Dehumidifiers work by circulating the air around them with a fan, and basically any appliance of this nature will make some noise while operating. The fans and compressors used by many standard home dehumidifiers use can be loud enough to be annoying, but the good news is that there are now quieter alternatives.
If you’re in a hurry, here are my top picks for the best quiet dehumidifiers available right now. If you want more technical details about how they compare and just ‘how quiet is quiet’, I’ve covered more detailed information in the article below.
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Typically, a larger capacity dehumidifier naturally tends to create a higher noise level due to larger fans, larger compressors, and larger amount of air moved. If noise is important for you, it can make a big difference to choose a quieter unit that won’t cause a disruptive amount of noise, especially when you’re working or sleeping.
Quietest Dehumidifier by Decibels
The average 50-pint dehumidifier has a noise output between 48 and 60 decibels on low fan settings. The highest fan speed on a compressor dehumidifier can go up to 70 decibels. Meanwhile, both the desiccant type and the mini Peltier dehumidifier are usually very quiet at around 40 decibels or lower.
The type and capacity of the dehumidifier you need primarily depends on the size of your space, the levels of humidity, and your personal preferences. Consider the table below to help you find the best, quietest dehumidifier for your home.
Quiet Dehumidifiers Comparison Chart
| del | Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 | hOmeLabs HME020031N | Honeywell TP70WK | Ivation 19-Pint Desiccant | Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier | Gocheer Portable Dehumidifier |
| Capacity | 50 pints | 50 pints | 50 pints | 19 pints | 500 ml | 1000 ml |
| Coverage | 4,000+ sq ft | 4,500 sq ft | 4,000 sq ft | 410 sq ft | 250 sq ft | 480 sq ft |
| Min. Noise Level | 48 dB | 49 dB | 50 dB | 39 dB | < 40 dB | 40 dB |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 24.25 x 15.96 x 12.2 inches | 24.3 x 15.4 x 11 inches | 25.4 x 15.75 x 12.4 inches | 19.5 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches | 12.69 x 9 x 6.6 inches | 15 x 10 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 44.5 lbs. | 40 lbs. | 42.9 lbs. | 17.71 lbs. | 5.08 lbs | 5.84 lbs. |
Our Top 6 Best Quiet Dehumidifiers
Frigidaire FFAD5033W1
Frigidaire is a well-known brand of home appliances. Despite being a newer product, this 50-pint dehumidifier is often rated as one of the top dehumidifiers for homes. Frigidaire dehumidifiers stand out for their exceptional performance even in temperatures as low as 41°F.
This unit extracts up to 50 pints of moisture per day. It is also Energy Star certified for optimum power efficiency. Frigidaire has custom humidity control and a timer that allows you to set your preferred humidity level and operation time on the top control panel. You can choose from three fan speeds: Low at 167 CFM, Med at 194 CFM, and High at 229 CFM. With a top exhaust, the noise output on High speed is at 51 decibels, which is considerably quiet for its performance.
The auto shut-off feature automatically turns off the unit when the 16.9-pint container is nearly full. The bucket full alert will tell you when you need to drain the water. This task is made easier using the front loading bucket with handle and splash guard. To enable Continuous Drain mode, attach a standard garden hose onto the drain outlet and direct it to a floor drain. The unit also comes with an easy-to-access washable mesh filter and an indicator light that will remind you to check the filter.
Frigidaire’s SpaceWise design includes caster wheels and side handles for added portability. The sleek and stylish look of this dehumidifier puts it above most other units of the same capacity. Because this Frigidaire is specifically designed to operate in lower temperatures, it doesn’t have an auto defrost mode which turns off the unit periodically to melt ice.
The Frigidaire dehumidifier is on the higher end in all aspects, including the cost. If you want a high quality and powerful yet quiet dehumidifier, then Frigidaire is your best bet.
Pros
- Works well in low temperatures
- Energy Star certified
- Custom humidity control
- Excellent dehumidification performance
- SpaceWise design
- Continuous drain option
Cons
- Higher price
- 1-year warranty
hOmeLabs HME020031N
Another top-rated product in almost any retail site is the hOmeLabs 50-pint dehumidifier. Similar to the Frigidaire, it has everything you would need in a dehumidifier for your home.
It extracts up to 50 pints of moisture from the air in large rooms 3,000 to 4,500 square feet in size. It also has an Energy Star rating so you can be sure that you’re not sacrificing your monthly bills for high performance.
Operating this unit is made easy with automatic humidity control. It lets you set a target humidity level and maintain this for your desired period. You can choose from Comfort, Turbo, and Continuous modes and set the Timer in 0.5 hour increments up to 10 hours, then at 1 hour increments up to 24 hours. For maximum moisture removal and odor reduction, Turbo mode increases fan speed from 165 CFM to 188 CFM. At this rate of airflow, noise levels range from 49 to 53 decibels.
To prevent spills, the device shuts off automatically once the 1.8 gallon tank is nearly full. You will then need to empty it manually. For continuous drainage, attach a hose (not included) into the designated outlet at the back. Built with wheels and handles, it can be dragged across the house with ease. The auto defrost feature kicks in when the temperature drops as low as 41°F. hOmeLabs also comes with a longer warranty of two years.
On the downside, compared to the Frigidaire unit, hOmeLabs is definitely of lower build quality. It’s made of lighter and thinner materials. But overall, the efficiency and reliability of the hOmeLabs dehumidifier greatly outweigh any drawback. For its standard price, you can get one of the most high-performing and power-efficient home dehumidifiers. For spaces smaller than 3,000 sq ft, you can choose from the more compact hOmeLabs dehumidifiers that offer similar functionality.
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Large coverage area
- Excellent dehumidification performance
- Custom humidity control
- Continuous drain option
- Budget price
Cons
- Lower build quality than Frigidaire
- Not suitable for small spaces under 3,000 sq ft
Honeywell TP70WK
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Custom humidity control
- Continuous drain option
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Average quality and durability
Ivation 19-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier
Unlike the compressor types, this Ivation desiccant dehumidifier can remove 19 pints of moisture per day in a wider range of temperatures, from as low as 33°F to as high as 104°F. The desiccant technology ensures a powerful yet quiet dehumidification anywhere and anytime you need in a space up to 410 square feet.
This portable quiet dehumidifier has a top display with touch buttons for custom humidity control. You can adjust the humidity level from 35% to 85% in increments of 5%, or run the unit continuously. Once powered, Ivation’s smart sensors will automatically maintain set humidity and conserve energy. The auto stop function prevents damage by automatically shutting off the unit during threat of tilt or water overflow. Auto restart saves your preferred settings in the event of a power interruption.
This smart dehumidifier also features Sleep mode with low fan speed and dim screen for your comfort. The timer lets you schedule operation duration and shut off between 1 and 12 hours. If you hang your laundry in the basement, you can also change the fan speed and adjust movement of the air vent to help clothes dry faster.
It comes with a washable air filter and a 0.75-gallon tank with a transparent window to indicate the water level, and a built-in handle. You may connect the included hose for optional continuous drainage. If you need a powerful and quiet dehumidifier you can easily use anywhere in the house, the Ivation 19-pint desiccant unit is for you.
Pros
- Quiet desiccant operation
- Works in a wide range of temperatures
- Continuous draining option
- Small and portable
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Small capacity and coverage
Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier
For small areas like bathrooms and bedrooms, it may be more ideal to get a cheaper, more compact dehumidifier like the Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier. It can remove humidity from 250 square feet with a low noise output of around 40 decibels.
Using the Peltier technology, this small yet powerful dehumidifier extracts up to 18 ounces (500 ml) of moisture and holds up to 52 ounces (1500 ml) in its tank. This means you only have to empty it at least every three days. Its whisper quiet operation is possible through the use of the Peltier effect or thermoelectric cooling.
The Pro Breeze is incredibly easy to operate with just a single button for the on and off switch. It also has the auto shut-off functionality for when the water tank is nearly full, as well as an LED indicator light that alerts you when this happens. Emptying the tank is also made convenient for all users. Simply remove the tank on the front side of the dehumidifier, pull the plug out then dump the water.
The Pro Breeze draws only 20 Watts, which makes it one of the most power-efficient dehumidifiers in the market. It is lightweight and portable so you can easily place it on a countertop, table, or shelf.
One downside is Peltier dehumidifiers are designed to work in warmer climates, at optimal operating temperatures from 59-86°F. This unit will not work below 41°F. If this isn’t a problem, this Pro Breeze dehumidifier and its smaller version are some of the best mini dehumidifiers you’ll find today.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Low energy consumption
- Whisper quiet operation
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- Very limited operating temperature range
- Light-duty components may need repair or replacement
Gocheer Portable Dehumidifier
This super quiet dehumidifier uses the same thermoelectric cooling technology as the Pro Breeze, but with a slightly larger capacity and coverage area. This Gocheer mini dehumidifier is ideal for spaces from 107 to 480 square feet. When in operation, it produces less than 40 decibels of noise.
This unit can remove up to one liter of moisture in the air at 86F and 80% RH, while the tank can hold two liters. It has the auto shutoff functionality to prevent water overflow, as well as an LED indicator light to tell you when you need to empty the tank. It is incredibly easy to use and maintain.
When the tank is full, simply pull it out, open the lid, and empty the water into the sink or drain. Like other portable dehumidifiers, this unit has just one button for the on/off switch.
Being light, portable, and quiet, you can use this small dehumidifier anywhere you need. Running on 48 Watts, it only consumes 1.15kW of electricity after 24 hours of operation. It is one of the most cost-efficient solutions for small areas with high humidity like your bathroom, small basement, closet, kitchen, and even the bedroom.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, and portable
- Low energy consumption
- Whisper quiet operation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Very limited operating temperature range
- Light-duty components may need repair or replacement
Factors that Affect Dehumidifier Noise Output
Compressor
Compressor-based dehumidifiers are the loudest type of dehumidifier. The compressor powers the evaporator and condenser coils in order to remove moisture from the air. It is also the main source of noise in most home dehumidifiers.
Air Intake and Exhaust
Dehumidifiers draw air in through a fan. There is usually a grille and a filter on the back of the unit where air comes in. The fan also exhausts air either on the side or the top of the unit. The noise that the air intake and exhaust make is generally much more pleasant than the compressor noise.
Fan Speed
Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM. Most dehumidifiers come with two or more fan speeds. A higher fan speed has a higher CFM, which typically makes more noise yet maximizes moisture removal. Fan noise masks the less pleasant compressor noise. If the dehumidifier has a noisy compressor, thena higher CFM may be better. For lower fan noise, set the dehumidifier to low fan speed.
Drainage
Dehumidifiers have an internal tank where the moisture is collected for manual drainage. The smallest quiet dehumidifier offers this only option. For larger models, a drainage hose may be more convenient. Some quiet dehumidifiers like the 50-pint Frigidaire and hOmeLabs give you an added option of an internal condensate pump. Using this pump may produce some noise that won’t be a problem with a tank or a standard drain hose.
Placement
In any case, dehumidifiers will make some kind of noise during operation. To reduce the noise you physically hear, simply place the unit further away from you. Better yet, place it in a different room altogether. Put it in the part of the house where it’s most needed – the basement, bathroom, garage, or another location. If possible, opt for a whole-house installation to dehumidify the entire home with minimal noise.
Types of Dehumidifiers and How They Work
Dehumidifiers use different technologies to reduce the air’s moisture content.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration-based dehumidifiers are what most homeowners are familiar with. A refrigerant dehumidifier uses a process of condensation to remove the excess water in the air. The fan draws moist air from the room. The air passes through the cooling coils.
As the temperature decreases, the air loses its ability to hold water vapor. Moisture condenses and the water formed is collected in a tank or pushed out through a drain hose. Once moisture is removed, the air is then reheated and exhausted back into the room.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers may become louder when operating in low temperatures as the compressor has to work harder.
Desiccant
Full-size desiccant dehumidifiers are about the same in appearance as refrigerant models but lighter and quieter since the desiccants do not use compressors. Instead they feature a rotating wheel that is filled with a hygroscopic chemical such as silica gel. Damp air from the room passes through the process zone of the desiccant rotor. The excess moisture clings to the surface of the desiccant and the now dryer air reenters the room.
A heater warms the circulated air before it passes through the remaining part of the rotor in the opposite direction of the processed air. Moisture is then transferred from the desiccant to the warm air, effectively renewing the desiccant so it can absorb more moisture. This warm and moist air runs through a condenser where the moisture condenses into water.
Peltier Technology
Another method of dehumidification that mini dehumidifiers often use is called the Peltier Effect or thermoelectric cooling. Humid air is drawn by a small fan on one end of the unit and enters through the cold side. As the air cools, the moisture condenses and drips down to the water tank. The cold, dry air then passes through the hot side. The warmer and dryer air exits through this side. Peltier dehumidifiers are nearly soundless because instead of using a compressor to cool the air, they convert electricity into a temperature difference between the two sides of the Peltier module.
How to Choose the Best Quiet Dehumidifier
To find the best quiet dehumidifier for your home, you must make a few considerations.
Capacity
This is the maximum amount of moisture that your dehumidifier can remove from the air in 24 hours. This is measured in pints per day or PPD. Standard home dehumidifiers have a moisture removal rate that ranges from 20 to 70 PPD, at 65°F and 60% relative humidity. The actual amount of moisture removed per day depends on the condition and the size of your room.
To determine which pint capacity is best, get the dimensions of your space and measure the humidity level. A larger space requires a larger capacity. At the same time, higher moisture content calls for a more powerful dehumidifier. However, this doesn’t mean that you should get the highest capacity you can find. Use only the right size for your space to maximize its effectiveness and efficiency.
Coverage
You want to get a quiet dehumidifier that can also cover as much space as you have. The efficiency of the dehumidifier will also depend on the amount of space that it has to cover. You can expect a dehumidifier to accomplish its task more quickly in a smaller area than a larger one with equal humidity levels. Standard 30- to 50-pint units have coverage areas between 1000 to 3000 square feet in size. The models we featured can reach up to 4500 square feet. Portable models can cover anywhere from 150 to 500 square feet.
Noise Output
Noise can be subjective, what’s noisy for one user may not be the same for another. We use decibels to measure noise levels. The most quiet dehumidifiers produce an average of 40 to 45 decibels, and 35 to 40 decibels for mini Peltier dehumidifiers. Other dehumidifiers produce anywhere from 53 to 70 decibels on low settings. For reference, whisper sounds are around 30 decibels, rainfall is at 40 decibels, and normal conversation goes from 50 to 60 decibels.
Energy Efficiency
An average 50-pint compressor type dehumidifier consumes at least 500 Watts, while the smaller 30-pint model needs about 300 Watts of energy. Mini portable units can go as low as 25 Watts. If you need a dehumidifier for 24/7 use, you may want to know this value so you can calculate the possible cost of your electricity bills.
Look for the Energy Star label to make sure you’re getting an energy efficient dehumidifier. Energy efficiency is measured in liters per kilowatt-hour (L/kWh). You can find the energy efficiency information in the manual or on the unit itself. For more specific information, check out the Energy Star website.
Portability
To save on costs, look for a quiet dehumidifier that you can use in different parts of the house. For easy movement, you want a unit as small and compact as you can get. Modern dehumidifiers are built with wheels and handles for added portability. If your humidity issues aren’t that severe, a mini dehumidifier may be enough.
Other Useful Features
The quietest dehumidifiers we listed include standard features like auto shut-off and auto-restart for your convenience. Auto restart resumes operation to your last settings in case of a power outage. You may find it useful to have light indicators for when the tank is full or when you need to wash the filter. Also consider the different fan speeds and operation modes that each model offers.
How to Use and Maintain a Quiet Dehumidifier
Your dehumidifier may be quiet now, but without proper usage and maintenance, even the best quiet dehumidifiers may start to make those dreaded noises. Here are a few tips to help keep your dehumidifier operating efficiently and quietly.
- Get the right dehumidifier. Finding the right size dehumidifier for your space is the first step in maintaining its efficiency. If you use a dehumidifier with a smaller capacity than you need, it makes the job harder and also takes longer than it should be.
- Find the best location for your dehumidifier. Make sure that the air isn’t blocked on its way in and out of the unit. It is recommended to maintain at least 6-8 inches distance from walls or furniture to allow for breathing room. Power supply and drainage are some other factors to consider when picking a location for your dehumidifier.
- Put in the right humidity settings. Most compressor dehumidifiers feature a humidistat to automatically adjust the humidity to your desired level. The unit starts working when humidity rises and shuts off once it reaches the target. It’s important that you pick just the right settings, or the unit becomes overworked. The ideal range is around 30-50%. Turn it off at night if it’s not absolutely needed. This way there’s zero noise, and you’re saving energy at the same time.
- Keep your dehumidifier clean. Frequent cleaning helps maintain proper functioning and prolong the life of any appliance. Dehumidifiers typically require little maintenance, but you must still check up on your unit every now and then. It collects all sorts of impurities in the air and these may accumulate inside the unit. To ensure your health and comfort and keep your silent dehumidifier functioning in tiptop condition, clean the unit at least every few weeks. Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior and vacuum the inside to remove all the remaining dust and debris.
- Clean or replace the filter. Dehumidifiers come with at least one filter to purify the air as it enters the unit. Dirt and bacteria accumulate in the filter and eventually get in the air. This can also cause the device to malfunction. Most filters are easily washable and each model has a recommended period in which you need to change out the filters. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on filter cleaning and replacement to be sure.
- For refrigerant dehumidifiers, inspect the condenser coils for frost or ice buildup. If you operate in cool temperatures, condensate may freeze on the condenser coils. Frost buildup can damage the machine completely. Standard dehumidifiers have the auto defrost function that shuts off the unit to allow the ice to melt. Even with this feature, you must regularly inspect the coils to prevent any problem. If you really need to operate in cold conditions, use a dehumidifier specifically designed for this purpose.
FAQ
Why are dehumidifiers noisy?
Most dehumidifiers are noisy because of the compressor. If the compressor on your unit is unusually loud, something may have come loose inside. If the fan is noisy, select a lower fan speed to minimize noise levels.
How many decibels is a quiet dehumidifier?
A quiet dehumidifier produces a noise below 53 decibels on low settings. The quietest dehumidifiers go as low as 45 decibels and below.
Should you run a dehumidifier all the time?
Only if absolutely necessary. When the humidity goes down to 30% to 50%, you can turn off the dehumidifier to save energy.
What is the average lifespan of a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier lasts about five years with proper maintenance. High quality, heavy duty models can last up to 10 years.
