AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Dehumidifier Review

While our selection of compressor-based dehumidifiers is mainly for home use, this is a top-of-the-line, premium product. It’s something a professional water damage repair service or a HVAC technician might use. In fact, a slightly modified version is intended to be used with flexible ducts, for example those installed above a false ceiling and run to several rooms.

It also boasts the highest moisture gathering performance of all the models we’ve selected, not to mention a steep price tag. Significantly, it has no reservoir for collected water. Instead, this particular model has an integrated pump that can push liquids as far as 14 feet upwards.

To sum up all of the above: this is not something you’d typically find alongside the washing machines and refrigerators at Lowe’s. Few people will buy this machine for domestic use, but we thought we’d include it to round out our selection of best dehumidifiers.

Cutting no Corners

This is a large and heavy beast. At 23 inches long, it weighs 58 pounds, part of which is due to having a steel rather than plastic casing. You will most likely want to call on a friend to help you carry it. This is made much easier by the two loop handles on top, while its feet are adjustable to help you get it level once in place.

Though it’s not intended to serve as an air purifier, it does contain a washable mesh filter followed by an optional, replaceable G3 filter. This is not as effective as a HEPA filter, but it does help to clean the air and thereby protect the inner workings of the machine. The heat exchange coils themselves are coated with a plastic-like substance for a longer lifespan and greater efficiency.

Another notable feature is a special, powered coil defrosting system that allows it to run effectively for longer, operate at temperatures as low as 36 °F rather than the typical 41 °F, reduces wear and tear on the motor and cuts down on electricity usage. Like the Frigidaire, its comprehensive warranty is only valid for 12 months, but this rises to 5 for the main components including the compressor.

Think Twice About Installing It Yourself

Although the AlorAir HDi90 is Energy Star approved (as well as CE and ETL), it does drink a lot of power and placing it on a 15-amp, grounded circuit is recommended. As this model has no water bucket to empty by hand, you’ll also need to route the 5-yard-long drainage pipe to your existing plumbing or at least outside. The internal pump can raise water almost 15 feet high (a pumpless version is also available, as are less powerful models).

Ideally, you’ll install the wired control panel in some conveniently accessible location (there’s no wireless option). This resembles a thermostat and allows you to set the humidity to anywhere between 35% and 90% in 1° increments. The panel also includes its own hygrometer; you can use either that or the one on the dehumidifier itself.

Finally, though the internal fan cycles air at 210 cubic feet per minute, in many buildings airflow will be the practical limit to how much space it can serve. (Note that the manufacturer’s recommendation of a maximum coverage area of 2,600 sq. ft assumes more demanding conditions than you’ll find in the average office or residence). To get the most out of this machine, you might need to install some additional fans or use ducting to direct air to it.

For Special Cases

If you have a room, especially underground, where moisture is constantly seeping through the walls, a garden-variety dehumidifier will probably struggle to get the job done. This AlorAir will then be one of your go-to options, and you’ll probably not mind the high price so much considering how much mold remediation costs.

Alternatively, if you have a largish house with good ventilation between rooms, you can think about sticking this somewhere out of sight, then essentially forget about it except for periodically checking the filter. It does produce noise at about 60 decibels, which is approximately as loud as a normal conversation. Still, this isn’t too bad since this unit will generally be installed in an attic or basement rather than a bedroom.