[Home Tips] How to choose a moisture-proof dehumidifier?
🌦️ Why do Hong Kong households need a dehumidifier?
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate characterized by:
- The south wind returns at the turn of spring and summer (water leaks from indoor walls, floors, and wardrobes 💦)
- During the rainy season from May to September, humidity often exceeds 80%.
- Although the winter is dry, some coastal areas still have wet weather.
Chronic moisture can cause:
- 🦠 Mold growth (walls, furniture, clothing)
- 😷 Respiratory allergies and nasal allergies worsen
- 📉 Electronic products have a shorter lifespan when exposed to moisture
- 👃 Musty odor is difficult to remove
💡Editor 's opinion : Hong Kong's humidity problem isn't just an occasional issue; it can occur year-round. Therefore, choosing a dehumidifier requires long-term consideration, rather than simply focusing on current price.
📊 Dehumidifier types and principles
1. Compressor Type Dehumidifier
- Principle : Like a refrigerator, it uses a compressor to condense moisture in the air.
- Advantages : large dehumidification capacity, suitable for hot and humid summer.
- Disadvantages : Efficiency decreases at low temperatures (<15°C) and there is compressor noise during operation.
- Suitable for : Hong Kong spring and summer, living room or large space.
2️⃣ Desiccant Type Dehumidifier
- Principle : Use moisture absorption wheel to absorb moisture and release it by heating.
- Advantages : High efficiency in low temperature environment and low noise.
- Disadvantages : high power consumption and body heating.
- Suitable for : winter, small rooms, north-facing units.
3️⃣ Hybrid Dehumidifier
- Principle : Combination of compression type and desiccant type.
- Advantages : Suitable for all seasons, automatic mode switching.
- Disadvantages : high price and large body.
- Perfect for : Families who want to solve their year-round moisture problems in one go.
📐 How to choose a suitable dehumidifier?
1. Dehumidification capacity (L/day)
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Recommended principles :
- Small room/100-150 sq ft: 8-12 liters/day
- Medium room/200-300 sq ft: 12-18 liters/day
- Living room/over 400 sq ft: 20 liters or more
- Editor's suggestion: Choose a dehumidification capacity slightly higher than the room's needs, and the dehumidification speed will be much faster⏱️.
2. Energy efficiency
- The Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Label is divided into levels 1-5, with Level 1 being the most energy-efficient .
- The longer a dehumidifier is used, the higher its energy efficiency will be and the more electricity it will save.
3. Water tank capacity
- The larger the capacity, the fewer times you have to pour.
- If the device is running for a long time, it is recommended to choose a 3L or above capacity , or one that supports connecting to a drainage pipe.
4. Noise level
- The compression type is generally 38-45 dB, and the desiccant type can be as low as 35 dB.
- Choose a low-noise bedroom to avoid disturbing your sleep😴.
5. Additional Features
- Humidity setting : Automatically maintain 50-60% relative humidity.
- Clothes drying mode : a must for drying clothes on rainy days👕.
- HEPA filter : dehumidifies and purifies the air at the same time.
- Child safety lock : It is more secure for families with children.
🛠️ Practical tips for dehumidification in Hong Kong homes
- Dehumidify in a closed space <br>Dehumidifiers are most efficient in a closed environment, and opening windows will draw in more moisture.
- Use with a dehumidifier <br>Place moisture-absorbing boxes in wardrobes and shoe cabinets to reduce the burden on the dehumidifier.
- Clean the filter regularly to prevent dust from affecting air volume and efficiency.
- Avoid placing the machine in a corner . Leave at least 20-30cm of space to ensure air circulation.
- It can operate 24 hours a day during the rainy season .<br>But please note that the machine will automatically shut down when the water tank is full, or connect a drain pipe.
💡 Editor's case sharing
My home in Hong Kong Island saw humidity soar to 88% during the southerly weather, with water even coming out of the walls. I used a 20-liter compression dehumidifier (energy efficiency level 1) with a direct drain:
- Humidity dropped from 85% to 55% in two hours
- Musty odor is significantly reduced
- Clothes dry twice as fast
- The electricity bill increased by about $60 per month, but the life of the furniture was extended and the health was improved📈
✅ Editor's shopping list recommendations
- Budget-Friendly: Mid-size Compact (12-16 liters), Class 1 Energy Efficiency
- Humid year-round: Hybrid dehumidifier
- North-facing humidity in winter: Desiccant type
- For pets/allergies: with HEPA filter
