Alen Energy Star 74-Pint Dehumidifier

A large model from a respected manufacturer of dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and air purification devices, the Alen Energy Star 74 Pint Dehumidifier is designed to remove a significant amount of moisture from spaces of up to 1,000 square feet. It features generally solid construction overall, with a few notable inconsistencies.

Appearance and Design

Weighing in at a whopping 53 pounds, this is not a lightweight, unobtrusive dehumidifier – but the Alen Energy Star 74 Pint Dehumidifier makes up for any inconvenience with powerful mechanical dehumidification performance. The model is Energy Star certified, meaning that it will save buyers both in terms of energy costs and in the size of their ecological footprint. A smooth, rounded white external casing makes the Alen 74 Pint easy on the eyes, and the electronic control panel situated on top of the machine is easy to access and adjust.

Functionality and Use

The Alen Energy Star 74 Pint Dehumidifier does an excellent job of moisture removal with its mechanical refrigeration coil technology. An automatic sensor will switch the machine off when optimum relative humidity levels have been reached, or when the collection tray is full of water. A hose hookup option makes it possible to install the dehumidifier in a more permanent manner, and creates a less high-maintenance way to maintain humidity levels within a room or small house.

Model Limitations

Although the Alen Energy Star 74 Pint Dehumidifier is capable of removing up to 74 pints of moisture from the air in a twenty four hour period, the collection tray included in the design is only capable of holding up to 18.5 pints. A simple calculation leads to the conclusion that the tray must thus need to be changed at least 3 times a day. Many customers have complained about the impracticality of such a small collection tray; in circumstances requiring both the mobility of the model’s caster wheels and the low-maintenance of the hose hookup, the Alen 74 Pint may not be the best dehumidifier choice.

Customer Service and Warranty

Sold with a limited 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, the Alen Energy Star 74 Pint Dehumidifier generally works well enough that such a short time period is not useful. One customer reported that his dehumidifier worked perfectly the first summer he owned it, but failed to function properly when he turned it on the year after. When he called the customer service representatives at Alen, they simply reminded him that the warranty had expired – and while this was true, he was bitterly disappointed to have spent upwards of $300 on a product that had only worked for 5 months.

What Do Owners Say?

Most owners of this large dehumidifier have used it in basement settings, or for small houses in areas with high humidity or where mold problems are common. The general consensus is that the Alen 74 pint is a solid, somewhat noisy machine that does a good job without too much fuss. Those looking for the best value for their money may not find it here, as the Alen is somewhat expensive when compared to other models, but it is reliable, flexible, and easy to find on the current market.

For those looking to invest in a large dehumidifier, the Alen Energy Star 74 Pint Dehumidifier may be a good option. Just make sure that the hose hookup is possible, or plan to change the collection tray several times a day.