PORTABLE DEHUMIDIFIER VS. WHOLE HOUSE DEHUMIDIFIERS FOR GEORGIA HOMES

Humidity stinks.

Even on days when the temperature is nice, Georgia’s high humidity leaves you with that sticky, uncomfortable feeling.

So it’s no surprise that you’re looking for a dehumidifier. The question then becomes: Should you get a portable or whole-house dehumidifier?

We’ll cover the pros and cons for each.

Portable dehumidifiers

Pros

• Relatively cheap per unit (compared to the whole-home unit)
• Can be placed specifically in the rooms you need it most
• Easy to use (just plug it into the room where you need it)

Cons

• Can only dehumidify one room at a time
• Need regular maintenance to prevent mold and mildew growing in the unit
• Quality widely varies between brands
• Can be noisy (which can be annoying if you’re a light sleeper and placed in the bedroom)
• Takes up space in your home, which may be a problem if you’re particular about the interior decoration of your home.
• Many aren’t energy efficient compared to whole-home dehumidifiers

Whole-house dehumidifiers

Pros

• Can control the humidity level of your whole home using your thermostat
• More energy efficient than portable dehumidifiers
• Most only need annual maintenance
• Works automatically (no need to remember to turn it on and off)
• Lives in your ductwork, so it’s hidden and out of sight

Cons

• High upfront cost compared to portable dehumidifiers
• Needs a professional to install

Which one is right for you?

The dehumidifier you choose comes down to cost vs. effectiveness. A whole-house dehumidifier costs more, but is more reliable, can dehumidify the whole home, and requires less maintenance.

But if you have a limited budget and just want to dehumidify a particular room (like a bedroom) a portable dehumidifier can work just fine. 

Other dehumidifying options

If you’re installing a new air conditioner soon, you have another dehumidification option: Install a two-stage air conditioner.

Basically, your AC helps dehumidify your home—but only when it’s running. A two-stage air conditioner can run longer on milder days, but use less energy. This means the AC can consistently keep you cool and reduce humidity in the home.

Learn more in our article: Two-Stage Air Conditioner vs. Whole-House Dehumidifier for Georgia Homes.

Got questions?

Want to learn more about whole-house dehumidifiers or two-stage air conditioner? Contact us with your questions.

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Ragsdale Heating, Air and Plumbing has been serving the metro Atlanta area for over 19 years. Contact us online for more information on how we can help you.