70-Pint Dehumidifiers

Advantages of 70-Pint Dehumidifiers

A large dehumidifier is great for houses, large basements, and other spaces where a great deal of heavy-duty dehumidification is required. Many people make the mistake of buying a unit too small to meet their needs, and one of the advantages of 70-pint dehumidifiers is that “too small” will almost never be an issue. In hot, humid conditions and locations where mildew is an issue, these machines can be invaluable!

How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

There are several types of technology used in dehumidifiers, but the most common type is referred to as mechanical dehumidification. This technology utilizes a refrigerant coil to cool air as it is sucked into the machine via a fan, creating condensation that then drips down into a water collection tank. In the past, the refrigerant used in these machines contained dangerous CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, which were harmful to atmospheric ozone levels and contributed to the hole in the ozone layer. However, today most models use eco-friendly R410-A refrigerant, so ecologically minded buyers can rest at ease!

Humidity Problems

Humidity can cause a wide variety of problems within the average household. Insects like cockroaches, clothes moths, and dust mites do best in very moist conditions, so humidity can invite these unwanted little guests into your home. It may also invite various strains of mold and mildew, which will discolor walls, cause unpleasant musty odors, and potentially lead to health and respiratory issues for all household members. In addition, wood rots more easily in wet weather, so furniture and the structure of a house itself may suffer under very humid conditions.

Cost and Quality

Dehumidifiers differ widely by brand and manufacturer when it comes to both quality and cost. In many cases it’s safest to stick to well-known, dependable brands. Frigidaire, GE, Danby, and Haier which all tend to produce reliable models with a decent lifespan. Other companies also have units that exemplify the advantages of 70-pint dehumidifiers, but choosing a less-well-known brand is likely to be riskier in terms of overall performance. In general, 70-pint dehumidifiers retail for between $200 and $300; pay less, and risk a faulty unit, but more means that you’ve been overcharged.

Best Uses for a 70-Pint Dehumidifier

Large basements, small studio or one-room apartments, and master bedrooms are all examples of spaces best able to reap the advantages of a 70-pint dehumidifier. Small areas are likely to be overwhelmed by such a large unit, which may suck more moisture out of the air than is truly necessary. As dehydration is just as problematic as humidity, try to keep moisture levels at around 35 – 50% for optimum household health and wellbeing. A 70-pint dehumidifier is also large enough to be useful for some small businesses; the owner of a sauna, for example, might benefit from placing a large dehumidifier in the front office or hallway.

In situations where large quantities of moisture require rapid removal from the surrounding air, the advantages of 70-pint dehumidifiers are clearly superior. With a bit of research, it should be easy to decide whether one of these large models is right for your situation!

Disadvantages of 70-Pint Dehumidifiers

70-pint dehumidifiers have the unfortunate distinction of being almost too large and expensive for home use, but not large or sturdy enough for commercial and industrial use. This tends to confuse buyers, and may make them less likely to purchase a model of this size.

Is Humidity a Bad Thing?

As with all large dehumidifiers, one of the disadvantages of 70-pint dehumidifiers is that they can pull more moisture from the air than is really necessary or desirable. If you are using a large unit, make sure to set it to shut off once relative humidity levels fall below 35%. This will ensure that the air does not become too dry or harsh. While excessive moisture can lead to mold growth, insect infestation, and other issues, excessively dry air can cause cracked or scaly skin, dehydration, and respiratory discomfort. Don’t trade one set of problems for another!

Choosing the Right Dehumidifier

If you only wish to dehumidify a small bedroom, crawlspace, or trailer, don’t invest in a big, bulky dehumidifier; opt for a smaller, more portable model instead. One of the disadvantages of 70-pint dehumidifiers is that they tend to be heavy, and even the rolling caster wheels that most models come with cannot make a 70-pint dehumidifier as easy to transport as a 30 or 40-pint unit. Additionally, if you are shopping for an industrial business, don’t make the mistake of thinking that a 70-pint unit will be efficient enough to meet your needs. Such a machine would likely suffice in a retail shop, but not elsewhere.

Practicality

Money can be another issue when it comes to the disadvantages of 70-pint dehumidifiers. These large models are still only guaranteed to last for 1-2 years under the manufacturer’s warranty, and the extra 100 dollars added to the price tag can be intimidating in terms of receiving a return on your investment. The reality is that with larger dehumidifiers it is capacity that is being paid for rather than reliability or lifespan. Choose a model with the best customer reviews available, and consider purchasing an additional 3-year warranty from the retailer who sells you your unit.

Bigger Problems

A dehumidifier is designed to alleviate conditions that may cause problems; it cannot, however, completely resolve problems that have already begun. Mold and insect infestations will likely continue even if a dehumidifier is present. While mold cannot live without a certain level of relative humidity or moisture, the dead colonies may still leave stains and release spores for some time, causing allergies and health problems; similarly, cockroaches may like humid conditions, but they’ll still be happy to live in your home after a dehumidifier is introduced. Contact a professional exterminator if you need help with problems like this.

While a dehumidifier can be a really excellent addition to the average home, there are some disadvantages of 70-pint dehumidifiers that should really be considered before making a purchase. With good research and a little common sense, you should be able to avoid any disappointment if you do decide to purchase a dehumidifier.

Dehumidifiers in the 70-Pint Dehumidifier Category