Buying the right size dehumidifier doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s easy to overlook details that make all the difference. The dehumidifier size isn’t about the physical dimensions of the unit; it’s about its capacity to remove pints of moisture from the air. For example, if you have a humid basement year-round, you'll likely consider a different product than you would use intermittently in your bathroom. Here’s what you need to know to pick the right dehumidifier for your space.
Understanding Dehumidifier Capacity
When we talk about size, we’re referring to what level of moisture the portable dehumidifiers can extract in a 24-hour period. This is usually measured in pints of water. The capacity you need depends on two factors: the size of the room and the levels of humidity.
- Small-capacity units: Typically remove 20–30 pints of moisture per day and are suitable for spaces up to 1,500 square feet with mild dampness level.
- Medium-capacity units: Extract 30–50 pints per day, ideal for spaces between 1,500 and 3,000 square feet or moderately damp areas.
- Large-capacity units: Larger models remove 50–70 pints or more per day, perfect for larger spaces over 3,000 square feet or severe excess humidity.
A good rule of thumb is to consider both the room’s square footage and how damp it feels.
Factors That Matters
There are a wide range of rooms, so consider these specific factors when choosing a type of dehumidifier:
- Room Size: Measure the length and width of the room, then multiply them to calculate the square footage. Larger rooms generally need larger capacity models to maintain effective humidity control.
- Humidity Level: Assess how damp the space feels. Some common indicators:
- Slightly damp: Feels humid but has no visible moisture issues.
- Moderately damp: Musty smell, damp surfaces, and occasional condensation on walls or windows.
- Very damp: High-humidity areas with excessive moisture, musty odor, consistent wet spots, or pooling water.
- Extremely wet: Walls and floors are wet to the touch, with water damage, mold growth, or mildew growth present.
Climate: If you live in naturally humid climates, you may need a larger dehumidifier capacity than the square footage alone would suggest.Room Use
- Damp basements or crawl spaces often need a larger size humidifier because they are prone to higher moisture levels.
- Bedrooms or living rooms with mild dampness might get by with a smaller unit.
Quick Capacity Guide for Common Scenarios
- 500–1,500 sq. ft. with light dampness: 20–30 pints of capacity
- 1,500–3,000 sq. ft. with moderate dampness: 30–50 pints of capacity
- 3,000+ sq. ft. with heavy dampness: 50+ pints of capacity
- Severely wet spaces (any size): Specialized large-capacity models
Tips for Choosing the Right Unit
Here are a few practical tips to help you pick the perfect dehumidifier size:
- Go one size up if you’re unsure. A slightly larger unit is better than one that might be the wrong size and struggles to keep up.
- Look for Energy Star ratings. Energy Star models are more energy efficient and save on energy bills. Check the product label for rating and approximate energy consumption amounts.
- Choose units with a built-in humidistat to automatically maintain the desired humidity level.
- Consider noise levels if you’ll be using it in a living space.
FAQ
Can I use one dehumidifier for multiple rooms?
It depends on the layout of your home. If the rooms are open and connected, a single, large-capacity dehumidifier might work. However, for closed-off spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms, individual units or a whole-house dehumidifier may be more effective.
What happens if I buy a dehumidifier that’s too small?
An undersized dehumidifier will struggle to remove enough excess moisture, meaning your space might stay damp and uncomfortable. It will also run continuously, potentially shortening its lifespan and increasing energy costs.
