Maintaining the proper humidity levels is key to comfort and air quality in small rooms. Excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and other issues. This guide will help you find the best dehumidifiers for small rooms, focusing on features, top models, and specialized options like crawl space dehumidifiers.
Why You Need a Dehumidifier in a Small Room
Mold and Mildew
High humidity is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth. Mold can damage belongings and pose health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Health Implications
Excess moisture can worsen allergies and respiratory problems by promoting the growth of dust mites and other allergens. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Dust mites rely on ambient moisture for growth and reproduction, although they can survive for prolonged periods in low humidity environments. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and skin irritation. Keeping humidity levels optimal can reduce these health risks and create a more comfortable living space.
Structural Damage
High humidity levels can lead to significant damage in a home, resulting in wood decay, metal corrosion, and concrete deterioration. These issues can compromise the structural integrity of your property, creating serious safety risks for its occupants. Controlling humidity with a small room dehumidifier helps maintain your home's structural integrity.
Key Features to Look for in a Dehumidifier for Small Rooms
Size and Capacity
Choose a compact dehumidifier that fits your room size. Smaller units are usually enough for small spaces.
Noise Levels
If you’re placing the dehumidifier in a bedroom or office, look for models with quiet operation.
Energy Efficiency
Opt for an energy-efficient dehumidifier to keep electricity bills low while effectively managing moisture.
Ease of Use
Features like auto-shutoff, adjustable humidity settings, and easy-to-empty water tanks enhance convenience.
Top Dehumidifiers for Small Rooms
AlorAir Sentinel HD55 - Best for Overall Performance
The AlorAir Sentinel HD55 is a versatile and powerful dehumidifier designed for use in both crawl spaces and basements. With a capacity to remove up to 55 pints of moisture per day at AHAM conditions, it effectively covers areas up to 1,300 square feet. This unit combines energy efficiency with advanced features such as a high-quality MERV-8 filter for improved air quality, an automatic defrost function for low-temperature operation, and a continuous drainage option for hassle-free moisture removal.
Pros:
1. Compact and versatile design
2. Quiet operation (<52 dB)
3. Durable metal construction
4. Remote control capability
Cons:
1. Larger footprint compared to some smaller models
Model 2: AlorAir Sentinel HD35P - Best for Small Spaces with High Humidity
The AlorAir Sentinel HD35P is a compact yet powerful dehumidifier specifically engineered for crawl spaces and smaller areas. Despite its smaller size, it boasts an impressive capacity of 70 pints per day, effectively managing moisture in spaces up to 1,000 square feet. This Energy Star-rated unit is designed with efficiency in mind, featuring a built-in pump for continuous drainage and a washable MERV-8 filter for improved air quality.
Pros:
1. Lightweight and portable
2. Easy to install
3. Efficient low-temperature operation
4. Built-in pump for continuous drainage
Cons:
1. Limited capacity for larger spaces compared to the HD55
Model 3: Frigidaire FFAD2233W1
Best for Quiet Operation in Small to Medium Rooms
The Frigidaire FFAD2233W1 is a reliable dehumidifier ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. With a capacity of 22 pints per day, this unit effectively removes excess moisture, making it perfect for spaces up to 500 square feet. It features a continuous drain option, allowing for hassle-free operation without the need to frequently empty the water tank.
Pros:
1. Quiet operation
2. Efficient moisture removal
3. Easy to use
Cons:
1. Larger footprint than some competitors
Model 4: Honeywell TP70AWK
Best for High Performance in Medium to Large Rooms
The Honeywell TP70AWK is known for its efficient moisture removal and compact design, making it a versatile choice for various room sizes. With a 30-pint capacity, it is suitable for spaces up to 1,500 square feet. This model features an adjustable humidistat, allowing for precise humidity control, and a washable filter that ensures clean air circulation.
Pros:
1. High performance
2. Energy-efficient
3. Built-in pump for continuous drainage
Cons:
1. Slightly noisier than other models
Model 5: Eva-Dry EDV-1100
Best for Very Small Rooms and Portability
The Eva-Dry EDV-1100 is a compact and portable dehumidifier designed for very small rooms. With an 8-ounce water tank, it is best suited for spaces like closets, bathrooms, or small bedrooms. Its eco-friendly design ensures silent operation, making it ideal for use in quiet environments.
Pros:
1. Silent operation
2. Small size
3. Easy to maintain
Cons:
1. Limited capacity, best for very small areas
Comparison of Small Room Dehumidifiers
When comparing the AlorAir Sentinel HD55 and HD35P to the Frigidaire FFAD2233W1, Honeywell TP70AWK, and Eva-Dry EDV-1100, AlorAir models stand out for their superior capacity and advanced features.
The Sentinel HD55 offers a 55-pint capacity for areas up to 1,300 sq. ft., with energy-efficient operation, a high-efficiency MERV-8 filter, and quiet performance. The HD35P, with a 70-pint capacity, is ideal for up to 1,000 sq. ft., featuring a built-in pump and low-temperature operation.
In contrast, the Frigidaire FFAD2233W1 has a 22-pint capacity, is suitable for smaller rooms, and is quiet but has a larger footprint. The Honeywell TP70AWK, with a 30-pint capacity and built-in pump, is efficient but noisier.
The Eva-Dry EDV-1100 is highly portable and silent but limited to very small areas with its 8-ounce capacity. Overall, AlorAir models provide strong, versatile solutions for various room sizes and humidity levels.
Sizing a Dehumidifier for Your Small Room
Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, recommends matching the dehumidifier to the square footage of the space it will occupy. It maximizes efficiency and prevents you from overspending on a dehumidifier that is too large for a smaller area, such as a home office, bathroom, or dorm.
When selecting a dehumidifier, consider the size of your room and the humidity levels. Smaller units are usually sufficient for spaces under 500 sq. ft., while larger areas may need higher-capacity models. Look for features like adjustable humidity settings, auto shut-off functions, and easy-to-empty water tanks. Noise levels are crucial, especially for bedroom dehumidifiers; choose a model known for quiet operation. Refer to dehumidifier capacity guidelines, which typically suggest:
1. 30 pints per day for rooms up to 500 sq. ft. (normal humidity)
2. 50 pints per day for rooms up to 1,000 sq. ft. (damp conditions)
3. 70 pints per day for rooms over 1,000 sq. ft. (very damp conditions)
If the ceiling height is greater than 8 feet, adjust the capacity requirement accordingly, as more air volume will require additional moisture removal. Consider how often the room is used and its purpose (e.g., laundry room, bathroom) to determine if a higher capacity is necessary.
This approach will help you select a dehumidifier with the appropriate capacity for your specific room conditions.
Find the Right Solution for You
AlorAir Crawlspace offers a comprehensive line of crawlspace dehumidifiers designed to tackle humidity problems in various settings. Like the Sentinel series, our products are built with advanced technology to provide reliable and efficient moisture control. Check out our expanded range of products to find the perfect solution for your home.
