This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer is: yes, but only in the right conditions. A single dehumidifier can work for a whole home if your home layout, humidity level, and device capacity match up.
Best Dehumidifier for the Home: Expert Guide
DEC 10, 2025
1211 views, 5 mins read
If your home constantly feels damp, sticky, or smells a little musty, you’re not alone—humidity is a common issue in many Australian households. That’s why more people are turning to a dehumidifier for house use to keep their indoor air comfortable, healthier, and mould-free. But here’s the big question: Can one dehumidifier really handle an entire home?
In this guide, we’ll walk through what a whole-house setup really requires, how to choose the right house dehumidifier, and which models actually work for larger spaces. Let's see.
In this article
Can One Dehumidifier Do a Whole House?
1. It Depends on the Layout
If your home is open-plan, single-storey, or has strong airflow, a powerful whole home dehumidifier can often manage the entire house because moisture can travel more freely toward the unit. However, in homes with small rooms, narrow hallways, multiple floors, or doors that stay closed, moisture gets trapped, making it much harder for one device to cover the entire space effectively.
So, Can One Dehumidifier Work for the Whole House?
Yes, but only for smaller or open-plan homes. In other setups, you’ll need multiple units or a dedicated whole house dehumidifier system, which connects to HVAC (though this is costly and not common in Australia).
2. It Depends on the Size of the Dehumidifier
In Australia, most household dehumidifiers remove about 20–35L of moisture per day, which works well for large bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and open-plan areas. But they usually struggle in multi-room layouts, very humid climates, or houses over 150 sqm. For whole-house use, you’ll typically need a high-capacity compressor model (30–50L/day) or two units placed in different zones to maintain consistent humidity control.
3. It Depends on Humidity Levels
A single dehumidifier performs best when indoor humidity stays under 70%, you’re dealing with mild to moderate dampness, and the main goal is mould prevention rather than drying out soaked areas. If humidity frequently rises above 80%, one unit will generally struggle—especially in homes with multiple rooms where airflow is limited.
4. It Depends on Where You Place It
Placement also significantly impacts performance. Even a high-quality unit won’t work well if it’s placed incorrectly. Choose a central spot with good airflow, keep it away from walls, and leave doors open to help moisture circulate. Many homeowners place their dehumidifier in a hallway so humidity from several rooms can reach it more easily.
So, Can One Dehumidifier Work for the Whole House?
Yes, but only for smaller or open-plan homes. In other setups, you’ll need multiple units or a dedicated whole house dehumidifier system, which connects to HVAC (though this is costly and not common in Australia).
Best Dehumidifier for House in Australia
Newentor Low-Energy 25L Dehumidifier (Best Value for Whole-House Use)
One of the most popular high-capacity models in Australia, this house dehumidifier combines strong moisture removal with impressive energy efficiency. The retractable handle and 360° swivel wheels make it easy to move the unit between rooms or even up and down stairs.
Newentor Portable Dehumidifier
$322.00
$920.00
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$598.00
In stock, delivery in 3-5 days
- Powerful Dehumidification With Brilliant Energy Saving
- 3-Fold Noise Reduction Technology
- Sleek and Portable Moisture Terminator.
- Small Air Dehumidifier for Mould, Bedroom, and Bathroom.
- Two Ways to Drain.
- 10-Year Warranty.
Key Features:
- 25L/day extraction — suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, open-plan areas, and even multi-room setups (up to 80 m²).
- Sleep-friendly low noise for comfortable day and night use.
- Large water tank plus an option for continuous drainage.
- Energy-efficient compressor technology that reduces running costs.
- 10-year warranty for long-term peace of mind.
FAQs about Whole House Dehumidifier
Q1. How do I know if I need a whole home dehumidifier?
You may need a whole-house dehumidifier if you notice persistent high humidity above 50–60%, musty odours, condensation on windows or walls, swelling wood furniture or floors, visible mould or mildew, heavy or sticky indoor air, or worsening allergy/asthma symptoms caused by excess moisture.
Q2. What size dehumidifier do I need for a whole house?
For whole-house humidity control, choose a unit based on your home size and moisture level:
- 25–35L/day for smaller homes
- 30–50L/day for multi-room layouts or high-humidity areas
Q3. What humidity level should I keep inside?
The ideal indoor relative humidity (RH) is 40%–50% for comfort and health. Levels below 30% can dry out skin and damage wood, while levels above 60% promote mould, mildew, and dust mites.
Q4. How long does a home dehumidifier last?
Most home dehumidifiers last 5–10 years depending on usage, cleaning habits, and humidity conditions. Newentor, however, offers a 10-year warranty—providing far greater long-term peace of mind than most standard brands.
Q5. Can I run a dehumidifier all day?
Yes, you can. Most home dehumidifiers are built for continuous operation and include automatic shutoff or tank-full protection for safe, uninterrupted use.
How to Dehumidify a House Without a Dehumidifier?
1. Improve Ventilation and Airflow
Good ventilation is essential for preventing moisture buildup, especially in areas where steam and water vapor are produced. Always run your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking and use your bathroom exhaust fan during and for at least 15–20 minutes after showers. If outdoor humidity is lower than indoors, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a natural cross-breeze. Keep ceiling fans or floor fans running to maintain airflow, and make sure your clothes dryer is properly vented to the outside—never into an attic or crawlspace.
2. Manage Water-Generating Activities
Daily habits play a major role in indoor humidity. Taking shorter, cooler showers reduces steam production, and drying clothes outdoors prevents excess moisture from entering your home. When drying indoors, always ensure the room is ventilated. Cover pots while cooking to minimise steam release, and wipe down bathroom walls, shower doors, or kitchen surfaces after use to remove excess water before it evaporates into the air.
3. Use Moisture-Absorbing Materials
For smaller enclosed spaces such as closets, pantries, or under-sink areas, moisture absorbers can be extremely helpful. Commercial desiccants like calcium chloride are very effective at absorbing excess moisture. For a natural alternative, baking soda or rock salt placed in open containers can help in mildly damp areas. You can also reuse silica gel packets from packaging by placing them in drawers or storage bins to keep items dry and protected from humidity.
Bottom Lines
A dehumidifier for house use can transform your indoor air—reducing mould, protecting furniture, and making your home feel fresher and more comfortable. While one unit can work for a whole house in certain situations, factors like layout, humidity levels, and square footage matter a lot.
For Australian homes, high-capacity dehumidifier like the Newentor 25L offer reliable performance for various needs. Combine the right machine with ventilation habits, and you’ll maintain a healthier, drier home effortlessly.
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