Best Dehumidifier Between $200 and $300

Benefits of Dehumidifiers in the Home

A dehumidifier can be purchased in a number of sizes and is generally used to improve air quality inside a home or room. Dehumidifiers are used for many reasons – to whisk moisture from the air, to eliminate stale, damp air and to remove humidity from high-moisture areas like basements and bathrooms. There are a variety of dehumidifier units on the market – from professional grade models like the Frigidaire 70 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier, to the more compactly designs like the Haier 32 Pint Dehumidifier meant for home use.

Types of Dehumidifiers

Consumers interested in dehumidifiers for their homes will most likely select from one of the three most popular types of units: refrigerative, desiccant and whole-house dehumidifiers. Refrigerative dehumidifiers use cool air to remove moisture while desiccant dehumidifiers run air over absorptive natural materials to wick away unwanted moisture from the air.

Dehumidifiers can be purchased in a variety of sizes and are often sold either for home or industrial use. Portable home dehumidifiers are best for small rooms like cozy basements, bathrooms or bedrooms. Restoration or industrial dehumidifiers are designed for heavy-duty use in construction zones. Whole-house dehumidifiers must be installed by a HVAC professional and usually work in tandem with a home's HVAC system to pull excess moisture from the home.

Before You Buy: Considerations

To ensure you select the best dehumidifier for your home, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, consider the space. Will it be used in a large space like a garage or a basement? Consumers who need to reduce moisture in large areas should think about purchasing an industrial strength or high-capacity model. Also, be conscious of the temperature. Homeowners who live in cold climates will need to make sure they purchase a unit that operates at low temperatures. If you plan to use the unit in high-traffic areas of the home, be sure to select an ultra-quiet model that is mounted on casters for ease of movement.

Next, consider the unit’s moisture removal rates. Consumers should be sure to take note of how much water vapor the machine can remove per day. This consideration will ensure consumers select a machine that will be effective in their space. If you need to control a high-moisture room, opt for a high-capacity unit that evaporates close to 120 pints a day. If you need to manage a standard-size room, a unit that evaporates between 30 and 50 pints should suffice.

Generally, consumers prefer units that include a humidistat control to allow the users to adjust the humidity level. While many consumers put emphasis on the unit’s purchase price, be conscious of how much it will cost in the long run. Be sure to choose an energy-efficient dehumidifier that has a washable filter to prevent reoccurring costs.

Popular Dehumidifiers Between $200-$300

There are a number of commercial dehumidifiers for consumers to choose from. But, while choosing the right one may seem like a challenge, selecting the right dehumidifier for your home is simple - as long as you know what features to look for. Our product comparison provides an overview of some of the most popular dehumidifier models available to consumers. Most of the dehumidifiers evaluated in the review can be purchased at your local home improvement retailer.

• Frigidaire 70 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier – Model: FAD704DUD

Those who are looking for a dehumidifier with the power to handle large spaces should opt for a high-capacity dehumidifier. The Frigidaire 70 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier is a great example of a unit that can handle high-moisture areas. The 70-pint bucket makes the unit a great option for homeowners who have experienced serious water damage. If your home is suffering from damage due to moisture, you’ll be glad to know that Frigidaire uses one of the most durable antibacterial filters in their dehumidifier appliances. The heavy-duty unit delivers big results and its hefty size is manageable thanks to a set of sturdy casters. The dehumidifier is also available in a smaller 50-pint model.

Consumers can purchase the Frigidaire 70 Pint Capacity Dehumidifier for between $200-$250 at most major home improvement retailers. The unit’s compact and quiet design has made it an appealing choice for those who are looking for a high-powered but energy-efficiency model. The digital humidistat allows users to set their own preferred humidity levels. Customers who have purchased this unit recommend potential buyers also purchase the separate factory drain modification kit to ensure proper drainage.

• Soleus Air 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier - Model: DP1-70-03

Another great high-capacity dehumidifier is the Soleus Air 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier. This handy unit wicks moisture from the air and operates with a continuous mode function. This unit also has a 70-pint bucket as well as a digital humidistat feature. While most heavy-duty units focus on pulling moisture from the air, the Soleus Air 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier not only reduces airborne moisture but also removes water as well.

Retailing for between $200 and $250, one of this portable unit’s best features is its continuous operating mode which allows the attachment of a garden hose to automatically drain the bucket reservoir. The digital settings allow users to adjust the humidity level, three-speed motor and timer. Customers who have purchased the machine tend to be happy with the results however, some have complained about the unit’s noise level. Other customers have complained that the model was not designed to cycle and therefore must be manually turned on every 2,4, or 6 hours.

• GE 40 Pint Dehumidifier – Model: ADER40LP

Consumers looking for a dehumidifier to use in areas with moderate moisture problems may want to opt for a 40-50 pint capacity dehumidifier. A 40-pint dehumidifier’s small design and basic function make it an ideal choice for consumers looking for a run-of-the-mill dehumidifier. The GE 40 Pint Dehumidifier, for instance, provides a standard array of features: an adjustable humidistat, digital control panel, an automatic shut-off feature and full warning alert.

The unit, which retails for between $150-$200, is Energy-star certified and relatively quiet, making it a good choice for home use. This unit is also a great option for consumers who want to control their costs over time. Customers who purchased the unit love the washable filter and report that it eliminated the need to purchase costly replacement filters that needed for other models.

• Haier 32 Pint Dehumidifier – Model: DM32EJ-L

Consumers looking to purchase a dehumidifier for sporadic use may be fine purchasing a 30-38 pint capacity dehumidifier. The Haier 32 Pint Dehumidifier features a two-speed fan, auto defrost mechanism and automatic restart functions. This small, compact unit is great for high-moisture areas like bathrooms or for computer rooms. For best results, use this unit in small spaces. The Haier 32 Pint Dehumidifier is small but versatile and can be adapted for continuous draining using a garden hose. While customers who purchased this product have been pleased with the results, some customers who bought the product complained that the unit was too noisy.

Making the Most of Your Dehumidifier Unit

While humid environments may be uncomfortable for humans, they can also have a serious impact on the home. One of the biggest concerns regarding high-moisture areas is mold and mildew growth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause a number of adverse health problems such as nasal congestion, eye irritation and breathing complications. High humidity in the home also attracts pests that can destroy the structure and stability of the home. A home dehumidifier can help to alleviate these issues before they become a problem.

Also, if you plan to use a dehumidifier in the home, be sure to maximize its energy-efficiency. Don’t leave the dehumidifier on all day. Instead, regulate the humidity by setting the humidistat so the machine only comes on when it’s needed. Also, be sure to clean to filter regularly and allow for proper air circulation near the unit’s intake vents. With these small considerations, consumers can get the most out of their dehumidifier purchase.