Are Cheap Dehumidifiers Ripping You Off? (2024)

FAQs

Are cheap dehumidifiers effective? ›

Cheap dehumidifiers are built with low-quality parts that aren't made to last. Even if they don't break quickly, they won't work efficiently, meaning you'll be forking out on energy costs. Most cheap dehumidifiers have a manual humidistat. These have an adjustable dial where you can set the humidity level.

Are dehumidifiers worth it? Yes, if you've got damp problems. Broadly speaking, cheaper models have fewer features, a smaller tank capacity and may not be as efficient at water removal. Pricier models typically have a better water-removal capability, higher energy efficiency, more features and a larger tank capacity.

Electricity cost, maintenance, and the eventual replacement of the dehumidifier when it wears out are all downsides of running a dehumidifier constantly. The upside is a dry basem*nt free of mold, mildew and unpleasant smells.

A dehumidifier can help reduce allergens and ease breathing but could worsen conditions like pneumonia if the air is too dry. It can also cause skin and hair problems, as well as worsen a dry cough or stuffy nose.

So, how does a small dehumidifier work to control relative humidity? Like a vacuum cleaner, a dehumidifier draws moist air from the surrounding environment using the fan compressor. This air passes through the cooling coils, where moisture in the air condenses and drips down to the water tank below.

On average, a whole-house dehumidifier can cost anywhere from $1,000 to close to $3,000, for an average cost of about $2,000. However, your total cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of humidifer you purchase, the size of your home and how much work is involved.

Room size. Use the chart under “Selecting a dehumidifier: what you need to know” to determine the size that suits your needs and remember, when it comes to dehumidifiers it's better to oversize than undersize! That way you'll be sure your unit will meet your needs.

Dehumidifiers contain electrical components that can go bad, in addition to internal wiring that can short or come loose from connection terminals. Models made within the past decade or so might contain electronic control boards that can burn out and stop working.

Where should you not use a dehumidifier? ›

We do not recommend placing a dehumidifier directly against a wall or piece of furniture. Instead, put it at least six inches away from these vent-blocking surfaces. For dehumidifiers that cover large areas, it's a good idea to place them somewhere central such as a hallway or landing.

1. Yes, It Is Safe to Sleep with a Dehumidifier On. It is perfectly safe to sleep with a dehumidifier on. In fact, leaving your dehumidifier to run all through the night can be highly beneficial for your health and comfort, assuming you don't have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Using a Dehumidifier to Help With Allergies and Asthma

This could exacerbate coughing, dry throat, and other symptoms linked with allergies and asthma.

A dehumidifier will benefit any home. They remove the excess water in the air that can lead to condensation and damp problems. Boiling pans, taking baths or showers and drying laundry indoors all create moisture. Even breath contains water vapour.

The lifetime of dehumidifiers usually ranges from five to 10 years. To maximize the lifetime, it's important to care for your dehumidifier. Be sure to regularly change the air filters, clean the condensing coils and exhaust grilles, and empty and clean the water bucket.

If you've had a flood in the area or your basem*nt is often damp, you will significantly benefit from using a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will help prevent mold growth and protect your property. If you're storing sensitive items, like books, electronics, or clothing, a dehumidifier can also help to protect them.

But sometimes a smaller unit is best for your space. “If a dehumidifier is too big for a room when you're going to use it, it might result in frequent cycling on and off, which can cause wear and tear on internal parts,” Jaramillo says.

Disposable dehumidifiers are effective in absorbing the moisture from your walls and windows, which eventually develops into dampness and mould. The crystal balls attract and absorb water molecules into the chamber below.

Benefits: Prevent Mold and Mildew: By lowering humidity levels, dehumidifiers help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, which thrive in damp conditions. Improve Air Quality: They also improve indoor air quality by reducing musty odors and allergens that can be exacerbated by high humidity.