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The typical dehumidifier comes in a range of sizes from Mini to Xtra large. The size refers to pints of water. The number of pints of moisture the appliance can remove every day (24-hour period).
How big a dehumidifier do you need? You can get a sense of the capacity or size you’ll need if you know:
- the square footage of the area you’d like to dehumidify
- the amount of moisture in the area
The size of your dehumidifier matters.
Larger capacity dehumidifiers tend to be more efficient. Larger capacity units work fewer hours per day. Smaller capacity units work longer hours or all day.
Larger capacity dehumidifiers are more expensive to buy but cheaper to operate. Smaller capacity dehumidifiers are less expensive to buy but more expensive to operate.
Dehumidifier Size Chart
Find a dehumidifier size calculator here.
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| Mini Dehumidifier | 1 to 4 | Mini dehumidifiers are suitable around 200 sq feet. |
| Small Dehumidifier | 5 to 20 | Small dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 200 sq feet to 400 sq feet. |
| 30 Pint Dehumidifier | 21 to 40 | 30 Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 200 sq feet to 800 sq feet. |
| 50 Pint Dehumidifier | 41 to 60 | 50 Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 600 sq feet to 1200 sq feet. |
| 70 Pint Dehumidifier | 61 to 80 | 70 Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 800 sq feet to 1600 sq feet. |
| 90 Pint Dehumidifier | 81 to 110 | 90 Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 1200 sq feet to 2600 sq feet. |
| Large Dehumidifier | 110 to 160 | Large Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 1600 sq feet to 3500+ sq feet. |
| Extra Large Dehumidifier | Above 160 | Xtra Large Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 2600 sq feet to 3500+ sq feet. |
These figures can help get you started. Desiccant models can be powerful and cover a larger area than a refrigerant of the same capacity.
Please note that manufacturers may claim water extraction rates based on conditions you may or may not have in your home.
Dehumidifier Drainage
Find a dehumidifier size calculator here.
How many pints of moisture the appliance will remove from the air each day is the key point.
The appliances’ physical size or their water tank holding capacity come second.
Dehumidifiers with larger extraction rates are often bigger. Bigger units tend to be self-draining or offer pumps and hoses.
Smaller dehumidifiers have tanks or buckets that need emptying. Emptying dehumidifier buckets is a pain.
Things To Consider
Room Size
The size of your room is important. When it comes to picking the right size dehumidifier, room size is not the only consideration.
You also need to consider how much moisture is in the room to figure out how big a dehumidifier you will need.
- If you have more moisture in your area, you will need a larger capacity appliance.
- If you have less moisture you will need a smaller capacity appliance.
- If you are unsure, go for a larger capacity model.
Room Moisture
How much moisture can you see and feel in your room?
Moisture ranges from less damp to wet.
Less Damp means [50 – 60% humidity] Air SOMETIMES feels damp / musty
Damp means [60 – 70% humidity] Air ALWAYS feels damp / musty
Less Wet means [70 – 80% humidity] Water SOMETIMES on walls / ceilings
Wet means [80 – 100% humidity] Water ALWAYS on walls / ceilings
Room conditions
You also need to consider some other items. For example, appliances like a dishwasher, a washer & a dryer add excess moisture to a room. Even if these appliances are not in the room they contribute to a damp space.
You need to look at the number of people who live in the space. The number of windows and doors also plays a role in choosing the size of a dehumidifier.
One common misconception is that, if you have an air conditioning unit you do not need a dehumidifier. This is not true if the quantity of moisture in your space is high. [1]
Climate
The relative humidity indoors is higher if you live where there are humid conditions. As a result, add at least 10 pints to your dehumidifier calculation. To compensate for the high level of humidity, choose a larger appliance. This helps to achieve the ideal humidity level.
If you use an air conditioner
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers aren’t identical. Air conditioners cool a room and so also remove some moisture. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from rooms.
These appliances complement each other. If you use the air conditioner a lot in the summer, you can save money by getting a dehumidifier.
To generate a dry and cool environment, these two appliances work well together.
Do you have pets?
It’s critical to keep the excess moisture low if you have pets.
Do you have a fluffy dog or a beloved dog? Hairy dog breeds like Shepards, Shih Tzus, and Huskys appreciate an ideal humidity.
Do you have a long-haired or a beloved cat? Long-haired cat breeds like Bobtails, Coons, and Persians appreciate an ideal humidity.
Pets have a more challenging time cooling off in the summer. Their fur or coat means these pets are at risk for heatstroke.
Provide a relaxing environment for yourself and your pets. [2]
Picking the appropriate dehumidifier
Picking the right dehumidifier for your space is not only about size. The number of pints of moisture per day the device can remove is very important.
Dehumidifiers are also made for particular rooms as well as typical applications.
Here is a list of places or rooms where dehumidifiers are used.
Here is a list of typical dehumidifier applications or types.
Here is a list of some other dehumidifier features to consider.
Features Include 24 Hour Operation, Air Filters, Alarms, Antibacterial, Auto-off, Auto Restart, Bucket, Compact, Easy to Use, Energy efficient, Defrost Ice, Humidistat or Hygrostat, Humidity, Ice prevention, Low Temperature, Made in The USA, Portable, Programmable, Reliable, Self-Draining, Sturdy, Washable filter, Water Pump and Wheels.
Think it over. You deserve to breathe easy. We’re here to make sure you feel comfortable.
Here is a list of dehumidifier sizes:
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| Mini Dehumidifier | 1 to 4 | Mini dehumidifiers are suitable around 200 sq feet. |
Depending on the model, mini dehumidifiers can cover anywhere from 100 to 300 square feet. When used in this sized room, the operation is soft but effective.
Mini units are popular in bedrooms, kids’ rooms, and nurseries due to their size and simplicity. Most of them have a small reservoir that can only hold a few pints. When the tank is full, most compact dehumidifiers have an auto-shutoff feature.
Mini dehumidifiers are popular in bedrooms because they are very quiet. They rely on thermoelectricity instead of a noisy compressor. A few mini desiccant models are also available. [3]
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| Small Dehumidifier | 5 to 20 | Small dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 200 sq feet to 400 sq feet. |
When you have a moderate damp room, with humidity between 50-70% then you do not need a small dehumidifier.
For a space that is about 300-500 sqft a 10-20-pint dehumidifier will do the job. Small dehumidifiers are very popular as residential dehumidifiers.
Small dehumidifiers usually come with an automatic shutoff feature. When the tank is full so they don’t spill. For small spaces like closets and gun safes, desiccant dehumidifiers work very well
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| 30 Pint Dehumidifier | 21 to 40 | 30 Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 200 sq feet to 800 sq feet. |
These dehumidifiers can collect roughly 30 pints of water per day. Regardless of how damp space is, this is the suggested size for areas up from 200 – 800 square feet.
30-pint models are effective when the dampness level is between 60-80 percent. As a result, it will be suitable for the majority of residential basements.
You can place it in the bedroom or living area. They come compact enough to fit them anywhere. Usually, you can get this as a portable unit.
30-pint models are popular dehumidifiers. Have a look at the Area Moisture Table. For example, if the room feels damp and smells musty when it’s very humid outside, this is the size to pick. [4]
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| 50 Pint Dehumidifier | 41 to 60 | 50 Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 600 sq feet to 1200 sq feet. |
These dehumidifiers can collect roughly 50 pints of water per day. This is a common size of a dehumidifier.
These dehumidifiers are ideal for humid mid-sized areas. Also for significant areas with lower humidity and a musty, wet odor. The 50-pint size is suitable for areas up to 1,200square feet.
Unless the relative humidity is greater than 80%, these devices function well. [5] If you’ve always seen water on the walls and ceiling you may want to consider a larger device. Another way to approach size is to have 2 units. I have 2 units in my basement that are set apart.
The 50-pint size is energy efficient. This appliance will run for less time compared to a smaller size dehumidifier. The 50-pint size removes some 6.25 gallons of water each day.
You can get an Energy Star Rated dehumidifier which will help save your energy costs. Energy Star ratings have become the new standard for dehumidifiers.
The 50-pint dehumidifier can work well in basements and other areas of your home. 50-pint dehumidifiers are better suited to basements, garages, and crawl spaces. In a basement, they will not disrupt anyone.
There are refrigerant as well as desiccant dehumidifier models. Make sure that your appliance is self-draining or has a water pump. Emptying 6 gallons of water each day is a chore.
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| 70 Pint Dehumidifier | 61 to 80 | 70 Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 800 sq feet to 1600 sq feet. |
The 70-pint dehumidifier is ideal for whole-house use. The appliances are often placed in crawl spaces, basements, garages, and large rooms. They work well in places that have high humidity.
70-pint dehumidifiers are perfect for rooms between 800 and 1,600 square. The units are excellent for water damage restoration.
The 70-pint size is very efficient and works better with continuous drainage. Otherwise, you will need to empty the tank several times a day. They often come with a drain hose so you can connect and leave it to drain.
Portable units have handles and wheels to move them around. Most 70-pint dehumidifiers have an Energy Star rating. [6]
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| 90 Pint Dehumidifier | 81 to 110 | 90 Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 1200 sq feet to 2600 sq feet. |
These dehumidifiers collect roughly 90 pints of water per day. A 90-pint capacity removes some 11 gallons of water from the air each day.
These dehumidifiers are ideal for humid large-sized areas. Also for significant areas with a persistent musty, wet odor. The 90-pint size is suitable for areas up to 2,600square feet.
These devices function well even in very humid conditions. If you’ve always seen water on surfaces this is your solution. Of course, another approach is to have 2 units.
The 90-pint size is energy efficient. This appliance will run for less time compared to smaller size dehumidifiers.
Most 90-pint units have an Energy-Star rating. They save you on your electric bill. Energy Star ratings have become the new standard for dehumidifiers.
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| Large Dehumidifier | 110 to 160 | Large Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 1600 sq feet to 3500+ sq feet. |
| Size/Capacity | Capacity in Pints | Recommendation |
| Extra Large Dehumidifier | Above 160 | Xtra Large Pint dehumidifiers are suitable for areas that range from 2600 sq feet to 3500+ sq feet. |
A large or extra-large dehumidifier is a heavy-duty appliance. Large dehumidifiers remove some 13-20 gallons of moisture from the air each day. Extra-large dehumidifiers remove over 20 gallons of moisture from the air each day.
Large dehumidifiers are suitable for areas from 1600 sq feet to 3500+ sq feet
Extra-large dehumidifiers are suitable for areas from 2600 sq feet to 3500+ sq feet
- Both Works in your cold basement, garages, construction site, or office space.
- Dehumidifiers lower humidity levels. They make your home less inviting to allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew.
- They don’t interfere with your routine. They are quiet and efficient in the background, with few people noticing.
- Dehumidifiers help remove the “musty” or “rotting” odors that go with mold and mildew in your house.
- It helps lessen the chances of mold growing on clothes, furniture, and curtains.
- Dehumidifiers help you breathe easier and feel more at ease in your house. They reduce irritation to your skin and respiratory system.
- Clothing will dry faster in a lower-humidity environment. There will be no rust or corrosion on electronics or tools. Cereals and bread will stay fresher for longer without becoming stale.
- These appliances reduce dust in your home or workplace allowing you to clean less.
Large and extra-large dehumidifiers help you save money on energy. They help your air conditioning unit function better.
When the air in your building is humid, the air conditioner must do both cooling and moisture removal. Which means air conditioners must work harder. A large appliance will reduce hvac wear and tear. [7]
Heavy-duty dehumidifiers work well as whole-house dehumidifiers. This type of dehumidifier can be set up with ducts and work throughout your home. They regulate moisture levels.
They do cost more than smaller sizes but, in the long run, are more efficient. Picking the right size dehumidifier can work to your advantage.
Final Thoughts
Know all the factors contributing to your excess humidity indoors. You will find which one works well for you.
Choosing a dehumidifier can be difficult. The dehumidifier size calculator can help. Dehumidifier models also come with different recommendations to guide you.
A common mistake is under-sizing your need. So be sure you are buying the right capacity.
