Excess moisture in your home creates an environment vulnerable to mold, mildew, dust mites, and unpleasant odors. mold and other common airborne allergens trigger allergic reactions like sneezing and runny nose, along with allergy-induced asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions. If you or anyone in your home often suffers allergies, then you must know that these allergens cannot survive when the relative humidity drops to 50 percent or below.
Maintaining the indoor humidity level within the optimal range of 30% to 50% RH helps reduce the risk of allergies and prevents structure damages due to condensation, rust, corrosion, or pest infestation. A dehumidifier is the best solution to high humidity in the living room. You need the right capacity and coverage area to make sure the dehumidifier works as needed. Take a look at our list below and you may find what you’re looking for.
Best Dehumidifiers for Living Room Reviews
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Best Overall: Frigidaire FFAD5033W1
On the top of our list of high-capacity dehumidifiers for living rooms is the 50-pint unit from Frigidaire. This brand offers high-quality home appliances and air quality solutions to keep your home comfortable and moisture-free. This dehumidifier is popular for its reliable performance and elegant design that stand out from most other brands on the market today. There are no indicated coverage areas for this dehumidifier line but this 50-pint is recommended for medium to large rooms including living rooms, damp basements, and cold garages. Like the rest of the Frigidaire dehumidifiers, the FFAD5033W1 is Energy Star certified to ensure less energy waste.
This Frigidaire dehumidifier provides a simple operation with button controls, a digital display, and LED indicator lights on the top panel. You can select your desired humidity level from 35% to 85% RH while the unit maintains this setting automatically. The built-in timer also allows you to delay the start or stop operation after one to 24 hours. Unlike most brands, Frigidaire features three fan speeds: Low at 167 CFM, Med at 194 CFM, and High at 229 CFM. Despite the high CFM fans, this powerful dehumidifier is one of the quietest, with an average noise level from 48 to 51 decibels.
The Frigidaire 50-pint has a relatively large water bucket with 16.9 pints or 2 gallons capacity, bigger than the 14-pint average for its size. When the bucket is almost full, the auto shut-off feature automatically stops operation to prevent water overflow and the bucket full alert will notify you when you need to empty the container. Manual draining is made more convenient for you with the front-loading bucket with a handle and splash guard.
Frigidaire’s compact and portable SpaceWise design includes rolling casters and a top handle for easy movement. The unit also comes with a washable air filter and the standard indicator light to remind you to check the filter after a specified period. Frigidaire dehumidifiers are particularly excellent in low temperatures as low as 41°F. Unlike other regular dehumidifiers, they work continuously without an automatic defrost that turns off the unit to melt ice. Potential drawbacks are Frigidaire comes with only one year of warranty and it is also at the high end in terms of cost. All the same, you can be sure of its high quality and performance.
Best Value: hOmeLabs HME020031N
Among the usual top picks of homeowners besides Frigidaire is the hOmeLabs dehumidifier. This portable unit offers almost everything you may find in other standard dehumidifiers but at a budget-friendly price. This high-capacity 50-pint unit is recommended for large spaces from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet such as living rooms, basements, and whole apartments. It is Energy Star rated as well for guaranteed high performance and energy efficiency.
hOmeLabs also features the usual controls with an adjustable digital humidistat that allows you to select the humidity level from 35% to 90% RH and automatically maintain this setting. Set the timer to program the unit to turn off or turn on in 0.5-hour increments up to 10 hours, then in one-hour increments up to 24 hours.
On the top control panel, you can also find the Comfort, Turbo, and Continuous modes. Comfort mode sets the humidity level automatically (40%, 45%, or 50% RH) based on the ambient temperature. Continuous mode sets the dehumidifier to run at maximum setting for 24 hours or until the tank is full. Lastly, Turbo mode increases the fan speed from 165 CFM to 188 CFM airflow. hOmeLabs operates in low temperatures down to 41°F, while the auto defrost feature shuts off the unit to melt ice when it starts to form.
The standard auto shut-off activates and the indicator light illuminates when the 1.8-gallon tank is full. If you don’t want to empty the water manually, hOmeLabs offers continuous draining options. To enable continuous drainage, attach a standard garden hose (not included) to the drain hose outlet at the back of the unit and direct it to a floor drain. The dehumidifier has four wheels and a handle on each side for ease of movement.
Overall, hOmeLabs offers all the essential features and functionality you need at the best value. The only downside is it’s made of light and thin plastic for the body and the tank which could break with repeated use. However, for most users, the efficiency and reliability of the hOmeLabs dehumidifier are greater than any drawbacks. It also comes with a longer warranty of two years.
PROS
• Energy Star certified
• Powerful moisture removal
• Continuous draining option
• Budget price
• 2-year warranty
CONS
• Lower quality materials
• Not suitable for small spaces
Best Features: Honeywell TP70AWKN
Another popular choice to maintain moisture and mold-free home is the Honeywell dehumidifier. This smart 50-pint model is ideal for large rooms up to 4,000 square feet. With an Energy Star rating, it can also help you save money on your monthly bills. While it has most of the same functions, Honeywell features a more unique design from our top two picks. The 50-pint is available in three versions: the standard TP70WKN, the built-in pump version TP70PWKN, and the smart unit TP70AWKN.
The unit includes a digital humidistat to set the humidity from 30% to 90% RH using the control buttons and digital display on the panel. Perhaps the best thing about the Honeywell dehumidifier is the mirage display on the front of the unit to monitor the room humidity levels a lot easier across large spaces. It also includes a 24-hour on and off timer and Sleep mode for quiet operation. The unit operates from 41°F to 90°F with automatic defrost (but no defrost light indicator). It also features a washable air filter and a Filter Clean alert to remind you to check the filter after 250 hours of running.
The Honeywell 50-pint comes with an average-sized 14-pint tank and the standard tank full alert and auto-shutoff function. You can easily empty the water tank with the comfort-grip handle and anti-spill splash guards. For continuous drainage, the unit also includes a drain cap attachment and a 3.28-ft (1 meter) drain hose. If you lose either one, simply connect a standard garden hose to the drain outlet. Additionally, the unit has an extendable top handle, a power cord winder on the back, and four wheels for portability.
Furthermore, this model has Wi-Fi connectivity so you can connect it to your local network, adjust the settings, and control the operation from the Honeywell Air Comfort app on your mobile device. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice controls. One problem with Honeywell dehumidifiers is the lack of text labels on the control buttons, which can be confusing especially for first-time users. However, this isn’t usually a big deal and does not affect the unit’s dehumidification performance at all. Lastly, while most dehumidifier brands offer an industry-standard one-year warranty, Honeywell guarantees up to a five-year warranty on internal components including labor.
PROS
• Energy Star certified
• Continuous drainage with included hose
• Mirage humidity display
• Smart controls
• Five-year warranty
CONS
• No defrost light
• Unlabeled control buttons
Premium Option: LG PuriCare UD501KOJ5
If you can spare a couple more dollars for the best modern features in a residential dehumidifier, LG is another popular brand you can rely on for high-quality home appliances and electronics. Compared to the rest of our picks, this LG model is relatively new to the market, as evident in its sleek and stylish design. Standing at 26 inches, it’s built taller and slimmer than most 50-pint dehumidifiers with elegant black housing that will not look out of place in a modern living room. Only Frigidaire rivals the LG PuriCare in terms of build quality and design. LG products also have an Energy Star rating guaranteed to save more in the long run.
The LG dehumidifier is only currently available in 50-pint capacity with two versions: the standard UD501KOG5 unit and this built-in pump and Wi-Fi enabled model. LG includes a built-in humidistat to set your preferred humidity level from 30% to 85% in 5% increments as well as a timer you can from one to 12 hours in one-hour increments. The unit has two fan speeds: Low speed, at 158.9 cubic feet per minute (CFM), and High speed, at 194.2 CFM.
One of the best features of the LG dehumidifier is its removable water bucket mounted on the side instead of the front of the unit. It is completely clear and holds a relatively small 1.7-gallon or 13.3 pints capacity. Although on the smaller side, it provides more convenient and spill-free removal, emptying, and reinstalling with a splash guard lid and solid handle. It also offers multiple options for continuous drainage. First is the gravity drain functionality by connecting a standard garden hose to the drain outlet at the back of the unit. However, the downside is it requires the included adapter to connect the hose. You also have the option to use the built-in pump for automatic draining up to a sink or out through a window.
The new and unique features of the LG PuriCare help ensure your safety and protect the dehumidifier. It has a non-flammable metal frame and an external metal case, as well as heat-resistant glass fiber and silicone wire enclosures to prevent fire hazards. LG also includes an Airflow Blockage alarm and a Safety Standby mode that shuts off the unit for one hour after 23 hours of continuous operation to avoid overheating. Finally, this model has the additional ability to connect to your Wi-Fi through the SmarThinQ app where you can freely control the operation. Alternatively, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.
Overall, LG is on the higher end in most aspects including the cost. In any case, if you know and trust the brand, this portable dehumidifier is a great addition to your living room.
Pros
• Energy Star certified
• Easy-to-use controls
• Convenient bucket design
• Continuous draining options
• Safety Standby mode
Cons
• Small tank capacity
• Requires adapter for gravity drainage
Best for Small Rooms: Waykar PD160B
For smaller spaces with less humidity, you may be looking for a compact dehumidifier like this Waykar unit. This dehumidifier can remove up to 34 pints of moisture per day in areas up to 2,000 square feet. However, unlike our top picks above, Waykar is not Energy Star rated, so the 34-pint capacity is the maximum rate at 90°F and 90% humidity. In actual use, it may remove only around 20 pints a day. It has a similar structure to the rest of our picks but with a much smaller build.
On the top front of the unit, the control panel shows all the necessary controls and indicators in a household dehumidifier. You can set the humidity from 30% to 80% and the unit will maintain this setting. If you select 30%, the unit will operate in Continuous mode. You can also set a timer to turn on or turn off the unit after one to 24 hours and choose between Low and High fan speed. Likewise, Waykar can operate in temperatures as low as 41°F and features auto defrost with an indicator light.
This Waykar unit has a small 0.66-gallon (5.3-pint) tank with the standard auto shut-off and “Full” indicator light. Considering the dehumidifier’s capacity, you may need to empty the tank once or twice a day. Or, you may attach the provided drain hose to the outlet on the back to enable gravity drainage. Furthermore, this unit comes with a removable and washable filter to catch dust. The air outlet on top can be adjusted to direct the airflow where you need it.
Overall, the Waykar dehumidifier is an incredibly portable unit you can place anywhere in your home, from the living room, basement, kitchen, laundry room, and even your bedroom as the low noise levels will allow. It has an extendable top handle and four wheels for added portability. Although affordably priced, Waykar isn’t the most cost-efficient dehumidifier you can find at this size since it’s not Energy Star certified.
PROS
• Light and portable
• Easy to use controls
• Quiet operation
• Continuous drainage with hose included
CONS
• Small tank capacity
• Not Energy Star rated
Best for Large Rooms: Kesnos PD253D
Finally, for those looking for a portable yet high-capacity dehumidifier for a large living room, one good option is the Kesnos 70-pint dehumidifier. It can remove up to 70 pints of moisture per day under 95°F and 90% RH conditions. Although in most cases, it will produce a much smaller volume of water. It is recommended for large spaces up to 4,500 square feet, including basements, living rooms, or even a whole apartment floor.
Unlike the rest of our picks above that feature the common design of portable dehumidifiers, this Kesnos unit has a slimmer but taller build with the panel on top and the exhaust surrounding it. It has a huge humidity display and you can set your preferred humidity from 30% to 85% on the touchscreen panel. The unit will automatically stop when humidity is at least 5% below your setting and starts dehumidifying when humidity rises 5% above your setting.
It also includes a 24-hour on and off timer and two fan speeds. You can pick between dehumidify and dry clothes functions depending on your needs. You can even turn off the panel lights to minimize light pollution at night. This unit also has a Lock button to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings. In case of a power outage, the auto restart feature will resume operation in your last settings.
The Kesnos unit is light and compact for a 70-pint as you can see from its small water tank. It has a 4.5-liter/1.18-gallon tank, which you may need to empty two to three times a day when operating continuously. Don’t worry about spilling water since the unit has a built-in notification system and auto shut-off feature when the tank is full. If you cannot drain it manually, simply attach the included 6.56-ft (2 meters) hose and place the unit above the drain to allow gravity drainage.
Similar to most compressor dehumidifiers, this Kesnos unit operates down to 41°F and has the standard auto defrost mode for efficient low-temperature operation. It also comes with a washable and reusable air filter at the back of the air intake. Although not Energy Star certified, this unit consumes very little power, at a maximum of 400 Watts.
Pros
• High moisture removal rate
• Compact and portable design
• Easy-to-use intelligent controls
• Continuous drain option with hose included
Cons
• Small tank capacity for its size
• Not Energy Star rated
What to Consider When Buying a Dehumidifier for Living Room
Before buying any appliance, it’s essential to know and understand the features that impact its performance and user experience. There are different types of dehumidifiers for residential use, namely, refrigerant, desiccant, and thermoelectric dehumidifiers, but we only included compressor dehumidifiers in this article. For your living room dehumidifier, consider the following factors when making a purchase.
Moisture Removal Capacity
This is the estimated amount of moisture that a dehumidifier removes within 24 hours of running, often measured in pints per day or PPD. In 2012, dehumidifiers were tested at 80°F and 60% humidity. As of early 2020, the DOE has changed the conditions to 65°F and 60% humidity to present a more accurate estimate of the dehumidifier’s performance in a typical, damp and cold basement.
Standard residential dehumidifiers today have a capacity ranging from 20 to 60 pints. Of course, the actual amount of moisture removed per day per unit depends on the size and humidity of the room. Each dehumidifier capacity is recommended for a range of coverage areas. A larger, more humid space requires a larger capacity dehumidifier.
Coverage Area
To maximize its efficiency, your dehumidifier should be able to cover as much space as you have. It can achieve your target humidity level more quickly in a smaller area than a large room with similar conditions. Standard 20- to 35-pint units are recommended for spaces between 1,000 to 3,000 square feet while 50- to 70-pint dehumidifiers can handle up to 4,500 square feet. This should be enough for the largest living rooms and basements or even an entire apartment. However, it isn’t always a good idea to use the largest dehumidifier you can find.
Drainage Options
By default, dehumidifiers collect the condensate formed in an internal tank. With compressor dehumidifiers, this tank may fill up within a few hours, then the unit will stop and you have to empty the water to resume operation. The process itself is simple but it can be inconvenient to do multiple times a day. The good news is dehumidifiers also offer continuous drainage via gravity. All you need is to attach a drain hose (which may not be included) to the drain outlet port (on the back or side of the unit). Make sure to remove any obstruction to the water flow and direct the hose to a low-level drain. High-capacity dehumidifiers from 40-pint capacity or higher also offer an automatic pump for draining. The built-in pump pushes out the water vertically up to a certain height for more flexible draining. You can learn more about dehumidifier drain options here.
Additional Features
Dehumidifiers usually include the standard auto-shutoff, auto defrost, and auto restart features along with the corresponding indicator lights for your convenience. Standard dehumidifiers feature a built-in digital humidistat so you can set a target humidity level and the dehumidifier will automatically maintain this level even while you’re away. You can also find an on/off timer, multiple fan speeds, and different operation modes for different purposes. More advanced features like Wi-Fi and voice controls may also be included. Make sure to check all the features you need before deciding on a dehumidifier for your living room.
Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier
Reduces allergies
Excessive moisture promotes mold and mildew growth. Touching mold or inhaling mold spores may cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, as well as eye and skin irritations. It can also lead to asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions. Dust mites, another common airborne allergen, also thrive in humid conditions. With relative humidity at 50 percent or below, you can reduce allergy symptoms at home.
Helps your air conditioner
When the air is too hot and humid, your air conditioning unit may not be enough to keep your living room comfortable. An air conditioner mainly works to remove heat from the room, which helps reduce the humidity. However, cooling down the warm and moist air makes the job a lot tougher for your air conditioner, leading to higher air conditioning bills. All the while, your air conditioner alone cannot remove enough moisture to maintain ideal humidity.
Improves indoor air quality
High humidity decreases indoor comfort. It makes hot air feel even hotter and cold air even colder. You are also at a higher risk of dehydration in humid environments. The more humidity in the air, it gets more difficult to breathe because the air contains high amounts of water vapor and lower oxygen molecules. Using a dehumidifier keeps out excess moisture and odors, improving indoor air quality and maintaining your health and comfort.
Preserves furniture and structures
Lastly, dry air lowers the chances of mold and mildew and their damaging effects. This helps protect your house structure, especially wooden materials, as well as the furniture and equipment. Maintaining the humidity level within the optimal range helps prevent damages caused by condensation, rust, corrosion, or pest infestation.
How to Maintain Your Dehumidifier
All appliances require proper usage and maintenance to prolong their life and keep natural wear and tear to a minimum. First and foremost, you need to use the correct dehumidifier size for your space.
Once you have the right dehumidifier, find the best location in the room. Make sure that there are no blockages or obstructions to the airflow to and from the unit’s grilles. If possible, place the dehumidifier in a central location or at least maintain a distance of about 12 inches from walls, furniture, or other items.
When using your dehumidifier, always select the right humidity settings. Remember that the ideal indoor humidity range is around 30% to 50% RH depending on the ambient temperature. Most dehumidifiers feature an onboard humidistat to automatically adjust the room humidity to your target level. It’s best to turn off the unit during less humid times of the day when it’s not needed.
Your dehumidifier also needs frequent cleaning to maintain proper functioning. A dehumidifier collects dust, lint, and all sorts of air contaminants that will accumulate inside the unit. To ensure your health and comfort and keep your dehumidifier in excellent condition, clean the unit at least every few weeks. Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior, then vacuum the inside to remove any remaining dirt.
If you’re using the tank to collect the condensate, remember to empty and rinse it as soon as possible or stagnant water can lead to mold growth inside the tank. After a week or two, disinfect the tank with mild soap or a vinegar solution If you’re using a drain hose, wash the tank still in case the water has reached inside. Flush the same solution into the hose to disinfect it.
Lastly, clean or replace the filter when needed. Dirt and bacteria collect in the filter and eventually get in the air. Most filters are easily removable and washable. Each dehumidifier has a recommended period in which you need to clean the filters. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on proper cleaning and maintenance for more details.
Final Words
The living room should be a place of comfort for you and your houseguests. Maintaining ideal humidity levels is one way to ensure your health and comfort in your living room. Relative humidity must be kept between 30% to 50% to provide the right environment, prevent mold growth, and eliminate musty odors. If you live in a high-humidity area, the best solution to achieve proper humidity in your living room is a dehumidifier. To find the best dehumidifier, you need the correct capacity for the size and condition of your space. To make your decision easier, check out our list of the best dehumidifiers above or use our buying guides to choose your own.
