Air Kozy

Dehumidifier

How Many Dehumidifiers Do I Need In My House?

Last updated:

How many dehumidifiers do I need in my house?

Surely enough, dehumidifiers are among the most useful home appliances these days. These devices function as moisture removers; they collect excess moisture in the air until such time the humidity levels stay at 45% to 55%. 

Of course, we all know the issues that could take place when the relative humidity shoots up in the scale. It can cause health issues and structural damages, and nobody wants these things to happen. 

While the importance of dehumidifiers has been established long, many are still curious as to its appropriate size and number. Well, I am going to discuss these matters as comprehensively as possible. 

How Many Dehumidifiers Do I Need In My House?

In reality, the answer to this question is quite subjective. 

You see, not all dehumidifiers are the same. Some can perform in exhaustive conditions, while others are designed for portable and compact use only. 

Now, there are various dehumidifiers out there that can handle spaces as large as 4,500 square feet even if they are alone. By investing in them, you will no longer need to buy multiple dehumidifiers. 

Hence, we can say that you only need one dehumidifier in your home, especially if you can get a unit that can do such a job with ease. 

But then again, it is your choice if you want to get multiple dehumidifiers. I have nothing against it.

However, before you hoard these dehumidifiers, you have to consider the following factors first. They are the ones that can help you make up your mind when it comes to the number of dehumidifiers that you need. 

Factors In Selecting Dehumidifiers In Your Home

Your Actual Needs

Let us say that you only live in an apartment with a small floor size. You are riddled with humidity problems, and you want to deal with them right away. Buying a dehumidifier is the soundest solution that you can take. 

The next thing that you have to decide would be the size of the dehumidifier. After all, the bigger the dehumidifier, the more moisture it can absorb. Coincidentally, the size of the dehumidifier also relates to the reach that it has. 

Hence, if your area is small, it is quite an overkill to get a whole-house dehumidifier. I mean, you do have this option, but it is too much. Keep in mind that these burly appliances have a significantly high power consumption than their portable counterparts. Investing in them would mean that you are ready to pay higher on your electricity bills.

This is the part where sizing becomes important. These dehumidifiers are tailored to accommodate a particular space. You can actually see it on their labels and manuals. If you are aware of your actual floor space, it is easier for you to get the right dehumidifier for you. 

Of course, this also helps you determine the number of dehumidifiers. If you are trying to dehumidify a small space, one portable dehumidifier might be enough. But for multiple rooms, you might need to get several units of compact dehumidifiers. 

But then again, let me emphasize that there are large units that can handle multi-room applications on their own. Even if you buy one of these whole-house or commercial dehumidifiers, they can accommodate your needs already. They are pretty useful if you have a large residence or living complex. 

Let’s Talk About Floor Size, Moisture Absorption, And Relative Humidity

It is not good to buy a dehumidifier without knowing the relationship between floor size, relative humidity, and moisture-capability of a dehumidifier. These three factors are quite connected; they can help you decide to type and number of dehumidifiers that you need. 

The bigger your area, the more powerful the dehumidifier that you need to buy. However, you also have to ascertain the relative humidity first. It will let you determine if you need a workhorse or not. A hygrometer will aid you in this particular matter. This device reads the relative humidity of a particular room. 

Some dehumidifiers are equipped with a humidistat. It works like hygrometers; it will read the relative humidity of your space and adjust the performance of the dehumidifier based on it. 

Again, if your area is big and has severe humidity problems, you might need multiple dehumidifiers running in place. Alternatively, you can get a single powerhouse that is capable of robust dehumidification. 

The table below will help you understand the connection between these three factors. Keep in mind that this table can also serve as your guide whenever choosing the best dehumidifier.

Size Of Your Space  
 300 square feet500 square feet800 square feet1200 square feet
Conditions  Dehumidifier Capacity  
Slightly Damp (50% to 60%)  20 pints25 – 30 pints35 – 40 pints50 pints
Moderately Damp (60% to 70%)  20 pints25 – 30 pints35 – 40 pints50 pints
Very Damp (70% to 80%)  25 pints30 pints45 pints55 pints
Extremely Damp (80% to 100%)  25 – 30 pints35 – 40 pints45 – 50 pints60 pints

Energy Concerns

Of course, more appliances mean higher electricity bills. It is not a surprising thing, though. It is a trade that you need to accept once you decide to get multiple dehumidifiers in your home. 

If you are going to opt for this route, you have to make sure that each of your dehumidifiers has an Energy Star certification. This one indicates that the device has been constructed in a way that it will not consume excessive loads of electricity. 

Energy Star dehumidifiers can operate at a stable rate, too. They have ample protection built within them to ensure that they are not susceptible to overloading and other forms of mechanical damages. 

When it comes to large dehumidifiers, power consumption should not pose much of a concern, especially if they have the Energy Star certification. Even if you say that they provide extensive moisture-removal capabilities, this doesn’t indicate that they will double your power bill. Again, energy-efficiency should be a factor here.

Conclusion

It is important that you choose your dehumidifiers wisely. It is a pivotal aspect that ensures that you can have a reliable dehumidification tool for your home. 

You have the freedom to get multiple dehumidifiers for your home, especially if you think that one unit is not enough to dehumidify your house. As long as you can eliminate the moisture problems, this option should not be a problem. 

However, large dehumidifiers may come more applicable and practical for whole-house and extensive restoration projects. They alone can deal with much of the effects of high humidity. 

I hope you find this guide useful. For other related questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

What’s The Difference Between An Air Purifier And Dehumidifier?

Last updated:

What’s the difference between an air purifier and dehumidifier? How each of them works, and should you get them at the same time?

As early as now, let me debunk the idea that air purifiers and dehumidifiers are the same. Their design and structure might look the same. But their functions are not. 

However, each of them aims to clean the air quality of indoor spaces. They fit perfectly in homes, apartments, and offices. If you are residing in areas and cities are heavily beaten by air pollution, these devices are quite needed. 

This time, it is essential that you know the difference between air purifiers and dehumidifiers. In this way, you will be able to invest in the right unit based on your needs. 

What’s The Difference Between An Air Purifier And Dehumidifier

The difference between these two is pretty stark when it comes to their functions. One should not be confused between their intended applications, as they were engineered to perform specific tasks. 

Air purifiers are meant to clean the air by absorbing the air of a particular space and let it pass through a number of filters. It excels in dealing with allergens and other forms of pollutants such as pet dander, mold spores, and even smoke and foul odor.

Meanwhile, dehumidifiers work by pulling the moisture suspended in the air. By doing this, the device is able to lower the humidity of the room. Keep in mind that microbes and mold dwell in highly humid and damp environments. If your indoor spaces have a lot of moisture, it is possible that these organisms will perpetuate. 

Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier: A Comparison

 Air PurifiersDehumidifiers 
ApplicationScreens and filters the air from various forms of pollutants and odors Reduces the moisture and humidity in the air
BenefitsEnsures that the indoor air is free from contaminants that can cause allergies and respiratory illnesses Keeps the indoor moisture at an optimal level and ensure that allergy-causing molds will not exist 
Recommended Humidity Can varyOver 50%
Types Mechanical filters, ionizers, ozone generators, UV lights, and absorbents Mechanical, air conditioners, electronic, makeshift, and ionic membrane

Let’s further explore the functions and benefits of these devices:

Air Purifiers

An air purifier is tailored to eliminate any harmful contaminants that are lingering in the air. They excel in removing airborne pollutants, such as smoke, dust, and pollen. These elements are something that any dehumidifiers cannot do. 

It is also possible that air purifiers can remove mold build-up, especially if they possess HEPA filters. These filters can vanquish the spores in the air, which is the number one cause of mold growth. 

But always remember that air purifiers are not designed to control or regulate the humidity level of a particular space. Hence, if your house is extremely moist, then air purifiers are not the right device that you should get. 

As I mentioned, air purifiers have multiple filters on them. Depending on the filters included in the air purifier, it is capable of screening dust, bacteria, mold spores, allergens, and pet dander. Some purifiers are rated to cleanse the unwanted scent in the air. 

For me, it is crucial that the air purifier you get has a HEPA filter. This is the very filter that captures extremely small airborne pollutants. Specifically, HEPA filters are capable of trapping 0.3 microns of contaminants. It can work against germs and bacteria. 

If you want to somehow deal with excess dampness in your indoor air, it would be best if the air purifier must possess an activated carbon filter. It eliminates the musty scent in the air that is caused by mildew and mold. It can also purify cigarette smoke and pet smell, making your indoor air fresh. 

Again, do not invest in an air purifier if the problem in your house is humidity and moisture. It simply works by removing the pollutants by circulating the air through it. The one that can regulate indoor humidity is still a dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier

The job of a dehumidifier is not that as stringent as that of an air purifier. However, this doesn’t mean that it is not essential or that you should not invest in it. 

There are some areas or parts in the globe where moisture is pretty high. It is in these places where allergy-causing molds thrive and proliferate. If they get inside the air of your home, expect that someone will get sick sooner or later. 

A dehumidifier’s function is pretty straightforward: it simply absorbs or sucks the excess moisture present in the air. Specifically, there’s a collection system attached to these dehumidifiers. A specialized bucket is used as a storage for the moisture that the dehumidifier has collected. 

Keep in mind that these dehumidifiers will never clean the air of your home. They are not built to work like that. Their only role is to ensure that the moisture level inside your home and office will be regulated so that it is conducive for breathing. 

Whenever there’s minimal humidity, you will certainly notice that the damp feeling went down as well. You’ll also observe that the musty scent within your living space is already gone. 

Interestingly, low humidity prevents the existence of dust mites. After all, these tiny pests require moisture for their survival. Moreover, the reduced humidity in the air improves the coolness in your space. Moisture might be derivatives of water. However, they make things hot, which is pretty undesirable, especially if you are dwelling in temperate climates. 

Air Purifier vs. Dehumidifier: Which One Do You Need?

At this point, it should already be clear to you which of these two items you need in your home. However, there’s nothing really wrong if you are going to get these two altogether, especially if your indoor air has a lot of issues. 

In specific cases, you will need an air purifier if the following conditions are present:

  • You don’t want to suffer from respiratory illnesses and allergies.
  • You need clean air to deteriorate the chances of asthma and allergy attacks. 
  • You want to remove all the pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants in the air.
  • You need to lessen the accumulation of dust. 
  • You hate specific scents from cigarettes and food that have a strong odor.

Meanwhile, a dehumidifier is great if:

  • There’s a musty odor that is lingering in your house or office.
  • You don’t want dust mites to breed and grow in your area.
  • You have specific health conditions that are triggered when there are excess humidity and moisture.
  • You are residing in a hot area, and you don’t want the humidity to increase the temperatures further.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers

Q: What should I use for asthma? An air purifier or dehumidifier?

A: Based on their given functions, it is pretty clear that an air purifier is a suitable choice here. It can eliminate pollutants and airborne elements that trigger asthmatic episodes.

Q: What should I use for allergies?

A: These two are capable of dealing with allergies, especially if your not system is not good in dealing with dust mites. But for a wider range of protection against allergies, an air purifier should be the right choice here. It will reduce the existence of the elements that make you sick. 

Q: Is an air purifier better than the dehumidifier for basement use?

A: This matter is pretty subjective. The real question here is the kind of element or contaminant that you are trying to prevent. If your basement is exceptionally pestered by pollutants and dust, you need to get an air purifier. If the main issue is humidity and moisture, dehumidifiers are your best bet. 

Q: Can you use both air purifier and dehumidifier at the same time?

A: Yes. In fact, it is highly recommended that you can get these two to ensure the optimal improvement of your indoor quality. With these two devices, you can guarantee that your indoor space will have a fresh, safe, and highly breathable air. You will no longer have to leave your property if you can get this level of convenience and benefit. 

Q: Can a dehumidifier eliminate bad odor? 

A: This device is not designed to filter the indoor scent of your house or apartment. As I mentioned, it is only suitable for taking care of excess moisture and humidity. It is not a filter, so it is already a given that it doesn’t have any means of filtering or cleaning anything. 

Conclusion

I am quite confident that you already know the difference between an air purifier and dehumidifier. Just remember that both of them have specific roles to play. Hence, there’s nothing really wrong if you are going to get them at the same time. They are useful appliances that can ensure that your living or working rooms are free from airborne contaminants and other forms of inconvenience-causing elements. 

That’s it for now. If you have other questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.