What dehumidifier is best for your home? Learn all about dehumidifiers and how to select the best one for your space!

A dehumidifier is one of the most common household appliances. They are used to keep excess moisture and humidity out of your home. While doing this, they also keep mold and mildew at bay. If you notice that parts of your home have that “muggy” feeling that is typically reserved for hot summer days, chances are you may need to invest in a dehumidifier to help keep the air moisture to the right levels.

Certain spaces in your home are more prone to humidity than others. Basements and crawl spaces are typically the areas that need a dehumidifier more frequently than other areas in the home. If you experience the following in your home, it may be time to start shopping for a dehumidifier.

  1. You’ve noticed condensation on windows and glass doors.
  2. There are mold spots on walls, ceilings, and even window panes.
  3. Wet stains have appeared in different areas of your home, even in small patches.
  4. The air in your home has a musty or damp smell.
  5. These symptoms can cause damage to your home. More importantly, without treatment, can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

A dehumidifier can help remove the extra moisture from your home by pulling the damp air into the unit and redistributing the drier air back into your home using the attached fan.

Dehumidifiers are typically placed in common areas like:

  • Basements
  • Crawlspaces
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Indoor pool areas
  • Kitchens

Using your central air unit with your dehumidifier will also help keep the air in your home dry and cool. Before turning on your AC unit for regular use during the summer, call McMahon Services to help with cleaning your air conditioning ducts!

How does a dehumidifier remove the water from the air?

A dehumidifier uses a fan to pull water from the air and runs it through heat coils that are actually extremely cold! Moisture condenses on the coils and eventually collects in the attached bucket which fills until you empty it.

Some dehumidifiers have an internal pump that removes the water from the unit to another location, typically outside of your home. There are other types of dehumidifiers that support external pumps which will automate the water removal process. These units are used for larger amounts of moisture removal and the tank does not need to be emptied as regularly.

How to choose the right dehumidifier for your space

There are four different sizes of dehumidifiers from small capacity to whole-house capacity. To determine what size you will need for your home, first determine how much moisture you will need to remove from your space.

  • Small capacity dehumidifiers remove about 25 pints of moisture each day. These are used for small spaces.
  • Medium capacity will remove 45 to 50 pints of water per day, which is perfect for a medium sized basement.
  • A large capacity model will remove 75 pints of moisture, perfect for large or excessively damp areas.
  • A whole house dehumidifier is installed with a home’s HVAC system, removing  moisture in a home up to 3,000 square feet.

Your space will determine the right size dehumidifier for your home. It is best to size up if you are unsure. 

By using a dehumidifier, you reduce the risk of mildew and mold within your home. Mold thrives in wet environments and loves humid air. If you discover mold in your home, McMahon Services is here to help you. Contact us today for mold removal services. Our professional team of mold remediation specialists will remove all traces of mold and mildew, helping ensure that mold does not return. Call McMahon Services today for more information.