Whether you live in a hot, humid climate or have excess moisture from other causes, dehumidifiers are the best solution. If you live in extreme conditions, like low operating temperatures, it’s essential to ensure your dehumidifier continues to run no matter what.
What’s the best dehumidifier operating temperature? Is there a temperature minimum for residential dehumidifiers? We answer these questions and more below.
- Ideal Dehumidifier Operating Temperatures
- Dehumidifier Temperature Minimum Guidelines
- Best Dehumidifiers for Temperatures 60 to 85 degrees F
- Best Dehumidifiers for Lower Temperatures
- Best Dehumidifiers for Extreme Temperatures
- Test Your Humidity Level
Ideal Dehumidifier Operating Temperatures
The temperature range that standard refrigerant dehumidifiers ideally operate at is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 to 80 percent relative humidity (RH). Our relative humidity guide shares additional information on why this is important.
Dehumidifier Temperature Minimum Guidelines
Some residential room dehumidifiers use refrigerant and a condenser to remove moisture from the air in rooms that tend to retain moisture. These models and standard basement or crawl space dehumidifiers work best in temperatures above 60 degrees F.
Select refrigerant dehumidifiers work in temperatures down to 41 degrees F, but their efficiency decreases as the temperature drops. They also have to work harder to remove that moisture.
If you need consistent moisture removal in temperatures below 50 degrees F, consider a heavier-duty solution like a desiccant or low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifier.
Best Dehumidifiers for Temperatures from 60 to 85 degrees F
Refrigerant dehumidifiers are the standard solution for residential spaces that tend to hold humidity, like basements. These machines use coils with refrigerant to cool damp air below its dew point to form condensation, which is then removed to allow dry air to return to the space.
If you need dehumidification from May to September, these refrigerant dehumidifiers are ideal since they work best between 60 and 85 degrees F.
However, even if a refrigerant dehumidifier’s specs state it works in low temperatures down to 41 degrees F, it will lose efficiency under 60 degrees F. As the temperature drops, these dehumidifiers must work harder to create a cold surface, making them run less efficiently. Ice and frost can form inside the units, so many have an Auto Defrost feature that cuts off operation if frost build-up is detected.
Bottom Line: If you need a dehumidifier during the summer due to a hot, humid climate, a refrigerant dehumidifier is for you. However, you should consider a crawl space or basement dehumidifier if you have consistent moisture issues all year (because you live at the bottom of a hill or beside a river).
Best Dehumidifiers for Lower Temperatures
LGR dehumidifiers (low grain refrigerant) are industrial-grade options best suited for commercial spaces with challenging environmental conditions. LGR models use a dual-cooling system to lower the air temperature to its dew point, making them more efficient while removing much larger moisture quantities.
Since they are constructed with commercial-grade parts, LGR dehumidifiers can withstand extreme conditions between 33 and 100 degrees F and relative humidity levels as high as 90 percent. Because of their resiliency, water damage restoration professionals commonly use these dehumidifiers.
The Revolution, a customer favorite from Dri-Eaz, is an LGR dehumidifier often used for crawl spaces and industrial applications.
Best Dehumidifiers for Extreme Temperatures
use a wheel coated with silica gel to pull moisture from the air, similar to a sponge. Since this process continues regardless of the RH, desiccant dehumidifiers can achieve very low humidity levels even in extreme temperatures.
Unlike refrigerant dehumidifiers, these machines don’t have a condenser, which allows them to work effectively in temperatures below 40 degrees F, even as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, they don't require draining, which makes them extremely useful in marine environments, unheated storage areas, and spaces where oversight is not feasible.
Some desiccant dehumidifiers are small but constructed of stainless steel, making them an excellent choice for residential or commercial applications. Others are larger and best for industrial operation.
Test Your Humidity Level
If you’re not quite ready to purchase a dehumidifier, you can test your relative humidity throughout the year, particularly when you think you’ll need it most. A healthy humidity level is between 45 and 50 percent.
In Summary
Traditional dehumidifiers lose efficiency as the temperature lowers. They're ideal for temperatures between about 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're using a dehumidifier in cooler or harsh temperatures, consider LGR or desiccant dehumidifiers.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re still trying to determine which dehumidifier is best for your space or have questions, contact one of our product experts at 1-800-934-9194.
