Dehumidifiers are essential appliances for homes and businesses in humid climates. They help to remove moisture from the air, which can improve air quality, prevent mold growth, and make your home more comfortable.
But how do you know which dehumidifier is right for you?
Dehumidifiers are rated according to two main standards: pint capacity and energy efficiency.
Pint Capacity: The Old vs. The New
Pint capacity refers to the amount of water a dehumidifier can remove from the air in 24 hours under specific conditions. The higher the pint capacity, the more moisture the dehumidifier can remove.
Before late 2019/early 2020, dehumidifiers were tested in an environment of 80 degrees Fahrenheit with 60% humidity. Under these conditions, a typical dehumidifier might be rated as a 30-pint, 50-pint, or 70-pint dehumidifier, which indicated the amount of water it could remove from the air in 24 hours.
However, the standards have now changed. Dehumidifiers are now tested in a cooler environment, 65 degrees Fahrenheit with 60% humidity. This new environment has less moisture to remove, so dehumidifiers will have a lower pint capacity rating according to the new standards.
50-Pint vs 70-Pint Dehumidifier: The Shift
A 70-pint dehumidifier under the old standards would be equivalent to a 50-pint dehumidifier under the new standards.
The change in testing standards has led to some confusion for consumers. However, this doesn't mean that the dehumidifier is less powerful, it simply means that it has been tested under different conditions.
If you are looking for a dehumidifier that can remove a lot of moisture from the air, you should look for a model with a pint capacity of 50 pints or higher under the new standards. This is equivalent to a 70-pint dehumidifier under the old standards.
Energy Efficiency: Integrated Energy Factor (IEF)
The old energy efficiency standard measured the Energy Factor, which was the amount of water removed per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed while the dehumidifier was actively removing moisture.
The new standards use the Integrated Energy Factor, which measures the energy consumed even when the dehumidifier is not actively removing moisture but the fan is still running. This is considered a more accurate representation of real-world energy use since dehumidifiers turn on and off based on the humidity level.
Old Pint Capacity | New Pint Capacity | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
30 Pint | 20 - 22 Pint | Small bedrooms, bathrooms. |
50 Pint | 30 - 35 Pint | Basements, living rooms, large bedrooms |
70 Pint | 40 - 50 Pint | Basements, whole-house use (smaller homes, apartments) |
100 Pint | 70 - 80 Pint | Large basements, crawl spaces, whole-house use |
Tips on Choosing the Best Dehumidifier for Your Home in 2024
If you are buying a new dehumidifier, be sure to check the pint capacity and energy efficiency ratings.
The new pint capacity ratings are lower than the old ratings, so you may need to buy a dehumidifier with a higher pint capacity than you would have under the old standards.
The new energy efficiency ratings are more accurate, so you can be sure that you are getting a dehumidifier that is energy efficient.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a dehumidifier:
By understanding the new dehumidifier standards and considering your specific needs, you can confidently choose the right dehumidifier to create a more comfortable and healthy living or working environment.