A Guide To Purchasing a Dehumidifier
If you live in a very humid or moist environment, such as in the south or in areas that do not receive much sunlight because of high trees, it may be very important to have a dehumidifier. High humidity can cause the growth of mold and mildew, and this will not be a good thing for your house or your health. Following is a guide to purchasing the right dehumidifier for your needs.
Types of Dehumidifiers
There are dehumidifiers made for basements and other areas of the home. The ideal dehumidifier should take in lots of moisture. There are two main types of dehumidifiers: refrigerative types work by driving moist air over a refrigerated coil using a small fan. The other type is dessicantive. This type of dehumidifier uses a dessicant material to make the air to dehumidify.
There are a few things to contemplate when you are ready to purchase a dehumidifier. You will want it to have a container that is easy to empty; a washable air filter for cleaning with ease; an power switch; easy-to-read controls; a sufficient capacity; and be economical. The most important consideration, however, is capacity. You will want to be sure the dehumidifier you acquire has the capacity to eliminate as much moisture as possible.
Ratings
You can check ratings and reviews of dehumidifers. The consumer website www.wize.com/dehumidifiers is a great place to start. The site provides an overall score to each item based on numerous reviews, so you will get a well researched sense of what product is recommended highly.
Technical Specifications
Technical specifications will vary according to the capacity of the dehumidifier. A $350 machine will remove about 65 pints of water in 24 hours. It dehumidifies a room of about 1,300 square feet. A model in this price range is believed to have a high capacity and good performance rating. It may also have touchpad controls, with a digital display of temperature and humidity. It will have a washable filter and easy access for water removal.
Price
Dehumidifiers may be quite costly, depending on the size of your basement. You will need a standing model in a basement, and possibly in a crawlspace. Most standing dehumidifiers will cost in excess of $200 and up to over $3,000. This is because they are made to remove a certain quantity of moisture in the air. On the other side of the spectrum, you can buy a $69.00 portable dehumidifier that can be used for the office, or used in a bathroom. It is not meant to remove a substantial amount of moisture, but it can be effective in a small space. Visit www.wize.com/dehumidifiers for further information on models and prices
Designs
Designs of dehumidifiers are pretty similar. Virtually all that will be placed in a basement or room at home are going to be standing models. Some will be circular, and others rectangular. Some may have some interesting shapes. You can check out the variety of dehumidifier models at www.wize.com/dehumidifiers.
Where to Shop
Dehumidifiers can be bought in major home supply stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. You can first see the full line of dehumidifiers online, which most often offers the best pricing. You can see price, model and capacities so that you know which model is optimal for your home needs.
Tags: electrical, house additions, home fix-up, landscaping, home improvement
Posted in Appliances