Did you know that a humid environment facilitates the spread of germs and mildew? Whilst it is true that too little humidity imminently causes discomfort, it is essential to maintain a balance, in this respect. This is why it might make sense to invest in the best whole house dehumidifier to ensure that the moisture levels inside the home are optimal.
In essence, high humidity levels can trigger allergies or other respiratory problems. Mites, mildew, and mold thrive in humid environments. What is more, high humidity levels are associated with a significant concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home. Prolonged exposure to these components can cause serious health conditions, including eczema, among others. To that end, a dehumidifier will prevent the air inside your home from being too damp. Indoor pollution is a serious matter; therefore, you shouldn’t overlook this.
So, we encourage you to read our home dehumidifier reviews, as they present some of the best products on the market, at the moment.
Best Whole House Dehumidifiers Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Aprilaire 1830 Pro Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | Aprilaire 1820 Pro Plus Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | Aprilaire 1850F Pro Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | Aprilaire 1850 Whole Home Pro Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
Top 4 Best Whole House Dehumidifiers
1- Aprilaire 1830 Pro Dehumidifier
If you’re looking for a sturdy dehumidifier that will stand the test of time, this is definitely a top pick. Most importantly, this offers great value for the money, considering the many features it comes with.
First of all, this device is capable of covering an area of 5000 square feet – which is not bad at all. Moreover, it eliminates up to 70 pints/9 gallons of moisture every 24 hours.
Distinct from other products in its category, this operates really quietly – namely at 51 dB. We were quite surprised that it runs so quietly, as it covers such a large area.
Moving on to its energy consumption, we were pleased in this respect, as well. That is to say, it is an energy-efficient unit. To be more specific, in regards to its energy consumption, it is the same as other pricier models manufactured by Aprilaire.
When it comes to its drainage system, you should know that the unit comes with a gravity-driven drain port. It facilitates continual spilling of the condensate. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about emptying the drain tank every couple of hours.
As for the installation process, it is simple, which comes as another advantage. The only drawback we could think of is the heavy built of the unit. This makes it cumbersome to move it around, not to mention that it takes up a lot of space.
2- Aprilaire 1820 Pro Plus Dehumidifier
This is another great product manufactured by Aprilaire – it is more than ideal for basements. You might wonder why you should make such a considerable investment when, instead, you could get two smaller units at a lower rate.
However, what differentiates this from other products is that it runs without fail. Another highlight is that it doesn’t require any tray emptying, which, of course, is very convenient.
So, how much moisture is this capable of removing? According to the manufacturer, it eliminates 9 gallons of water daily. In addition to that, it covers spaces up to 2200 square feet.
Weighing only 56 lbs., moving this around the basement won’t be a huge challenge.
Therefore, it is ideal for tight spaces. On a different note, we liked that this dehumidifier is compatible with the manufacturer’s Wi-Fi dehumidifier control. Therefore, you can regulate the humidity levels inside your space via Wi-Fi: how convenient is that?
When installing away from your living space, you won’t hear it as it runs. Also, being equipped with a powerful 200 CFM blower, this facilitates a fast and consistent environmental control of your space.
Nevertheless, you should get informed of the installation process before attempting to install the unit yourself.
3- Aprilaire 1850F Pro Dehumidifier
Many people argue that this is the best dehumidifier money can buy. And we couldn’t agree more. As you can see, we think highly of Aprilaire dehumidifiers, because they operate efficiently.
Its performance is stellar, at the very least – that’s because it eliminates no less than 12 gallons of water a day. Also, if your house has approximately 5200 square feet, this unit will definitely address your needs.
Also, you should know that this performs within an extensive temperature range – between 50 Fahrenheit degrees and 104 Fahrenheit degrees. Its lowest operating point is 40 Fahrenheit degrees.
Another benefit worth mentioning is that it operates quietly – at 54 dB. Also, considering that this is a large capacity house dehumidifier, it facilitates continuous drainage, which is triggered by gravity.
We also liked that this unit features an auto-shutoff and restart function. Thus, it operates uninterruptedly. On top of that, the auto defrosting capability is just as efficient.
Plus, we were pleased to find out that, thanks to the auto frost function, in extremely cold conditions, the compressor turns off automatically. There is a fan situated inside the dehumidifier, which runs round the clock until the coils are defrosted.
Once again, the only drawback is that this unit is quite bulky.
4- Aprilaire 1850 Whole Home Pro Dehumidifier
Furthermore, if you want to invest in an energy-efficient unit that performs impeccably – the Aprilaire 1850 Whole Home Pro Dehumidifier might be a decent choice for you.
First of all, every 24 hours, this can remove approximately 95 pints of moisture in an area of 5200 square feet. Its temperature range starts at 55 Fahrenheit degrees. We tested it at different temperatures, and it behaved excellently every single time.
Moving on, this qualifies for Energy Star, meaning that, in comparison with other dehumidifiers on the market, it consumes less energy.
As for the drainage system of this unit, it comes with a drainage port, which specifically drains the condensate. In other words, you don’t have to empty the tank every couple of hours.
On a different note, this comes with four stabilizing feet whose purpose is to properly sustain the device, so that the liquid would flow down without any obstacles.
Most notably, this dehumidifier is equipped with a built-in sensor. This aims at detecting the level of humidity in the air, preserving it at optimal levels for your space. Therefore, it was tested at different humidity levels and each time it worked accordingly.
The 5-year warranty offers peace of mind to the buyer, which is reassuring considering the size of the investment. Our only complaint is the bulky size of the unit.
What Should You Know About Whole House Dehumidifiers?
If you didn’t purchase such a unit before, your knowledge of the subject might be rather limited. Rest assured, though: we’d like to shed some light on this subject. So, a whole-house dehumidifier is a unit that aims at regulating the level of moisture inside your home. It’s as simple as that.
Basically, it eliminates the excess of moisture, as this is known to trigger allergies, among other things.
So, do you need a dehumidifier or not? Many people assume that they should buy a dehumidifier only if they have an air conditioning unit. But this isn’t necessarily the case. While the level of moisture inside your house could be right, there is definitely an area, such as the basement or laundry room, in which the excess of moisture can be troubling.
As a result, the moisture levels of the entire house could be disrupted – thus, leading to distinct types of issues, including the spread of mildew and mold, or the presence of moisture stains. In addition to that, when the moisture level inside your house is unbalanced, this could lead to respiratory or skin conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Whole House Dehumidifier?
Now, let’s have a closer look at the main benefits associated with a whole-house dehumidifier. Is it really worth it to invest in such a unit? We believe it is, but that’s up to you to decide after reading the following benefits.
- Enhanced Comfort
Without a doubt, the first thing you’ll notice after getting a dehumidifier is that of enhanced comfort. When the humidity levels inside an enclosed space are high, the air appears to stick to the skin. Aside from that, the moisture in the air deters sweat from evaporating too quickly.
What does this mean? Supposedly, this will impair your body’s natural cooling process from working as it should. Did you ever notice that the air isn’t breathable when the humidity levels are high?
If you live in a humid environment, this problem is much worse. This is why a whole house dehumidifier is imminently linked with enhanced comfort. You’ll notice the difference right away – that’s a given.
- Healthy Air
How come dry air is healthier for you? High moisture levels facilitate the spread of allergens such as mildew, mold, bacteria and dust mites. Eventually, these irritants will get in your home via your ventilation system, doors, and windows.
To make matters worse, when the moisture levels are high, these allergens can multiply into whole colonies in as little as a couple of hours.
More specifically, dust mites can be a huge problem in humid areas. In fact, it is the feces of dust mites that cause the most serious problems. The thing with dust mites is that they feast off out of softened skin cells, absorbing the moisture in the air through their bodies.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that the air inside your house should be too dry either. Quite the opposite, dry indoor air has an irritating effect on the throat and sinuses. This could lead to symptoms that are similar to those of allergies – but this is what the doctors refer to as non-allergic rhinitis.
Therefore, if you control the humidity level and keep it moderate, you can ensure that the air you breathe is healthy and free of nasty allergens.
- Protect Your Home
It’s no secret that mold and mildew can cause a lot of problems. Truth be told, if this problem appears, it can be really difficult to get rid of it – for good. By ensuring that the humidity levels are right, you can prevent this from becoming a problem, therefore, protecting your home. Did you know that, in the long run, mold can cause wood rot? This is a serious issue, which is why it shouldn’t be ignored.
- Energy Effectiveness
You might ask: how can a whole-house dehumidifier help me save energy considering that it consumes energy? Hear us out.
When you install a whole-house dehumidifier, due to the diminished humidity levels inside the house, you can adjust the thermostat at a higher setting, while feeling comfortable. Therefore, this will significantly reduce your energy usage while protecting the environment. Not to mention that you’ll save money.
On a different note, because a lot of the work will be done by the dehumidifier, the air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard. This will prolong its lifespan and efficacy over the course of time.
- Fresh Air Ventilation
What use does an air conditioning system have if the air inside your house is overflowing with allergens? Truth be told, to ensure that your indoor air is allergen-free, you should have a dependable ventilation system, as well as a trusty dehumidifier.
In a sense, we could say that dehumidifiers purify the air, preventing harmful components from spreading. This way, the air-ventilated by your air conditioning system will be safe, from all points of view. Otherwise, without a dehumidifier, all the germs and allergens are simply spread around the house, inevitably causing damage to your family’s health and wellbeing.
What Are the Effects of Humidity on Your Body?
In order to comprehend how humidity affects the body, let’s have a look at the way in which the body regulates its internal temperature. Basically, when the body heats up, it releases sweat: it’s as simple as this. Nevertheless, when it’s too humid, this sweat no longer evaporates, which makes us feel sticky and overheated.
In order to cool off, the body’s internal temperature system must work even harder. This leads to excess sweating, increased blood circulation, and enhanced breath rate. Usually, excessive sweating can lead to loss of water and essential nutrients inside the body.
As the temperature feels warmer when the humidity levels are high, this could lead to lethargy and low energy. Other health risks that are likely to appear include fatigue, dehydration, muscle cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and so on.
As you can see, high humidity levels can have serious effects on your overall health and wellbeing. So, depending on your space, you can either get commercial-grade dehumidifier reviews or, alternatively, look for the top-rated small dehumidifier reviews.
How Energy-Efficient Is a Whole House Dehumidifier?
The matter of energy efficiency is of great importance whenever you purchase a sizeable unit such as a whole-house dehumidifier. By investing in a dehumidifier, you might notice that the energy bill will instantly get more expensive. However, bear in mind that this will depend on the type of unit you buy – as each device comes with its own energy consumption specifications.
And while every unit varies in terms of energy consumption, one thing is for sure: if you live in a humid environment, you’ll need to turn down the temperature on the thermostat, to ensure that the air is breathable and comfortable.
However, by eliminating the excess of humidity in the air, you’ll feel almost as cool as you would if the air conditioning system would work.
Thus, a whole-house dehumidifier will lower the overall humidity level, enhancing your family’s comfort level. Aside from that, you can attempt to increase the temperature inside your house by a couple of degrees to save energy.
As for the actual monthly costs of running a dehumidifier, they range from $15 to $35 in the summer. Nevertheless, they could exceed $50 per month – if the dehumidifier functions round the clock. It all depends on the area in which you live and the size of your house. On a different note, in the case of ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifiers, you can cut down on energy costs.
Plus, as a rule of thumb, dehumidifiers that have a larger capacity are more energy efficient.
Types of Dehumidifiers: What Should You Choose?
Choosing the best dehumidifier isn’t as easy as it seems. There are some critical considerations to keep in mind, one of them being the type of unit you pick. In this view, there are two major categories: whole-house dehumidifiers and portable dehumidifiers.
Whole House Dehumidifiers
A whole-house unit is integrated into your HVAC system. This could also be referred to as a dehumidification system that regulates the moisture level inside the house. The actual dehumidification process is performed through your existing air ducts.
In general, the installation process of such a unit requires the assistance of a professional. Also, in order to accommodate the dehumidifier, you have the option of including a dedicated return duct to the HVAC system. Generally speaking, the costs for this type of unit range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Standalone Dehumidifiers
Your second option is getting a standalone dehumidifier, also referred to as a portable dehumidifier. The main benefit is that you don’t have to worry about a time-consuming, complicated installation process. What is more, the size of your initial investment will be reduced, which is why this could seem appealing to many people.
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However, what are the drawbacks? Typically, these units are significantly louder than their counterparts. Therefore, if you want to place one in the proximity of your bedroom or living room, you could find the noise disturbing.
What is more, their lifespan is limited, not to mention that the maintenance required is a tad more time-consuming. That is to say, most models require emptying the basin on a regular basis. Well-made models usually come with a built-in sensor, multiple fan speeds, and an internal condensate pump. Of course, it all depends on the model.
Determine Your Space Requirements
There’s no use to invest in a large dehumidifier if you don’t need it, right? In other words, after thoroughly analyzing your individual needs, you should pick a unit based on your space requirements. But what else should you consider, aside from the size of your house? Essentially, you should factor in the humidity level in your area. In addition, the quality of your domestic air also matters. In the end, you may want to see more reviews on air purifiers, humidifiers along with dehumidifiers for your house.
How to Determine the Capacity of the Dehumidifier?
- Moderately Damp Housing Conditions
Considering that the air inside your house isn’t too humid, this means you’re dealing with moderately damp housing conditions. In this case, the humidity levels are somewhere around 60 to 70 percent.
Basically, you should get a unit that dehumidifies 4.73 liters/10 pints of moisture in an area of 500 square feet. You should add 1.80 liters/4 pints for each extra 500 square feet. Let’s look at an example: if you want to cover an area of 1500 square feet, you should get a dehumidifier whose capability is of eliminating 8.51 liters/18 pints of moisture.
- Extremely Damp Housing Conditions
Evidently, if the air is extremely damp, your needs will differ. In this view, the humidity levels vary from 70 to 80 percent. Hence, it could make sense to get a dehumidifier that releases 14 pints/7.57 liters per 500 square feet. For any additional square footage of 500 square feet, you should include an additional 5 pints/2.36 liters.
- Wet Housing Conditions
Moving on, wet housing conditions ask for a much more powerful dehumidifier – a unit with a removal moisture capacity of 14 pints/7.57 liters per 500 square feet. If your surface is larger than that, footages of 500 square feet ask for another 6 pints/2.83 liter. When dealing with wet housing conditions, the humidity levels can reach 90 percent.
- Extremely Wet Housing Conditions
It can be really difficult to live in extremely wet housing conditions – as the humidity levels range from 90 to 100 percent. But it’s definitely not impossible, thanks to high-quality dehumidifiers. Still, in this scenario, you should get a top-rated model that extracts 16 pints/7.57 liters of water in an area of 500 square feet. Increase the capacity of the dehumidifier with every 500 square feet with 3.31 liters/7 pints.
How to Dehumidify the Entire House?
Dehumidifying your house is possible with the right devices. For one thing, you should get a humidity monitor to determine the moisture levels inside the house. Secondly, you should invest in a dehumidifier that addresses your needs, as well as a reliable air conditioning system. During the colder months, a space heater will also help.
Wrap Up
While there could be other short-term solutions to coping with high humidity, a dehumidifier is the most efficient one. The best whole house dehumidifier is a long-term investment that will make the indoor air healthier and safer for the entire family. An air conditioning system cannot deal with high-humidity by itself – as it circulates harmful allergens that thrive in moist environments.
On a different note, if a member in your family already suffers from an allergy or a skin condition, and you’re living in a humid environment, a dehumidifier could definitely be very useful.
Hopefully, our home dehumidifier reviews will help you make the right purchase so that you can enjoy the many benefits associated with breathing fresh air, free from hazardous impurities that can harm your health. Essentially, a dehumidifier is one of the best purchases you can make for ensuring your family’s long-term health and wellbeing.
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