Sunpentown SD-350TI Mini Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are very useful machines which have applications in various parts of the home. Removing moisture from the air is important for health and structural reasons. However, not all dehumidifiers are made the same or made for the same purpose. The Sunpentown SD-350TI Mini Dehumidifier is most appropriate for smaller spaces, such as closets and small rooms.

Why Use a Dehumidifier?

Excess humidity or moisture in the air can be very detrimental. Asthma and allergy sufferers often find it more difficult to cope with their conditions in high humidity, because too-moist air feels "heavy," making breathing laborious. Additionally, high humidity encourages the growth of bacteria, mold, dust mites and fungi which can be dangerous to everyone in the home. Structural concerns are also important. Excessively-humid air leads to softening plaster, peeling paint and wallpaper, and overall damage when left unchecked. The Sundown SD-350TI helps alleviate humidity.

Peltier Condensing Technology

The Sundown SD-350TI Mini-Dehumidifier uses Peltier moisture-condensation techniques, which means that humidity is condensed upon a cold, metal surface using thermo-electric technology. This means that this Sunpentown dehumidifier is very quiet. Peltier technology has no noisy motors or condensers. This unit is perfect for bedrooms and children's nurseries, where its whisper-quiet operation is barely noticeable. This is also an ideal method to use in a closet or wardrobe since Peltier technology minimizes the likelihood of vibration and refrigerant leaks.

Small Spaces Only

As is evident in its name, the Sunpentown SD-350TI is a miniature dehumidifier. These machines are only meant to be used in small spaces, as the Peltier technology and its size means it will not work efficiently in extremely humid or open-air conditions. It measures 5" by 8" by 13" and only weighs around 3 ½ pounds and is very easy to move around and position with its convenient handle. Placing this dehumidifier beneath a sink, in a closet or in a cabinet where ingredients or materials need to be kept especially dry will bring excellent results.

Features

The Sunpentown SD-350TI has an electric 12-volt DC power adapter with a capacity of 60 watts, so it isn't for heavy-duty use. The moisture condensed by the dehumidifier is collected in a 2-liter clear water tank which features a TiO2 mesh and an UV light to kill any germs which could collect in the water. The UV light has an approximate life-span of about 8,000 hours before it needs to be replaced. There are no worries about it overflowing or using up its batteries if the owner forgets about it, because it has an automatic kill-switch when the tank is full.

Reasonable Expectations

This humidifier is very reasonably-priced, beginning at around $50 depending on where it is purchased. It is important to remember that it is a smaller machine so shouldn't be used in large or overly-humid areas. The Sunpentown SD-350TI product information clearly states that it should not be used in bathrooms, as the humidity in these rooms is too much for the machine's small capacity to manage well. Also, it shouldn't be used when temperatures fall below 15 C (52 F) as the Peltier technology isn't as effective in the cold.

User Reviews

This dehumidifier has average ratings based on online responses, but that rating is comprised of many highly-positive reviews levied against many negative ones. The biggest reason for this disparity in opinions seems based on users ' misapprehensions about how the unit should function. Negative reviewers seem to not understand the limitations of a miniature unit which uses Peltier condensing methods and have become frustrated by its apparent lack of performance. The Sunpentown SD-350TI is either loved or hated, but "bad" performance is mainly based on user ignorance.

The Sunpentown SD-350TI is a very reliable, reasonably-priced dehumidifier unit which operates well within its particular area of specialty. Anyone needing a small unit to keep their closets or cabinets dry will find it is an excellent choice.