Excess humidity in the air inside your home is more than just uncomfortable – it's a threat to your home and health. High moisture enables mold, mildew, musty odors, and even structural damage from wood rot. It doesn't sound like an ideal living environment, does it? The solution to this problem is simple: invest in a high efficiency dehumidifier.
Why Is Controlling Humidity Important?
Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30-50% is crucial for creating a healthy, comfortable living space. It prevents moisture-related issues and reduces allergens, which is especially important for those with respiratory conditions. Let's not forget the added benefit of helping your air conditioning system run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.
But how do you know if you have excess humidity? One easy way is to use a hygrometer, a nifty device that measures relative humidity. Another method is the ice cube test: place ice cubes in a glass, wait a few minutes, and check for condensation forming on the outside. If any of these methods indicate high humidity levels, it's time to invest in a dehumidifier. If you’re a first-time homeowner, we’ve listed some steps to help you find the one that is right for you.
Key Features to Look For
When searching for the best energy efficient dehumidifier, you'll want to prioritize models with:
High Capacity & Coverage Area: Match the unit's rated pints per day (PPD) capacity to your square footage and humidity levels. Larger spaces require higher PPD ratings.
Energy Efficiency Certifications: ENERGY STAR models meet strict efficiency standards. Look for high Integrated Energy Factor (IEF) ratings measured in liters per kilowatt-hour.
Automatic Defrost: Prevents coil freezing, allowing operation in low temperatures like basements and crawlspaces.
Continuous Drainage: Built-in pumps enable hands-free, continuous operation without emptying tanks.
Smart Features: WiFi controls, humidity sensors, and auto restart offer the ultimate convenience.
Features are important, but getting the right size is equally important. It needs to have the right capacity for the dimensions of your home or the space it will be used to dehumidify.
Sizing It Right
Sizing is crucial – an undersized unit will struggle to keep up with your home's moisture levels. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Damp Rooms (50-70% humidity):500 sq ft: 20-40 pint unit
2. Very Damp (70%+ humidity):500 sq ft: 30-45 pint unit
3. Basements/Whole Homes:1800-2200 sq ft: 70-100 pint unit
Consider upgrading to a higher capacity if you frequently have to empty the water tank or humidity issues persist even when running your current dehumidifier.
5 Best Energy Efficient Dehumidifier Picks
1. AlorAir Crawl Space Sentinel HDi90
Don't let the compact size fool you – this Energy Star-certified crawl space dehumidifier packs a powerful punch with 198 PPD saturation capacity (90 PPD AHAM rated). It can effectively dehumidify spaces up to 2,600 sq ft while operating in temperatures as low as 36°F thanks to an auto defrost system. Corrosion-resistant coated coils, a 5-year warranty, and a continuous drainage option make it an ideal choice for damp, low-clearance areas like basements and crawlspaces.
2. AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme
This commercial dehumidifier packs an impressive 180 PPD capacity to tackle even the toughest jobs. Its built-in pump allows for continuous, hands-free drainage, while WiFi controls let you monitor performance and make adjustments remotely. With cETL safety listing, dual duct design for enhanced airflow, and rugged, corrosion-resistant construction, it excels at water damage restoration, crawlspace drying, and other demanding applications. The 5-year warranty provides added peace of mind.
3. Abestorm Energy Star Dehumidifier Guardian SN90
The Abestorm Guardian SN90 is a powerful crawl space dehumidifier, designed to deliver superior humidity control in damp and subterranean environments. With the capacity to remove up to 198 pints of moisture per day, this unit is ideal for large basements and crawl spaces, ensuring your space stays dry and comfortable. Its portable design with rolling casters and handles provides the flexibility to use it in large basements, warehouses, job sites, or any space up to 8,000 sq ft.
4. AprilAire E100 Pro
Purpose-built for basements and crawlspaces up to 5,500 sq ft, this 100 PPD Energy Star qualified model features a commercial-grade, corrosion-resistant aluminum coil for years of reliable service. It can operate in temperatures down to 49°F and includes an auto-restart feature to resume dehumidification after power outages. The sleek, low-profile design allows for unobtrusive installation.
5. Santa Fe Compact70
With 70 PPD of dehumidification power, this portable unit is perfect for crawlspaces, basements, and other areas up to 2,600 sq ft. Its compact size and top handle make it easy to move from room to room as needed. User-friendly features like auto-restart, a washable air filter, and operation down to 41°F add convenience. The Compact70 is an affordable option for smaller spaces.
Benefits for Different Applications
For basements and crawlspaces, the corrosion-resistant AlorAir Basement model and AprilAire E100 Pro are excellent choices with their low-temperature operation and compact designs. If you need whole-home humidity control, the high-capacity Waykar and AlorAir Storm models can cover up to 8,000 sq ft.
The commercial-grade Storm LGR Extreme really shines for water damage restoration jobs, with its dual duct design and impressive 180 PPD capacity to quickly dry out flooded areas. On the other hand, the lightweight Santa Fe Compact70 offers easy portability for moving between rooms in a home as needed.
Maintenance & Operating Tips
To get the most out of your energy-efficient dehumidifier and ensure it operates at peak performance, follow these simple maintenance and operating tips. First, set the humidity levels between 30-50% for optimal comfort and moisture control – this sweet spot will prevent issues like mold growth and musty odors while maintaining a healthy living environment. Regularly cleaning the air filters is also crucial, as it allows for proper airflow and maintains the unit's efficiency.
Don't forget to take advantage of energy-saving features like auto-restart, which can help reduce your energy costs. During the summer months, consider running your dehumidifier in tandem with your air conditioning system for whole-home humidity management and maximum comfort.
No matter which application, all these energy efficient dehumidifiers will help protect your home from moisture-related issues like mold, wood rot, and musty odors - while keeping energy costs down. Consider factors like capacity, low-temperature operation, drainage options, and smart features to find the perfect fit.
If you're ready to take control of your indoor air quality and protect your biggest investment, look no further than AlorAir. We offer a wide range of top-performing, energy efficient dehumidifiers designed to tackle even the toughest moisture problems.
