How to choose the right size dehumidifier

A dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air, helping to reduce humidity and improve the quality of air, but it should be properly sized for the needs of your home. A dehumidifier that is too large will waste energy and lead to higher electricity bills. Bigger isn’t always better. The size you'll need depends on the size of your room (or basement) and the amount of moisture present in the air. Use the chart below to estimate the capacity you are looking for;

  Size in pints per 24 hours
Dampness500 sq. ft. area1000 sq. ft. area1500 sq. ft. area2000 sq. ft. area
Moderately Damp - space feels damp and smells musty only in warm, humid weather. 10 pints 14 pints 18 pints 22 pints
Very Damp - space always feels damp and smells musty. 12 pints 17 pints 22 pints 27 pints
Wet - feels and smells wet. Seepage occurs. Mold and mildew growing on surface. 14 pints 20 pints 26 pints 32 pints

Other ways to reduce humidity in your home

  • Keep basement and crawl spaces sealed off from the outdoors.
  • Install gutters and divert roof runoff away from the foundation.
  • Improve grades around the foundation to drain water away.
  • Cover dirt floors in crawl spaces and basements with heavy-duty plastic.
  • Ensure that clothes dryers are properly vented to the outdoors.
  • Wrap cold water pipes with pipe insulation to eliminate sweating.
  • Use exhaust ventilation to remove moisture generated by showering, bathing, and cooking.
  • Reduce the number of plants in humid areas.
  • Do not store wet firewood in the basement.
  • Do not open basement windows and doors in the summer to dry out the basement. This can make the problem worse by allowing moist outdoor air into your cool basement, causing increased condensation.

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Rebates

The DCSEU offers a $35 rebate on qualifying dehumidifiers. The select appliances eligible for this rebate help you save more energy and money, while helping to protect the environment.

Qualifying Product

Qualified Source

Qualifying Efficiency Level

Previous Rebate

Current Rebate

(Rebate subject to change*)

Dehumidifier

ENERGY STAR

ES certified

$25 $35

*Rebates for the select equipment above are subject to change based on potential future programmatic changes pending the District of Columbia Public Service Commission's regulatory proceedings.

Disclaimer: The DCSEU website has the most up-to-date rebate information. Please refer back to this table or DCSEU rebate applications for accurate rebate amounts.

Eligibility

Apply for Rebates

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