Dehumidifiers

How Do I Know If I Need a Dehumidifier? A 40-pint ENERGY STAR qualified dehumidifier can save consumers roughly $20 per year. This can add up to $200 or more over the 10 year life of the unit. That’s enough to pay for the dehumidifier!

Earning the ENERGY STAR means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR qualified models have more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans than conventional models, which means they use less energy to remove moisture.  An ENERGY STAR qualified model removes the same amount of moisture as a similarly-sized standard unit, but uses less energy — at least 10% less, and in some cases up to 23% less. You can calculate specific energy and money savings by using the dehumidifier calculator available on the ENERGY STAR Northeast Web site.

What else should I look for?
In addition to energy performance, there are many other important operating and convenience features to consider when shopping for dehumidifiers 

• Dehumidifier Basics
• Capacity
• Water Removal Options
• Placement
• Operating Temperature
• Relative Humidity (RH) and Humidistats
• Energy Factor Some Other Available Features
• Other Ways to Reduce Home Humidity
• Further Information and Product Reviews

Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. By choosing ENERGY STAR, you are helping prevent global warming and promote cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect.

Dehumidifiers Purchasing & Procurement Language

What ENERGY STAR Purchasing & Procurement resources does EPA offer? ENERGY STAR Purchasing & Procurement resources include lists of qualifying products, key product criteria, drop-in procurement language and savings calculators. Organizations can use these resources to facilitate the procurement of energy-efficient ENERGY STAR products and prevent greenhouse gas emissions.  Sample Procurement Language (Download Residential Appliances Procurement Language – MS Word | 42K) The following is an example of language you may wish to require in your upcoming contract: 

The Vendor Must:

Provide dehumidifiers that earn the ENERGY STAR and meet the ENERGY STAR specifications for energy efficiency as outlined below. The vendor is encouraged to visit www.energystar.gov for complete product specifications and an updated list of qualifying products. Table 1: Criteria for ENERGY STAR Qualified Standard Capacity Dehumidifiers

• Product Capacity (L/day) Energy Factor Under Test Conditions (L/kWh) L/day < 10  ≥ 1.20 10 ≤ L/day < 25  ≥ 1.30 25 ≤ L/day ≤ 35  ≥ 1.50 Standard Capacity Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers with daily water-removal capacities up to 35 Liters (74.0 US pints) Table 2: Criteria for ENERGY STAR Qualified High Capacity Dehumidifiers
• Product Capacity (L/day) Energy Factor Under Test Conditions (L/kWh) 36 ≤ L/day ≤ 57  ≥ 2.25 High Capacity Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers with daily water-removal capacities up to 57 Liters (120.5 US pints)

How Do I Know If I Need a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is used to remove excess moisture from the air. Some of the most common indications that you may need a dehumidifier are:

• Wet stains on walls and ceilings
• Stuffy feeling in a room
• Rotting wood
• Condensation on windows
• Musty smells
• Allergies (if the air in your home is too moist, it will encourage the growth of bacteria and mold, common allergens)

Dehumidifiers Product List

List Current as of July 25, 2004

Manufacturing Company Name	Dehumidifier Type	Brand Name	Model Name	Model Number	Product Capacity (liters/day)	Product Capacity (pints/day)	Energy Factor
Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Daewoo	DHC-250	DHC-250	12.3	26	1.41
Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Daewoo	DHC-400	DHC-400	20	42	1.63
Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Daewoo	DHC-600	DHC-600	28.5	60	1.65
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DDE 400	DDE 400	19	39.96	1.35
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DDE 40E	DDE 40E	20.46	43.26	1.74
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DDE 50E	DDE 50E	23.8	50	1.31
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DDE 65E	DDE 65E	32.4	68.5	1.63
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DE 40 GM	DE 40 GM	19	39.96	1.35
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DE 40P	DE 40P	18.9	40	1.35
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DE 50 GM	DE 50 GM	22.6	47.78	1.35
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DE 50P	DE 50P	22.6	47.8	1.4

De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DH 40P	DH 40P	18.9	40	1.35
De’Longhi America, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	De’Longhi	DHE 90	DHE 90	18.4	38.9	1.38
Fedders Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Emerson Quiet Kool	DG50GA	DG50GA	23.65	50	1.4
Fedders Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Fedders	A7DH45B2A	A7DH45B2A	21.3	45	1.64
Fedders Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Fedders	A7DH65B2A	A7DH65B2A	30.76	65	1.77
Fedders Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Fedders	FDG50GA	FDG50GA	23.65	50	1.4
Fedders Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Hampton Bay	HB50	HB50	23.65	50	1.4
Fedders Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Maytag	M7DH45B2A	M7DH45B2A	21.3	45	1.64
Fedders Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Maytag	M7DH65B2A	M7DH65B2A	30.76	65	1.77
Friedrich Air Conditioning Company	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Friedrich	Dehumidifier	D40	18.92	40	1.36
Friedrich Air Conditioning Company	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Friedrich	Dehumidifier	D50	23.65	50	1.7
Friedrich Air Conditioning Company	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Friedrich	Friedrich	D40A	18.93	40	1.49
Friedrich Air Conditioning Company	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Friedrich	Friedrich	D50A	23.66	50	1.56

Friedrich Air Conditioning Company	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Friedrich	Friedrich	D65A	30.76	65	1.54
Friedrich Air Conditioning Company	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Friedrich	Friedrich	D65B	30.76	65	1.56
GE Appliances	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GE	AHG40	AHG40FCG1	19.59	41.42	1.36
GE Appliances	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GE	AHG40	AHG40FDG1	19.59	41.42	1.36
GE Appliances	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GE	AHG40	AHG40LBG1	18.93	40	1.3
GE Appliances	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GE	AHG40	AHG40LCM1	19	39.93	1.36
GE Appliances	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GE	AHG40	AHG40LDM1	19	39.93	1.36
GE Appliances	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GE	AHG50	AHG50LBG1	23.66	50	1.7
GE Appliances	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GE	AHG50	AHG50LCG1	24.56	51.93	1.69
GE Appliances	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GE	AHG50	AHG50LDG1	24	50.71	1.66
Haier America	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Haier		HD301	15.14	32	1.34
Haier America	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Haier		HD451	21.3	45	1.71
Haier America	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Haier		HD451E	21.3	45	1.71

Haier America	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Haier		HD601	28.4	60	1.88
Haier America	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Haier		HD601E	28.4	60	1.88
Heat Controller Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Comfort-Aire	Comfort-Aire	CAM-25x	11.8	25	1.3
Heat Controller Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Comfort-Aire	Comfort-Aire	CAM-40x	19	40	1.5
Heat Controller Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Comfort-Aire	Comfort-Aire	CAM-60x	28.4	60	1.5
Heat Controller Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Comfort-Aire	Comfort-Aire	D-501	23.6	50	1.39
Heat Controller Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Comfort-Aire	Comfort-Aire	HD-451	21.3	45	1.4
Heat Controller Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Comfort-Aire	Comfort-Aire	HD-651	30.8	65	1.65
Heat Controller Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Comfort-Aire		BHD-501x	23.6	50	1.56
Heat Controller Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Comfort-Aire		BHD-651x	30.8	65	1.54
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DH40	DH40	19	40	1.49
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DH4010E	DH4010E	18.92	40	1.31
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DH40E	DH40E	19	40	1.49

LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DH50	DH50	24	50.5	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DH50E	DH50E	24	50.5	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DH50EL	DH50EL	24	50.5	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DH65E	DH65E	31	65	1.54
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DH65EL	DH65EL	31	65	1.54
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar	DHA4511MR	DHA4511MR	21.28	45	1.58
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar		DH400E	19	40	1.36
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar		DH400M	19	40	1.36
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar		DH404E	19	40	1.36
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar		DH504EL	24	51	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	GoldStar		GD40E	19	40	1.36
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore	25840	25840	18.92	40	1.31
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore	25841	25841	18.92	40	1.31

LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore	580.524502	580.52450200	21.29	45	1.58
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore	580.535013	580.53501300	24	50.5	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore	580.535093	580.53509300	24	50.5	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore	580.536502	580.53650200	30.75	65	1.73
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore	580.537013	580.53701300	33	69.5	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore		580.54351400	17	35.9	1.3
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore		580.54501400	24	50	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Kenmore		580.54701400	33	70	1.6
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	LG	DHE-4031	DHE-4031	19	40	1.49
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	LG	DHR-4030	DHR-4030	19	40	1.49
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	LG	DHR-5030	DHR-5030	24	50.5	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	LG		LD40	19	40	1.36
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	LG		LD40E	19	40	1.36

LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	LG		LD50EL	24	51	1.56
LG Electronics, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	LG		LD65EL	31	65	1.54
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea	MDB-12AE	MDB-12AE	12	25.37	1.45
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea	MDB-19AE	MDB-19AE	19	40.17	1.65
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea	MDB-24AE	MDB-24AE	24	50.74	1.75
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea		DHC-250	12.3	26	1.41
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea		DHC-400	20	42	1.63
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea		DHC-600	28.5	60	1.65
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea		MDB-25AEN3	12.3	26	1.41
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea		MDB-40AE	20	42	1.63
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea		MDB-45AE	20.8	44	1.72
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea		MDB-60AE	28.5	60	1.65
Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Midea		MDB-65AE	29.8	63	1.8

Therma-Stor Products	High Capacity Dehumidifier	Therma-Stor	Santa Fe	NULL	47.9	101.21	2.75
Therma-Stor Products	High Capacity Dehumidifier	Therma-Stor	Santa Fe Rx	NULL	40.7	86	2.5
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Crosley	Millennium	MCR40$	18.9	40	1.31
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Crosley	Millennium	MCR40ES	19	40	1.31
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Crosley		DCW40$	18.9	40	1.31
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Edison		DHE40S	18.9	40	1.31
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Edison		EMD40ES	18.9	40	1.31
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Edison		EMD40S	18.9	40	1.31
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Woods		WD20W	9.3	20	1.21
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Woods		WD36G	16.8	36	1.31
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Woods		WMD20W	9.3	20	1.21
W.C. Wood Company, Inc.	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Woods		WMDE40W	18.9	40	1.31
Whirlpool Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Whirlpool	Basement Dehumidifier	AD40USL	18.96	40.1	1.3
Whirlpool Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Whirlpool	Basement Dehumidifier	AD50USL	23.7	50.11	1.35

Whirlpool Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Whirlpool	Basement Dehumidifier	AD65USL	30.81	65.14	1.85
Whirlpool Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Whirlpool	Standard Dehumidifier	AD40DSL	18.96	40.09	1.3
Whirlpool Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Whirlpool	Standard Dehumidifier	AD50DSL	23.7	50.11	1.35
Whirlpool Corporation	Standard Capacity Dehumidifier	Whirlpool	Ultra Low Temp. Basement Dehumidifier	AD65USM	30.81	65	1.65

Dehumidifier Basics

Capacity Dehumidifier capacity is usually measured in pints per 24 hours and is determined by two factors: the size of the space that needs to be dehumidified and the conditions that exist in the space before dehumidification. Use the chart below to estimate the capacity you are looking for, or use the dehumidifier calculator  available on the ENERGY STAR Northeast Website. 

Condition without Dehumidification Area (Sq. Feet) 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500

• Moderately Damp (space feels damp and has musty odor only in humid weather) 10 14 18 22 26
• Very Damp (space always feels damp and has musty odor. Damp spots show on walls and floor.) 12 17 22 27 32
• Wet (space feels and smells wet. Walls or floor sweat, or seepage is present.) 14 20 26 32 38
• Extremely Wet (laundry drying, wet floor, high load conditions.) 16 23 30 37 44 Source: Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)

Water Removal Options Most dehumidifiers use a removable plastic bucket and warning lights to indicate when the bucket is full and needs to be emptied. There is typically an automatic shutoff when the bucket is full, so you won’t have to worry about the bucket overflowing. Most dehumidifiers come with a fitting that allows you to hook a hose directly to the bucket, which can then be directed into a floor drain or sump pump, so there is no need to empty it.

Placement Most dehumidifiers have top-mounted air discharge and can be placed against walls, but if you do not have top-mounted discharge, make sure the dehumidifier is located away from walls and furniture, so that air can circulate freely around the unit. This will result in better operation of the product.  Doors and windows to the space being dehumidified should be closed while the unit is running. This will ensure that the space is dehumidified as efficiently as possible. 

Locate away from sources of dust and dirt (like woodworking equipment), which can clog coils and grills. Observe all manufacturer warnings regarding electrical safety. In particular, never set up water drainage or disposal near electrical circuits or devices. Make sure the dehumidifier is connected to a properly grounded outlet. Keep drain hoses away from electrical cords and connections. If you are planning to use a hose to drain the dehumidifier’s water bucket, make sure the unit is located near enough to the floor drain or sump to avoid the need for a long and unwieldy hose. Don’t create a tripping hazard! Do not be alarmed if the air temperature directly around the unit is warmer than in surrounding areas. As a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, it slightly warms the space around it.

Operating Temperature If the space being dehumidified has temperatures that typically fall below 65 degrees (F), you may want to consider buying a product that is specified for use at lower temperatures. Frost can form on the condensing coils if the air temperature drops below 65 degrees, and may negatively affect the performance of the product by causing the compressor to cycle on and off repeatedly without removing moisture from the air. If this happens, the unit should be switched off and allowed to defrost before it is turned back on.

Some dehumidifiers come with an antifrost sensor, which will automatically turn the unit off if the air temperature drops below a certain point. Qualified ENERGY STAR models are available that are rated for use at temperatures as low as 42 degrees.

Relative Humidity (RH) and Humidistats Humidity, the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air, is most often talked about in terms of Relative Humidity (RH). RH is the amount of water vapor actually present in the air compared to the greatest amount of water vapor the air can hold at that temperature. The optimum RH level for a building is generally considered to be between 30% and 50%. Anything above this range may promote bacteria growth. (In colder climates, during the heating season, humidity levels should be in the range of 30% to 40% RH to prevent window condensation.)  Many dehumidifiers include a built-in humidistat, a device that allows you to set the desired RH level that you would like for the room. Once the room reaches the desired RH level, the dehumidifier will cycle on and off automatically to maintain the level.

If your dehumidifier does not have a built-in humidistat, or has a humidistat that does not show RH levels purchase a hygrometer (a gauge that measures relative humidity) separately and hang it near the dehumidifier. The hygrometer will measure RH levels, and enable you to monitor when to turn the dehumidifier on and off.

Energy Factor The energy efficiency of dehumidifiers is measured by its energy factor, in liters of water removed per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy consumed or L/kWh. In general, a higher energy factor means a more efficient dehumidifier.

Energy factors can be found on the product list (Excel). 

Other Features

Other Available Features Various performance and convenience features are available on dehumidifiers, which may add to their purchase price. ENERGY STAR does not endorse any of the features below, but provides this information to help you select the best product for your individual needs.

A Timer will enable you to control the cycling of the dehumidifier, and set it to turn on at night. This may save you money on electricity bills, by taking advantage of off-peak electric rates.

A Washable Air Filter will allow you to easily remove and clean the filter, so that the dehumidifier does not become clogged with dust and dirt and operate less efficiently. Additionally, the unit’s coils should also be regularly vacuumed or dusted, so that dirt does not build up there, either.

A Pause button enables you to stop the dehumidifier for a pre-set short period of time if the sound from the dehumidifier interferes with a nearby activity.

A Built-in Condensate Pump, which takes water from the dehumidifier’s water storage bucket and pumps it directly out of a window or into a sink for draining can be a big time-saver. This feature means you would never have to worry about the dehumidifier turning off automatically due to a full bucket, nor would you have to manually empty the bucket. (The advantage of a condensate pump over a hose for drainage is that the hose would be reliant on gravity, so it would require careful placement to ensure proper drainage into a floor drain or sump.)

Multiple Fan Speeds will mean that you have the choice of running the dehumidifier at a higher speed, which is generally more efficient or a lower speed, which is quieter. If you plan to move your dehumidifier around, look for one with an easy-to-use carrying handle and/or wheels. This will make transportation of the unit a lot easier!

Other Ways to Reduce Home Humidity

Reducing sources of moisture can reduce your need for dehumidification. • Improving the drainage around the foundation of your home may result in decreased humidity in your basement. Some ways to improve drainage are:

• Extend downspouts from your gutters away from the foundation of your home
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear and open
• Ensure that the soil slopes away from your foundation, to avoid pooling of water around your home
• Avoid over-watering of foundation plantings
• Ensure that clothes dryers are properly vented to the outdoors. If you do not use a clothes dryer, dry your clothes outdoors as opposed to hanging them inside for drying.
• Use vent fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove humidity at the source.
• Repair leaking outdoor faucets. Not only will this help reduce humidity, but it will also save you money on your water bills!
• If your home uses central air conditioning, consider installing an A/C vent in the humid space in your home and take advantage of the dehumidifying capabilities of your A/C system. This will also help with air circulation, improving airflow between humid parts of your home and drier parts.