"What is a Dehumidifier?” and Other FAQs About Dehumidifiers

Humidity is a bigger issue than most people think, yet it often gets overlooked. For some, it manifests all year through damp walls, mold, worsening allergies, and poor indoor air quality. For others, it comes and goes, making it easy to forget until the damage is already visible.

The simple fix? A dehumidifier.

Installing them is one of the easiest ways to improve and maintain indoor air quality. However, many homeowners still don’t fully understand how they work, when to use them, or what features matter most. That’s why we’re here to make it simple.

This article will explore the top 10 questions people frequently ask on the Internet about dehumidifiers.

1. What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is an electric appliance used to combat indoor humidity. It reduces moisture by pulling water vapor from the air. It then collects it for disposal through a gravity drainage system or a manual collection tank.

Those with gravity drainage can remove moisture from a space all the time. However, they need a low drainage point nearby, like a sump pump or floor drain. In some households, the drain tube leads directly to a garden bed or grassy backyard.

On the other hand, if you own dehumidifiers without drainage spigots, you must check those regularly. Otherwise, they will likely overflow.

You may also notice that some units have pumps. Those with pumps have a tremendous advantage. They can automatically drain water upwards.

This is great for basements without sump pumps, drains, or sinks. The pumps also let you extend the dehumidifier’s reach. Pump hoses are usually longer than gravity drainage hoses.

2. What is a dehumidifier used for?

The main purpose of a dehumidifier is to reduce indoor humidity and prevent moisture-related property damage and mold. It is most often used in crawl spaces and basements, which are prone to moisture.

You can also use them in laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. These are places in a house where water is common. However, they must stay dry to stop mold and bacteria from growing.

In states with high humidity all year, people use dehumidifiers for closets, attics, bedrooms, and other humid rooms.

They remove excess moisture from warm, humid air. Moisture is a key factor in indoor mold growth. That said, humid air causes musty odors and corrosion (rust formation on exposed metal surfaces). It may also lead to water damage to furniture, electronics, books, and other household items.

Apart from drying moist basements and crawl spaces, what is it for?

• Renovations and construction projects – They help paint, tilework, and wet concrete to dry and cure faster. This is especially helpful during the rainy season.
• Reducing allergens – They also prevent the spread of mold, mildew, and dust mites. These are some of the most common allergens today.
• Protecting your house and belongings – Moisture can cause discoloration and warping of furniture. They can also compromise books, wallpaper, and other objects that are vulnerable to water.
• Improving indoor air quality - Keeping humidity levels down is crucial for maintaining fresh and clean air indoors.

3. How does a dehumidifier work?

A dehumidifier draws in warm, humid air through a vent, usually on the back or top side of the unit. The humid air passes through a cooling coil, and condensation occurs. It converts water vapor into liquid form, which drips into a catch basin inside it. Then, it releases the air back into the room, now fresher and significantly less dense with water.

They have a similar process to air conditioners, except that they do not prioritize cooling. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air without cooling it. In contrast, an AC cools the air and sends warm air outside.

Dehumidification is just a secondary benefit of an AC. It will release cool air no matter how much condensate it makes. But because of these similarities, it is unsurprising that some people think an AC is a dehumidifier.

4. How do you know if you need a dehumidifier?

Many signs show that your home, or some rooms, may have moisture problems. These areas may need a dehumidifier.

If you observe one or more of the following, consider it a sign to purchase a home dehumidifier.

• Damp or musty smells
• Persistently stuffy air
• Moisture on walls
• Condensation on glass windows and other cool surfaces
• Mildew on furniture and stored clothing
• Traces of mold on the walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture
• Struggling or inefficient AC
• Cracking paint
• Bubbling wallpaper
• Laundry is taking too long to dry
• Pantry goods are going stale faster than normal
• Yellowing or foxing (appearance of brown or reddish spots) in books
• Increase in allergic symptoms and respiratory issues in your household

Some circumstances call for the temporary use of a dehumidifier.

• Drying out a flooded basement
• Repairing a house after a hurricane
• Painting rooms without windows or that are insufficiently ventilated
• Painting and putting up wallpaper during the rainy season
• Cleaning up after a major plumbing leak

If you often need temporary uses or have too much moisture in your home, consider buying your own unit. This can give you more value for your money.

5. Dehumidifier vs. Humidifier: Which is better?

The difference between the two is that dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air while humidifiers increase it. The former brings excessive humidity down, while the latter addresses extreme dryness.

When is it better to use a humidifier or dehumidifier? It depends on the situation.

A room with an AC running all the time may need a dehumidifier. This helps keep the air from getting too dry.

Dry environments can lead to tight and dry skin, cracked lips, coughing, and sore, itchy throats. Some people may even experience headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds.

Conversely, rooms with perpetual dampness require a dehumidifier. An excessively humid environment isn’t good for your health either. This is because it can aggravate allergic reactions and asthma symptoms, as discussed above. So, if dampness is a constant problem, a dehumidifier is the best choice.

It’s all about finding the sweet spot or ideal humidity for a house.

6. What is a good dehumidifier setting?

So, what should a dehumidifier be set at? Mayo Clinic recommends a range of 30% to 50% humidity. It’s a wide enough range to accommodate different preferences for dryness and moisture. Anything lower or higher will surely cause discomfort, health issues, and eventual property damage.

7. What causes a dehumidifier to ice up?

Ice may form on the cooling coil inside a dehumidifier for three reasons:

1. Clogged dehumidifier – Dust builds inside the dehumidifier. This dust can also affect the filter and vents. When this happens, warm air cannot circulate through the cooling coil properly. Without warm air condensing, ice may form around the coil instead.
2. Lack of proper airflow – Like the reason above, poor airflow from bad dehumidifier placement can also cause icing. There must be enough space between the dehumidifier and the nearest walls. This allows warm air to flow into the appliance.
3. Too cold temperature – If the air entering the dehumidifier is too cold, condensation won't happen. Instead, the moisture will freeze when it touches the cooling coil.

8. How much does a dehumidifier cost?

Good home dehumidifiers that last a long-time cost between $200 and $300. The price depends on the brand, features, how much moisture they can remove, and the area they cover.

Dehumidifiers built for smaller spaces (less than 1,000 sq. ft.) are more affordable than whole-house dehumidifiers (usually with 2,000 sq. ft. coverage or more).

The manufacturing environment of dehumidifiers also affects the price. For example, industrial dehumidifiers with thick, robust casings designed for rugged environments are typically more expensive than residential dehumidifiers designed simply for indoor use.

Here are other factors influencing the cost of a dehumidifier:

• Brand popularity
• Coverage
• Innovation and technology
• Special functions or features (i.e., smart features, remote controllable, dual draining)
• Certifications and ratings (i.e., ENERGY Star, ETL, EER)
• Estimated service life
• Inclusions

Here’s a common follow-up question: how much does a dehumidifier cost to run? You can find the daily cost of running a dehumidifier. Just multiply the kilowatt-hour of the unit by the hours used and the electricity rate.

Here’s a simple formula:

• Kilowatt-hour (kWh) = Dehumidifier Wattage / 1,000
• Usage (Hrs) = Number of hours the dehumidifier runs
• Electricity Rate (C/kWh) = Cost per kWh (varies per city/state)

To find the monthly cost of using a dehumidifier, you need to do this simple calculation.

First, take the daily cost. Then, multiply it by the number of days in a month. To get a better estimate, multiply the Daily cost by the number of days you will use the dehumidifier. For example, you might only use it three times a week, five times a week, or just on weekends.

9. What should you consider when buying a dehumidifier?

The following are the main factors to consider when choosing a dehumidifier:

• Coverage – Pick a dehumidifier powerful enough for the size of the space you want to dry out.
• Capacity – If you want a manual-drain dehumidifier, consider the capacity of the condensate tank. The bigger the tank, the less frequently you’ll need to empty it. For gravity-draining and pump-draining dehumidifiers, manufacturers usually show the capacity in volume (pints). These are usually at AHAM conditions and the saturation point.
• At AHAM conditions: The amount of moisture under ideal conditions of 60% Relative Humidity at 80°F during testing. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers sets these conditions.
• At saturation: The maximum volume of moisture the dehumidifier can extract at 100% humidity.
• Draining options – Choose the most convenient option. Check where you'll put the dehumidifier and if there’s a drain nearby (and whether you need a pump to reach it). You should also consider whether you don't mind frequently emptying a dehumidifier tank.
• Size – Always consider if the dehumidifier fits where you want to put it. This is especially true if it’s going to a crawl space with low clearance.
• Wattage – If you’re concerned about the daily cost of a dehumidifier, consider the wattage as well.
• Energy efficiency – Look for recognizable efficiency ratings and certifications like ENERGY Star. This ensures your dehumidifier isn’t power-hungry and too expensive to use every day.

You should also consider other features like caster smart features, timer function, and wheels. Some even have handles, a drain tube holder or organizer, appearance, weight, filter, and free inclusions.

10. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers are like other home appliances. They cost money, need maintenance, and use electricity.

You may also need to check them out more often. It’s no different than owning a washing machine or dishwasher. Objectively, there’s no significant downside to owning a dehumidifier.

The advantages of a dehumidifier, however, far outweigh the supposed disadvantages.

What does a dehumidifier help with? It helps prevent the following:

• Mold, mildew, and foul smells
• Water damage (discoloration, warping, rapid deterioration, rotting wood, etc.)
• Damage to property (household appliances, artwork, furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.)
• Pest infestation
• Allergic reactions and respiratory issues due to mold, dust mites, and poor air quality

With a dehumidifier, you’ll breathe fresher, cleaner air inside your home. Humidity control helps make homes healthier for people with breathing issues, weak immune systems, and allergies to airborne particles.

Are dehumidifiers worth it?

In a nutshell, yes. Dehumidifiers are worth buying, especially if moisture and humidity have always been a problem in your property.

If you are unsure about the costs of buying and installing a dehumidifier, think about it. It may be cheaper than the actual costs of repairing or replacing items damaged by too much moisture.

How much does it cost to repair mold and water damage due to high humidity? Angie’s List estimates the cost of mold remediation at $10-$25 per square foot. If the moisture problems have lasted long enough to cause water damage on walls and floors, repairs can cost $200 to $300.

For more extensive damage, costs can go up to $1,381-$6,350.

The Argendon Advantage

To make the most of your purchase, pick a dehumidifier based on performance, reliability, price, and long-term value. Argendon stands out in all of these areas.

Let’s take a closer look at how Argendon compares to other brands. For this comparison, we’ll focus on the Shield 35M and 35P, and their 70-pint counterparts in the market.

Argendon products are comparable in price to other brands of the same dehumidifier type, coverage, and capacity. They are also cheaper compared to some dual-draining counterparts, as shown above.

Compared to Brands A and B, Argendon operates at lower wattage, which means lower electricity costs. Argendon has a clear advantage over these two competitors.

Now, let’s look at brands C and D. These brands serve whole-house dehumidification, which requires ductwork. This is why they have higher prices, coverage, wattage, and air-circulation to reach (CFM or cubic feet per minute). But if we look closely at the other key features, Argendon is still a strong alternative.

Argendon dehumidifiers come with auto-defrosting and auto-restart features. They also have a built-in pump option. Other useful features include handles, adjustable feet, free drain tubes, long power cords, and options for hanging installations. The only design difference between Argendon and brands C and D is that C and D have a ductwork connector over the intake vent.

Cost-wise, buying three dual-draining Argendon dehumidifiers is cheaper than buying one unit of brand C or brand D (and if you need to drain upwards, you still have to buy an external condensate pump).

Brand C boasts a newer formulation of the standard R32 refrigerant (R454B is a mix of R32 and another refrigerant, R1234yf), which is more environmentally friendly.

However, R32’s 657 GWP (global warming potential) is still well below the phased-out legacy refrigerants, like CFC-12 (10,900 GWP), HFC-134a (1,430 GWP), R22 (1,810 GWP), and R404A (3,260 GWP). Additionally, R32 has a 0 ODP (ozone depletion potential), making it one of the best refrigerants for eco-friendly dehumidifiers.

Argendon has many advantages over other brands when we look at key factors like features, price, and capabilities. More importantly, it provides sound solutions to the questions people commonly ask about dehumidifiers.

So, to answer the most important question: What is the best dehumidifier for a basement, crawl space, and indoor use? We are proud to give you Argendon.

Visit our shop today.