How to Select a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is an important household appliance. It lowers the humidity level in your home by removing moisture from the air. This helps to reduce the chances of mildew, mold and dust mites forming or gathering in mass quantities in moist areas, such as your bathroom or basement. It also helps reduce allergens in the air and makes the air generally feel more comfortable. Before you select a dehumidifier, look into all your options. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Determine what capacity you need for your dehumidifier. Small-capacity models are portable and remove 25 pints of moisture or less from your home per day. Medium-capacity units are slightly larger, removing about 50 pints per day, and large-capacity dehumidifiers remove about 75 pints per day.
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Check the noise level of the dehumidifier before you select it. This is especially important if you plan to keep the dehumidifier in areas of your home where you plan to eat, watch television, relax or socialize.
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Look for a dehumidifier that's energy-efficient. An Energy Star model, which will have the Energy Star seal, will be about 10 to 20 percent more efficient than other dehumidifiers, according to Consumer Reports.
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Find out which extra features are available before you make your final selection. Some common dehumidifier features include a removable, easy to empty water reservoir, a power switch rather than a humidistat, a timer, wheels for easy movement on larger models and a washable air filter.
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Keep price in mind as you select your dehumidifier. The larger and more efficient the model, the more expensive it will be. However, getting a dehumidifier that's large enough for your home and that is more energy-efficient is generally worth the extra cost.
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