Choosing the Right Size Dehumidifier

Choosing a dehumidifier is not as simple as just which brand or for how much. The appropriate size is a vital key to getting exactly what you need for your space and condition. Here’s a quick list which can help you decide the appropriate sized dehumidifier you may need for your home or business.

Slightly Damp

Space which is damp and has an occasional musty smell. 50 to 60 Percent Humidity.
300 Square Feet: 30 Pints
500 Square Feet: 40 Pints
1000 Square Feet: 60 Pints
1500 Square Feet: 70 Pints

Moderately Damp

Space often feels damp and often smells musty. 60 to 70 Percent Humidity.
300 Square Feet: 30 Pints
500 Square Feet: 40-45 Pints
1000 Square Feet: 60 Pints
1500 Square Feet: 70 Pints

Very Damp

Space feels wet, smells musty and damp spots are on walls and floor. 70 to 85 Percent Humidity.
300 Square Feet: 40 Pints
500 Square Feet: 50 Pints
1000 Square Feet: 70 Pints
1500 Square Feet: 90 Pints

Wet

Space feels wet, smells musty, seepage appears on walls and floor & may have mold. 85 to 100 Percent Humidity.
300 Square Feet: 40 Pints
500 Square Feet: 50 Pints
1000 Square Feet: 70 Pints
1500 Square Feet: 100+ Pints

The pint recommendations above are based on manufacturer-stated capacities in varying testing conditions. If you will be using your dehumidifier in a tough environment with very damp conditions, look for a dehumidifier with your recommended pint capacity tested at AHAM conditions (average humidity conditions of 60%) instead of saturation (100% humidity). A model able to remove 70 pints of water when the air is saturated, for example, is much less robust than a model able to remove 70 pints of water at AHAM conditions.

Other Considerations:

If any of the below factors are true for you, you’ll want to choose a unit with a higher capacity.