How to Choose the Best Home Dehumidifier

Key takeaways:

If you have high humidity throughout your home, you need a whole-home solution.
The best whole-home dehumidifiers can work independently of your HVAC system.
Lowering the humidity in your home can help prevent mold growth, increase comfort, and improve indoor air quality (IAQ)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30-50%. A humidity level above 60% is considered high humidity and should be dealt with to prevent health problems and damage to your home. One of the best ways to deal with year-round high humidity is to install a whole-home dehumidifier.

What are some signs that you might need a whole-home dehumidifier?

Keep in mind that some of these symptoms are caused by outside sources, such as water intrusion in your basement or crawlspace. If that’s the case, you must fix the problem. Doing so may return your home’s humidity to normal.

But if you live in a high-humidity area, have a single-stage AC system, or have a newer home that is tightly sealed, you may experience these issues throughout your entire home.

An indoor air quality monitor or hygrometer indicates a humidity level above 60%
Your home feels cool and clammy when the AC is running
You have mold and mildew growth in more than one area of the home
There is condensation on the inside walls or on the inside of windows
You have peeling paint or wallpaper
Your home smells musty
Family members have increased allergy and asthma symptoms

What does a whole-home dehumidifier do?

In a nutshell, a whole-home dehumidifier removes moisture from the air throughout your home. It serves to complement a single-stage air conditioning system that may struggle to decrease the humidity, but it can also run year-round in areas with high humidity.

By removing moisture and lowering the indoor humidity level, it can:

Help prevent mold and mildew growth
Help prevent wood rot
Reduce or eliminate musty odors
Improve indoor air quality
Reduce the strain on your air conditioning system
Allow you to set a higher temperature in the summer because the air feels drier

“A whole-home dehumidifier is an ideal option for homeowners in climates with higher relative humidities in the south, along the coastlines, etc. Though your traditional HVAC equipment can solve most of the humidity problem in the home, the extra boost from a whole-home dehumidifier complements the homeowners’ journey toward a more comfortable space.” 

- Sean Goddard, Product Manager, Coils & Indoor Air Quality  

In addition, a whole-house dehumidifier is a more energy-efficient solution than running several portable dehumidifiers. Also, with a whole-house system, there’s no need to empty water reservoirs.

What should I look for in a whole-home dehumidifier?

Once you’ve decided that buying a whole-house dehumidifier is a good solution for high humidity in your home, it’s time to choose one. Things to look for include:

Capacity in PPD (pints of moisture removed per day)
- The capacity you need will depend on the size of your home in square feet. For example, 70 PPD would be suitable for a 2,000 sq. ft. home, while 120 PPD would be suitable for a home up to 3,000 sq. ft.
Optional ventilation – can be good for a tightly sealed home
Drainage system – usually a gravity-fed hose that directs water to a floor drain, utility sink, sump pit, or PVC pipe connected to plumbing.
Air filtration (built-in filter)
Automatic controls and sensors
Integration with your smart thermostat
Warranty

Explore your options with several local HVAC companies.

How much does a whole-house dehumidifier cost?

Nationally, total costs for the unit and installation can range from $1,000 to over $4,000, depending on unit capacity, HVAC system complexity, and labor rates. 

“While the up-front cost may be greater for a whole-house dehumidifier compared to an in-room option, the benefits to the entire structure and all occupants include increased comfort and decreased risk of mold and mildew.”

- Sean Goddard, Product Manager, Coils & Indoor Air Quality

Why get a Trane whole-home dehumidifier?

Our whole-home dehumidifier with optional ventilation checks all the boxes.

Available in 3 sizes, for homes 1,800-3,000 sq. ft. in size
3 capacities, from 70 to 120 pints of water removed per day
Dedicated moisture control
Fresh air ventilation options
MERV 13 filtration (replace filter every 3-6 months)
High dehumidification performance at low energy cost
Industry-leading warranty
May be installed as a standalone unit (all homes) or ducted into your Trane HVAC system
Compact design fits in closets, crawl spaces, basements, or attics
Integrates with your smart thermostat and the Home App
Integrates with the Awair Element™ indoor air quality monitor

Your local Trane dealer will work with you to determine dehumidifier sizing, find the most suitable location, and installation will include any electrical work and proper drainage and routing of needed drainpipes. Learn more about your home’s IAQ in our Indoor Air Quality Guide.

Schedule an assessment today

Contact your local Trane dealer(s) today to take the first step towards a more comfortable home.

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Anne Fonda, Content Writer

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Sean Goddard, Product Manager, Coils & Indoor Air Quality