AHAM Dehumidifier Sizing Guidelines

Humidity can cause moisture damage inside your home.

Interior humidity can cause problems, such as creaking floors, condensation on windows and increased allergy symptoms. A high level of humidity can damage furnishings and promote the growth of mold. The right size dehumidifier can help.

Humidity Level

It is recommended that dwellings designed for human occupancy be kept at a humidity level of 30-50 percent in summer and between 30 and 40 percent in winter. Humidity levels are measured with an inexpensive hygrometer which can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Sizing

The size of a dehumidifier is based on the number of pints of water it can remove from the air in a 24-hour period and the square footage of your space. For example, if you have 2,000 square feet of space which is moderately affected by humidity you need a minimum of a 22-pint dehumidifier.

Recommendations

AHAM recommends purchasing a dehumidifier which is one size larger than the minimum size needed to ensure adequate functioning during occasional times of higher humidity. Purchasing a dehumidifier which is equipped with a humidistat is also recommended. A humidistat turns the machine off when the humidity reaches the set level so the home does not become too dry.

References

• Air-N-Water: Dehumidifier Buying Guide