

Here, a moisture-control checklist to mitigate potential sources of humidity. CR also recommends doing a deep cleaning and sanitizing of the tank at least once a week.Įven the best dehumidifiers can’t make up for chronic problems that create damp air in your home. When the grille is dirty, air movement is slowed. While you’re at it, see the manual’s guidelines on cleaning the grille. Wash and dry the filter regularly according to your manual’s advice. Many models in our ratings have an indicator light to tell you when it’s time to clean the filter. The filter cleans the air that flows through the dehumidifier, and when it’s dirty, your dehumidifier’s efficiency takes a hit. Some dehumidifiers, conveniently, have a built-in pump that pushes water horizontally or vertically through the hose and into a sink or even outside (through a basement window, for example). You can either empty the tank yourself or connect a hose to any of the tested dehumidifiers to divert the water to a drain nearby. All of the dehumidifiers in CR’s tests have an indicator that lights up when the tank is full, and the unit shuts off automatically. Enclosing your space will help reduce humid air from entering your home, helping your dehumidifier work more efficiently.

Regardless, leave some space around your dehumidifier so that the vents are not obstructed, keeping the unit at least a foot away from walls and furniture. Most of the models in our ratings release air through vents on the top, but a few vent out the side. Be sure to allow enough room for air to freely flow into and out of the dehumidifier.

If the humidity is higher than that, it can breed dust mites, mildew, and mold, which can trigger allergies and cause other health problems. Indoors, the optimal relative humidity level is below 50 percent. CR all-access members can also view our full ratings of small-capacity dehumidifiers, medium-capacity dehumidifiers, and large-capacity dehumidifiers. Consult our article “ What Size Dehumidifier Do You Need?”-it offers step-by-step instructions and a nifty dehumidifier size chart. Before buying a dehumidifier, figure out which size will best fit your space. Follow these tips to operate yours efficiently. Even a great dehumidifier can deliver lackluster performance if used incorrectly.
