How Long Do Dehumidifiers Last?

Are you shopping for dehumidifiers and wondering, “How long do dehumidifiers last?” Or maybe you have an older model and you’re wondering when it will need to be replaced. Find the answers to your questions here.

Dehumidifiers are used in many homes to reduce humidity and prevent mold and mildew. They can help you and your family stay healthy and reduce issues with asthma or other breathing problems and congestion. If the house has too much humidity, it can cause problems such as mold and mildew or breathing problems.

They are particularly useful in warmer climates where humidity tends to be higher. They purify the air and leave a much cooler, more comfortable space for us to live.

However, it’s also important to note that dehumidifiers do require a small amount of maintenance to ensure they last as long as possible. They must be cleaned and used appropriately to prevent premature breakage and the need for repairs or replacements.

AUZKIN Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is an investment for lots of people. They can be expensive and, understandably, buyers often want to know that the appliance is going to last a long time before purchasing.

There are so many factors that might affect the lifespan of your dehumidifier and we are going to go through some of the most common issues here. We’ll also take a look at the best ways to properly maintain your dehumidifier to maximize its lifespan and ensure its effectiveness for a long period of time.

Let’s start by looking at how long you can expect the average dehumidifier to last.

Image	Product	Our Rating	Price
Top Choice	Kesnos 70 Pint Dehumidifier Able to handle removing moisture in large spaces, up to 4500 Sq Ft Easy to move around with 360° easy-roll wheels, runs quietly easy to use digital display 30-days money-back and 1 year warranties	9.8	Check Price on Amazon
Best Value	hOmeLabs Dehumidifier Portable dehumidifier reduces moisture through its built-in pump compressory Use in medium to large rooms and basements, up to 1,500 sq. ft Energy Star	9.7	Check Price on Amazon
	Honeywell Energy Star Dehumidifier Use in medium to large rooms Energy Star qualified, various modes including auto-restart after power outage Easy to move around, empty and includes washable filter	9.5	Check Price on Amazon

In theory, if a dehumidifier is maintained and used properly, its lifespan could be indefinite. There are many people who have used the same dehumidifier for years without the need for replacement.

With that being said, as with any electrical appliance, general wear and tear of the dehumidifier is to be expected and there is a range of factors that may impact its longevity. Any appliance that uses electricity poses a fire risk and these risks tend to increase as the machine ages, particularly if there is damage to any electrical cables or plugs, so it is sensible to be cautious when using any old electrical appliances.

In general, a dehumidifier that has been properly used and maintained should last at least five years, and it could be much longer.

Factors That Could Affect the Lifespan of Your Dehumidifier

Every make and model is different and each household will use its dehumidifier differently. By being aware of each of these factors, you can choose the best dehumidifier that will suit your needs and last a long time, proving to be cost-effective and reliable in the long run.

1. The Type of Dehumidifier

There are a huge number of dehumidifier types available on the market, but here, we’re just going to talk about the two most common:

Refrigerant Dehumidifier
Desiccant Dehumidifier

Both are very popular and highly effective in removing excess moisture from the air within the home. However, they do operate in slightly different ways with different internal mechanisms that may impact their longevity.

The refrigerant dehumidifier draws in air and then cools it using a cold evaporator coil. When the air reaches the optimum temperature, condensation is formed and extracted into the machine’s water tank or out of a pipe. The newly dried air is then sent back out into the atmosphere.

A good quality refrigerant dehumidifier has a reasonably long lifespan when properly maintained, although the evaporator coils are prone to damage, given the extremely low temperatures at which they must operate.

The desiccant dehumidifier works by absorbing moisture using desiccant materials. Silica gels are often used in these models due to their high absorbency. Air is drawn in and passed through a motor that contains the silica gel. Once all of the moisture has been absorbed, the dry air is expelled back into the atmosphere.

The desiccant dehumidifier is generally the more resilient of the two types. The silica gels are generally reusable once they have been dried out, and there are no complex mechanisms within the machine that may need replacing or be prone to breakages.

2. The Size of Your Dehumidifier

The size of your dehumidifier is also likely to impact the length of its lifespan.

Generally, a built-in, whole-house dehumidifier will be built to last longer than a smaller, portable dehumidifier.

Larger dehumidifiers are better equipped to work in larger spaces and to handle high amounts of moisture. They are also generally more resilient and can be repaired more easily than smaller models. Although, it’s worth bearing in mind that built-in dehumidifiers tend to be significantly more expensive than the smaller models.

Portable dehumidifiers may be more affordable, but they’re also typically more susceptible to breaking. Because of their small size, they are less able to cope with large amounts of moisture and can easily become overworked, causing them to break more easily and require earlier replacement.

With this being said, it’s not always necessary or feasible to have a built-in dehumidifier installed within your home. This will all depend on your specific needs. If you’re working with an exceptionally large space and have very high humidity levels, it may be worth investing in a large-scale machine. However, if you’re only looking to use the dehumidifier in a smaller space, a portable dehumidifier should do the job just fine.

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3. Your Usage Habits

This is possibly the most important factor that will impact the lifespan of your dehumidifier.

If you are using the dehumidifier on a consistent basis for long periods of time then, of course, it’s more likely to become worn out much sooner.

Dehumidifiers with built-in self-regulation functions tend to last longer since they’re able to measure the humidity levels in your home and shut off when they have reached optimum levels. This prevents overuse and can extend the life of your dehumidifier greatly.

If your dehumidifier is not used in a suitable space or is not placed correctly within the home, you’re also more likely to see earlier breakage. A dehumidifier should be placed on even ground and with plenty of space for ventilation to prevent overheating or build-up of moisture around the machine.

If your dehumidifier does not have a self-regulatory function, always make sure that you’re using it in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines, in a suitably sized space, and for an appropriate length of time.

4. External Temperatures

Extremely cold external temperatures can also be detrimental to your dehumidifier. This is especially true for refrigerant dehumidifiers. The extractor coils are susceptible to freezing if they get too cold which can cause permanent, irreversible damage to the machine.

To prevent this, check the coil regularly and remove any frost or ice around the mechanism.

5. Maintaining Your Dehumidifier

Whatever model of dehumidifier you choose to invest in, maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity.

If the dehumidifier is not properly used, cleaned, and maintained, you risk shortening the lifespan significantly. By following the advice listed below, you can make sure that the dehumidifier remains in full working order without the need for replacement.

Waykar 4500 Sq. Ft Dehumidifier

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Cleaning

Cleaning your dehumidifier thoroughly and regularly is extremely important when it comes to extending its lifespan.

Most portable dehumidifiers will have a water tank or reservoir where any condensation and moisture are collected. This will need to be emptied periodically and should be cleaned to ensure there are no residual bacteria left in the tank which may lead to mold or mildew growth. The same is true for any pipes or tubes within the machine.

Filters and motors should also be removed and cleaned or replaced regularly.

Failure to clean the dehumidifier is one of the most common causes of premature breakage. Allowing dust, dirt, and bacteria to build up in the machine will cause motors to stop running and will eventually result in permanent damage to the machine.

Correct Placement and Usage

Another tip for maintaining your dehumidifier is to ensure that it’s installed and used correctly. As we have stated before, if the dehumidifier is placed in a room that is not appropriate in size, it can quickly become overworked and lose efficiency.

Similarly, if the dehumidifier is installed incorrectly, you might see leaking or internal issues that could significantly limit the longevity of the machine.

Related: The Best Garage Dehumidifiers

Image	Product	Our Rating	Price
Top Choice	Kesnos 70 Pint Dehumidifier Able to handle removing moisture in large spaces, up to 4500 Sq Ft Easy to move around with 360° easy-roll wheels, runs quietly easy to use digital display 30-days money-back and 1 year warranties	9.8	Check Price on Amazon
Best Value	hOmeLabs Dehumidifier Portable dehumidifier reduces moisture through its built-in pump compressory Use in medium to large rooms and basements, up to 1,500 sq. ft Energy Star	9.7	Check Price on Amazon
	Honeywell Energy Star Dehumidifier Use in medium to large rooms Energy Star qualified, various modes including auto-restart after power outage Easy to move around, empty and includes washable filter	9.5	Check Price on Amazon

Final Thoughts on How Long Do Dehumidifiers Last

Dehumidifiers are extremely useful appliances and can greatly improve your health and comfort levels, and the air quality and cleanliness of your home.

If you’re considering purchasing a dehumidifier, or have already done so and want to ensure that you get the most out of your new investment, keep the tips listed in this article on How Long Do Dehumidifiers Last? in mind as you use and maintain your dehumidifier.

Failure to properly maintain your machine is likely to result in premature breakage, repairs or replacements, and a decline in the effectiveness or sanitation of your dehumidifier.

By following these tips, there’s no reason that your dehumidifier can’t last a long time and give you many years of pure, good-quality air as well as all of the health benefits that this can bring.

Vacplus Dehumidifier with WiFi Remote

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