Dehumidifiers Key Terms

Learn key terms and features of dehumidifiers to recommend proper units for your customers

By Denise Ryan

Because dehumidifiers serve the important purpose of removing excess moisture from a home or commercial building, customers may rely on the equipment to control indoor allergies, reduce household mold or even prevent home damage due to drywall rotting. By familiarizing yourself with related terms like humidistat controls and condensate pumps that help the equipment operate efficiently, you’ll not only stock the best dehumidifiers for the job, but also be able to recommend the right unit to suit each customer’s needs.

Humidistat control

Dehumidifiers with a humidistat control allow customers to determine the percentage of humidity inside their home. Operating like a thermostat does with an air conditioning or heating unit, the humidistat control will dictate when the unit switches on and off.
Try: Find out more about the humidistat control—and options if the units you’re considering don’t have one—from ConsumerSearch. The site also discusses other dehumidifier features and recommendations.

Condenser

Considered the engine of the dehumidifier, an efficient and effective condenser will be quiet as it propels the unit's cooling system, which also includes the evaporator and circulating fan.
Try: Repair Clinic features dehumidifier help sheets that discuss the location, description and operation of the condenser.

Water tank

As dehumidifiers draw moisture from the air around a home or other facility, the liquid fills the water tank-also called a reservoir, storage tank or water bucket-within the unit. Customers will have to empty the water tank manually or with an electric pump.
Try: Air and Water features product reviews and water tank specifics including typical capacities, indicator lights and overflow prevention.

Automatic shut-off

If your clients won't be able to monitor the contents of the water tank with consistency, recommend a dehumidifier with an automatic shut-off. The handy feature will shut the unit off when the water tank is nearly full, preventing overflows.
Try: Product descriptions through the listings at Air Conditioner Home discuss the benefits of the automatic shut-off feature on some dehumidifiers.

Condensate pump

Larger dehumidifiers or industrial units may require a condensate pump, also called a dehumidifier pump. The unit helps drain the large water tank into a sink if another drainage method isn't available.
Try: Instructions on the DIY Network website discuss the function and installation tips for the dehumidifier’s condensate pump.

Air filter

An air filter can also help the dehumidifier purify the air by filtering out particulates like dust, pollen and pet dander. Instruct customers to keep the filter clean, however, to ensure buildup doesn't cause the unit to operate inefficiently or shut down.
Try: Energy Star discusses the effect of an air filter on the equipment’s operation and efficiency.