What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need? - Your Life Values!

As an Amazon Associate we earn commissions from qualifying purchases. These commissions do not effect the prices of the products you purchase.If you are faced with hot and humid weather or are dealing with a damp room or basement you need to be prepared to address the humidity and the problems it can bring. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from your home and provide a lot of benefits to your health, home, and belongings.

Choosing a model that is the right capacity (size) is paramount when buying a dehumidifier. They come in a wide variety of sizes, which can make selecting the right one for your living space confusing. So let’s discuss the basics of dehumidifier size so you can choose the best dehumidifier for your home.

Table of Contents

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• Do I Need a dehumidifier?
• Main Types of Dehumidifiers
  • Desiccant Dehumidifiers
  • Refrigeration Dehumidifiers
• How to Calculate Your Needs?
  • The Size of Your Room or House You Wish to Dehumidify (Square Footage)
  • Consider Dampness In The Area You Wish to Dehumidify
• So What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need?
  • Small Dehumidifiers
  • 30 Pint Dehumidifiers
  • 50 Pint Dehumidifiers
  • 70 Pint Dehumidifiers
• Other Things to Consider
  • Number of People In the Home
    • Washer and Dryer
    • Windows and Doors
    • Bathroom
  • Why Not Just Get The Largest Capacity Unit You Can Find?
• Summary

Do I Need a dehumidifier?

When contemplating buying one for the first time most people will first ask themselves; do I really need a dehumidifier? For most of us, the answer is usually yes.

High humidity can damage furniture, clothing, electronics, and wallpaper. It can make many areas of your home unbearable and/or unhealthy. In rooms, such as laundry rooms and basements where higher levels of dampness are common due to natural conditions, a dehumidifier can help solve your problems. Plus, it will reduce those musty odors. You can learn about all the benefits of dehumidifiers here.

Even if you own a home air conditioner, there might be enough moisture in the air of your home to still make having a dehumidifier be a necessity during the summer months. This happens when the air conditioner gets the home to the desired temperature and shuts off (like it is supposed to do) despite the humidity levels still being higher than you would like. However, the need for a dehumidifier doesn’t necessarily end once fall comes. Many homes have problems with excess moisture year-round.

Thankfully, a dehumidifier can help us to maintain the recommended relative humidity level in our homes regardless of which season we are in. The EPA states that relative humidity (RH) should be kept below 60 percent — with levels between 30 percent and 50 percent being ideal.

Main Types of Dehumidifiers

There are two main types of dehumidifiers namely: refrigeration and desiccant dehumidifiers. Each type has different strengths and weaknesses. So understanding the differences can help you purchase the correct model for your situation.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant dehumidifiers work well in spaces that require consistent dehumidification, including laundry rooms, basements, or garages. One advantage of desiccant dehumidifiers is that they can work at low air temperatures (below 65°F ), which can cause refrigeration style dehumidifiers to freeze up and stop working.

They work by passing the air through the rotor that contains materials (such as silica gel) that absorb and hold water vapor. These materials usually absorb water from the air, after which the air is then pushed back out through vents into the room. Eventually, the desiccant material is heated, which vaporizes the water then it is then ducted out of the room.

In addition to working well in cooler temperatures, there are a couple of other positives about desiccant dehumidifiers. First, unlike the refrigerant types, desiccant dehumidifiers don’t have a compressor or use any refrigerants, which makes them easy to maintain. Second, because they don’t have a compressor desiccant dehumidifiers have lower noise levels and usually run quieter than their refrigeration style counterparts.

Refrigeration Dehumidifiers

Refrigeration humidifiers are by far the best at eliminating and removing excess moisture from the air compared to desiccant dehumidifiers, especially at high moisture and higher temperatures. This unit comes with refrigerated coils that help to drive the moisture out simply by pulling the damp, warm air from within the room and passing it over these cold evaporator coils that cool the surrounding air below its dew point temperature. In turn, the gaseous water in the air undergoes condensation. Then, the condensed water is automatically captured by the machine and directed into the storage unit. After some time, the water is ejected from a dehumidifier machine through the floor drain, and the dried air is released into your room or the facility’s environment.

Refrigeration style dehumidifiers are more energy-efficient and consume less energy per hour and are thus generally cheaper to run and own.

The vast majority of people are buying dehumidifiers for use in their homes and don’t need to worry about having to operate the dehumidifier in colder temperatures because of this and the fact that they are more energy-efficient, the most common type of dehumidifiers people buy are the refrigeration style. 

How to Calculate Your Needs?

Different room sizes and conditions require different dehumidifier ratings. Various factors will determine the best dehumidifier capacity for your room or house. Therefore, when selecting your model, these are the two main factors to consider:

The Size of Your Room or House You Wish to Dehumidify (Square Footage)

First, think about the size of the house you want to dehumidify. Remember to measure your room in square meters. Noticeably, that is the unit given or quoted by the manufacturer. Also, you need to decide on the space your tool will cover. To this end, you must calculate the square footage.

Consider Dampness In The Area You Wish to Dehumidify

Choosing a model based on the size of your room as well as its capacity alone isn’t enough, though. To come out with the best solution, you need to consider the conditions of your room. So you need to ask yourself this question- How damp is my space? Stick with the capacity that matches your space. If your space has lower levels of humidity, choose a smaller-capacity unit. If you want to tackle an extremely wet space, then go with a larger capacity unit.

So let’s talk about different levels of humidity and how you might be able to identify them without the use of a humidistat. For the purposes of our discussion let’s break it down into four categories

• Moderately Damp (RH level between 50 and 60 percent) – There is an occasional musty smell and feels damp.
• Extremely Damp (RH level between 60 and 70 percent) – It often smells musty and will often feel damp.
• Wet (RH levels of between 70 and 85 percent) – Area feels wet and smells musty with damp spots on walls and/or floors.
• Extremely Wet (RH level that’s greater than 85%) – Area feels wet and smells musty with water seepage appearing on the walls and/or floors. You may also notice mold growing.

So What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need?

So once you have decided what type of dehumidifier you want to have you need to think about the size or capacity, that will be best for the area you will be putting it into. Units are usually categorized by the number of pints of water they can collect in a 24 hour period. They come in four main categories.

Which category you should be considering is largely determined by the size of the space you are trying to dehumidify and the level of moisture in the air. Let’s take a look at the different categories.

Small Dehumidifiers

Maybe you only have slight excess moisture problems in just one small area of your house. If that is the case, you might want to look at getting a small (or mini) dehumidifier. There are units that are designed to be in areas that are 200 square feet or less and spaces that are between 200 and 300 square feet.

Because of their small size, these models are great for small spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms or enclosed kitchens. However, some of these units might only hold around a full pint of water and only remove 1/2 pint per day. Due to the limited amount of moisture they can remove from the air each day you want to remember that they aren’t the solution for larger areas or spaces with very high humidity levels.

30 Pint Dehumidifiers

These models are suitable for areas between 500 and 3,000 square feet depending on the dampness. Each day, they collect about 30 pints of water and are appropriate to use in residential spaces including basements. Here is some more information on when to use 30 pint units:

• 500-1500 square feet – Good for extremely wet spaces with RH up to levels that are greater than 85%
• 2000 square feet – Good for extremely damp spaces with RH up to levels between 60 and 70 percent
• 2500-3000 square feet – Good for moderately damp spaces with RH up to levels between 50 and 60 percent

SaleBestseller No. 1 Dehumidifier for Home - 30 Pint Dehumidifier with Drain Hose Up to 2500 Sq. Ft Coverage - Ideal for Basement Bedroom Bathroom - Intelligent Humidity Control, Auto Defrost, 24H Timer

• 【High-Efficiency Dehumidification】- Powered by advanced compressor technology, this dehumidifier removes up to 30 pints of moisture per day (under 95°F, 90% RH conditions) and efficiently covers up to 2,500 sq. ft. Whether it's a damp basement, humid bathroom, or any other moisture-prone space, this dehumidifier with drain hose ensures a dry, comfortable environment by quickly controlling excess humidity
• 【Dual-Mode Humidity Control】- COLAZE home dehumidifier features unique dual-mode precise humidity control technology, combining the AU intelligent comfort mode and the CO continuous dehumidification mode. In AU mode, it automatically adjusts humidity based on room temperature to create a comfortable indoor environment. The CO mode allows for continuous operation with humidity settings ranging from 30% to 90%, and combined with high-speed airflow, it doubles as a drying mode, making it perfect for quickly drying clothes
• 【Smart Auto-Protect System】- COLAZE dehumidifier features intelligent protection with three key functions: auto-defrost, auto shut-off when the water tank is full, and a 24-hour timer. The auto-defrost ensures optimal performance in low temperatures, extending the lifespan of the unit. The auto shut-off prevents overflow for added safety. The 24-hour timer not only allows you to set the operating time in advance but also helps save energy by running only when needed, maximizing efficiency
• 【Flexible Drainage Options】- This dehumidifier for home offers dual drainage solutions, ideal for damp spaces like bathrooms and basements. It includes a 6.56-foot drainage hose for continuous water discharge, plus a 0.53Gal manual drainage option for easy tank emptying. The washable filter captures dust and impurities for clean air, making maintenance hassle-free and providing a more convenient user experience
• 【Ultra-Quiet & Portable Design】- The COLAZE dehumidifier for bedrooms uses advanced noise reduction technology, operating at a low noise level of just 40 dB, providing you with a peaceful and comfortable resting environment. Featuring removable 360° rotating wheels, our dehumidifier is easy to move to any corner of your home to meet varying dehumidification needs. Its modern design seamlessly integrates with any home decor

$99.49 Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 2 Dravonic 2000 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier for Basement, 30 Pint Dehumidifiers for Home, Bedroom and Bathroom, 3 Modes Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Smart Humidity Control, 24H Timer (White, 30 Pints)

• Efficient Dehumidifiers for Home Up to 2000 Sq. Ft - This powerful dehumidifier is designed to effectively remove up to 30 pints of moisture daily (95°F, 90%RH), making it ideal for large residences. It helps maintain optimal humidity levels, ensuring a dry and comfortable living environment. Whether placed in basements, bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms, this unit promotes a healthier atmosphere by reducing excess moisture that can lead to structural damage and health concerns.
• 3 Modes for Every Situation - Versatility is key with this dehumidifier, which offers three distinct modes tailored to your needs. The precise humidity control mode allows you to set your desired humidity level for comfort, while the quick drying mode is perfect for efficiently drying clothes after washing. The continuous moisture control mode ensures consistent management of excess humidity—ideal for damp areas like basements or laundry rooms. Enjoy customized comfort year-round with ease.
• Hassle-Free Drainage Options - This dehumidifier comes equipped with two convenient drainage options designed for user flexibility. You can opt for the 0.4-gallon water tank that features an auto shut-off function when full, preventing overflow and messes. For those seeking continuous operation without manual intervention, the included 3.28 ft drain hose allows hassle-free drainage directly into a floor drain—perfect for long-term use in areas prone to moisture accumulation.
• Smart Technology for Peace of Mind - Equipped with advanced smart technology, this dehumidifier provides real-time humidity monitoring so you can keep track of conditions at a glance. The auto on/off function allows the unit to operate only when needed, conserving energy while maintaining optimal levels. With a programmable 24-hour timer and a child lock feature for safety, this appliance simplifies your life and ensures peace of mind regarding its operation in family spaces such as bedrooms and living areas.
• Designed for Easy Use and Maintenance - This home dehumidifier has been thoughtfully designed with user convenience in mind. The 360° casters allow effortless movement from room to room as needed, while ergonomic handles provide easy portability during maintenance tasks or cleaning routines. The removable water tank makes emptying quick and simple—ensuring long-lasting performance while minimizing upkeep efforts.

$139.98 Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 3 2000 Sq.ft Dehumidifier for Basement, LUKO 30 Pint Dehumidifier with Drain Hose for Continuous Drainage, Intelligent Humidity Control Panel and 24H Timer, 3 Modes, Child Lock, Auto Defrost

• 【2,000 sq ft Large Dehumidifier】Equipped with 3 upgraded air inlets, this home dehumidifier can effectively dehumidify 360° in all directions. Removes up to 30 pints (under 95°F, 90% RH) of moisture per day and adjusts the humidity level from 30% to 80%. This energy-saving dehumidifier is ideal to dry a damp room up to 2,000 sqft and is perfect for homes, basements, offices, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, stockrooms, living rooms, laundry rooms, cellars and crawlspaces.
• 【68oz Water Tank】Equipped with a large detachable 68oz(0.528 Gal) water tank, you can adjusted the dehumidifier to the ideal humidity setting, and let it run continuously for 24 hours until the water tank is full, the water tank indicator light will turn red and light up, it will automatically shut down to prevent water overflow. No time to empty it? With a drain hose outlet for continuous draining which comes with a 3.3ft long drain hose that you don't need to empty the water tank anytime.
• 【Easy To Move & Maintain】Considering that most bulky dehumidifiers are difficult to move, this unit is designed with 360° rotatable wheels and ergonomically designed handles, meaning that you can move it around easily without scratching the floor. Meanwhile, a detachable and washable filter can preserve fresh and clean air quality.
• 【Multiple Humanized Functions】With upgraded 360° airflow, this multifunctional dehumidifier offers a specifically designed laundry dry mode that can quickly remove excessive moisture from clothes and keep them dry and clean which makes it suitable for wet weather. Two different fan speeds will meet the various dehumidification needs of anyone by switching freely between the 2 modes. With 45dB ultra-quiet operation, and the night sleep mode provides a quiet environment so that you can sleep.
• 【Humidity Real-Time Intelligent Control】Simple to use! Our home dehumidifier has a adjustable electronic control panel with LED digital display, it can provide an accurate humidity level readout and automatic humidity control. Adjust to your ideal moisture setting (30%-80%). It will intelligently perceive any rooms humidity level and control dehumidification. Meanwhile, it is also equipped with an intelligent 3-color humidity level display lights: Red (20%-49%), Blue (50%-67%), Green (68%-81%).

$89.98 Buy on Amazon

50 Pint Dehumidifiers

50 pint dehumidifiers can handle middle-sized spaces that are extremely humid or large spaces that are a little less humid. These units are powerful enough to work well in areas that smell musty and damp all the time. Here is a little more guidance on when to buy a 50 pint dehumidifier:

• 500-1000 square feet – A 50 pint humidifier is probably too big and unnecessary for this size of space.
• 1500 square feet – Good for extremely wet spaces with RH up to levels that are greater than 85% (A 50 pint dehumidifier might be a little too much for a space this size if it has lower humidity levels )
• 2000-2500 square feet – Good for extremely wet spaces with RH levels that are up to and greater than 85%
• 3000 square feet – Good for wet spaces with RH up to levels up to the 70 and 85 percent range

SaleBestseller No. 1 Frigidaire 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier with Wi-Fi and Energy Star Certification for Medium/Large Rooms & Basements, Custom Humidity Control, Auto Shut Off, White

• Wi-Fi Enabled: Effortlessly control your dehumidifier from anywhere with the Frigidaire app or connect it to your Amazon Alexa or Google Home devices for smart, hands-free humidity management
• Energy-Efficient Performance: This Energy Star-certified dehumidifier uses less energy to deliver powerful humidity control, helping you reduce energy usage and lower your utility bills
• Convenient Drainage Options: Choose between two hassle-free water drainage methods – use the easy-carry water bucket for quick manual removal or the continuous drain option to skip emptying the bucket
• Effortless Humidity Control: Customize your humidity settings with ease, enjoy automatic shut-off when the water bucket is full for worry-free operation, and ensure comfort even in cold spaces thanks to efficient low-temperature performance down to 41°F
• Easy Maintenance: Capture dust from the air and keep your dehumidifier working efficiently with the easy-to-clean washable filter; alerts notify you when it’s time to clean the filter for hassle-free maintenance

$236.54 Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 2 DuraComfort Dehumidifier for Basement Home with Pump,4500 Sq.ft 50 Pints With WiFi

• Large Coverage —— Removes up to 50 pints/day, ideal for basements, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and more. Adjustable humidity from 35%–80% RH.
• Energy Star Certified —— Efficient and eco-friendly. Uses as little as $25/year in electricity.
• WiFi Smart Control —— Use the DuraComfort app to adjust humidity, fan speed, and set timers from anywhere.
• 1.7-Gallon Water Tank —— Large tank with auto shut-off and full-tank alert. Includes built-in float to prevent spills.
• Modern & Quiet Design —— Sleek look with 360° wheels, easy-carry handles, washable filter, quiet fan, and 24-hour timer.

$238.90 Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 3 hOmeLabs Dehumidifier for Home, Office, Basements with Powerful Moisture Removal, Humidity Control, Auto Shut-off, Quiet Operation - 7,000 Sq Ft Wi-Fi (50 Pint MAX 120 Pint at 95°F, 90% RH)

• Powerful Humidity Control – This Wi-Fi–enabled dehumidifier keeps spaces up to 7,000 sq ft comfortably dry and removes up to 50 pints per day at 80°F/60% RH (up to 120 pints at 95°F/90% RH).
• WiFi-Enabled Smart Functionality: Adjust your settings and control your dehumidifier remotely. With the cutting-edge WiFi feature, connect your dehumidifier to your home's network and manage your comfort from anywhere.
• Stylish for Modern Homes: We've designed with the modern consumer in mind, providing a sleek appearance, convenient wheels and handles, and a subdued fan that won't interfere with your quiet activities.
• Ease of Use: Simplicity at its best - adjust to your preferred moisture setting and let it operate continuously until the tank is full, upon which it will automatically shut off. For continuous drainage, a hose outlet is provided (hose not included).
• Efficient Moisture Removal: This advanced dehumidifier works through its built-in pump compressor, featuring a Turbo mode to maximize fan speed from Normal Air CFM 188 to High Air CFM 218.

$249.99 Buy on Amazon

70 Pint Dehumidifiers

If you need a dehumidifier for a large space and/or dealing with extreme humidity plaguing your home during hot and humid months, then a 70 pint dehumidifier could be your answer. These models can easily remove about 70 pints of water a day. They are superb for homes with very wet crawl spaces and basements. Here is some advice on the situations where you will want to consider a 70 pint dehumidifier:

• 500-2000 square feet – A 70 pint humidifier is probably too big and unnecessary for this size of space.
• 2500-3000 square feet – Good for extremely wet spaces with RH levels that are up to and greater than 85%

SaleBestseller No. 1 5000 Sq.Ft Energy Star Most Efficient 2024 Dehumidifier,DECIUU Max 100 Pint (Standard 70 Pint) Dehumidifier for Basement with Drain Hose,Intelligent Humidity Control for Home Bathroom Garage Bedroom

• Most Efficient 2024 Energy Star Dehumidifier: Tired of battling stubborn humidity? Our ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifier removes 70 pints/D at (86°F, 80% RH) and meets the strictest Most Efficient 2024 energy standards. It delivers superior performance in extreme conditions - up to 100 pints/D at ( 95°F, 90% RH), and 50 pints/D at (80°F, 60% RH) and coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft., it’s 50% more efficient than traditional models, helping protect your home, walls, furniture, and clothes from damage.Dehumidification capacity≠water tank volume
• Three Engines Powerful Dehumidification: Deciuu dehumidifier combines three core technologies for efficient moisture control: a high-efficiency rotary compressor ensures stable performance with lower energy use; a large vortex fan boosts air circulation for faster drying; and high-conductivity copper tubing in the evaporator and condenser improves cooling and durability. Precision engineering design combined with intelligent airflow brings strong dehumidification effect, helping you say goodbye to annoying humidity
• Why is the DECIUU Dehumidifier so Outstanding? At the core of its superior performance lies our Intelligent Humidity Control System, powered by a high precision sensor that continuously monitors ambient humidity in real time. Users can freely set their desired humidity level between 35% and 80% RH, maintaining optimal comfort and protection for your space.The built-in Smart Memory Chip restores your last settings automatically - no need to reset each time. Just power on and enjoy consistent, personalized comfort
• Three Drainage Options for a Dry, Comfortable Space:This compact dehumidifier offers flexible drainage with a 3/4" garden hose adapter for allowing you to easily connect to a standard water pipe,;a 2m (6.56ft) drain hose for ensuring continuous drainage, and a 5.5L (1.45 gal) tank with auto shut-off when full without the worry of overflow.Ideal for basements, living rooms, garages, or storage areas, it combines strong performance with user-friendly design to keep your space dry
• Smart Control That Fits Seamlessly Into Daily Life:Our large-capacity dehumidifier features a clear LED panel for easy control and set a 1–24h timer, and switch between three fan speeds. The child lock prevents accidental touches, and the full-tank indicator reminds you when to empty water. Every detail is designed for daily ease, so anyone in the household can operate it comfortably, whether during busy mornings or restful nights

$237.49 Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 2 Waykar 80 Pints 2025 Energy Star Dehumidifier for Spaces up to 5,000 Sq. Ft for Basement and Home, Large Room with Drain Hose and 1.14 Gallons Water Tank

• 【Covers up to 5,000 Sq. Ft. with Powerful 80 Pint Capacity】Waykar removes up to 80 pints of moisture per day (at 95°F, 90% RH), outperforming standard 80-pint units tested under 95°F, 95% RH. The adjustable humidity range from 30% to 80% offers flexibility beyond the 40% floor seen in typical models. Perfect for basements, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, storage areas, living rooms, laundry rooms, RVs, boats, and more.
• 【Energy Star 2025 Certified for High Efficiency】Waykar dehumidifiers deliver up to 50% more energy efficiency compared to non-Energy Star models. Choose a dehumidifier that saves energy, lowers bills, and supports global sustainability.
• 【Wide-Angle Swing for Faster, Targeted Dehumidification】Waykar features an automatic 30°–90° swing function that promotes air circulation and speeds up drying. Customize airflow direction to focus on specific areas like closets or damp corners. Enjoy whisper-quiet operation as low as 42 dB, perfect for bedrooms and quiet spaces.
• 【Active Protection with Auto Defrost and Memory Restart】Stay protected with active safeguards including auto defrost, overload protection, and automatic restart after a power outage—no smart plug needed. Even in colder environments, Waykar maintains stable, efficient performance.
• 【Smart Touch Control and 24-Hour Timer】The intuitive touch panel allows you to easily set humidity levels, monitor real-time humidity, and schedule operations with a 24-hour timer. Once set, the system intelligently adjusts to maintain your ideal comfort without constant attention.

$229.99 Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 3 Dehumidifier, Dehumidifier for Basement with Drain Hose Max 70 Pints, Dehumidifiers for Home up to 4,500 Sq. Ft, Ideal for Bedroom, Bathroom & Large Rooms, Humidity Control, Dry Clothes, 24HR Timer

• ☆. Efficient Dehumidifier for homes over 4500 sq.ft: The dehumidifier with 1.59 gallon water tank capacity removes up to 70 pints from the air per day. It is great for basement. This dehumidifier can safely and effectively remove excess moisture and peculiar smell in the air, great for your bathroom, bedroom, garage, office, kitchen, large room, storage room and RV.
• ☆. Intelligent Humidity Control Dehumidifier: This basement dehumidifier is equipped with a smart screen with touch control, which is easy to operate without worrying about button damage. In the normal dehumidification mode, customize the humidity (30% - 80% RH). When the specified humidity is reached, it will automatically stop working.
• ☆. High Effective Dehumidification: Our bathroom dehumidifier has an efficient and energy-saving compressor, which increases the fan speed to remove moisture to the maximum extent. It can quickly and effectively reduce humidity, maintain dry air level, and make you feel more comfortable.
• ☆. Auto or Manual Drainage with Drain Hose: Our dehumidifiers are equipped with drainage hoses. You can not only drain water manually, but also insert hoses to achieve automatic drainage. The water tank is 6L/1.59 gallon, when it reaches maximum capacity, the "Full "indicator will light up as well as an alarm will beep to remind you to empty the water tank, and the dehumidifier will stop working automatically at the same time.
• ☆. Super Easy To Use: This home dehumidifier is very simple and convenient to use. You just need to adjust to the ideal humidity setting, and then let it run continuously until the tank is full, at which time it will automatically close. It also has the function of automatic defrosting, so you don't need to pay too much attention to it. The dehumidifier also has the function of child lock to prevent children from touching by mistake.

$139.99 Buy on Amazon

Other Things to Consider

As we just stated, the square footage of the space and the overall level of dampness are the two biggest things to consider when deciding the capacity of the dehumidifier you need. However, there are some other factors that might make you increase your calculations and decide to get a higher capacity model.

Number of People In the Home

As humans, we are constantly expelling water into our environment. Whether we are talking, breathing or sweating our bodies are releasing moisture that is being absorbed by the air around us. So it only makes sense that the larger the number of people who live in a home the need for a higher capacity dehumidifier increases. Some places suggest that you will need an additional 5 pints of capacity for every 4 people in your house.

There are some additional factors associated with the number of people[le in your home that might require you to think about a higher capacity dehumidifier.

Washer and Dryer

If your home has a laundry room, then it requires additional water-removing capacity. This is because water is constantly flowing and evaporating whenever you run your dryer or washer. If you have a larger family or just simply do a lot of laundry you might want to add more 5 pints to your overall calculation.

Windows and Doors

One way moisture can sneak into your house via open doors and windows.

If you live in a humid area and have a lot of people constantly coming and going or if you simply like to leave the windows and patio doors open to get fresh air in the house you might want to add another 5 pints of capacity to meet your home’s needs.

Bathroom

Your bathroom is a room that bacteria and mold loves. Simply flushing your toilet, running showers and washing your hands can increase the relative humidity of your bathroom.

If you like to take long showers or if there are a lot of people living in your home who are taking multiple showers per day you might want to add another 5 or 10 pints to your calculations. This is especially true if your bathroom isn’t very well ventilated.

Why Not Just Get The Largest Capacity Unit You Can Find?

Getting a 70 pint model might not be a bad idea, but it might not be the right thing for you to do either.

Cons

There are several reasons why you might not want to get a model that is bigger than you need. One reason is that you could spend a lot of extra money. Another reason is that a larger unit will usually make more noise than a smaller unit and depending on where you put it noise could be an issue for you. Finally, the bigger the capacity the larger the dehumidifier will be larger and weigh more (70 pint units can be about 50 pounds), which can be an issue if you plan on putting the dehumidifier in a small space or plan on moving it around to different areas of the house.

Pros

Getting a large capacity model can be a good choice for several reasons. First, you know that it will be able to meet your needs and get the humidity to a healthy level in your home. Second, because it will be able to get the moisture out of the air faster than smaller models it might be more energy-efficient than a slightly smaller unit that needs to run virtually non stop to get the job done. Lastly, a larger capacity unit might last longer than some of its smaller capacity counterparts since it won’t have to run as long to do the same job.

Summary

Selecting a model with the proper size (capacity) is arguably the most important part of buying a dehumidifier. If you take a few minutes to think about the size of your home and the level of moisture in the air you will be able to successfully find a dehumidifier that will be able to meet your needs for years to come. That being said, if you are having a hard time deciding, remember to error on the side of going with the larger capacity option if you are having a hard time.

Last update on 2025-12-21 at 01:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API