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Getting the right tool for the right job is crucial to making sure you get the results you want. If you want to reduce moisture in your home, you should get a purpose-designed dehumidifier. There are three major types: desiccants, thermoelectric, and compressors. While they serve the same purpose, they go about it in very different ways.
Desiccants
In many ways, desiccants are the most common form of dehumidifier. Whenever you see silica packets in food packaging, those are desiccants. They work because silica’s surface is very porous and hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. The moisture then gets trapped between the silica molecules. A similar effect can be seen with activated charcoal.
Desiccants are really useful because they don’t require electricity to work. They passively work. You can hang a bag of desiccant in your shed or car. However, because they don’t typically have any type of fan or active air intake, they tend to have a very limited area of effect. They also can only hold a limited amount of moisture. There are models that can be reused by being heated.
We should note that there are desiccant dehumidifiers that are mechanical. They have a fan that blows air into a compartment filled with silica which absorbs the moisture. Then a current of warm air is introduced to cause the silica to release the moisture, which is then pumped away. It’s a very expensive system designed for industrial and commercial uses such as chemical manufacturing and preserving artifacts.
Compressor
Compressor-based dehumidifiers are probably the type of device you see most advertised and displayed at retailers. The technology works by compressing a coolant, which then heats up, and rapidly cools when it’s decompressed. The change in temperature causes condensation to form and be drained away. The main advantage of a compressor-powered dehumidifier is its power. A full-sized model can cover an entire floor of a house. Also, most are drain hose compatible so they can run continuously.
Compressors do have some drawbacks. First is that the rapid cooling can cause the unit to freeze in damp and cold conditions, like in a basement. They also tend to be the loudest of the dehumidifier options.
However, if you’re looking to control the humidity of a large space, a compressor model is your most cost-effective option.
Thermoelectric
Thermoelectric dehumidifiers operate on the Peltier effect. Inside the unit there are two plates made from different alloys that heat up at different rates when electricity passes through them. A fan forces humid air to pass over the plates. The differential causes condensation to fall out of the air and be collected.
Thermoelectric dehumidification is significantly quieter than compressors. The technology can also be miniaturized to a much greater degree than compressors.
The major downside is that they do not offer the same cost-per-coverage ratio. If you were to get a compressor and a thermoelectric dehumidifier of the same cost, the compressor would offer larger coverage.
But if you need a dehumidifier that’s quiet and compact, a thermoelectric one will serve you well.
Other Types and Special Use Cases
Whole-House
If you’re looking for a more permanent way to dehumidify your home, you can look into getting one installed in your HVAC system. Typically, you install multiple units in line with your ducting. They can be controlled via a pad like your thermostat and, like your heating and cooling, can be automatically activated via sensors.
They’re relatively powerful, and you never have to worry about emptying them. Also, the units themselves are not that expensive, but the installation can be. But the biggest issue is having compatible ductwork in the first place.
Portable/Mini
There are palm-sized dehumidifiers that you can get for personal use. If you’re at a desk, then they tend to be thermoelectric models. You can also get small bags or cases of desiccants if there is no power available.
Mini dehumidifiers offer the advantage of a smaller footprint. However, the smaller footprint also means it has a limited range. Nevertheless, they’re great for personal use or to condition small spaces like cabinets.
Commercial
Commercial dehumidifiers are often beefed-up versions of compressor, thermoelectric, or desiccant models that you see at retailers. They sometimes have built-in trolleys so they can be easily transported from worksite to worksite.
They are more powerful than the ones you can get at the big box stores because they’re designed to condition warehouses and large open spaces. However, they don’t have the fit and finish of residential models. They will be very loud and have sharp corners.
How to Choose the Right Type
When it comes to choosing the right dehumidifier, the first step should be taking stock of your plug situation. If you don’t have ready access to electricity where you want to remove moisture from the air, then you’ll have to go with a battery-powered or desiccant solution.
Then you should look at the area you want to dehumidify. There are two major rating systems, pints per day and square footage. Pints per day is the amount of moisture that the dehumidifier is rated to remove. Square footage is the maximum area it’s designed to cover. For most homes, you should go with square footage. If you live in a very humid climate, add an extra 10-20% to the square footage rating to get the extra power you need.
Next, you should think about storage capacity. If you’re able to connect the drain hose and have the dehumidifier empty out into a sink or floor drain, you essentially have unlimited capacity. In situations where that’s not an option, the bigger the tank, the less often you need to empty it. However, remember that that can be a double-edged sword. Most people don’t empty their dehumidifier until it’s full and stops running. If the tank is too big, you might not be able to get it up the stairs or around the corner.
Connected to storage is portability. Many dehumidifiers have operational wheels and handles. It’s something to think about if you’re planning on using the unit in different rooms.
Beyond portability, we’re getting into fine details that are use-specific. For example, are you worried about the noise level or the risk of the unit freezing? If so, you might want to use the less powerful thermoelectric solution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake I see people make with dehumidifiers is forgetting about maintenance. Anything that deals with water runs the risk of mold and mildew. Making sure you empty the tank promptly will help prevent microorganisms from multiplying. Also, many dehumidifiers have a filter that people forget to change or clean. Keeping up with that will help prevent the dehumidifier from filling your home with a musty smell.
After maintenance, the next biggest mistake I hear about is getting an undersized unit. While you can go by the square footage rating, that number is derived from a big empty room. It doesn’t take into account furniture and corners that impede airflow. Also, if your space is exceptionally damp, such as visible water on the walls or floor, you’re going to want to add an extra 10-20% on the ideal square footage rating.
Finally, be wary of placement. Placing a compressor dehumidifier in a cold and wet basement might cause it to freeze. If you put your mini dehumidifier too far away from you, you’re not going to feel the benefits.