We all know that house owners are susceptible to mold and mildew. That’s why it is important to take the necessary precautions for your home. One of these precautions includes using a dehumidifier in your basement or other areas where humidity levels are high.
But how do you know what size of dehumidifier will work best? We have put together some guidelines on how big of a dehumidifier you need based on square footage, so be sure to read them!
Why is dehumidification necessary?
High humidity levels can cause a variety of problems in your home, including mold and mildew growth, increases in pests, and higher energy costs.
A dehumidifier can help to reduce these risks and keep your home healthy and comfortable. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which can lower humidity levels and make your home more comfortable.
There are two types of dehumidifiers :
- Compressor Dehumidifiers – The most common type and work by drawing in moist air, compressing it, and then cooling it. Water is then collected in the dehumidifier unit.
- Desiccant Dehumidifiers – Desiccant dehumidifiers work by absorbing moisture, so they are only able to dehumidify air up to a certain humidity level. After the desiccant dehumidifier has reached its limit, moisture will start to accumulate on the dehumidifier itself.
As far as functionality goes, there isn’t much difference between the two types of dehumidifiers. The biggest difference is in the noise levels that they produce and how much water they can extract from the air. Compressor dehumidifiers tend to be more effective at removing moisture from the air.
How big of a dehumidifier do I need?
This is a very first-world problem, I know ;). But it is a valid question. If you have a small room or an apartment with high humidity levels, you may wonder if buying a large dehumidifier is the best option. The good news is, there’s no need to buy a massive machine.
The size of the dehumidifier you need is based on the square footage of the area you want to dehumidify. A good rule of thumb is to calculate the square footage of your room by multiplying its length and width in feet. Then, check this chart to find what size of dehumidifier you need.
For example, a room that is 12 x 20 feet would be 240 square feet – which means it would need a dehumidifier with a capacity of around 800ml to 1 liter or 20 pint.
If you have multiple areas in your house that have high humidity levels, you may want to consider buying a multi-room dehumidifier. This will let you quickly and efficiently decrease the humidity in all rooms at once.
While it is always nice to have a powerful machine on hand, it is important to remember that oversized dehumidifiers will not work any faster or better than smaller ones – and they may even use more energy. So, be sure to size your dehumidifier correctly!
The dehumidifier size chart above will help you determine your exact requirement.
How Big of a Dehumidifier Do I Need for a Basement?
If you are using a dehumidifier to combat high humidity levels in your basement, you will need a machine with a larger capacity. Basements are typically much larger than other rooms in the house, so they require more humidity removal power.
The size of the dehumidifier you need for your basement will depend on the square footage of the space. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the length and width of your basement by feet to get the total square footage. Then, check this chart to find the right size dehumidifier.
For example, if your basement is 20 x 30 feet, you would need a dehumidifier with a capacity of at least 3000ml.
If you are looking for a specific recommendation, the Frigidaire FAD504DWD Energy Star 50-Pint Dehumidifier is a great option for basements up to 1000 square feet. It has a high extraction rate and can remove up to 50 pints of moisture from the air each day.
How Big of a Dehumidifier Do I Need for a crawlspace?
If you are using a dehumidifier to combat high humidity levels in your crawlspace, you will need a machine with a smaller capacity. Crawlspaces are typically much smaller than other rooms in the house (unless you have a very large crawlspace), so they require less humidity removal power.
The size of the dehumidifier you need for your crawlspace will depend on the square footage of the space. The total square footage of your crawlspace can be estimated by multiplying the length and width with feet. Then, following the information in this table, choose the right size dehumidifier.
For example, if your crawlspace is 10 x 15 feet, you would need a dehumidifier with a capacity of around 400ml.
If you are looking for a specific recommendation, the Keystone KSTAD70B Energy Star 70-Pint Dehumidifier is a great option for crawlspaces up to 1000 square feet.
How Big of a Dehumidifier Do I Need for 1200 Square Feet
For 1200 square feet you will need to find a dehumidifier that can remove 70 pints of moisture per day. For this size space, we recommend the Frigidaire 70-pint dehumidifier.
This dehumidifier will keep your home at a comfortable humidity level (less than 50%) and remove excess moisture in the air. It can help keep your home mold-free, prevent mildew growth, and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma.
If you have a larger space, such as 1800 or 2400 square feet, you will need a dehumidifier with a greater capacity. For spaces that large, we recommend the Frigidaire 130-pint dehumidifier that can remove up to 130 pints of moisture per day.
This larger capacity will keep your home at a comfortable humidity level (less than 50%) and prevent dampness from accumulating in the air. It may help keep your home mold-free, prevent mildew formation, and lower the chance of allergies and asthma.
How Big of a Dehumidifier Do I Need for My Grow Room?
A grow room is a space where you are growing plants indoors. In order to achieve the best results, it is important to have the correct humidity level in your grow room.
If your grow room is smaller, such as 10’x10′, you will need to find a dehumidifier that can remove 30 pints of moisture per day. For this size space, we recommend the Eva-Dry E-333 mini dehumidifier. This dehumidifier will keep the humidity level at a comfortable 60-70% and remove excess moisture in the air.
If your grow room is larger, such as 20’x20′, you will need a dehumidifier with a greater capacity. For spaces that large, we recommend the Eva-Dry E-500 dehumidifier that can remove up to 50 pints of moisture per day.
Summing Up
In order to choose the right dehumidifier for your needs, you need to first determine the size of your space. Once you know the size, you can easily determine what dehumidifier capacity will work best.
The table and dehumidifier size chart above will help you determine the exact size of dehumidifier you would need for your house. With that being said, we hope this article helps you take the right decision while choosing a dehumidifier.
FAQs
How much area does a 50 pint dehumidifier cover?
A 50 pint dehumidifier will cover up to 2,500 square feet. This capacity is perfect for spaces such as basements, living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
How many square feet does a 22 pint dehumidifier cover?
A 22 pint dehumidifier will cover up to 1,100 square feet. This capacity is perfect for spaces such as bathrooms, small bedrooms, and closets.
Can I use a dehumidifier in my garage?
Yes, you can use a dehumidifier in your garage as long as it is not enclosed. A dehumidifier will work best in an open space where the air can circulate.
Is a 50-pint dehumidifier enough for basement?
A 50-pint dehumidifier can work best for a basement that is up to 2500 square feet. Some basements may be a little bigger or smaller, so it is important to measure the square footage of your basement before purchasing a dehumidifier.