What distinguishes the Energy Star-qualified Kenmore Elite 90701 from the other small, medium, and large models being tested is its built-in pump, which allows you to send water through the unit's hose to a utility sink or out a nearby window. The wheeled unit is also equipped with an auto-start feature, important for after a power outage.
At $300, the Kenmore Elite 90701 is expensive, however. A few other models we're testing cost $50 to $100 less and are performing nearly as well, though none has a pump.In the meantime, use our free buyer's guide to dehumidifiers. And when you're ready to buy, look for incentives using the Energy Star rebate locator. Maine will offer cash for appliances rebates for dehumidifiers when its program starts on May 1.
—Daniel DiClerico
Essential information: If your home has standing water or a permanent musty smell, a dehumidifier alone won't fix the problem. Use our advice for dealing with moisture at its source.
This unit works well, except that we have been unable to properly install the tube that drains water when the pump is running, would appreciate any suggestions from others.
The articles here left some things unclear to me (unfamiliar with dehumidifiers). Would appreciate readers' input:
-- I don't need to remove water, only to reduce the discomfort of a high humidity climate -- eg, for sleeping or when having guests in a particular room for several hours. What size should I consider for that purpose?
-- What pints-per-day capacity would be required?(what capacity to sleep through the night without the tank overflowing?)
-- Your tests mention large, medium, and small spaces but don't specifiy the dimensions -- makes it difficult to compare with readers' requirements (how large is "large" -- a large basement or a large bedroom?)
Many thanks.
Nina's questions do not have a short and very helpful answer, since several interrelated variables are involved, including (1) volume and shape of space, (2) outside air temperature, infiltration rate, and moisture content, (3) degree of conditioning of inside air by regular HVAC, (4) inside sources of moisture (e.g., adjacent bathroom, use of exercise equipment), and (5) occupants' tolerance for relative humidity. Trial and error may be an unavoidable strategy for determining which unit works adequately.
As to the Kenmore Elite (model 251.90701) 70-pint dehumidifier, I bought one about 14 months ago. At some point, operating in a 2000 square foot basement, it developed a problem that the Sears Repair Depot determined was not economical to repair -- the chilling (expansion) coils in the unit would not operate except just after power-cycling the unit. I suspected some problem in the control circuit. Since I had a 5-year extended warranty (which I highly recommend), Sears gave me a replacement unit (an updated version of the same product).
This new replacement unit also exhibited, out of the box, the same failure mode. I returned it and Sears ordered for me another replacement unit, which will take about 3 or 4 weeks to come in.
Note that the unit has all of the features (and I believe the capacity) that I need and want. I found it very quiet (much quieter than any other dehumidifier I have ever found). It would be perfect if it just did not have the failure mode.
I am trying a replacement again, only because I do not know of any other acceptable dehumidifier, with the equivalent features.
Any inputs regarding an equivalent product would be appreciated.
I have no conflict of interest relative to my comments.
I have gone through 4 dehumidifiers. The first two were Sears Kenmore, then Comfort-AIre and now Frigidare. Tne first three only lasted 18 months. Past the warranty, it's not worth the cost of reparing. I have not heard of anyone on many message boards happy with a long lasting dehumidfier. THey may work out of the box, but not for long. The Frigidare unit is on month 15. I don't expect it to last much longer.
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