<p>I need some advice. I’m currently living in a small apartment with 2 other people and it’s very, very humid. We don’t know why it’s so humid, but it’s causing mold to grow on window sills and nothing is ever dry. I live in lower Michigan and it’s only been a problem in the winter. </p>
<p>Long story short, we need a dehumidifier on a college student’s budget (or budgets as we’re splitting the cost). I have asthma and allergies and they’ve been getting worse because of this (no one else is having any problems- I just have really bad allergies and very sensitive asthma). Our landlord has offered to fix the problem in the spring, but says there’s nothing he can do about it now. </p>
<p>So what are some options for a decently priced dehumidifier? Our apartment is tiny- maybe 600 sq ft?- and we just need something small to get some of the moisture out of the air. Any suggestions? I hope to keep it under $150. I don’t mind going over though because I’m paying the bulk of the cost as I want to keep it with me post-graduation (humidity has always been a problem with my asthma so it’s something I know I’ll use after leaving this apartment).</p>
<p>Pop by the public library on Monday, and read through dehumidifier reviews in Consumer Reports. The library should have at least twelve months of that on file, as well as the most recent “Annual Buying Guide”. Some of this information can also be accessed for free at the Consumer Reports website, but other information requires an annual subscription. If you and your roomies will be together for a while yet, it may be worth it for you to split the subscription cost.</p>
<p>We live in a humid climate where the temperature often fails to trigger either A/C or the furnace. The only way to keep the RH <45%, which we must due to allergies, is to use dehumidifiers. Had I realized how long we’d be here, I would have invested in some whole-house models. Instead, we run at least three or four portable dehus most of the year. The average life span seems to be 2 - 3 yrs., regardless of the size, brand or ratings. If you can find a good one at Costco, that might be your best bet due to their return/replacement policy. Sometimes you can find a terrific clearance sale at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Otherwise, Amazon has pretty good prices. </p>
<p>I’ve been pleased with the efficiency of Frigidaire’s 65 pint model, but it’s too noisy to run in the master suite. For a combination of quietness and effectiveness, the Soleus 40 pt. dehu is my favorite. The only downside of the Soleus is that it lacks casters, so it’s not as easy to move. </p>
<p>As long as you’ll be around to empty the bucket morning and night you won’t need a dehu with a pump, which will keep the cost down. The Soleus is usually priced <$200 on Amazon. I haven’t found any <$150 that do a good job. At that price, they’re typically 25 pt., or even smaller, and seem to be good for only a large closet.</p>
<p>I have had several over the years, and I LOVE the Frigidaire one we have now. I think it’s a 50. It is a little noisy, but does a great job. It beeps when full, and the "bucket comes out easily.</p>