, it can stagnate quickly.  If the tank is not kept clean, the water could become contaminated if fungi or other organisms begin to grow in your tank. What also makes it unfit for human consumption is that dehumidifier water often lacks the mineral and inorganic substances that make water potable. This also means you should not use the water to fill your pet’s water dish.

The best use is for watering your plants or gardens. Here in Georgia, where water seems to be at a premium due to a prolonged drought, you can use your dehumidifier water to water your indoor plants or use it outside for a vegetable garden, flowers, or other landscaping you may have. While you cannot drink the water, it still can be put to good use.

Depending on the environment, this same advice will hold true for our commercial/industrial dehumidifiers. The exception would be while using a dehumidifier in an environment where there is toxic and harmful chemicals in the air. In these instances the condensate produced may contain these substances and should be handled accordingly.

How will using a dehumidifier impact my power bill?

The majority of the home/room dehumidifiers we offer are Energy Star compliant. Looking for dehumidifiers with the Energy Star logo will help to ensure that your purchase is not wasting electricity. Differences in your power bill will vary according to size and how often the unit runs during an average month, but you can probably expect that with daily usage your cost of operation to range from $5 to an additional $10-$15 per month. Again, this will vary depending on the model you choose and how often it is used. For basements and crawlspaces, the most energy efficient model available today is the Santa Fe Impact XT dehumidifier. It exceeds Energy Star minimum requirements by 50% and removes more water per kilowatt of power than any other model available. As a final note, you will find that often the larger dehumidifiers are Energy Star compliant while many smaller ones will lack this designation.

With our commercial dehumidifiers power consumption will vary greatly with use. Some are built for extremely large or damp environments and actually run on 220V instead of the 110V found in most home receptacles. The larger motors and fans found in these units also lend themselves to greater power consumption.

What are other ways I can reduce moisture in my home?

This is one of the dehumidifier FAQs that shouldn’t be overlooked as reducing moisture at the source can help to reduce the problem before it starts. There are several other things you can do, in conjunction with the use of a dehumidifier, to help reduce the level of humidity in your home. First, make sure there are no leaks or seepage in and around your home. Improper landscaping, leaking pipes, faulty gutters and clogged drains can all increase the amount of water and moisture in and around your home. Next, use your dryer. Some of us like to allow certain articles of clothing to air dry for fear of shrinkage in the dryer. By allowing laundry to air dry in your home, you are increasing the overall humidity levels. Always remember to use exhaust fans whenever possible. While using the dryer helps, inspect the vent to make sure it is actually vented to the exterior of your home and inspect the hose for cracks or leaks. In the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can quickly remove excess moisture out of your home. By keeping doors open in your home you can allow air to circulate from room to room. By allowing heat to circulate, you can bring warm air to colder places where moisture is likely to condense. Lastly, it always helps to air out your home from time to time.

How often do I run my dehumidifier?

How often you run a dehumidifier depends on several factors, mainly – How humid is the space and what type of space is it? For living spaces, you may not want to run the dehumidifier as often since a common byproduct is heat. For instance, if the house is empty during the day while you are at work, it would be prudent to run the dehumidifier throughout the day with it set to shut off after a specified number of hours. This works really well when you also have and HVAC that can be programmed to cool the house more right before you get home. The less moisture in the air, the quicker the temperature will drop. If the space is a very humid or non-living space, it would be better to run the dehumidifier all throughout the hotter, wetter months where humidity levels are higher. For crawlspaces or basements running the dehumidifier throughout the humid season or year round is ideal. It reduces humidity levels in that space but also helps manage the temperature and humidity in the spaces above the basement or crawlspace. Every situation will be slightly different, but these are good general rules to follow.

What’s the difference between the Danby 70 Pint Dehumidifier Models?

In a nutshell, not too much. The DDRREE was first introduced several years ago, and enjoyed a long run as one of the most dependable and well rated home dehumidifiers on the market. The newer DDR70A1GP was essentially the same model. The performance was nearly identical as the internal components were all about the same. The specifications and dimensions were also very, very similar. The latest in the 70 pint line of dehumidifiers, the DDR70B3WP, is the most distinct of the these three. It now features an integrated condensate pump, eliminating the need for a separate pump when a floor drain isn’t nearby.

Am I forgetting anything?

If you have any questions about dehumidification, dehumidifiers, humidity and allergies, prices, or our policies, please call our customer services representatives at 1-800-339- or you can reach us via at [ protected].

When you’re ready, shop all dehumidifiers. If you found these dehumidifier FAQs helpful and want to learn more about dehumidifiers, humidity, or controlling excess moisture, visit any of these Learning Center resources.

Dehumidifier 101 - Basic Questions - Bogleheads.org

Dehumidifier 101 - Basic Questions

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Post by DarkHelmetII » Sat Sep 21, 1:25 pm

In a sq ft (including finished basement) house built in early 's. At this time of year humidity in basement in close to 70% and closer to 65% on the two upper floors. AC infrequently runs (we have a single stage and it's not THAT hot out - may consider 2-stage or variable stage condenser / heat hump but that is a larger discussion).

We currently have a 5 pint dehumidifier in the basement that we need to empty only ever 3 - 5 days. Given the humidity at 70% when AC is not running I assume this little thing simply can't keep up?

Some more specific questions as I web search about dehumidifiers:
1) As the advertised pints increases, as one expects the advertised square footage increases. But this "ratio" is far from constant and even for the same pints the purported square footage differs based on brand. Is this simply marketing or are there engineering / design differences to consider?
2) Any key brands to avoid or alternatively thought to be higher quality?
3) Other than $$ / size / noise is there anything inherently wrong with getting a grossly "oversized" dehumidifier, e.g. one that is advertised for + sq feet? Will it ultimately suck more moisture out of the air?

All in all just looking for some general guidance. Given that the current dehumidifier is only 5 pints it's probably hard to go wrong with a 10X size for ~50 pints?

Re: Dehumidifier 101 - Basic Questions

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Post by Jack FFR » Sat Sep 21, 1:48 pm

Any dehumidifier is simply an air conditioner that doesn't blow hot air outside. I have no dehumidifier and one year, when the basement humidity got high, I took an unused AC, put it on a big pan and ran it. Worked great besides having to lift the AC off the pan to empty it. Something you could do if you have basement windows is to put a small AC into one of those windows. That also eliminates the need to empty any water. It drips outside.

If you want to just get a bigger, or second dehumidifier, you can certainly do that. Bogle: Smart Beta is stupid

Re: Dehumidifier 101 - Basic Questions

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Post by Vinny_in_NJ » Sat Sep 21, 2:20 pm

My thoughts ... I have a Sq Ft house with an unfinished basement which is not part of the Sq Ft; I bought a 50 pint dehumidifier just for the basement. I bought 1 which lasted a year and the company was excellent to deal with and gave me a new one even though the one I bought was slightly out of warranty. The new one didn't work nearly as well as the old one (when it worked) and the company refunded my purchase price. I used the replacement for about a year and a half and it stopped working.

Some things I found out. Unlike an AC unit bigger is better. They sell dehumidifiers that have an automatic pump to get rid of the water it collects and/or you can hook a hose to it and let it just gravity drain if a drain is lower than the unit. They produce a lot of heat just like the heat an AC does (they are basically working the same way). The new units tend NOT to last as long as the old units and from what I've read the general consensus besides cheaper quality the new gases being used need higher pressures and blow out things quicker; I'm not associated with the HVAC field so take this as passing on 2nd hand info.

Basically I looked into both home and commercial units and they both seem to have the same issues - they start freezing up or the stop dehumidifying after a year or so. Brands don't seem to matter - Hotpoint, GE, Hisense, Midea to name a few all have issues with failing after about a year or maybe 2. Commercial units that can remove a lot more pints per day and cost $$$ more also seem to have the same fate.

Since my 2nd unit stopped working I was thinking about buying a unit from a big box store, buying a 3 year warranty for $50-$60 (I'm not an extended warranty guy) so when it does break, the warranty will either give me a new one or refund my money but I haven't really looked into it. You can look at HD, Lowes, Amazon for 50 pint ones for around $300; if I remember correctly HD and Amazon also sold commercial ones. Maybe buying from a HVAC place will give you a better device, IDK.

As far as AC units go, my son had worked for a contractor that originally sold Trane and then Rheem and 2 stage units only work on low stage for approx 10 minutes before kicking into the 2nd stage if it senses,I guess through the thermostat rise and some onboard algorithm, it isn't working to raise/lower the temp so it might not prove to be any better than single stage. Multistage may be better but apparently he didn't install any even in high end houses. When I was replacing my HVAC back 20+ years ago the company said stay away from units that are complicated because a service tech may not be able to repair it quickly; being a former service tech in a different field I can say that's probably true!

Re: Dehumidifier 101 - Basic Questions

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Post by Joylush » Sat Sep 21, 2:22 pm

Get an Aprilaire dehumidifier. We have one for our roughly sq ft basement and it’s wonderful. It drains into the AC drainline, shuts off when the humidity reaches what you have it set to. I believe we have an 80 pt.

Re: Dehumidifier 101 - Basic Questions

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Post by UM70 » Sat Sep 21, 2:38 pm

DarkHelmetII wrote: Sat Sep 21, 1:25 pm ....just looking for some general guidance
I had success this summer with two Hisense dehumidifiers I got at Home Depot.

My new construction is one floor with a full size unfinished basement. Both are 1,700 sq. ft.

In the basement I have a 50 pint DHK1W that's set to run automatically with a target of 50% humidity. A hose drains into the sump system so I don't have to empty it manually.

On the first floor I have a 25 pint DHK1W that also runs automatically with a target of 50% humidity. This one I empty manually; during the absolute worst summer heat this was once in the early evening and then once in the morning.

I have a ThermPro temperature/humidity gauge on the main floor with it's remote gauge in the basement. It's easy to make sure everything is working as planned.

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Post by Watty » Sat Sep 21, 3:12 pm

DarkHelmetII wrote: Sat Sep 21, 1:25 pm We currently have a 5 pint dehumidifier in the basement....
A dehumidifier which is rated at 5 pints is basically a toy which might be appropriate for something like a small camper trailer. For a full size unfinished basement we use one which is about 45 or 50 pints and realistically it may be a bit on the small size. It is elevated on a sturdy shelf so that it can drain into the drain pipe which our washing machine drains into so that we never need to empty it.

It may also not be working well if it takes several days to fill when the humidity is 70%.
DarkHelmetII wrote: Sat Sep 21, 1:25 pm At this time of year humidity in basement in close to 70% and closer to 65% on the two upper floors. AC infrequently runs (we have a single stage and it's not THAT hot out - may consider 2-stage or variable stage condenser / heat hump but that is a larger discussion).


It was not clear if you have your windows opened up most of the day and the humidity is that high just because it is the same as it is outside.

If your house is closed up and the humidity is that high then that is a serious problem and in addition to not being comfortable there is risk that you will have black mold that starts to grow in your house. I would suggest that you have a HVAC company in to see what they suggest. There are whole house dehumidifiers which can be put into your existing system and some thermostats are have a humidity gage built into them and may be able to run the AC when the humidity is too high.

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Post by InvisibleAerobar » Sat Sep 21, 3:34 pm

DarkHelmetII wrote: Sat Sep 21, 1:25 pm In a sq ft (including finished basement) house built in early 's. At this time of year humidity in basement in close to 70% and closer to 65% on the two upper floors. AC infrequently runs (we have a single stage and it's not THAT hot out - may consider 2-stage or variable stage condenser / heat hump but that is a larger discussion).

We currently have a 5 pint dehumidifier in the basement that we need to empty only ever 3 - 5 days. Given the humidity at 70% when AC is not running I assume this little thing simply can't keep up?

Some more specific questions as I web search about dehumidifiers:
1) As the advertised pints increases, as one expects the advertised square footage increases. But this "ratio" is far from constant and even for the same pints the purported square footage differs based on brand. Is this simply marketing or are there engineering / design differences to consider?
2) Any key brands to avoid or alternatively thought to be higher quality?
3) Other than $$ / size / noise is there anything inherently wrong with getting a grossly "oversized" dehumidifier, e.g. one that is advertised for + sq feet? Will it ultimately suck more moisture out of the air?

All in all just looking for some general guidance. Given that the current dehumidifier is only 5 pints it's probably hard to go wrong with a 10X size for ~50 pints?
None of the $150-$350 dehumidifers has a good track record. This wasn't the case ~10-15 yrs ago, but it is now.

The strategy for such dehumidifiers is to purchase from Costco, which has a prolonged return period for items with defects. Make the purchase using credit card giving an extra year of warranty just in case. If you get in running for 4+ years, count that as a win.

Aprilaire as mentioned below is generally considered to be higher quality, but those humidifiers are a lot more spendy.
Joylush wrote: Sat Sep 21, 2:22 pm Get an Aprilaire dehumidifier. We have one for our roughly sq ft basement and it’s wonderful. It drains into the AC drainline, shuts off when the humidity reaches what you have it set to. I believe we have an 80 pt.
How much did the set-up cost you? I believe the unit connects directly to the HVAC ducts?

Aprilaire is a company local to me, and if the additional cost isn't too much, I'd like to support it as opposed to having a string of bad luck with the likes of Hisense and Midea

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Post by Bengineer » Sat Sep 21, 5:29 pm

OP, You could lower your AC setpoint in the shoulder seasons. AC will run more, pull more water out of the air. More sophisticated thermostats with a hygrometer will "droop" the temp when the relative humidity (RH) is above setpoint.

Do you have AC supply & return in the finished basement? Remember, it's relative humidity. your basement is likely cooler, and so the relative humidity will be higher than in the warmer floors upstairs even though the absolute humidity is the same or close.

As to dehumidifiers. I don't think bigger is better. I believe you want the dehumidifer to run a long time, slowly pulling the RH down to setpoint. A high-capacity dehumidifier will rapidly pull the RH down around it, causing it to cycle often, shortening its life.

I recommend you get the smallest dehumidifier you think will keep up. Try a 20-pint. I have one keeping a 900 square foot not-very-well-sealed shop dry and it doesn't run anywhere near 24/7. Drain it to a sump or get one with a pump to move the condensate to a drain.

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Post by Sweaty » Sat Sep 21, 6:41 pm

After I sealed and insulated my rim joists, my basement was much drier, warmer in the winter, insects and rodents disappeared, and much electricity was saved.

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Post by StrongMBS » Sun Sep 22, 10:33 am

First, yes you need a larger dehumidifier, trying to search online about sizing dehumidifiers and you will see for an area of 1,000 sq ft (guessing on your basement size) at 70% needs at least a 50-pint dehumidifier. I would start there. Is your basement all one room?

Second, are you sure your dehumidifier is set up correctly? Generally, a dehumidifier running 24/7 in an area below its setpoint should have to be emptied every day.

A finished basement does not mean it was sealed properly so you might have to always run a dehumidifier in the basement. More information about your house would be needed to understand how to solve the upper floors but first the basement humidity would need to be lowered, especially if there is an air return in the basement.

Here is a thread that I posted to that you might find helpful: “Basement is freezing due to HVAC - thoughts/fixes?” (viewtopic.php?t= ).

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Post by crefwatch » Sun Sep 22, 11:19 am

Like other posters, I've had a lot of big-box store and premium (formerly) American refrigerator brands fail the day after the warranty expired. I have some low-cost rating sites (like Wirecutter with my NY Times subscription) that helped me choose my current model, which has lasted longer.

We can't comment on your dehumidifier's capacity if you dont' say that it runs "all the time". Have your tried turning the humidistat down one notch at a time to see what happens? That amount of emptying is not correct. If it's too humid in the basement, you should be emptying it every day until it gets near what you want.

Not urging you, because it involves handyman skills, and another $150, but I bought a condensate pump (like your gas furnace or split-ductless A/C might have, so that I didn't have to empty the dehumidifier. But, today, many mid or high-end dehumidifiers come with a built in pump. I drilled a hole in the sill of the house, but you might have a laundry sink you can reach with the pump's hose (??)

Anyone with a watery device in the basement should buy (big box hardware store) a water alarm, which has two bare contacts against the floor, and uses a 9V battery to report standing water on the floor. I have another one by the water heater, and by the washing machine. Well worth the $18 (?) each.

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Post by yankees60 » Sun Sep 22, 7:27 pm

Somehow I was led to buy this one, which has over 54,000 ratings at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9MFTZZ/?r ... l_huc_item
hOmeLabs Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier - Ideal for Medium to Large Rooms, Bedrooms and Home Basements - Powerful Moisture Removal and Humidity Control - 35 Pint (Previously 50 Pint)

It two years ago today I started using it. However, to reduce electricity use I have it set at a relatively high 75% humidity level. Even at that high a level it can fill about every day in the high humidity season.

A friend bought the same unit after I bought mine and runs it a much lower humidity level, which means it runs far more
often than mine. He also has not had any issues with his. Above provided by: Vinny, who always says: "I only regret that I have but one lap to give to my cats." AND "I'm a more-is-more person."

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Post by Tundrama » Mon Sep 23, 5:56 am

I’m generally an anti warranty purchaser.

That said, these machines, depending on luck, the alignment of the planets, etc, can wear out in 6 months or four years…

Buy the extended warranty for any HD or lowes versions.

We love the portable versions. A dry home is a happy home.

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Post by physics911 » Mon Sep 23, 11:55 am

Echoing what many have already said. 1) bigger is better (up to a point) 2) Get a warranty or buy on a card that provides extended warranty.

My number 3) would be to use the garden hose method to get the water outside. This is a far better solution than continually emptying, and particularly when you are in the initial stages of getting everything dried-out. If you are at all handy, running a hose through the wall is fairly straightforward.

I don't remember off the top of my head which one we got at Home Depot, I want to say GE, but I remember we paid about $275 for it and it is keeping about sq. ft. at 45% or below in the hot and humid southern Appalachian mountains. 50% Total US, 20% Total ex US, 30% Total US Bond

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Post by Catalina25 » Mon Sep 23, 1:11 pm

My Dad had a dehumidifier in the basement which required emptying the tank periodically, more than he wanted to do, so he added a drain hose to the removable tank then parked the dehumidifier over a basement drain. No more emptying the tank. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” - Henry Ford

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Post by SpaghettiLegs » Mon Sep 23, 2:13 pm

Contact us to discuss your requirements of ultrasonic humidifier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

I have the one from Amazon listed a few posts above. Bought it 5 years ago and it’s still going strong. My basement is large, mostly finished but has no HVAC. Our first summer in the house 6 years ago, the whole house stayed very humid and I figured out it was the fan on the A/C (2 zone but not in basement) ran nearly continuously drawing in outside humid air. I fixed that problem and got the above dehumidifier for the basement. I set it pretty low, usually at 60% and it will fill up about every day and a half in mid summer.

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