December 18, 2014

What size dehumidifier do I need?

How to determine what size dehumidifier you should have.
How to determine what size dehumidifier you should have.

Dehumidifiers are rated by how many pints of water they can remove from the air during a 24-hour period. To make sure you choose the right size of dehumidifier, consider two important things: how humid is the area you plan to dehumidify and how large is it?

First, see which of these descriptions best suits the area you want to dehumidify.

  • Moderately damp: Air sometimes feels damp and area has light, musty odor.

  • Very damp: Air always feels damp and has a musty odor.

  • Wet: Area feels and smells wet. Walls or floors sweat.

  • Extremely wet: Floors and walls are wet.

Then use the chart below to determine what size of dehumidifier would work best for you.

How damp is your space?2,000 or less sq.ft.2,000–2,500 sq.ft.2,500–3,500 sq.ft.3,500 or more sq.ft.
Moderately damp25 pint30 pint35 pint40 pint
Very damp30 pint35 pint45 pint50 pint
Wet35 pint40 pint50 pint60 pint
Extremely wet40 pint45 pint60 pint70 pint

Most common symptoms to help you fix your dehumidifiers

Choose a symptom to see related dehumidifier repairs.

Main causes: dehumidifier too small for the space, bad humidity sensor, faulty evaporator thermistor, low refrigerant, b…

Main causes: clogged drain hose, drain hose not properly connected…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, electronic control board failure, user interface control failure…

Main causes: room temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, control system failure…

Main causes: weak or dead batteries, out of range, radio frequency interference…

Main causes: dirty air filter, clogged grill, dehumidifier placed too close to the wall, dehumidifier too small for the …

Main causes: collection bucket not installed, collection bucket full of water…

Main causes: loose fan motor mounting screws, loose compressor mounting bracket screws, bad fan, faulty compressor…

Main causes: collection bucket not installed correctly, cracked collection bucket, loose drain hose connection…

Most common repair guides to help fix your dehumidifiers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dehumidifier.

How to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly

How to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly

If the humidifier sensor doesn’t properly detect humidity or evaporator temperature, install a new sensor assembly, foll…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board

How to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board

If the dehumidifier doesn’t respond when you try to set it, follow these steps to replace it.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dehumidifier electronic control board

How to replace a dehumidifier electronic control board

If the dehumidifier won’t power up because the control board has failed, use the steps in this repair guide to replace t…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your dehumidifiers

Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your dehumidifier.

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…