snyderj's Full Review: Comfort-Aire HD-301 Dehumidifier
This review is for the HD-301 (2004 model year) dehumidifier from Heat Controller, Inc. Heat
Controller also makes Century air handling equipment. This unit has two simple controls that are easy to use: Hi or Lo fan, and amount of humidity control. The color is "stone white" and casters make it easy to roll around on tile (but not as easy on carpet). I do not have experience with other dehumidifiers, but I am pleased with my purchase decision on this one. I bought this unit at my local Ace Hardware for $150.
According to the manufacturer's web site http://www.heatcontroller.com/), this unit is good for:
- Moderately damp: 200 to 2000 square feet, perhaps up to 2500
- Very damp: 200 to 1000 square feet, perhaps up to 2000
- Wet: 200 square feet, perhaps up to 1500
- Extremely wet: 200 square feet, perhaps up to 1000
The intake is in the front of the unit and blows out the back. The manufacturer recommends leaving at least 12" around all sides.
The water collection bucket is located in the front and comes out easily. Before removing bucket you will want to turn unit off, wait a minute, then remove bucket, otherwise you'll end up with water dripping all over the floor, as I learned. The bucket has a carrying handle that is well balanced to prevent spills. Automatic shut off prevents overfilling (plus the unit beeps and a light turns on when auto shutoff is activated). It also has an adapter that allows removing water by hose.
The humidity control dial has Off, 1 through 9, and Max. While not stated, it seems that this roughly corresponds to how much humidity you want taken out of the air. That is, a setting of 6 tells the unit to make the humidity 40%, and a setting of 4 equates to 60% humidity (more or less).
The unit is quiet overall; about the same as a household oscillating fan, and much less than a basic air conditioner or box fan.
Manufacturer recommends the following prior to operation:
- Consult an installation specialist (I did not)
- Plug in the power plug properly (I did)
- Use a dedicated circuit (I did not)
- Do not use an extension cord (I did not)
Here are some quick details from their web site:
- Pints per day: 30
- Energy timer: no
- Lo temp operation: no
- Energy star compliant: no
- Amps: 5.8
- Watts: 480
- Temp display: no
- Humidity display: No
- Dimensions: 54cm H x 38.5cm W x 34CM D (21.25"H x 15.16" W x 13.38"D)
- Shipping weight: 27.3 kg (52.2 lbs)
- Automatically resumes operation after a power outage
- The filter is easily removed from the unit, and can be cleaned and reused
- A complete parts diagram is on the manufacturer's web site
- A full color brochure is available on the site
The web site also says that "The BHD-301 can be operated down to 65 degrees F." 65 seems relatively hot, especially given that the manual states that unit will automatically shut off if defrost control senses frost build-up. I haven't figured this out.
The manual is in English, Francais, Espanol.
In brief, the warranty is one year for parts/labor, and five years for sealed system. Details on web site.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 150 Battery Life: N/A Noise Level: More quiet than most
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