Most apartments need a 20–35 pint dehumidifier, depending on square footage and moisture level. Smaller one-bedroom units often fall in the 20–30 pint range. Larger or more humid apartments may need 35 pints.
Square footage matters. Moisture load matters more.
What Size Dehumidifier Does an Apartment Need?
General guidance:
- Studio or under 800 sq ft: 20–30 pints
- 800–1,200 sq ft: 30–35 pints
- Over 1,200 sq ft: 35–40 pints
If you are not sure how humid your apartment is, measure it.
Moisture Load Reminder
Apartments behave differently than standalone homes.
Moisture load increases when:
- You are on the ground floor
- The unit is partially below grade
- Outdoor humidity is high
- Windows show condensation
- Bathrooms lack strong ventilation
- Neighbors’ units influence shared airspaces
Even if your apartment is small, persistent humidity may require a larger unit than expected.
If you are unsure whether the issue is excess indoor moisture, review the wet-side overview.
When to Size Up
Consider the higher end of the range if:
- Relative humidity stays above 60–65%
- The layout is open-concept
- The apartment includes a damp storage area
- The unit would otherwise run constantly
A slightly larger unit running intermittently is usually more stable than a small unit that never shuts off.
Basement or Ground-Level Adjustment
Ground-floor and basement apartments often experience higher moisture load.
Concrete foundations and limited airflow can increase humidity even if the apartment is not large.
In these cases, lean toward 30–35 pints, even in smaller units.
Climate Adjustment
In humid climates such as coastal regions or the Southeast, apartments often require higher capacity units.
In dry climates, the lower end of the sizing range may be sufficient.
Outdoor humidity directly affects indoor conditions in shared buildings.
Ceiling Height Note
Sizing assumes standard 8-foot ceilings.
If your apartment has high ceilings, loft areas, or open staircases, air volume increases and may justify sizing up.
Need a broader explanation of dehumidifier sizing logic
Portable vs Whole-House
Apartments almost always use portable dehumidifiers.
Whole-house systems require ductwork access and building-level installation, which is typically not possible in rental properties.
Most apartment residents choose compact Energy Star dehumidifier units sized appropriately for their space.
Practical Recommendation
For most apartments:
- Choose a 30 pint Energy Star unit as a starting point
- Measure indoor humidity
- Aim for about 50% relative humidity
If humidity remains high with continuous operation, reassess ventilation and building factors.
Reality Check
A dehumidifier can manage airborne moisture. It does not correct building envelope issues, leaks from neighboring units, or structural water intrusion.
If you see active leaks or persistent water stains, contact building management.
Dehumidifiers manage conditions. They do not resolve structural defects.