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An overly humid environment is always linked to dust mites allergies. Getting a dehumidifier is key to reducing dust mites and other allergens in the house.
No one enjoys stuffy air but overly humid air brings more than discomfort. The excessive dampness caused by moisture often leads to other problems that affect your home and health. In such situations, installing a portable dehumidifier at home is one of the best ways to bring the humidity down to an acceptable level.
Dehumidifiers For Dust Mites Compared
| Product | Coverage (sq Ft) | Capacity | Energy Start (Yes/No) | |
| Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 | 1,200 sq ft | 50 pint | Yes | |
| Danby DDR050BJWDB | 1,200 sq ft | 50 pint | Yes | |
| Keystone KSTAD504D | 4,500 sq ft | 50 pint | No | |
| ProBreeze | 150 sq ft | 15 oz | No | |
| Friedrich Energy Star Dehumidifier | 1,000 sq ft | 35 pint | Yes | |
| LG | 1,200 sq ft | 70 pint | Yes | |
| TOSOT | 4,500 sq ft | 70 pint = 8.75 gal | Yes | |
| Afloia | 215 sq ft | 24 oz | No | |
| Ivation 13 Pint | 270 sq ft | 13 pint = 1.625 gal | No |
How To Choose A Dehumidifier To For Dust Mites Allergy
You seriously don’t want to be hasty when choosing a portable dehumidifier. There’s so much to be considered if you want to get the best value for money. Take these points into deep consideration when making your mind about a dehumidifier.
1. Desiccant vs Refrigerant
Both desiccant and refrigerant are dominant types of dehumidifiers and you’ll need to decide which one suits your need. Desiccant works well in a cooler climate, especially when the temperature goes below 59 Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celcius). However, refrigerant dehumidifiers tend to be more energy-efficient and they are suitable in a warmer environment.
You don’t want to use a desiccant dehumidifier in a warm area as the air released is at approximately 10 Degrees Celcius higher than the air intake.
If you’re easily irritated by noise, you’ll want to opt for desiccant dehumidifiers as they are without the compressor used by refrigerant dehumidifiers. Also, the former is lighter than the latter, and that makes the desiccant dehumidifier more mobile.
2. Capacity
Rather than going by gut feeling, it helps to measure the size of your living room, bedroom, bathroom, garage, or any other areas that you’ll want to place the dehumidifier. As explained, the capacity of a dehumidifier is defined by how many pints of water it can remove from the air in 24 hours.
If you notice that your home or room is extremely damp, don’t take chances and get a dehumidifier with a larger capacity.
3. Efficiency
You don’t want to rack up a hefty increase in the electricity bill after installing a dehumidifier. Some dehumidifiers carry an Energy Star rating and that’s a good sign that it’s going to be a money-saver when you turn it on.
Other dehumidifiers may not bear the Energy Star label, but that doesn’t mean they are inefficient units. You can compare the capacity of the dehumidifier against the wattage in relative to other brands.
4. Space
Humidifiers aren’t the tiniest item to place in your home. Even if they bear the most elegant design, you’ll need to spare some space for the dehumidifier. So, plan and allocate space in advance before you get a dehumidifier.
5. Additional Features
Helpful features make using a dehumidifier easier. A hose connection automatically channels the water to the drain outlet and saves you the hassle of emptying the tank every now and then. The next best thing is to have an auto-shutoff feature when the tank is full.
Some dehumidifiers are equipped with a humidistat and it allows you to have more precise control on the humidity. A humidistat is something like a thermostat but it measures humidity and disables the connection when the setpoint is achieved.
Best Dehumidifiers for Dust Mites And Allergies 2020
You want to get the most value out of your dollars when getting a dehumidifier. I’ve dug deep into these machines and here are some of the best that I believe deserve your attention.
1. Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 Dehumidifier (50 pints)
Features
- 50 pints capacity.
- Auto-shutoff when the tank is full.
- Adjustable humidity value.
- Quiet operation.
- Energy Star rating for efficiency.
Bacterias enjoy rapid growth when humidity rises to 80% and above. The Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 dehumidifier does more than getting the humidity level down. It helps to reduce the presence of bacteria, germs, and allergens in your home.
This dehumidifier is ideal when you have a large space to cover. It is designed to remove moisture from an area up to 1,200 sq ft. Living rooms, large bedrooms, garage, and basement are places where the dehumidifier will be a good fit. It can remove up to 50 pints of water from the air when operated continuously.
What makes this Frigidaire dehumidifier unique is the ability to control the level of humidity in your home. The built-in control interface allows you to set the desired humidity and the machine will attempt to achieve the value. This leaves the guesswork out of the way when dehumidifying your home.
To run the dehumidifier continuously, you’ll need to place the dehumidifier near a drain or install an extension hose to its water outlet. Otherwise, you may need to empty the tank a few times as it could only contain 16.9 pints of water. Don’t worry about an overflowing tank as the unit is built with a smart auto-shutoff feature.
The dehumidifier may be slightly on the large side, but its thoughtful design makes mobility and maintenance easy. Handles are designed at the right spot and the caster wheels make moving the unit around your home easy. It has a 6ft power cord which allows for greater reach without additional extension cords.
You won’t be racking up the energy bill when using this dehumidifier. It has an Energy Star rating and takes up 545 Watts max when operational. For such a large unit, the dehumidifier is surprisingly quiet. You won’t be annoyed as it dries off the air in your home.
Pros
- Low noise operation.
- Low power consumption.
- Covers a large area.
Cons
- Some units malfunction within 12 months.
2. Danby DDR050BJWDB 50 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
Features:
- Quiet operation
- Drain outlet for continuous draining.
- Energy Star rated
- Tank full auto shut off.
- Sleek modern design.
The Danby DDR050WDB dehumidifier is one that you can count upon if you have a large room filled with humid air. It has a 50-pint capacity which is equivalent to removing 6.25 gallons of water from the air in a day. The fact that the dehumidifier is Energy Star rated means you don’t have to worry about getting a rude surprise in your energy bill.
Dehumidifiers don’t have to be plain and boring. The design team at Danby has done an impressive job on the aesthetic of this dehumidifier. It has the right curves, smooth panels and there’s no question of the unit fitting into modern homes.
Besides visually pleasing, the dehumidifier is engineered for durability and user-friendliness. You can move the dehumidifier around easily with the handles and wheels. Noise is also kept to a minimum that you barely notice the dehumidifier is turned on.
The intelligent timer built into the dehumidifier does more than turning off the unit. Instead, you could turn on when you’ll need to turn the dehumidifier on in advance for up to 24 hours. You could also set the precise humidity level you need to achieve within a range of 35%-80% RH.
If emptying the tank seems like a chore, Danby dehumidifier has an outlet ready. However, the extension hose is not supplied and you’ll need to get a ⅝” garden hose to drain the excess water automatically.
You’ll also find the auto-defrost function handy, should the surrounding temperature drops below 41H. When the function kicks-in, the auto-defrost indicator will be turned on.
To ensure that you’ll have a long-lasting dehumidifier, there is some minimal maintenance that needs to be carried out. The filter needs to be cleaned to ensure it’s not clogged on a monthly basis. When you’re not using the unit, ensure it is cleaned and covered before storing it away.
Pros
- Power efficient.
- Efficient in regulating humidity.
- Very quiet when operating.
Cons
- Heat builds up in confined space.
3. Keystone KSTAD504D Energy Star Dehumidifier (50 Pint)
Features
- 50 Pint dehumidifying capacity.
- Auto-shutoff when water is full.
- Transparent water level indicator.
- User-friendly controls.
- Hassle-free maintenance.
The Keystone KSTAD504D dehumidifier is a midrange unit that fits small to medium rooms. It’s 50 Pint capacity means it will have no issues in removing up to 50 pints of water from the air, and keeping humidity low.
Overall, the KSTAD504D has all the features any decent dehumidifier should have. A simple interface is built into the unit to enable setting the timer, fan speed or enabling the continuous mode. Respective LEDs are helpful in indicating the mode or alert of the dehumidifier.
Personalization is built into the dehumidifier as it will store your settings in the case of a power outage. This smart feature saves you the hassle of re-configuring the unit again. The dehumidifier can also detect when the water bucket is full and shuts off its dehumidifying function until the water is emptied.
You can check on the water level via the transparent indicator. Alternatively, you can fit in a garden hose to the water outlet to drain the water automatically.
You’ll find that the Keystone dehumidifier has handles built at the right places. Along with the caster wheels, you can move the unit easily to any of your rooms.
To get the best out of the dehumidifier, you’ll need to clean the filter periodically. Pay attention to the indicator light on the unit as it will alert you when it’s time to do so.
Pros
- Works in very humid environment.
- Reasonably quiet operation.
- Great for large area.
Cons
- Some units broke down after a few months.
4. ProBreeze Mini Dehumidifier (9 oz.)
Features
- Compact and light.
- Auto-shutoff when full.
- Energy-efficient thermoelectric technology.
- Quiet operation.
- 9 oz. capacity for areas not larger than 150 sq. ft.
Sometimes you don’t need a behemoth of a dehumidifier when only a small part of your home is suffering from damp and humid air. This compact electric dehumidifier by ProBreeze is capable of extracting 9 ounces of water from the air daily and is meant for small bedrooms, kitchen, offices or garage.
This ProBreeze dehumidifier operates on a less common mechanism than regular refrigerant technology. It uses thermoelectric cooling which operates on the Peltier effect. This technology does not involve any moving part, desiccant, or coolant used in commonly available dehumidifiers.
For a miniature dehumidifier, the thermo-cooling technology ensures that the unit runs quietly and is an energy saver. It’s ideal when you’re dehumidifying the air where the room temperature is above 59 Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celcius).
While the dehumidifying capacity of the unit is only 10 ounces, the tank is considerably large and can retain water up to 20 ounces. When the tank is filled to its limit, an indicator LED will light up and the dehumidifier is automatically turned off.
Emptying the water is simple as the tank is designed to be removed easily. Remember to turn off the power when you’re emptying the water.
Remember that this dehumidifier is ideal for spaces not more than 150 sq. ft. It is not built for large areas like the living room, or spacious bedrooms. You’ll need a larger capacity for larger spaces.
Pros
- Runs quietly.
- Ideal for small rooms.
- Efficient for its size.
Cons
- Motor starts breaking down in some new units after 6 months.
5. Friedrich Energy Star Dehumidifier (35 Pint)
Features
- Humidity settings between 30% to 90%.
- Quiet operation.
- Water outlet for continuous draining.
- Auto-shutoff sensor.
- Energy Star efficiency.
The Friedrich 30 Pint dehumidifier is the right fit for small to medium rooms. It is designed to operate efficiently in rooms up to 1000 sq. ft. The unit boasts a sleek and stylish design and is a handy tool to reduce allergens like dust mites growing rampantly in your overly humid room.
Efficiency is decisive when determining superior dehumidifiers. This unit by Friedrich is Energy Star rated and that means keeping your energy bill low as it removes moisture from the air. A ventilating fan equipped in the unit helps to draw moist air in and it operates without any noticeable noises.
Using the Friedrich is almost intuitive. It has a built-panel that allows you to adjust the desired humidity or to operate it in continuous mode. In the continuous mode, the dehumidifier will run for 24 hours or shut off when the reservoir is full.
Emptying the reservoir is easy as the reservoirs are easy to remove. There’s also a water outlet where you can install a hose and let the water be drained automatically. Doing so means you’ll need to place the dehumidifier near a balcony or areas with drainage.
Some rooms can be terribly humid and that’s when you’ll find the humidity settings on the Friedrich dehumidifier handy. Choose between 30% to 90% RH and the dehumidifier will start drawing the required amount of moisture off the air.
Minimal maintenance is needed for the dehumidifier. You’ll only need to wash the filter once a month, as it may have gathered dust, dirt, dust mites, and other allergens as the air flows through.
Pros
- Effective in pulling moisture from the air.
- Relatively low noise operation.
- Durable.
Cons
- Some customers complaint of awkward water bucket.
6. LG 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
Features
- 70 Pint capacity, up to 1,200 sq. ft.
- Configurable humidity level.
- Auto shutoff reservoir with optional drainage outlet.
- Auto-defrost feature.
- Turbo speed for increased airflow.
Desperate moments call for desperate measures, such as the LG 70 Pint dehumidifier. This beast can efficiently remove 70 pints of water in a space up to 1,200 sq ft daily. It’s the answer to cracking paints, molds, mildews, dust mites and other allergens that are growing rapidly in your home.
For such a powerful dehumidifier, the entire unit weighs only 48.5 lbs. With strategically placed handles and wheels, you’re able to move the dehumidifier easily in your home. LG also includes a 6 ft extension which allows for greater flexibility in placement.
There’s nothing fancy about the outlook of the dehumidifier. Instead, it is practicality such as intelligent control that makes it an attractive choice. The on-board LCD panel allows you to set the desired humidity level or set the timer duration that you want the dehumidifier to operate.
The LCD panel also allows you to view the current humidity level in your room. You’ll be able to know if the dehumidifier is effective in getting the humidity level down. There’s a turbo fan mode that you can activate to speed up the airflow, and thus, dehumidifying rate.
Any commendable dehumidifier must be user-friendly, especially when the reservoir is concerned. The LG dehumidifier has a reservoir that can fill up to 13.3 pints of water. It has a water level indicator and an auto-shutoff feature when it’s full. On top of that, you can attach a hose to the water outlet to enable self-draining.
The filter is reusable, but you’ll need to clean it when it’s dirty. Cleaning the filter is simple, as you’ll need to rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry before placing it back to the dehumidifier. Also, the dehumidifier has an auto-defrost feature which prevents frost build up on the compressor.
Pros
- Remove moisture from the air efficiently.
- Easily-removable bucket.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- Quite noisy.
7. TOSOT 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
Features
- 70 Pint capacity.
- Energy star rating for efficiency.
- Power outage restart.
- Auto-shutoff when the bucket is full.
- Whisper-quiet operation.
Rotting furniture and unstoppable growth of molds are signs that you have a soaring humidity level in your home. A high capacity dehumidifier like the 70 Pint unit by TOSOT is the solution to such problems. Letting the dehumidifier runs for 24 hours will result in a remarkable improvement in the humidity level and prevent dust mites’ growth.
The TOSOT dehumidifier is certified by Energy Star for efficiency. This means that it takes minimal power to remove 70 pints of water from the air in 24 hours. You don’t have to worry about expensive energy bills and you’re doing your part to make the earth greener.
While the TOSOT dehumidifier operates by a compressor, the sound that it emits is considerably low. There are three different fan speeds to choose from with the highest speed producing a noise level of 52 dB. That’s almost the sound of normal conversation happening in your home.
Don’t be tricked by the simplistic design of the TOSOT dehumidifier. It is packed with intelligence from the electronics system within. You can set your desired humidity level with the LCD interface to enable precise humidity control. In the event of a power outage, the dehumidifier will recover the previous setting and resume from there.
The dehumidifier also won’t make a mess when the bucket is full. Thanks to the built-in sensor, the unit will turn off until the bucket is emptied. Usually, that won’t happen until about 5 hours of operation. But if that sounds like a hassle, you can connect an extension hose to the water outlet and enable self-draining.
Take note of the filter maintenance indicator light. It lits on after 250 hours of operation. A clogged filter decreases the efficiency of the dehumidifier. To get your dehumidifier back in top condition, clean the filter with clear water and leave it to dry before installing it back to the unit.
Pros
- Quiet operation.
- Efficient in getting moisture out from the air.
- User-friendly.
Cons
- Some units failed after a while.
8. Afloia Electric Home Dehumidifier (11 oz)
Features
- Lightweight and compact.
- 11 oz. capacity.
- Auto shutoff with LED indicator.
- The reservoir holds 24 oz of water.
- Energy-efficient.
Bigger isn’t always better. At least not when dehumidifiers are concerned. When you are concerned that a musky odor starts permeating your room, a compact Afloia dehumidifier may be the ideal solution. The dehumidifier is capable of removing 11 oz. of water from the air daily.
Thanks to the thermoelectric mechanism, the dehumidifier operates silently without exceeding 33 dB of the noise level. In other words, you can sleep soundlessly even with the dehumidifier turned on in your room. The reduced humidity also makes your room a more healthy, allergen-free environment.
Kudos must be given to the team at Afloia for the simplistic design of the dehumidifier. Its reservoir, which holds up to 24 oz of water, can be removed and emptied easily. Scatterbrains will find the auto-shutoff feature useful as the dehumidifier will turn off on its own when the reservoir is full.
The unit is also lightweight and you can carry it along when you’re traveling. The dehumidifier fits well on an RV, caravan or boat. You don’t have to struggle to carry a massive dehumidifier around. With that said, it is important to note that this Afloia dehumidifier is only meant for environments where the temperature exceeds 15 degrees Celcius.
You can shave off a great deal from the energy bill when you use the dehumidifier correctly. Ensure that both the inlet and outlet are not obstructed when the dehumidifier is powered on. It only works efficiently when the room has a humidity above 60% RH.
Pros
- Efficient for humid environment.
- Quiet operation.
- Small footprint.
Cons
- Quality issues in some units.
9. Ivation 13 Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier
Features
- 13 Pint capacity.
- Uses desiccant drying.
- Swinging air outlets.
- Control humidity level on LCD.
- Tilt-protection system.
If you need a dehumidifier that works in a cooler environment, you’ll need a desiccant dehumidifier. The Ivation desiccant dehumidifier functions reliably between 33 to 104 Fahrenheit. It can remove 13 pints of water from cold humid air within 24 hours.
The Ivation 13 Pint dehumidifier is meant to work in smaller spaces, preferably in an area not larger than 270 sq. ft. This means the dehumidifier will fit in your kitchen, small rooms or a laundry room. As it’s based on desiccant drying, the dehumidifier operates in near silence.
What made the Ivation desiccant dehumidifier unique is the amount of intelligence built to it. You’re able to set the duration you want the dehumidifier to operate and the value of the humidity required on the LCD panel. Besides that, you’re able to receive alerts such as the water level and the stability of the unit from the LCD.
In the case that the dehumidifier is tilted accidentally, the control will shut off its operation to prevent water spill from damaging critical components.
Another unique feature of this dehumidifier is the adjustable swinging air outlets. As desiccant dehumidifier provides warm air, this feature is helpful if you wanted to use the unit in drying clothes. The flow of warm air is also welcomed in winter.
Pros
- Impressive performance.
- Quiet operation.
- Ease of use.
Cons
- Rattling noise in some units after a few months.
Optimizing Your Dehumidifier’s Performance
Here are some tips that will further increase the efficiency of your dehumidifier.
- Placement is important as you don’t want the wall or any items to block the ventilation inlet of the dehumidifier. Ensure that the dehumidifier has ample space for the air to move freely.
- Make sure that you wash the filter at least once a month. A blocked filter results in a decrease in the efficiency of the dehumidifier.
- Don’t leave any windows or doors open when dehumidifying your home. It’s pointless if moist air keeps entering your home as the dehumidifier is trying its best to dry the air.
It’s no fun having to deal with dust mites and other allergens in a humid environment. Hopefully, some of these dehumidifiers are a great fit for your home and get rid of the dampness and stuffy air.
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