Are dehumidifiers loud? If you plan to use one in your bedroom while you sleep or spend a lot of time at home, you’ll probably be asking yourself this question before buying one.
The best dehumidifiers are a lifesaver when it comes to removing dampness and condensation, but since they often run for long periods throughout the day, you might be wondering whether the noise will be bothersome.
To find out if dehumidifiers are loud and what you can do to reduce the sound, we asked the experts for their advice – plus, whether a noisy device indicates an issue and how to make them run even quieter so they don't become a problem.
Are dehumidifiers loud?
“While no dehumidifier, or indeed appliance, is ever truly silent, some models can come impressively close," explains Katie Lilywhite, Category Buyer at AO.
You can expect a dehumidifier to run between 35 decibels (similar to the sound of a whisper) and 50 decibels (comparable to the volume of a normal conversation). So, when choosing your device, try to opt for one with the lowest number possible.
If you plan to put your dehumidifier in your bedroom, Katie recommends choosing a model below 40 decibels to avoid disrupting your sleep – some even feature a special 'night' or 'quiet' setting that reduces fan speed. For example, the MeacoDry ABC 12L, which our Assistant Editor Sarah tested, features a sleep mode.
It's worth bearing in mind that desiccant dehumidifiers are usually the quietest, as they don’t have a compressor that produces a lot of noise.
Our favourite quiet dehumidifiers
Crowned as the best dehumidifier for bedrooms by our tester, this model operates at 35 decibels and has a sleep function.
This ultra-quiet dehumidifier runs at just 30 decibels on its lowest setting and offers three different modes to choose from: Laundry, Sleep and Auto.
Operating at 35 decibels and featuring a special ‘night mode’, this dehumidifier is Quiet Mark accredited – and also doubles as an air purifier.
Katie Lilywhite is a category buyer at AO.com with expertise across various appliances, like dehumidifiers.
How to make a dehumidifier quieter
While you won’t be able to make your dehumidifier run more quietly than it was designed to, there are a few ways to help it operate more efficiently – and therefore reduce noise.
Here's what Katie Lilywhite recommends:
- Set your model to the quietest setting
- Place it on a level surface to prevent extra vibrations
- Position it away from walls and furniture to give it enough room to breathe
- Clean your dehumidifier regularly to prevent dust build-up in the fan
- Clean or replace the filter regularly
- Vacuum the air intake vent
Why is my dehumidifier making a loud sound?
Every dehumidifier is bound to make some noise, but if you’ve noticed a change in volume, it could signal a problem.
Viktor Velikov, Director at Elserve, says, "Dehumidifiers make some noise by design. The compressor and fan both generate sound as they pull moisture from the air. But if yours has become noticeably louder or makes rattling, grinding, or humming noises, something’s off."
If you suspect your dehumidifier is broken, Viktor recommends unplugging it, cleaning the air filter, tightening any loose screws, and removing dust or debris around the fan. It might be worth finding out how long dehumidifiers typically last to see if yours is past the expiry date.
He adds, "However, if the noise still continues after this, the problem may be with the fan motor or bearings, which usually calls for professional repair or replacement."
With more than 22 years of experience in the domestic appliance industry, Viktor Velikov is the director of Elserve. He leads a trusted team delivering efficient, reliable home appliance repairs across Greater London.
While choosing a quiet model is your best bet, there are a few additional steps you can take to help reduce noise, like keeping up with regular dehumidifier maintenance.
To keep yours running smoothly and prevent noise-related issues, make sure to avoid these common dehumidifier mistakes too.
