There are different types of dehumidifiers available. But, Do you know which one you need? This article will explain all these things in detail.
Dehumidifiers are one of the best appliances you may need. You already may have a very good idea of what a dehumidifier can do. But, You may not know that there are many types of dehumidifiers. In fact, It is hard to find how many types there are. Because dehumidifiers can be classified into different types based on several special criteria, so, One dehumidifier can easily be classified into different categories.
However, All dehumidifiers do one common thing. It just reduces humidity from the air and makes your surroundings more comfortable, especially in summer. Extra Humidity can harm your health, your home structures, and also your favorite appliances. So, removing moisture from the air has been a very important part. That’s why you need a dehumidifier. But, Which one do you need? How many types are there? Let’s know.
Table of Contents
Different Types of Dehumidifiers
As I told you, dehumidifiers can be grouped into many types based on different criteria. So, Don’t be confused. Check out the whole article carefully.
Types of Dehumidifiers Based on How they work Internally:
Most people consider it the primary factor in classifying a dehumidifier. Based on how they work, Primarily Dehumidifiers can be classified into three types based on how they work.
1. Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
It is one of the most common types of dehumidifiers. The name expresses a lot about it. In one part, the Refrigerant Dehumidifiers work similarly to the fridge at your home. This is the reason behind the naming. It is also known as a Compressor based dehumidifier.
Basically, This type of dehumidifier takes the moist air from your surroundings and then cools the air. To do it, the dehumidifier cools a metal plate by refrigeration process. A fan constantly draws humid air over the metal plate. In this way, It condenses the moisture from the air into the metal plate and then exudes it into the water tank. And then, It releases the air into the room again. In this way, it reduces the moisture in the air.
This process remains active until the humidity level reaches normal. Then, The humidifier enters standby mode. It will start dehumidifying again when the moisture level rises.
Advantages:
- It can dramatically reduce the moisture in the air.
- It reduces the feels-like temperature.
- Works great in hot weather and also at typical room temperature.
- Available almost everywhere.
- Can work on low energy
- Can be Cheap
Disadvantages:
- Poor in cold temperatures.
- The ones which can normally work in cold temperatures can be very expensive
- Not ideal for the Winter season
- Worse for subzero temperature climates
2. Desiccant Dehumidifiers
This type of dehumidifier works differently than Refrigerant Dehumidifiers. It doesn’t cool the air to reduce moisture. It rather uses hygroscopic substances to dry the air. This is the real reason behind this naming. However, This type is also known as Chemical Absorbent Dehumidifier.
You can look at some real-life examples to understand how a Desiccant Dehumidifier works. You might have seen a small pack of silica gel on an electronic product box or in a medicine box, etc. It actually helps to prevent moisture that can harm electronics or medicine. In the same way, this type of dehumidifier uses a desiccant to reduce air moisture. It takes the air from the room and passes through the desiccant materials. The hygroscopic substance absorbs the moisture from the air. Then, the condensed water goes to the water tank.
Advantages:
- It works well at relatively low temperatures.
- Ideal for subzero climates.
- It can be used in cool areas like large basements, garages, workshops, etc.
Disadvantages:
- By default, the Desiccant Dehumidifiers are power-hungry.
- Its technology is still a bit immature. So, A reliable Desiccant Dehumidifier can be expensive.
3. Whole House Dehumidifiers
If you want one big solution to reduce humidity from the whole house, this type of dehumidifier is ideal. Of the nature of the Whole House Ventilation Dehumidifiers, it may take time and a few technical experiences to configure. So, You may need to call professionals to install it.
The Whole House Dehumidifiers can work with your air conditioner very well. It sits on the loft space, dehumidifies the air, and distributes the air into the whole house through the distribution points. Due to the constant coming of dry and fresh air, the existing damp air goes away from your house through the natural points/vents.
If necessary, check out these best Whole House Dehumidifiers.
Advantages:
- One solution for the whole house
- Works silently
- Gives better protection for your furniture, electronics, arts, home appliances, and other parts from humidity.
- It can provide a healthy environment throughout your home.
Disadvantages:
- It can be very expensive.
- Requires regular Maintainance.
- Sometimes, the configuration can be complex.
These are the three major types of dehumidifiers based on how they actually work.
Different Types of Dehumidifiers Based on Usage and Size:
Based on your usage and size, the dehumidifiers also can be divided into four categories.
1. Mini Dehumidifiers
Based on the size, it is the smallest type of dehumidifier you can buy. If you only need one for a single relatively smaller room/bedroom, it is ideal because this type of dehumidifier is very weak in performance and cheaper in price.
If you are interested, have a look at these best mini dehumidifiers for bedrooms.
2. Portable Dehumidifiers
This type of dehumidifier can be placed from one room to another room very easily. Technically, the Mini dehumidifiers are portable too. But, We have categorized a bit larger than mini in this category. A portable dehumidifier can be either refrigerant or desiccant, or thermoelectric.
3. Basement/Industrial Dehumidifiers
This one is the relatively larger type of dehumidifier. It is ideal for a basement or workshop or a relatively bigger space. Most desiccant dehumidifiers are in this category. Technically, It also can be portable.
Check out these best commercial and industrial dehumidifiers if necessary.
4. Whole Home Dehumidifiers
It has already been described in the above section as a Whole House Dehumidifier. So, For details, you can see that part.
Types of Dehumidifiers Based on Special Features:
This is another criterion you can use to classify this appliance. Based on features, dehumidifiers can be of many types. Here are some of them –
1. Thermo-Electric/Peltier Dehumidifiers
This type of dehumidifier’s working process is almost similar to the typical refrigerant dehumidifiers. Recently, Peltier-based refrigerators are also out there. In that sense, it also can be that type. However, We don’t want to go for a debate. The thermoelectric dehumidifier works by taking the humid air from a pump and flowing it through the solid aluminum-based or any heatsink. It condenses the air and exudes water into a water tank. So, from the other side of the heatsink, these humidifiers blow the dry and cool air.
These types of dehumidifiers are very weak in performance. So, these are actually used in a small room.
2. Dehumidifiers with Internal Pump
In some types of portable dehumidifiers, you will find an internal pump. It is actually a very good feature indeed. It ensures a better draining system.
3. Wheels
Not all dehumidifiers have wheels. But, Some of them have. It provides better portability. You can move them from one room to another very easily.
4. Dehumidifiers with Reusable Air Filter
In modern days, there are many dehumidifiers that have reusable air filters. In fact, This feature is mostly seen in small portable dehumidifiers. So, You can remove the air filter and wash it and place it again. It saves the cost of buying a new one.
5. Dehumidifiers with Auto-Defrosting Capability
Some dehumidifiers have a defrosting ability. You need this badly if you are in a cold area. If your dehumidifier has no such feature, it may not work properly. It has a risk of freezing up and stopping working.
6. Other Types
Based on features, there are many other types of dehumidifiers. Like some have auto start ability, some have a silent mode; a few are tagged as eco-friendly, etc. Also, Based on customization ability, you will find many types of dehumidifiers.
Which Dehumidifiers do You need?
After knowing about these different types of dehumidifiers, you may already have understood which one you should buy. However, For your convenience, I have noted the main buying points here –
For Summer and Typical Temperature Climate:
If you live in an area that is not cold or has no subzero temperatures, you can go for refrigerant dehumidifiers. It is available almost everywhere and also not so expensive. However, based on features and quality, it can be expensive.
For Cold Weather, Basement, Workshop:
If you live in a relatively colder area, you should go for a desiccant dehumidifier. However, Make sure it has all the required features you need. This type of dehumidifying device is also ideal for your basement, workshop, etc.
For Small Rooms and Tight Budget:
If you don’t want to spend much on a dehumidifier, you can go for a mini or a cheap portable one. It works well for a smaller room. However, If you are considering a mini dehumidifier for a large room, you should not do it because It won’t help that much.
For Entire House and If Budget is not a Problem:
Based on your situation, the whole house dehumidifiers can be the best solution for you. If you are allergic to dust, humidity, etc., you can go for it if budget permits. The whole-house dehumidifiers have many other benefits despite having complexity in installation.
Basically, these are the different types of dehumidifiers you will see in the market. Also, after reading this article, you can now easily decide which one you should purchase.