How Many Dehumidifiers Do I Need for My Home

To determine how many dehumidifiers you need for your home, consider the square footage of each room and the humidity level you want to maintain. A general rule of thumb is to use a dehumidifier that can remove 1 pint of moisture per hour for every 1,000 square feet of space.

A small dehumidifier can cover an area of around 1,000 square feet, but larger spaces may require multiple units. For example, a 2,000 square foot home may need two dehumidifiers to maintain a comfortable humidity level.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends maintaining a relative humidity level of 30-60% in homes to prevent mold and mildew growth.

A fresh viewpoint: Buying a Home That Needs Renovation

You might be wondering if you really need a dehumidifier in every room. The good news is that most homeowners can get away with just one or two dehumidifiers to keep their rooms dry and comfortable.

If you live in a humid area, a whole-house dehumidifier system might be your best bet. But if you're on a budget, you could also consider a portable dehumidifier that you can rotate throughout rooms as needed.

A medium-capacity dehumidifier is a good option for rooms that are slightly damp or have a musty smell. These units can remove 30 to 39 pints of moisture per day and are often quieter than larger models.

Explore further: Do Dehumidifiers Help Air Conditioners

If you have a large area, around 1,200 square feet or more, you'll need a powerful unit to keep it dry. This is because large-capacity dehumidifiers can remove up to 50 to 60 pints of moisture per day, making them perfect for big spaces.

You'll also want to consider the convenience of a built-in pump, which allows you to direct the water into a drain without having to empty the tank again and again. Models with a pump can be purchased for about $30 more than similar models without one.

Broaden your view: Do You Need a Pump for a Misting System

In very big spaces, placing a fan in another part of the room can improve airflow and distribute the drier air throughout the area. This is because dehumidifier fans are designed to balance power and noise mitigation, so they might not be strong enough on their own.

If you have a medium-sized area, around 600 to 800 square feet, a medium-capacity dehumidifier may be just what you need. These units are designed to remove 30 to 39 pints of moisture per day and are often quieter than larger models.

To determine if your dehumidifier is up to the task, check the room's humidity level with a hygrometer and set up the dehumidifier to run for a while. Then, check the humidity level again and see if it's evenly distributed throughout the room.

Expand your knowledge: How Do You Lower Humidity in House Haeat or Airconditioner

If you live in a small space, a small-capacity dehumidifier is likely the way to go. Areas of less than 600 square feet usually call for one of these units.

Check this out: How Do Small Dehumidifiers Work

They're less expensive than medium- and large-capacity models, which is a plus if you're on a budget. In fact, the four recommended small-capacity dehumidifiers in CR's ratings nab top marks in their water removal test.

Noise is a key concern in a smaller space, and these units deliver, getting strong or excellent ratings for noise. A built-in fan is also a great feature, as it helps circulate the air and make the space feel more comfortable.

Only one of these small-capacity dehumidifiers has a pump, so be sure to check the specs if that's a feature you're looking for.

To determine the right size dehumidifier for your space, you need to measure the cubic footage of the area, not just the square footage. This is because dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, not just the surface. Use the calculation: cubic feet = length * width * height.

Measure the space to determine how much moisture you'll need to remove on a daily basis. Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician, recommends measuring the square footage of the space where you plan to use the dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are rated by the amount of moisture they can remove in a day, so this will help you choose the right size.

A different take: Size Wheel Lights

Take the conditions of your space into account when choosing a dehumidifier. If the room is regularly occupied or contains many houseplants, or if it's a space like a kitchen or laundry room that naturally has higher moisture levels, you'll need a more robust dehumidifier.

Use the following table to determine the right dehumidifier size based on the room size and relative humidity level:

Remember to also consider the specific conditions of your space, such as humidity levels and ventilation. If the space feels humid or you can see signs of excess water vapor, you may need a larger dehumidifier.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Dehumidifiers for Crawl Space

Calculating the required number of dehumidifiers is a straightforward process. You'll need to know the room size in cubic feet.

To calculate room size, multiply the room's length, width, and height. For example, a room that is 18′ x 26′ with a 14′ ceiling would have a room size of 18′ x 26′ x 14′ = 6,552 cubic feet.

Here's an interesting read: What Size Chest Freezer Do I Need

AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) is another important factor to consider. To calculate AHAM, take the room size in cubic feet and divide it by the appropriate number based on dehumidifier type and class. For a Class 2 cleanup with a conventional dehumidifier, you would divide the room size by 40.

Finally, divide the result by the dehumidifier's rating to arrive at the number of dehumidifiers required. For example, if you have a room size of 6,552 cubic feet and a dehumidifier rated at 110 PPD, you would divide 163.8 (6,552 / 40) by 110 to get 1.49, or at least 2 dehumidifiers.

Here's a handy table to reference for initial dehumidification recommendations:

To calculate the cubic footage of a room, you'll need to multiply the length, width, and height together, using the formula: cubic feet = length * width * height.

Make sure to use cubic feet, not square feet, as the wrong measurement can impact your calculations.

The type of dehumidifier you need depends on the class of the job. For example, a Class 1 job requires a dehumidifier with a capacity of 100 cubic feet.

The table below shows the initial dehumidification recommendations for different classes of jobs:

For example, if you're working on a Class 2 job, you'll need a Conventional dehumidifier with a capacity of 40 cubic feet.