An Energy Star-rated dehumidifier meets strict energy-efficiency requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It removes the same amount of moisture as a similarly sized conventional model while using approximately 20 percent less energy, helping reduce operating costs without sacrificing performance.
Energy Star certified options include portable room dehumidifiers and permanently installed whole-house models.
When Should You Choose an Energy Star Dehumidifier?
An energy-efficient dehumidifier is especially valuable in spaces that require frequent or continuous humidity control:
- Basements: Control dampness and musty odors while limiting energy use.
- Whole Homes: Maintain balanced humidity across multiple rooms with an efficient ducted system.
- Humid Climates: Manage recurring moisture without unnecessarily increasing utility costs.
- Frequently Used Living Spaces: Improve comfort in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and other occupied areas.
Why Choose an Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier?
Energy Star dehumidifiers offer several advantages over less-efficient models:
- Lower Energy Consumption: Use approximately 20 percent less energy than comparable non-certified units.
- Reduced Operating Costs: Spend less to manage humidity over the life of the dehumidifier.
- Reliable Moisture Removal: Enjoy energy savings without giving up dehumidification performance.
- Automatic Humidity Control: Built-in humidistats cycle the unit on and off to maintain your selected humidity level.
- Portable and Whole-House Options: Find efficient models for individual rooms, basements, crawl spaces, or the entire home.
- Lower Environmental Impact: Reduced electricity use can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
- Possible Rebates: Some utility providers and local programs offer rebates on qualifying Energy Star appliances.
How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier
Energy Star certification is important, but the dehumidifier must also be correctly sized for your space. Consider these factors before selecting a model:
- Moisture-Removal Capacity: Dehumidifier capacity is measured in pints of water removed per 24 hours. Larger or wetter spaces generally need a higher-capacity unit.
- Coverage Area: Compare the manufacturer’s recommended square footage with the size and moisture conditions of your space.
- Integrated Energy Factor: IEF measures how many liters of water a dehumidifier removes per kilowatt-hour of electricity. A higher IEF indicates greater energy efficiency.
- Drainage Method: Choose between a collection bucket, gravity-fed drain hose, or internal condensate pump.
- Operating Temperature: For cool basements and crawl spaces, verify that the unit is designed to operate effectively at lower temperatures.
- Installation Type: Portable Energy Star dehumidifiers are ideal for individual rooms, while whole-house models provide broader humidity control.
For most homes, maintaining indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent helps create a more comfortable environment and discourages moisture-related problems.
Why Choose Sylvane?
For more than 25 years, Sylvane has helped homeowners and businesses find reliable solutions for humidity control and indoor air quality. Our selection includes Energy Star certified dehumidifiers from trusted brands like Santa Fe, AprilAire, and Midea with options for single rooms, basements, crawl spaces, and whole-house applications.
Not sure which capacity or drainage system you need? Our product experts can help you compare models and choose an energy-efficient dehumidifier suited to your space.
FAQs
Do Energy Star dehumidifiers really use less electricity?
Yes. An Energy Star certified dehumidifier uses approximately 20 percent less energy than a comparable non-certified model while removing the same amount of moisture.
Are Energy Star dehumidifiers more expensive?
Some certified models may have a higher initial price, but their lower energy consumption can reduce operating costs over time. Pricing varies by capacity, features, and installation type.
What does Energy Star certification mean for a dehumidifier?
It means the dehumidifier has met EPA requirements for energy efficiency and performance. Products must be independently certified before carrying the Energy Star label.
Are all energy-efficient dehumidifiers Energy Star certified?
No. A manufacturer may describe a model as energy efficient without it meeting Energy Star requirements. Look for the official Energy Star label when comparing products.
What is the most energy-efficient dehumidifier?
The most efficient choice is an Energy Star certified model that is correctly sized for your space. Compare each unit’s sizing and Integrated Energy Factor, or IEF. Higher IEF ratings indicate greater efficiency.
Do Energy Star dehumidifiers have built-in humidistats?
Yes. Energy Star certified dehumidifiers include a humidistat that lets you choose a target relative humidity level. The unit automatically cycles as needed to maintain that setting.
Can I get a rebate for buying an Energy Star dehumidifier?
Possibly. Rebates vary by location and utility provider, so check available programs using your ZIP code before purchasing.
Are Energy Star dehumidifiers available with pumps?
Yes. Some Energy Star dehumidifiers include internal pumps that can move collected water vertically to a sink or another elevated drain. Other models offer gravity drainage or bucket collection.
Can an Energy Star dehumidifier be used in a basement?
Yes. Energy Star basement dehumidifiers are a good option for controlling persistent dampness while limiting energy consumption. Check the model’s capacity, drainage options, and minimum operating temperature before buying.
