Consumer Reports Best Dehumidifiers

Consumer Reports Best Dehumidifiers

If you are in the market for a dehumidifier, you may be wondering which one is the best option for you. There are a lot of different models on the market, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your needs. In this blog post, we will compare some of the best dehumidifiers on the market and help you decide which one is right for you. We will also discuss some of the features that you should look for when choosing a dehumidifier. So, if you are ready to learn more about dehumidifiers, keep reading!

Top 10 Best Dehumidifiers

*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating).

What are dehumidifiers?

Dehumidifiers are machines that remove moisture from the air. They are often used in basements and rooms with high water tables, but they can also be placed in other areas of your home to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth. Dehumidifiers work by drawing air through a filter, which collects any dust and grime it comes across before passing it over a refrigeration unit. This cold coil condenses the water vapor in the air, allowing you to collect it in a reservoir underneath your dehumidifier.

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Benefits of dehumidifiers:

Here are some of the benefits of using a dehumidifier:

-You’ll save money on your energy bills by using less air conditioning—dehumidifiers help cool down indoor temperatures by removing moisture from the air. This reduces how much you need to run your air conditioner, so you’ll spend less money on electricity.

-Your furniture will last longer—mold and mildew can be very damaging to furniture over time, but dehumidifying can help prevent damage caused by these things happening inside your house. When moisture is removed from furniture surfaces, it helps prevent damage from occurring due to condensation buildup within their structure.

-You’ll reduce the amount of dust in your home—the process of removing moisture from the air also helps to capture dust particles, reducing their number and making them less likely to spread throughout the house.

-You’ll feel better—a dehumidifier can help reduce the amount of dust in your home, which makes it easier to breathe, reduces sneezing and coughing, and can even improve your allergies.

-You’ll have fewer mold problems—mold needs moisture to grow, so removing moisture from the air will make it less likely for mold to form on surfaces inside your house.

-Your air conditioner will last longer—if you live in a humid climate where humidity is often high, then using a dehumidifier instead of an air conditioner can save you money on electricity bills by reducing the amount of energy needed for cooling.

-You’ll have fewer allergies—a dehumidifier can help reduce the amount of dust in your home, which makes it easier to breathe, reduces sneezing and coughing, and can even improve your allergies.

-You’ll be more comfortable when you’re sleeping—if you live in a humid climate where humidity is often high, then using a dehumidifier instead of an air conditioner can save you money on electricity bills by reducing the amount of energy needed for cooling.

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The pros and cons of dehumidifiers

Pros:

-Dehumidifiers are ideal for rooms that need to be dried out, such as basements or bathrooms.

-If your home has mold problems, a dehumidifier can help prevent further issues by removing excess moisture from the air.

-These devices can also be used to remove excess moisture from your home’s HVAC system, which helps to prevent clogs and other issues with the cooling system in your home.

Cons:

-Though dehumidifiers are designed to help you breathe easier by reducing allergens and dust in your home, they’re not as effective at this task as other options like air purifiers or HEPA filters.

How to use dehumidifiers?

Dehumidifiers are a great way to remove moisture from the air in your home. They are especially useful for those who suffer from allergies, as they remove allergens and mold spores. They also help prevent damage caused by excess moisture in the air, such as wood rot and other structural damage.

Dehumidifiers can be quite expensive, so it’s important that you use them properly. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your dehumidifier:

  1. Place the dehumidifier in a location where it will be easily accessible but not in direct sunlight or drafts.
  2. Install the drain hose correctly and place it on a flat surface near an outlet where it can easily drain into a bucket or sink (make sure you empty this bucket or sink regularly). If there isn’t an outlet near where it needs to drain, you may want to consider using a sump pump instead of draining into a bucket/sink; however, this option is more expensive than using a standard drain hose with an outlet nearby and may require professional installation by someone who specializes in sump pump installations (usually plumbers).
  3. Check your dehumidifier’s settings periodically throughout the year to make sure it’s running at the right settings for your home and humidity levels. If you’re using a portable model, check the water bucket regularly to ensure that it’s not full. If it is, empty it out and let the dehumidifier run until it has removed enough moisture from the air to produce another full bucket again.
  4. Make sure that the dehumidifier is properly installed and working correctly. If not, it may not be able to remove moisture from the air effectively, which could cause water damage in your home.
  5. Make sure that you have the necessary tools on hand to fix any problems with your dehumidifier. If it stops working while you’re away from home, you’ll need to know how to troubleshoot the problem and fix it before returning home in order to prevent further damage.
  6. Make sure that the dehumidifier is properly installed and working correctly. If not, it may not be able to remove moisture from the air effectively, which could cause water damage in your home.
  7. Turn off the power to your unit when you’re away from home for extended periods of time or when you plan on leaving it unused for more than two days at a time. If you don’t, you run the risk of it overheating and causing damage to your home.
  8. Make sure that the unit has a clean filter in place before turning on the power again. If not, dust or debris could get sucked into the fan’s intake and clog it up, which will prevent air from being circulated throughout your home.
  9. Check the air filter once a month to make sure that it’s clean. If you don’t, dirt and debris from outside could get sucked into the unit and clog up its fan, preventing it from circulating air throughout your home.
  10. Contact a professional HVAC technician if any of these problems persist after cleaning or adjusting your unit yourself. If you’re still experiencing problems with your unit, make sure that it’s not being damaged by outside forces. If possible, make sure that there are no trees or bushes close to the house where they could fall and damage the unit.
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Common mistakes when using dehumidifiers

When using a dehumidifier, it’s important to make sure you don’t make any of these common mistakes.

  1. Not cleaning the filter regularly – Filters need to be cleaned and replaced regularly, or they can become clogged with mold, bacteria and other particles that will cause the dehumidifier to work less effectively.
  2. Using it in an area with poor air circulation – If you are going to use a dehumidifier in an area where there is little air circulation (like a basement), make sure you use one with a fan that can ventilate the room properly.
  3. Setting up your unit incorrectly – If you’re setting up your unit for the first time or moving it from one location to another, read the instructions carefully before operating it so that you don’t damage any parts or cause leaks in your home’s structure by using incorrect mounting equipment or installing the unit too close to walls or other structures (such as windows).
  4. Using the unit while it is leaking water – If you notice that your unit is leaking water, don’t use it until you have repaired the leak.
  5. Using an unvented propane or natural gas water heater – These types of heaters are not safe to use indoors because the carbon monoxide they produce can be dangerous if it is vented improperly.
  6. Running the unit without adequate ventilation – Make sure that you have enough ventilation in your home so that carbon monoxide does not build up in the air around your unit and cause health problems for you and your family members.
  7. Using an extension cord – Do not use an extension cord with your water heater. It will reduce the flow of water and cause it to overheat, which can damage the unit.
  8. Running an electric water heater without a ground fault circuit interrupter – Electric units are safer than gas units because they do not emit carbon monoxide during operation (but they still require ventilation).
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Factors to consider before buying dehumidifiers

Noise levels: 

Some people like to run their dehumidifier at night while they sleep, so they want one that’s quiet. Others don’t mind the sound, but it might get annoying if it’s too loud for them to sleep through. You should also consider whether or not you have a roommate or family member who might be annoyed by the noise as well.

Ease of use and cleaning: 

You’ll need to clean your dehumidifier occasionally—usually once every two weeks or so—so it’s important that you find one that’s easy for you to clean without needing any tools or special instructions from the manufacturer.

Brand: 

Brand name products have a reputation for being high quality but also cost more money. In some cases, it may be worth paying extra for a brand name—but not always! When considering a product’s brand, ask yourself if the extra money will be worth it in the long run. If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful that will do its job well enough without breaking down after just a few months or weeks (like some no-name brands), then go ahead and buy one of those instead. They’ll still get the job done at a fraction of the price!

Material: 

Dehumidifiers come in three materials: plastic, metal and stainless steel. Plastic is less expensive and durable than metal or stainless steel, but requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance because it absorbs odors and stains easily. Metal tends to be stronger than plastic but can be more expensive than plastic models with similar features. Stainless steel units are typically heavy and expensive but are also easier to clean than other types of units because they don’t absorb odors or stains like plastics do.

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Energy efficiency: 

The more energy efficient your dehumidifier, the less money it will cost you to run it. If you’re looking for a high-end model that can handle large rooms and humid conditions, then look for one with an Energy Star rating on it—these units have been tested by independent organizations as being up to 30% more efficient than standard models.

Warranty: 

Some warranties cover only defects in workmanship, while others also cover parts that may fail after normal use. Many companies offer additional coverage on top of these standard warranties as well; this is usually reflected in higher prices but may be worth it if your unit breaks down too often or under extreme conditions.

Customer Service:

The best way to get the most out of your dehumidifier is by getting it serviced regularly. If you have any questions or concerns about how to use your device, or if it’s not working well enough for your needs, then contact the manufacturer for help. You should also be able to find customer service numbers on their website or in the manual that comes with the product.

Price:

Not all dehumidifiers are created equally—in fact, some might cost much more than others and still perform equally poorly! You should look at all options available before making a final decision on which one is right for you. The best way to do this is by comparing prices across different retailers (including online options) so that you can get an idea of what’s available within your budget range without having to spend hours searching through websites trying to find one specific product type – especially if there are multiple brands offering similar features at different prices!

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FAQs:

Where to place my dehumidifier?

You can place your dehumidifier in the basement, laundry room, or any other room in your home that is moist.

What is the average lifespan of a dehumidifier?

The lifespan of a dehumidifier is dependent on the brand and model. The average lifespan of a dehumidifier is between 10 to 15 years.

Conclusion:

A dehumidifier can be a great appliance to have in your home, especially if you live in an area with high humidity levels. By reducing the amount of moisture in the air, dehumidifiers can help prevent musty odors and excessive mold growth. If you’re in the market for a dehumidifier, be sure to check out our list of the best options on the market.

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