Deciding Between a Whole House or a Portable Room Dehumidifier

Deciding between a whole house dehumidifier or a portable room dehumidifier depends on a proper assessment of your humidity problem. The only way to control indoor mold growth is to control humidity levels. Furthermore consistent humidity levels in excess of 70% can also lead to corrosion, decay, dust mite, termite and other insect infestation and other moisture related deterioration. This is of concern to allergy and asthma sufferers because excess humidity levels in carpets, fabrics, and upholstery can encourage dust mite infestation and mildew growth. When deciding between a whole house dehumidifier or a portable dehumidifier take the following facts into consideration:

• Ability to automatically control humidity throughout your home
• Located out of sight and sound level is lower
• Up to 4 times more energy efficient
• Hassle-free maintenance

• More expensive on initial purchase
• More complicated to setup and install
• More difficult to take with you if you move

• Less expensive
• Ability to control humidity in one large, continuous area
• Portable
• Easier and more quickly to install and begin operating

• Shorter useful lifespan
• Louder operation/Operate in plain sight
• Unsightly in plain view
• Only able to control humidity in one continuous area
• Requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance
• Have to empty collected condensate or port
• Less energy efficient

Proponents of whole house dehumidifiers argue that the only way to effectively control the humidity in your entire home is to use a whole house dehumidifier. They argue that portable dehumidifiers only offer temporary relief and only in one room.

We are seeing a shift in trends with our customers. Many of them are tired of buying portable dehumidifiers over and over again every year or every few years and are instead opting to get a larger dehumidifier that is better suited to the task.

In summary, when choosing the best dehumidifier for your needs, first determine the area that you need to control the humidity in. If it is a larger area, a whole house dehumidifier may be better suited to your needs. If your excess humidity problem is seasonal, limited to one or two rooms or only in a smaller area, a portable dehumidifier may be the best, and most economical option.

Portable Dehumidifiers: Danby Dehumidifiers Haier Dehumidifiers Soleus Dehumidifiers Alen Dehumidifiers

Whole House Dehumidifiers: Aprilaire 1750 Whole House Dehumidifiers Aprilaire 1770 Whole House Dehumidifiers

Compare All Dehumidifiers or return to the Dehumidifiers Homepage.