the US’s damp climate makes dehumidifiers one of the most practically useful home appliances you can buy. They remove excess moisture from the air, reducing condensation on windows, preventing mould growth, and making a damp-feeling room feel significantly more comfortable.
This guide explains how to choose the right type and size, then recommends the best models at different price points for 2026.
Why US homes Need Dehumidifiers
the US’s mild, wet climate means most homes experience periods of high indoor humidity – particularly in autumn and winter. Cooking, showering, drying laundry indoors and simply breathing all add moisture to the air. Without adequate ventilation, this moisture condenses on cold surfaces (windows, external walls, corners) and creates the conditions for mould and dust mite growth.
Signs you need a dehumidifier:
– Condensation on windows most mornings
– Mould spots appearing in corners, behind furniture or in bathrooms
– Damp smell in a room
– Laundry taking a long time to dry
– Allergy symptoms that worsen indoors (dust mites thrive in humid conditions)
Types of Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant (compressor) dehumidifiers
The most common type. Work by pulling air over a cold coil, causing moisture to condense and collect in a tank. Effective in warm rooms (above 15C). Less effective in cold spaces.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens – anywhere above 15C
Desiccant dehumidifiers
Use a silica gel rotor to absorb moisture from the air. Work effectively at lower temperatures (including below 0C) and are quieter than refrigerant models. Consume more energy per litre extracted.
Best for: Garages, utility rooms, outbuildings, unheated spaces, caravans
Whole-house dehumidifiers
Larger, often ducted units that handle the moisture from an entire house. Permanent installation. More common in commercial settings but available for large homes.
Best for: Large homes with persistent damp problems throughout
Choosing the Right Size
Dehumidifier capacity is measured in litres per day (L/day) – the volume of water the machine extracts under standard conditions.
| Room / Situation | Recommended capacity |
|---|---|
| Single bedroom, low humidity | 22 pints/day |
| Living room or large bedroom | 25-35 pints/day |
| Open-plan kitchen/living | 35-45 pints/day |
| Whole home or small house | 45-50 pints/day |
| Large house, serious damp | 50+ pints/day |
For drying laundry indoors, choose a machine with a dedicated laundry mode and at least 35 pints/day capacity.
The Best Dehumidifiers in 2026
1. hOmeLabs 35-Pint Dehumidifier – Best Overall
hOmeLabs is a highly rated Amazon US appliance brand, and their 35-Pint dehumidifier is consistently ranked the best all-round home dehumidifier by US reviewers. The 35-pint (16.5L) capacity suits most apartments and mid-size houses, and the energy efficiency is notably better than comparable capacity machines.
Auto humidity mode maintains your target humidity level without continuous running, which saves energy significantly. The continuous drain option (via a hose) means you can run it unattended. Quiet enough for bedroom use on its lowest setting.
Price: Around $200-220
Capacity: 35 pints/day
Noise: 38 dB (low) – 48 dB (high)
Tank capacity: 1.8 litres
Best for: Most US homes, combination of efficiency and performance
What we like: Best in class reviews, auto humidity mode, continuous drain option, quiet on low setting, strong US customer support
Worth knowing: More expensive than no-name budget options, but running cost savings justify the premium over time
2. Afloia Desiccant Dehumidifier – Best Desiccant Option
For unheated spaces like garages, basements, or outbuildings, a desiccant dehumidifier outperforms refrigerant models. The Afloia desiccant works from freezing temperatures to 35C and remains effective through cold US winters.
15 pint capacity per day is modest, but in a cold space a desiccant extracts far more than a refrigerant model (which would extract very little below 50F). 2-litre water tank with continuous drain option.
Price: Around $120-140
Capacity: 15 pints/day
Type: Desiccant
Best for: Garages, basements, unheated spaces, winter use
What we like: Effective in cold temperatures, quiet operation, continuous drain option, works year-round
Worth knowing: Desiccant models use more energy per pint extracted than refrigerant; not the most economical choice for warm living spaces
3. Frigidaire 22-Pint Dehumidifier – Best Small Bedroom Option
For a single bedroom or small apartment, Frigidaire’s compact 22-pint model is the most practical choice. Small enough to fit beside furniture, quiet enough not to disturb sleep, and effective for spaces up to approximately 300 square feet.
The sleep mode reduces fan speed and dims indicator lights for overnight use. Humidity control maintains a set level automatically.
Price: Around $160-180
Capacity: 22 pints/day
Noise: 38 dB (low)
Best for: Single bedroom, small apartment, first dehumidifier
What we like: Compact, quiet in sleep mode, good for bedrooms, trusted Frigidaire brand
Worth knowing: Not powerful enough for a large living room or whole-home damp problem
4. Midea 20-Pint Dehumidifier – Best Mid-Range Value
If you want solid performance at a lower price than the hOmeLabs flagship, the Midea 20-Pint offers a good balance. The 20-pint capacity handles most US bedrooms and smaller living spaces, and the continuous drainage option (via a hose to a drain) means you never need to empty the tank manually if positioned near a drain.
Digital control with a humidity display and auto mode. Reasonably quiet for a mid-range refrigerant model.
Price: Around $130-150
Capacity: 20 pints/day
Best for: Mid-range buyers, those wanting continuous drainage capability
What we like: Continuous drain option, good capacity for the price, digital controls, Energy Star certified
Worth knowing: Energy efficiency is lower than hOmeLabs flagship; will cost slightly more to run month-to-month
5. Pohl Schmitt Mini Dehumidifier – Best Compact Portable Option
For small spaces – a bathroom, caravan, boat or conservatory – a mini Peltier-technology dehumidifier is the quietest and most compact option. The Pohl Schmitt mini extracts around 300-400 ml per day, which is much less than a full-size unit, but its size (roughly a large thermos flask) and silent operation make it practical where a full unit would be intrusive.
No compressor noise – completely silent. Runs from a USB power source or a 240V adaptor.
Price: Around $30-40
Capacity: 300-400 ml/day
Noise: Silent
Best for: Caravans, small bathrooms, wardrobes, boats, compact spaces
What we like: Silent operation, tiny footprint, very affordable, USB-powered option
Worth knowing: Very low capacity – not suitable as a primary room dehumidifier; a supplement to ventilation in small spaces only
Running Costs and Energy Use
Dehumidifiers run for hours at a time and energy costs add up. The key metric is litres extracted per kilowatt hour (L/kWh). Higher is better.
| Machine type | Typical efficiency |
|---|---|
| hOmeLabs 35-Pint | 2.0 L/kWh (excellent) |
| Refrigerant budget models | 1.2-1.8 L/kWh |
| Desiccant models | 0.8-1.2 L/kWh |
| Peltier (mini) models | 0.1-0.3 L/kWh |
At current US electricity rates ($0.16/kWh), running an hOmeLabs 35-Pint on auto mode in an average home costs approximately $10-18 per month in winter.
Tips for Effective Dehumidification
Close windows when running: Dehumidifying with windows open is counterproductive – you are simply replacing the dry indoor air with humid outdoor air.
Use auto humidity mode: Set the target to 50-55% relative humidity and let the machine cycle on and off automatically. This is more energy efficient than continuous running.
Position centrally: Place the dehumidifier away from walls to allow airflow around the unit. The air intake and exhaust need clearance.
Empty the tank regularly: A full tank stops extraction. Use continuous drainage if the machine supports it and you have a suitable drain position.
Dry laundry efficiently: Run the dehumidifier with a laundry mode on and close the door of the room. The machine extracts the moisture released by drying clothes much faster than natural evaporation.
FAQ
Will a dehumidifier get rid of mould?
A dehumidifier removes excess moisture and prevents new mould growth in normal humidity conditions. It will not remove existing mould – that requires cleaning with a mould remover product first. After treatment, a dehumidifier helps prevent recurrence.
What humidity level should I aim for?
40-60% relative humidity is the healthy range for US homes. Below 40% causes dry air irritation (dry skin, scratchy throat). Above 60% promotes dust mite and mould growth.
Can a dehumidifier make a room warmer?
Slightly. The compressor generates a small amount of heat and the drier air can feel warmer even at the same temperature. The effect is modest – a dehumidifier is not a substitute for heating.
Final Verdict
For most US homes: hOmeLabs 35-Pint is the best dehumidifier available – efficient, quiet, and well-reviewed. For garages and cold spaces: Afloia Desiccant model. For bedrooms and small apartments: Frigidaire 22-Pint. For a budget mid-range: Midea 20-Pint. For tiny spaces: Pohl Schmitt mini.
