Everything you need to know about dehumidifiers.
In this guide, we'll show you everything there is to know about dehumidifiers, so you can quickly find the right one for you by reading this article. This is a long article covering most things. You'll find links that will take you to other articles where you can read more in-depth about each topic.
How does the machine work?
In short, a dehumidifier is designed to remove moisture from the air. The moisture is converted into water that you can pour out. Sometimes the moisture is blown out through a hose through the wall.
Dehumidifier with compressor (condensate dehumidifier)
Most dehumidifiers have a compressor of the same type as refrigerators and freezers. Inside the appliance, the air is cooled, causing the moisture to condense into water. Very suitable for rooms with normal indoor climate. This type of dehumidifier is well-suited for laundry rooms and living rooms.
Desiccant dehumidifier
Desiccant dehumidifiers do not use a compressor and are therefore better suited for low temperatures. By low temperature, we mean the range from 15 degrees Celsius down to zero. Typical uses include basements, boats, and garages.
Crawl space dehumidifier
If you risk freezing, you must use a crawl space dehumidifier. They do not produce water, but rather air saturated with moisture. The air is blown out through the wall with a hose. Primarily, if you are handy, you can install it yourself perfectly.
How much power does it use?
All the dehumidifiers we discuss here use 230-volt power. How much power they use varies quite a lot. If you are comparing the power consumption of dehumidifiers, you must remember the following:
- A compressor-based dehumidifier must be compared with another compressor-based dehumidifier. Desiccant dehumidifiers must be compared with desiccant dehumidifiers, and so on. These are machines that work on entirely different principles, so you must compare them with a similar example.
- The size should also be the same. This means that a 10-liter machine must be compared with another 10-liter machine. A 20-liter with another 20-liter. Comparing the power consumption of a 25-liter dehumidifier with a 10-liter dehumidifier is like comparing the fuel consumption of a bus with a car.
- Check the power consumption at the temperature at which you will use the dehumidifier. Most dehumidifiers are optimized for 30 degrees Celsius. The Meaco Arete dehumidifier is optimized for the temperature range of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. This is much more relevant for us in Norway.
Typical power consumption
When comparing with others, you can imagine the following power consumption:
- 10-liter dehumidifier with compressor, 129 Watt. Example: Meaco Arete One 10L
- 20-liter dehumidifier with compressor, 179 Watt. Example: Meaco Arete One 20L
- 9-liter desiccant dehumidifier – 650 Watt**. Example: Arida S7L DeLuxe ** Desiccant dehumidifiers work differently and are primarily used where it is cold. In such conditions, the power consumption per liter of water is very low, but in heated rooms, compressor dehumidifiers often offer better power consumption.
- 30-liter dehumidifier with compressor, 500 Watt. Example: NICS K30
How much noise?
After power consumption, the noise level is what most people consider most. If you are going to use a dehumidifier in a basement where no one is present, you can very well use one in a solid metal box that makes a lot of noise. If, however, you want to use it in a living room or other places where you can hear it, noise is particularly important.
If you want as little noise as possible, you should:
- choose a small dehumidifier (buy 10 liters instead of 20 liters)
- choose a modern machine made of plastic, not metal
- buy a recognized brand name
- buy a dehumidifier that is recognized by independent parties, for example Quiet Mark
Our favorites for low noise are the Meaco 10L ABC and Meaco Arete One 10L. If you need a larger dehumidifier, we recommend you take a closer look at the Meaco Arete One 20L.
Dehumidifier maintenance
It is particularly important to maintain your dehumidifier. You must vacuum the air filter often.
If you have a dehumidifier with a HEPA filter, it must be replaced from time to time when it changes color.
Afterwards, leave the dehumidifier alone and be careful when moving it.
Do not use a timer; instead, choose a dehumidifier with a built-in timer.
If you need new filters for your dehumidifier, you can find air filters here.
Dehumidifier installation
Most people buy a dehumidifier that you can take out of the box and put into operation immediately. Other dehumidifiers require some assembly. This is essentially simple, and most people do it themselves.
Larger dehumidifiers for cold basements and professional use
Sometimes a small dehumidifier bought at Elgiganten or Biltema is not large enough.
Then you have to switch to professional solutions.
Below, you can first watch a film that explains a bit about a professional dehumidifier
Arida Pro S25 installed in a basement beneath a rental property.
Professional dehumidifier under rental property
What happens to the water from a dehumidifier?
As you dry the air, you remove water from it. There are several ways to get rid of the water:
- The water collects in a container at the bottom of the appliance. You remove this and empty it into the sink.
- You can also use a hose to drain the water into a drain or sink. If you have a drain, the dehumidifier can stand on the floor next to it. It can also hang on the wall. This way, the water drains more easily.
- You can pump the water wherever you want it. Some dehumidifiers can be obtained with their own pump, such as the Meaco Arete 20, or air&me Rohan. You can also get separate pumps that fit most dehumidifiers.
How to install the pump in a Meaco Arete dehumidifier