Why the Right Dehumidifier Matters in Montreal
Montreal’s humid summers and cold winters can create ideal conditions for mold, musty odors and wood rot. At Climate Solutions, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Greater Montreal Area control indoor humidity with the ideal dehumidifier size and model.
3 Key Steps to Select the Best Dehumidifier
Step 1: Measure Your Room’s Footprint
Begin by taking the width (W) and length (L) of the space you want to dehumidify. Multiply these values to get the square footage (A = W × L). For example, a 30 ft × 40 ft basement equals 1,200 sq ft. Accurate measurements ensure you choose a unit with enough capacity to handle your area.
Step 2: Identify Your Humidity Level
You can gauge moisture in two ways:
- Use a hygrometer: A small, affordable device (analog or digital) that reads relative humidity.
- Observe conditions:
- Damp: Occasional musty odor.
- Very Damp: Frequent mildew smells and stains.
- Wet: Noticeable condensation on walls or windows.
- Extremely Wet: Constant water droplets and pooling.
Step 3: Match Capacity to DOE Standards
Dehumidifiers are rated by the pints of water they remove per day under specific conditions. Modern units follow the 2019 DOE standard, which uses cooler, more realistic test conditions than the older 2012 rating. As a rough guide:
- A 20-pint (2019 DOE) model ≈ 30-pint (2012 DOE)
- A 35-pint (2019 DOE) model ≈ 50-pint (2012 DOE)
- A 50-pint (2019 DOE) model ≈ 70-pint (2012 DOE)
Use these equivalents along with your room size and humidity level to select the right unit. For very damp basements in summer, you may need a larger pint capacity to keep mold and mildew at bay.
Practical Tips for Montreal Homeowners
- Choose an Energy Star–certified dehumidifier to lower electricity costs in humid months.
- Look for built-in pumps if you can’t place the unit near a drain.
- Empty or drain the collection bucket regularly to maintain peak performance.
- Schedule annual maintenance with Climate Solutions to keep your system running efficiently.
Expert Installation and Service
At Climate Solutions, our certified technicians know how Montreal’s climate impacts indoor air. We’ll help you size, install and maintain the perfect dehumidifier and ensure your HVAC system works as a complete moisture-control solution.
