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Soleus Air CFM-25E 25-Pint Dehumidifier with Humidistat by Soleus International Inc.
Product DetailsManufacturer: Soleus International Inc. Brand: Soleus International Inc. Edition: Kitchen Model: CFM-25 Color: White Publisher: Soleus International Inc. Studio: Soleus International Inc. Music Label: Soleus International Inc. Product features: - Measures 15 by 21-1/2 by 10-2/7-inch.
- Quiet mode; automatic defrost function; washable air filter; casters for portability
- Front-removable, 6-liter water tank; full-bucket indicator; auto shut-off prevents overflow
- Adjustable humidistat for setting humidity level to suit individual preferences
- Has rotary compressor efficiently removes moisture from the air
Description of Soleus Air CFM-25E 25-Pint Dehumidifier with HumidistatThe first portable dehumidifier on the market, weighing less than half that of other models. It has built-in wheels and a carrying handle, allowing it to be transported with little effort. With 25 pint large capacity front removable water bucket.
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Soleus Air CFM-25E 25-Pint Dehumidifier with HumidistatCustomer Review: Unconventional but miles ahead Summary: 5 Stars
This dehumidifier seems to be substantially superior if you have a living space to dehumidify or care about the amount of energy you use. It is, however, quite different from any other dehumidifier I have used.
First of all, the controls are much simpler. You can only choose continuous dehumidification or three measured settings: 50%, 60%, and 70% RH. I thought I'd miss the continuous variability of my old unit, but these settings are the only choices I would really use. As a general principle, this seems like a better design because its easier to achieve accuracy at reasonable cost with three discrete measurements vs. a whole range. And I'm pretty sure it won't get stuck in the "on" position like the mechanical controls on my old noisemaker.
Its light enough for an average guy to pick up, while my old unit would give me a hernia. While it wouldn't exactly add to my decore upstairs, it looks far better to my eye than most units. Its not going to satisfy the people that like industrial, in-your-face appliances.
Speaking of noise, the Soleus is really quiet. The box says 39 db(A), but it seems like even less on the lowest fan speed. Its quite acceptable background noise for a bedroom or for watching a movie and night and day quieter than a standard dehumidifier.
The fan, as B. Hughes noted, does run continuously. However, Home Energy magazine's 2002 article on basement humidity indicates this is better for efficiency as it tends to even out the humidity in your conditioned space. It certainly does a better job of keeping corners dry.
The big selling point for me is efficiency. The Soleus excels here in several ways despite the fact that Soleus seems to have not bothered to get an Energy Star rating.
Both the Canadian and US governments participate in the Energy Star program but the Canadian one actually gives you some useful dehumidifier data on their web site. By my calculations, the Soleus is roughly twice as efficient as the better models in its size class (measured in terms of liters/KWH, the CFM-25 rates about 2.4, while the *best* units on the Candian Gov't site in its size class clock in at 1.3. Obviously, Energy Star sets an exceptionally low bar for dehumidifiers).
Additionally, most manufacturers only offer units too big for a small space, which means that they have to short cycle and won't reach their peak efficiency. The CFM-25 is much better sized for many smaller houses.
Finally, here's some data I couldn't find anywhere -- but fortunately I have a nice watt meter. The fan on my CFM-25 takes 22 watts on low and 28 on high. My meter shows a power factor of 1, which is as good as it gets. On the low fan speed with the barely audible compressor running, that jumps up to about 205 watts and a PF of 0.9, which is still pretty good.
I couldn't find a greener, easier to live with dehumidifier anywhere and am very happy this the CFM-25.
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