How To Choose A Dehumidifier
If your home's air is exceptionally moist during summer and you want an easy, efficient method of drying the air, a dehumidifier is the best way to go.
Musty air feels gross on our skin, and high humidity levels can cause issues for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, especially if it leads to mildew and mould growth in your home.
No matter your square footage, desired humidity levels, and budget, there is a perfect dehumidifier out there for you. If you think about all of the features and considerations below, you'll be working with the best dehumidifier in no time.
What Is a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is a portable appliance that removes excess moisture from the air. While some models work with your air conditioner, most are portable dehumidifiers that you can move around your home as you see fit. They work by using refrigerated coils to rapidly cool air that is sucked into the machine. The cold creates condensation that is collected in a basin at the base of the machine or hosed directly outside, depending on your model. Then, the drier, cooler air is released back into your home.
Some humidifiers use speed settings to control the process, while others have something called a humidistat that allows users to set a specific humidity setting, such as 50%, and the machine will automatically maintain that setting.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Dehumidifier
How Large is My Room?
Humidifiers are not a one-size-fits-all appliance. Each one has a different square footage rating, meaning they can only cover a room up to a certain size. You'll need to measure your room to obtain the total square feet of the area before choosing a dehumidifier to make sure it can handle your room size.
How Much Do I Want To Spend?
A key consideration when making this type of purchase is how much you're willing to spend. While the cost of the actual dehumidifier is the biggest concern, you should also consider the cost of running the machine. Some energy-efficient models boast a higher energy efficiency rating than standard dehumidifiers, but they are most likely a little more expensive upfront. If cost isn't as much of a concern, you could also consider a whole-house dehumidifier that is installed with your HVAC system.
How Many People Live in The Home?
Choosing a dehumidifier is not only about the size of the home, but also the capacity of the home. A house with just one person will tend to be less humid than a home with a family of six since fewer people are sweating, breathing, and heating the space. Larger families may need a larger size dehumidifier than an individual or couple, since the average humidity will be higher.
Features to Consider When Purchasing a Dehumidifier
Before you make your purchase decision, there are a few things that you must consider. Dehumidifiers have many different features and characteristics that may make them the wrong choice for your unique circumstances. When shopping for dehumidifiers, make sure to consider all of the following features carefully to avoid bringing home a dehumidifier that isn't right for you.
Type of Dehumidifier
There are two types of dehumidifiers that you can consider for your home: desiccant and refrigerant.
Compressor Dehumidifier/Refrigerant Dehumidifier
This is the standard type of dehumidifier. This type of dehumidifier uses a compressor to draw in air from your space and pull it over the refrigerated coils to create condensation. These models are efficient and can handle high levels of humidity. One flaw of these dehumidifiers is their noise level. They average between 50 and 60 decibels when running. Compressor dehumidifiers are also best used in warmer climates. The coils could freeze if the room temperature is below about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Desiccant Dehumidifier
Desiccant dehumidifiers are the ideal choice if you're in a colder climate since they can be used at any temperature above freezing. They are also more energy efficient since they don't need to cool down the air. Instead, the air is pulled through the desiccant, which acts like a sponge to remove excess moisture from the air. These models are also much quieter to operate than a compressor-based model, so they can be used in work environments and bedrooms without disturbing anyone.
However, desiccant dehumidifiers expel air that is roughly 10-15 degrees warmer than the ambient air temperature, so this may be an issue for some people who like to keep their home at a low temperature. These humidifiers can handle the same relative humidity levels as a compressor, but they can cost a bit more to run in warmer temperatures. These models are effectively used in areas like crawl spaces and basements that may be cooler, wetter spaces.
Fan Settings
Most dehumidifiers have a low speed and a high-speed setting that enable a bit of extra control over how the machine operates. A high setting can be used for quickly drying out the air in a space, while a low setting can keep the noise disturbance to a minimum while maintaining proper humidity levels. Some models will also have a middle setting, but not all do. Most dehumidifiers will also offer a fan-only setting, which can help encourage airflow without affecting moisture levels.
Energy Efficiency
Though dehumidifiers don't cost more than a few cents per hour to operate, choosing an Energy Star-rated model is the best for your budget and the environment because it works more efficiently and operates at a lower cost. An energy-efficient dehumidifier will more quickly achieve the desired level of dehumidification you need, stopping musty odours, water damage, and allergens in their tracks.
Built-In Hygrometer/Humidistat
A built-in humidistat is the most convenient feature available on a dehumidifier. Rather than set a speed setting and walk away, you can set a precise humidity level that the machine should maintain. Not only does this feature enable energy savings since the machine only runs when the humidity rises above your desired setting, but you also won't have to manually turn on or shut off the dehumidifier. Since dry air can also be bad for your health, this feature can be a lifesaver if you forget to turn off the dehumidifier.
Basin Pint Capacity
The pint capacity of your dehumidifier is a key factor to consider since your room size and characteristics will influence the moisture level of your air. If your room houses your washer and dryer, has multiple windows and doors, or your home is in a more humid climate, you'll need a dehumidifier that can handle more pints of water per hour since there is a larger amount of water in your air. If your machine doesn't have the right pint capacity, your air quality will suffer. Aside from the efficiency of the appliance, you should also consider the reservoir's capacity since this will control how often you'll need to empty the reservoir. Most models only need to be emptied once or twice a day, but a smaller tank will require more frequent emptying or a hose connection.
Room Coverage
People buying a dehumidifier do need to double-check that their room size is within the appliance's capacity. To purchase the right size dehumidifier for your space, you'll first need to calculate the room's square footage. The larger it is, the higher capacity your dehumidifier will need to have. The general rule is that a small dehumidifier collects less than 20 pints of moisture per day, medium dehumidifiers collect between 30 and 40 pints per day, and large dehumidifiers collect more than 40 pints per day.
Drainage Type
There are two choices you have when draining the water from your reservoir. The first is manually emptying the bin. This is usually a simple, quick process, but it can become tedious if you need to empty the tank two or more times per day, especially if you work full time or want to go away for a weekend and keep your home's humidity in check. Though some models only need to be emptied once a day if they aren't being used in rooms with excessively humid air, this is still a less convenient option.
If you have a small dehumidifier capacity for dehumidifier water or have a large amount of moisture in your air, a drain hose is the way to go. A hose can drain directly into a floor drain and can handle any number of pints of moisture per hour or day that you need. If you don't have a floor drain, a dehumidifier with a pump can be used to send the water up to a higher-level drainage spot like a sink.
Our Top Picks:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
11 hours ago
- CTV News
How To Choose A Dehumidifier
If your home's air is exceptionally moist during summer and you want an easy, efficient method of drying the air, a dehumidifier is the best way to go. Musty air feels gross on our skin, and high humidity levels can cause issues for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, especially if it leads to mildew and mould growth in your home. No matter your square footage, desired humidity levels, and budget, there is a perfect dehumidifier out there for you. If you think about all of the features and considerations below, you'll be working with the best dehumidifier in no time. What Is a Dehumidifier? A dehumidifier is a portable appliance that removes excess moisture from the air. While some models work with your air conditioner, most are portable dehumidifiers that you can move around your home as you see fit. They work by using refrigerated coils to rapidly cool air that is sucked into the machine. The cold creates condensation that is collected in a basin at the base of the machine or hosed directly outside, depending on your model. Then, the drier, cooler air is released back into your home. Some humidifiers use speed settings to control the process, while others have something called a humidistat that allows users to set a specific humidity setting, such as 50%, and the machine will automatically maintain that setting. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Dehumidifier How Large is My Room? Humidifiers are not a one-size-fits-all appliance. Each one has a different square footage rating, meaning they can only cover a room up to a certain size. You'll need to measure your room to obtain the total square feet of the area before choosing a dehumidifier to make sure it can handle your room size. How Much Do I Want To Spend? A key consideration when making this type of purchase is how much you're willing to spend. While the cost of the actual dehumidifier is the biggest concern, you should also consider the cost of running the machine. Some energy-efficient models boast a higher energy efficiency rating than standard dehumidifiers, but they are most likely a little more expensive upfront. If cost isn't as much of a concern, you could also consider a whole-house dehumidifier that is installed with your HVAC system. How Many People Live in The Home? Choosing a dehumidifier is not only about the size of the home, but also the capacity of the home. A house with just one person will tend to be less humid than a home with a family of six since fewer people are sweating, breathing, and heating the space. Larger families may need a larger size dehumidifier than an individual or couple, since the average humidity will be higher. Features to Consider When Purchasing a Dehumidifier Before you make your purchase decision, there are a few things that you must consider. Dehumidifiers have many different features and characteristics that may make them the wrong choice for your unique circumstances. When shopping for dehumidifiers, make sure to consider all of the following features carefully to avoid bringing home a dehumidifier that isn't right for you. Type of Dehumidifier There are two types of dehumidifiers that you can consider for your home: desiccant and refrigerant. Compressor Dehumidifier/Refrigerant Dehumidifier This is the standard type of dehumidifier. This type of dehumidifier uses a compressor to draw in air from your space and pull it over the refrigerated coils to create condensation. These models are efficient and can handle high levels of humidity. One flaw of these dehumidifiers is their noise level. They average between 50 and 60 decibels when running. Compressor dehumidifiers are also best used in warmer climates. The coils could freeze if the room temperature is below about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Desiccant Dehumidifier Desiccant dehumidifiers are the ideal choice if you're in a colder climate since they can be used at any temperature above freezing. They are also more energy efficient since they don't need to cool down the air. Instead, the air is pulled through the desiccant, which acts like a sponge to remove excess moisture from the air. These models are also much quieter to operate than a compressor-based model, so they can be used in work environments and bedrooms without disturbing anyone. However, desiccant dehumidifiers expel air that is roughly 10-15 degrees warmer than the ambient air temperature, so this may be an issue for some people who like to keep their home at a low temperature. These humidifiers can handle the same relative humidity levels as a compressor, but they can cost a bit more to run in warmer temperatures. These models are effectively used in areas like crawl spaces and basements that may be cooler, wetter spaces. Fan Settings Most dehumidifiers have a low speed and a high-speed setting that enable a bit of extra control over how the machine operates. A high setting can be used for quickly drying out the air in a space, while a low setting can keep the noise disturbance to a minimum while maintaining proper humidity levels. Some models will also have a middle setting, but not all do. Most dehumidifiers will also offer a fan-only setting, which can help encourage airflow without affecting moisture levels. Energy Efficiency Though dehumidifiers don't cost more than a few cents per hour to operate, choosing an Energy Star-rated model is the best for your budget and the environment because it works more efficiently and operates at a lower cost. An energy-efficient dehumidifier will more quickly achieve the desired level of dehumidification you need, stopping musty odours, water damage, and allergens in their tracks. Built-In Hygrometer/Humidistat A built-in humidistat is the most convenient feature available on a dehumidifier. Rather than set a speed setting and walk away, you can set a precise humidity level that the machine should maintain. Not only does this feature enable energy savings since the machine only runs when the humidity rises above your desired setting, but you also won't have to manually turn on or shut off the dehumidifier. Since dry air can also be bad for your health, this feature can be a lifesaver if you forget to turn off the dehumidifier. Basin Pint Capacity The pint capacity of your dehumidifier is a key factor to consider since your room size and characteristics will influence the moisture level of your air. If your room houses your washer and dryer, has multiple windows and doors, or your home is in a more humid climate, you'll need a dehumidifier that can handle more pints of water per hour since there is a larger amount of water in your air. If your machine doesn't have the right pint capacity, your air quality will suffer. Aside from the efficiency of the appliance, you should also consider the reservoir's capacity since this will control how often you'll need to empty the reservoir. Most models only need to be emptied once or twice a day, but a smaller tank will require more frequent emptying or a hose connection. Room Coverage People buying a dehumidifier do need to double-check that their room size is within the appliance's capacity. To purchase the right size dehumidifier for your space, you'll first need to calculate the room's square footage. The larger it is, the higher capacity your dehumidifier will need to have. The general rule is that a small dehumidifier collects less than 20 pints of moisture per day, medium dehumidifiers collect between 30 and 40 pints per day, and large dehumidifiers collect more than 40 pints per day. Drainage Type There are two choices you have when draining the water from your reservoir. The first is manually emptying the bin. This is usually a simple, quick process, but it can become tedious if you need to empty the tank two or more times per day, especially if you work full time or want to go away for a weekend and keep your home's humidity in check. Though some models only need to be emptied once a day if they aren't being used in rooms with excessively humid air, this is still a less convenient option. If you have a small dehumidifier capacity for dehumidifier water or have a large amount of moisture in your air, a drain hose is the way to go. A hose can drain directly into a floor drain and can handle any number of pints of moisture per hour or day that you need. If you don't have a floor drain, a dehumidifier with a pump can be used to send the water up to a higher-level drainage spot like a sink. Our Top Picks:
CBC
12 hours ago
- CBC
U.S. vaccine panel rejects flu shots with a specific preservative, despite safety data
The Trump administration's new vaccine advisers on Thursday endorsed this fall's flu vaccinations for just about every American — but only if they use certain shots free of a preservative that has been safely used in vaccines for decades. What is normally a routine step in preparing for the upcoming flu season drew intense scrutiny after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly fired the influential 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)and handpicked replacements that include several vaccine skeptics. The seven-member panel bucked another norm Thursday as it discussed the safety of a preservative used in less than five per cent of U.S. flu vaccinations: It deliberated based only on a presentation from an anti-vaccine group's former leader — without allowing the usual public airing of scientific data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The preservative, thimerosal, has been used for decades in certain vaccines that come in multi-dose vials, to prevent contamination as each dose is withdrawn. Its controversy stems from containing a small amount of a particular type of mercury. However, the CDC's own data shows it is safe, and on Friday the World Health Organization stated in a press briefing that there was no evidence of risk. "Thimerosal has been reviewed multiple times by multiple agencies, including WHO, and it's clear from the evidence that there is no evidence of harm from the use of thimerosal," Dr. Katherine O'Brien from WHO told reporters in reaction to the U.S. panel decision. Thimerosal contains a minute amount of ethyl mercury, which breaks down quickly in the body and is swiftly removed, unlike methyl mercury, the type of mercury found in the environment which can build up in the body and cause harm. In Canada, a handful of multi-dose influenza vaccines approved for use by Health Canada contain thimerosal, but the vast majority of routine childhood vaccines do not. Single-dose flu shots unaffected Study after study has found no evidence that thimerosal causes autism, a myth long pushed by anti-vaccine groups, or poses any safety risks. Yet since 2001, all vaccines routinely used for U.S. children age 6 years or younger have already come in thimerosal-free formulas. The advisory panel voted to back the usual U.S. recommendation that nearly everyone age six months and older get an annual flu vaccination, but then voted 5-1 with one abstention that these had to be thimerosal-free formulations. This would include single-dose shots that already are the most common type of flu vaccination, and would rule out the subset of flu vaccine dispensed in multi-dose vials. "There is still no demonstrable evidence of harm," one panelist, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist formerly with the National Institutes of Health, said in acknowledging the committee wasn't following its usual practice of acting on evidence. But he argued that "we have to respect the fear of mercury" that he said might dissuade some people from getting vaccinated. Panel blocked CDC's analysis Lyn Redwood, formerly of the Kennedy-founded anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, gave the presentation on thimerosal in front of the panel, arguing that it was a neurotoxin. The version of Redwood's presentation posted to the CDC's website earlier this week initially included a reference to a study that does not exist. The report she gave to the committee was significantly shorter, removing a reference to that study and another slide saying she did not have any conflicts of interest. "With the vote on thimerosal this afternoon, the new committee has turned the ACIP process into a farce," said former CDC vaccine adviser Dr. Fiona Havers, who resigned last week over Kennedy's changes to vaccine policy. Medical groups decried the panel's lack of transparency in blocking a CDC analysis of thimerosal that concluded there was no link between the preservative and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. The data had been posted on the committee's website Tuesday, but was later removed — because, according to ACIP member Dr. Robert Malone, the report hadn't been authorized by Kennedy's office. Panel members said they had read it. The ACIP helps the CDC determine who should be vaccinated against a long list of diseases, and when, and its recommendations have a big impact on availability and insurance coverage of vaccines in the U.S. Normally the CDC's director would decide whether to accept ACIP's recommendation, but the Senate has not yet confirmed nominee Susan Monarez. Administration officials said Kennedy would make that decision. While Thursday's debate involved only a small fraction of flu vaccines, some public health experts contend the discussion unnecessarily raised doubt about vaccine safety. Already, fewer than half of Americans get their yearly flu vaccinations, and mistrust in vaccines overall is growing. "Selective use of data and omission of established science undermines public trust and fuels misinformation," said Dr. Sean O'Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). He said of the new panelists, "Nothing about their recent actions have been science-based or transparent." WATCH: Misinformation one of the factors behind decline in childhood vaccination globally: Decline in childhood vaccination fuelled by global conflicts, misinformation: Lancet 3 days ago Duration 2:01 A new study published in the Lancet medical journal suggests childhood vaccinations have stagnated or declined since 2010. The authors say geopolitical instability is fuelling the drop in some countries, but misinformation is largely driving the decline in high-income countries. The pediatrics group announced Wednesday that it would no longer be participating in the ACIP meetings, with president Sue Kressly saying in a video statement that "with the committee dismissals, it is no longer a credible process." The AAP will continue publishing its own vaccination recommendations. The flu votes marked the final step of a two-day meeting that alarmed pediatricians and other doctors' groups, who pointed to new panelists' lack of expertise in how to properly track vaccine safety — and a shift in focus which appears to boost anti-vaccine messaging. Of special concern was the announcement by panel chairman Martin Kulldorff to reevaluate the "cumulative effect" of the children's vaccine schedule — the list of immunizations given at different times throughout childhood. That reflects the scientifically debunked notion that children today get too many vaccinations for their immune systems.
Globe and Mail
17 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Tempus AI's Data Business Keeps Scaling Up: Can the Growth Pace Last?
Tempus AI TEM, a Chicago-based company focused on precision medicine, is building network effects via its three interconnected product lines. In the first quarter of 2025, revenues in its Data and Services segment increased 43.2% year over year to $61.9 million, driven by a 58% growth in Insights, the company's data licensing business. Gross profit outpaced revenue growth, up 65.2% with only a modest 3% increase in the cost of revenues. The business has scaled significantly, securing deals with companies like Novartis, Merck EMD, Takeda and United Therapeutics over the past year. Against that backdrop, Tempus' ability to sustain such strong growth rates in Data and Services is particularly impressive. Most of these contracts span multiple years, with total remaining contract value reflecting data and services yet to be delivered. Several recent developments are setting the stage for the momentum to continue. A major highlight is Tempus AI's $200 million data and modeling license agreement with AstraZeneca AZN and Pathos to build the world's largest foundation model, bringing AZN's total remaining contract value to over $1 billion as of April 30. AZN and Pathos are also covering a large portion of the compute costs to train the model. Notably, the agreement's non-exclusive nature allows Tempus to license data and build models with others in the future. The company also expanded its collaboration with Illumina, which will use its multimodal data platform to accelerate clinical benefits of molecular profiling across all major diseases. In May, Tempus inked a large data agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim focused on biomarker development and novel discovery efforts, building on their past collaboration. Further, the company's new oncology-focused platform, Loop, is already in use by a large pharmaceutical company to prioritize drug targets in patient subpopulations with severe unmet needs. TEM's Key Competitors in Data and Services ICON ICLR, an Ireland-based contract research organization, experienced a significant increase in overall biotech opportunities and a modest uptick in project win rates in the first quarter of 2025. However, it was ultimately offset by an increased number of customer-cancelled request for proposal (RFP) opportunities. In large pharma, RFP opportunities were softer in the quarter; still, ICLR's high success rate underscored its strong positioning as a strategic partner. IQVIA 's IQV Technology & Analytics Solutions business continued the strong recovery trend in the first quarter of 2025, with clients launching new drugs and executing their commercial roadmaps. However, IQV faced slower decision-making from clinical customers on new programs, reflecting broader macroeconomic pressure and industry caution. IQVIA reported a 10% increase in average time from RFP issuance to award in the quarter, both year over year and sequentially. TEM Outperforms Peers, Industry, But Valuation Stretched Year to date, Tempus AI shares have surged 102.5%, outperforming the industry's 18% growth and also delivering stronger returns than IQV and ICLR. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research TEM currently trades at a forward 12-month Price-to-Sales (P/S) of 8.47X compared to the industry average of 5.83X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research TEM Stock Estimate Trend As you can see, earnings estimates for Tempus AI in 2025 and 2026 are showing a mixed picture. TEM stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double" Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AstraZeneca PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis Report ICON PLC (ICLR): Free Stock Analysis Report IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV): Free Stock Analysis Report Tempus AI, Inc. (TEM): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (
