Dehumidifiers remove moisture in the air in your home by using a refrigeration system to cool the moisture. It then collects the water after it condenses. When buying a dehumidifier, consider the water removal options and the amount of water it removes. Some dehumidifiers collect the water in a tank, which you must manually empty. Others use a drain hose and a built-in pump for a continuous drain option. Dehumidifiers come in a wide variety of capacities. Check the model to see how many square feet each unit covers and how many pints of moisture they remove.

Dehumidifiers provide many health benefits. Mold can grow when humidity levels reach 60%. It can cause allergy triggers that include sneezing, runny nose, and skin rash. For people with asthma, mold can cause asthma attacks. For people without allergies, mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Keeping humidity levels under 50% prevents these problems.

Besides mold, dust mites pose another health risk. Found in a humid climate, these tiny bugs feed on dead human skin cells and absorb moisture from the air. They cause allergic reactions when people breathe in the proteins in dust that come from dust mite feces, urine, or decaying bodies. They settle into fabric, mattresses, and furniture, putting people at risk for exposure while sleeping. Reducing humidity levels creates an environment where dust mites cannot survive.

A humid environment negatively effects energy costs in addition to your health. A dehumidifier makes a room feel cooler. This lets you keep your thermostat at a higher temperature and stay comfortable. Both a dehumidifier and an air conditioner use electricity, but dehumidifiers use significantly less energy. An ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifier uses energy efficient materials, such as refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans. They can use up to 15% less energy than non-certified units.