As seasonal shifts and climatic changes occur, allergy and asthma sufferers often find themselves in a constant battle with their symptoms.
The unseen enemy, too often, is the excess moisture in our homes that fosters mold, dust mites, and other allergens.
This is where the role of a high-quality dehumidifier becomes paramount.
In this article, we’ll explore the best dehumidifiers, focusing specifically on those that offer the best relief for individuals living with allergies and asthma.
We’ll guide you through the top products on the market, each of which has been meticulously vetted for their effectiveness, technology, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.
So, let’s take a deep, clear breath and dive into the journey of creating a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
Best Dehumidifiers for Allergies and Asthma
- Energy Star certified for efficient power usage.
- Suitable for large spaces up to 4,500 sq. ft.
- User-friendly control panel with humidistat display.
- Continuous draining option available.
- Auto-defrost function prevents coil frost buildup.
- Compact design perfect for smaller spaces.
- Can cover areas up to 280 sq. ft.
- Automatic shut-off when the water tank is full.
- Whisper-quiet operation ensures undisturbed sleep.
- Easy-to-use one-button control.
- High-capacity to remove up to 60 pints of moisture per day.
- Continuous drain option for easy maintenance.
- Digital humidity readout for precise control.
- Full-tank alert system with auto shut-off feature.
- Effortless humidity control for precision.
HomeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
A perfect fit for large spaces, this model from HomeLabs is designed to cover areas up to 4,500 square feet.
Delivers powerful moisture removal and energy-efficient operation, making it perfect for large spaces and promoting a comfortable, healthy living environment.
It’s highly efficient, removing up to 50 pints of moisture from the air per day, helping to combat mold, mildew, and allergens that thrive in damp conditions.
As an Energy Star rated appliance, it also ensures energy-efficient operation.
User-friendly features include an intuitive touch control panel, a 24-hour timer, an automatic shut-off function when the tank is full, and a filter alert for easy maintenance.
This robust dehumidifier is built to provide you with a healthier, drier, and more comfortable living environment.
TABYIK Small 280 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier for Home
This compact yet powerful dehumidifier is ideal for smaller spaces of up to 280 square feet.
Compact yet powerful, the TABYIK dehumidifier is ideal for managing humidity in smaller spaces, covering up to 280 square feet.
Despite its size, the TABYIK model packs a punch, extracting up to 16 ounces of water per day from the air, making it a perfect choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, or home offices.
Its ultra-quiet operation ensures that it doesn’t disrupt your daily activities or sleep, while the automatic shut-off feature provides peace of mind by stopping operation when the water tank is full.
In addition, its portable design and easy-to-use one-button control make it a convenient and user-friendly choice.
Frigidaire FFAD6022W1 60 Pint Dehumidifier
This model from Frigidaire, a trusted name in home appliances, has a high-capacity 60-pint-per-day dehumidification capability, making it a great choice for larger and wetter spaces.
Combining high moisture removal capacity with user-friendly features, the Frigidaire dehumidifier can extract up to 60 pints of water per day, offering relief in damp environments.
Beyond just dehumidifying, this unit also offers a washable filter that reduces bacteria, room odors, and other airborne particles, creating a healthier breathing environment.
Its automatic shut-off and alert system lets you know when the water tank is nearly full or if the filter needs to be replaced.
Additionally, this unit comes with a continuous drain option, eliminating the need to manually empty the water tank.
Its customizable settings, digital humidity readout, and 24-hour on/off timer make it a convenient and efficient choice for maintaining optimal humidity levels in your home.
Midea 1,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier
This Midea dehumidifier is an exceptional choice for spaces up to 1,500 square feet.
The Midea dehumidifier is an energy-efficient option designed to control humidity in medium-sized areas up to 1,500 square feet, with the convenience of auto-restart and defrost features.
With the ability to extract 20 pints of moisture per day, it excels at keeping humidity levels within the recommended range.
As an Energy Star certified product, it minimizes energy consumption while providing powerful performance.
The unit also features auto-restart, which ensures that it continues operating at the previously set conditions after a power outage.
Its easy-read LED display, 24-hour timer, and automatic defrost and shut-off features add to its user-friendly design.
Gocheer Upgraded Dehumidifier for Home Basement
Designed for larger spaces like basements, the Gocheer upgraded dehumidifier is adept at removing high levels of moisture, up to 50 pints per day.
Specifically designed for damp spaces like basements, the Gocheer upgraded dehumidifier features a digital display and built-in pump for continuous drainage.
It features a digital display for easy control and monitoring of humidity levels, and its built-in pump allows for continuous drainage, eliminating the need for manual emptying.
The unit also comes with a washable filter, which aids in maintaining air quality.
Its upgraded design and features, combined with its high-capacity performance, make it a solid option for damp basements or large rooms.
SEAVON 2,000 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier with Drain Hose
A superb choice for medium-sized spaces, the SEAVON dehumidifier can service areas up to 2,000 square feet, removing up to 30 pints of moisture per day.
The SEAVON dehumidifier is perfect for medium-sized spaces, capable of servicing areas up to 2,000 square feet with the added convenience of a drain hose for continuous operation.
It comes with a drain hose for continuous drainage, reducing the hassle of emptying the water tank.
The dehumidifier features an easy-to-use control panel, a 24-hour timer, and an auto shut-off feature for when the water tank is full. It operates quietly, making it suitable for use in bedrooms or offices.
Vellgoo 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier with Drain Hose
Engineered to handle large spaces, the Vellgoo dehumidifier covers up to 4,500 square feet and is capable of removing up to 50 pints of moisture per day.
The Vellgoo dehumidifier, with its robust moisture extraction capacity and built-in pump, is an ideal solution for large spaces, offering efficient humidity control for areas up to 4,500 square feet.
An Energy Star certified product, it ensures efficient operation without compromising on power.
It features a built-in pump for continuous drainage and a washable and reusable filter to help maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Its intelligent control panel includes a humidity display, a 24-hour timer, and multiple modes, making it a convenient and versatile option for managing humidity in your home.
How to Choose the Best Dehumidifier
Choosing the best dehumidifier for your home involves considering several key factors, including the following:
- Size of the Space: The first thing to consider is the size of the area you need to dehumidify. Dehumidifiers are rated by the amount of moisture they can remove in 24 hours, typically measured in pints. As a rule of thumb, larger spaces require more powerful dehumidifiers.
- Humidity Levels: The extent of humidity in your home also determines the kind of dehumidifier you need. Higher humidity levels necessitate a more potent unit. For instance, if you’re dealing with damp, musty basements, you’ll need a unit that can handle high moisture levels.
- Energy Efficiency: Dehumidifiers can consume a significant amount of energy, especially if they run continuously. Look for models with Energy Star ratings, which signify that they are energy-efficient.
- Noise Level: If you’re going to run the dehumidifier in a space where you spend a lot of time, like a bedroom or a living room, you should consider the noise level. Some units can be relatively quiet, while others can be quite noisy.
- Special Features: Consider if you need additional features like a built-in hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, an automatic shut-off function to prevent overflow, a timer for energy-saving purposes, or a filter indicator to tell you when the filter needs to be changed.
- Ease of Use: Consider models with easy-to-use controls, straightforward filter changes, and a convenient method for emptying the collected water. Some models come with a built-in pump to make draining easier.
- Price and Warranty: Compare prices and warranties of various models within your budget. Look for a dehumidifier with a robust warranty to protect your investment.
By taking into account these considerations, you can find a dehumidifier that not only effectively controls humidity levels in your home but also improves the quality of your indoor environment, significantly helping with allergies and asthma.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work
Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air to create a healthier and more comfortable environment in your home.
Although various types of dehumidifiers exist, the most common ones work using a refrigeration principle similar to air conditioners and refrigerators.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how a typical dehumidifier operates:
- Air Intake: A fan located in the dehumidifier pulls in air from the surrounding environment.
- Cooling Coils: This air then passes over a set of cooling coils containing a refrigerant, which is a substance that changes from a liquid to a gas at low temperatures. The cooling coils cool down the air, reducing its ability to hold moisture.
- Condensation: As the air is cooled, it reaches its dew point—the temperature at which air becomes saturated and can’t hold its water vapor—which causes the excess moisture to condense into water droplets. These droplets collect on the cooling coils and then drip down into a collection tank or reservoir.
- Reheating and Exhaust: The now drier air is reheated by passing over warm coils, which brings it back to its original temperature. This air, now at a lower relative humidity, is then expelled back into the room.
- Water Disposal: The water collected in the tank is usually manually emptied by the user. Some dehumidifiers also offer a continuous drain option, where a hose can be attached to direct the collected water straight into a drain or outside, eliminating the need for manual emptying.
Note: By repeating this process continuously, a dehumidifier can maintain an optimal humidity level in your home, making it less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mold, and mildew. This can significantly improve the living conditions for those suffering from allergies and asthma.
FAQs About the Best Dehumidifiers for Allergies and Asthma
What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need?
The size of the dehumidifier you need is determined by the size of the space you want to dehumidify, and it’s level of dampness. Dehumidifiers are rated by the amount of moisture they can remove in 24 hours, usually measured in pints.
For instance, if you’re looking to dehumidify a damp 500-square-foot room, you’ll need a dehumidifier that can remove around 12 pints of water per day.
If the same room was very wet, you might need a unit capable of removing up to 16 pints per day. It’s advisable to consult a dehumidifier sizing chart or a professional for precise recommendations.
Is a Dehumidifier Good for Asthma?
Yes, a dehumidifier can be beneficial for people with asthma. Excessive humidity can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, and it can also encourage dust mites — all of which can trigger asthma symptoms.
By lowering humidity levels, dehumidifiers help create an environment that’s less conducive to these allergens, potentially reducing asthma triggers.
Is a Dehumidifier Good for Allergies?
Absolutely, a dehumidifier can be very helpful for managing allergies. By reducing the humidity level in your home, dehumidifiers create conditions that are less favorable for allergens such as mold, mildew, and dust mites.
This can significantly improve indoor air quality and help alleviate allergy symptoms.
What is the Best Dehumidifier for Hay Fever?
The best dehumidifier for hay fever is one that effectively reduces humidity levels, thus minimizing the presence of mold and dust mites, which are common triggers for hay fever.
Features to look for include a high-capacity water tank, auto shut-off, a built-in hygrometer to measure humidity levels, and a filter to trap allergens.
The exact model may vary based on the size of the space you need to dehumidify, the extent of your symptoms, and your budget.
Always consider reading customer reviews and consulting with a professional or medical advisor for specific recommendations.
Is a Dehumidifier Good for COPD?
Yes, a dehumidifier can be beneficial for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Excessive humidity in the home can exacerbate COPD symptoms as it may make the air feel heavy and harder to breathe.
A dehumidifier can help by reducing humidity levels, improving the overall air quality, and making breathing more comfortable.
However, it’s important to remember that while a dehumidifier can help manage symptoms, it should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for COPD.
How to Manage Humidity-Induced Asthma?
Managing humidity-induced asthma requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. One effective method is using a dehumidifier, a device that can help keep your indoor humidity levels within the ideal range of 30% to 50%.
Alongside this, monitoring your home’s humidity levels is essential, and this can be done using a tool known as a hygrometer. Proper ventilation is also crucial, especially in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
This can be achieved by regularly opening windows or using exhaust fans. In addition to this, maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is paramount.
This involves regularly changing filters and cleaning air ducts to reduce the presence of allergens.
Lastly, try to avoid activities that add humidity to your home, like air-drying clothes indoors or taking excessively long hot showers.
Remember: It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing your humidity-induced asthma.
What are the Household Allergy Triggers?
Household allergy triggers are substances that can induce an allergic reaction, including the following:
- Dust Mites: These tiny creatures thrive in humid environments and are commonly found in bedding, upholstery, and carpets.
- Pet Dander: Allergens from pets can trigger allergies in susceptible individuals.
- Mold and Mildew: These fungi grow in damp areas like bathrooms and basements.
- Pollen: This can enter your home through open windows or doors, or on clothing.
- Cockroaches: The droppings, skin, and saliva of these insects can trigger allergies.
- Certain Foods: Food allergies are common and can be triggered by a variety of foods.
What Type of Dehumidifier is Best for Allergies?
The best type of dehumidifier for allergies is one that effectively reduces indoor humidity levels, thereby minimizing the presence of allergens such as dust mites and mold.
Look for a dehumidifier that is the correct size for your space and has a high-efficiency rating (Energy Star certified).
Features like a built-in hygrometer for monitoring humidity levels, an automatic shut-off function, a timer, and a filter to trap allergens can also be beneficial.
For large or especially damp spaces, consider a dehumidifier with a continuous drain option. Always remember to clean and maintain your dehumidifier regularly for optimal performance.
Is a Dehumidifier or Air Purifier Better for Asthma?
Both dehumidifiers and air purifiers can be beneficial for asthma management, but they serve different purposes.
A dehumidifier reduces humidity levels in your home, which can help control allergens like mold and dust mites that thrive in moist environments and can trigger asthma symptoms.
An air purifier, on the other hand, filters and removes airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander from the air, which can also trigger asthma.
Depending on your specific triggers and the air quality in your home, you may benefit from one or both devices.
Consulting with a healthcare provider or an indoor air quality specialist can provide more personalized advice.
Is Humidity or Dryness Best for Asthmatics?
Maintaining a balance is key for asthmatics. High humidity levels can encourage the growth of mold and dust mites, which can trigger asthma.
However, overly dry air can also irritate the airways and worsen asthma symptoms.
The American Lung Association suggests maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Everyone’s triggers are different, and it’s important to monitor individual symptoms and adjust accordingly.
Why is Humidity Bad For Allergies?
High humidity creates an optimal environment for allergens such as mold, mildew, and dust mites to thrive, all of which can trigger allergy symptoms.
In addition, high humidity can make the air feel heavier and more difficult to breathe, which can further exacerbate symptoms in people with allergies.
By controlling humidity levels within your home, you can create a less hospitable environment for these allergens, which can help reduce allergy symptoms.
What is the Best Humidity Level for Allergies?
The best humidity level for controlling allergies is typically between 30% and 50%. This range is low enough to inhibit the growth of allergens such as mold and dust mites but not so low that it causes dryness and irritation.
These levels can be monitored with a hygrometer, and a dehumidifier or humidifier can be used to maintain this optimal range.
Always remember that individual preferences and reactions to different humidity levels may vary, so it’s important to monitor symptoms and adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
For those battling with allergies and asthma, finding the best dehumidifier is more than just a quest for comfort—it’s a pursuit of health.
While choosing a dehumidifier might seem daunting given the multitude of options and considerations, it’s a worthwhile investment that promises significant improvement in your home’s air quality.
By understanding your space, assessing your needs, and considering factors like energy efficiency, noise levels, special features, ease of use, and budget, you can transform your home into a sanctuary of fresh, clean air.
With the right dehumidifier, you can turn the tide in your battle against allergens, creating a more comfortable and healthier living environment. Remember, breathing easy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
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- Singh M, Jaiswal N. Dehumidifiers for chronic asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jun 13.
- Custovic A, Taggart SC, Kennaugh JH, Woodcock A. Portable dehumidifiers in the control of house dust mites and mite allergens. Clin Exp Allergy. 1995.