
What Do the Terms “Capacity,” “Pints Per Day,” and “CFM” Mean?
Dehumidifiers filters and air movers are essential for controlling moisture and air flow in indoor areas. But the technical wording related to these devices is frequently confusing. Terms like "capacity," "pints per day," and "CFM" are commonly used, but what do they really mean? We'll explain each of these words in detail, along with how they apply to dehumidifiers and air purifiers, and why it matters when selecting the right product for your needs.
What Does “Capacity” Mean?
When referring to dehumidifiers, the term "capacity" describes how much moisture a machine can remove from the air in a given amount of time, usually expressed in pints per day. A dehumidifier's capacity provides you with a clear understanding of the amount of moisture it can remove, as well as an indication of its performance capabilities.
A dehumidifier's capacity is important since it dictates how successfully the device can control the humidity levels in a certain area. The size of the space, the amount of moisture present, and the intended purpose (such as residential, commercial, or industrial) all play a role in selecting the appropriate capacity.
Dehumidifier Capacity Types
- Low Capacity Dehumidifiers:Suitable for smaller spaces with reduced relative humidity, like closets or bedrooms. Usually, they remove twenty to thirty quarts a day.
- Medium Capacity Dehumidifiers:Fit for rooms of a moderate size, these units have a daily removal capacity of 40 to 50 pints.
- High Capacity Dehumidifiers:These units have the ability to remove up to 70 pints of moisture each day, making them ideal for larger spaces or locations with severe moisture problems.
Whether the capacity is for an industrial setting, a business facility, or a residential area, it should match your unique requirements. At Alorair we ensure that you have the appropriate instrument for controlling moisture by providing a selection of the best dehumidifiers with different capacities.
What Does "Pints Per Day" Mean?
Understanding Pints Per Day:
As we previously mentioned, the amount of moisture a dehumidifier can remove from the air in a 24-hour period is measured in pints per day or PPD. Users can directly assess the dehumidifier's moisture extraction efficiency with this measurement.
Importance of PPD Ratings:
One of the most crucial factors to take into account when selecting a dehumidifier is its PPD rating. Greater PPD indicates that the dehumidifier can remove more moisture, which makes it better suited for larger or more humid spaces.
- High Humidity Areas:To maintain ideal interior conditions, a higher PPD rating is required in areas with high humidity levels, such as laundry rooms or basements.
- Commercial vs. Residential:Commercial dehumidifiers frequently have greater PPD ratings for usage in warehouses, construction sites, or locations that have been damaged by water. Residential dehumidifiers typically have a PPD value appropriate for controlling moisture in smaller spaces.
Factors Affecting PPD Performance:
It's important to note that the PPD rating can vary depending on environmental conditions, including:
- Temperature:Depending on the ambient temperature, dehumidifiers function differently. The unit's capacity to remove moisture may be diminished by lower temperatures.
- Humidity Levels:The dehumidifier's performance is also influenced by its beginning humidity level. To efficiently eliminate moisture in a highly damp room, a device with a higher PPD rating will be needed.
That being said, the dehumidifiers from Alorair are made to function well in a range of humidity and temperature ranges, so you can always expect the best results.

What Does “CFM” Mean?
Understanding CFM:
Put simply, Cubic Feet per Minute, or CFM, is a unit of measurement for airflow. It shows the volume of air that a machine, like an air mover or dehumidifier, can move in a minute. Basically, it indicates the degree to which the device moves air around a certain area.
CFM is an important statistic for air movers since it shows how rapidly an area can dry. CFM is particularly important for dehumidifiers since it enhances the unit's ability to pull in moist air and boost dehumidification effectiveness.
CFM in Dehumidifiers and Air Movers:
- Dehumidifiers:A higher CFM in a dehumidifier indicates that more air is flowing through the device, which enables it to remove moisture from bigger spaces more effectively.
- Air Movers:The CFM of an air movers device reflects its ability to dry various surfaces such as walls and floors. Faster drying is necessary in situations like building sites or following water damage events, and higher CFM achieves this.
Choosing the Right CFM:
The area you are trying to dry and the speed at which you need the work finished will determine which CFM is best:
- Residential Spaces:For drying out smaller spaces or eliminating moisture following modest water spills, a lower CFM may be adequate.
- Commercial and Industrial Spaces:To quickly and effectively dry larger areas, keep them completely dry, and keep mold from growing, you require additional CFM.
How Do PPD, CFM, and Capacity Work Together?
Put simply, capacity, PPD, and CFM should all be taken into account when selecting a dehumidifier or air mover because they all impact how well the device will function under various circumstances. As a quick summary:
- Capacity tells you the moisture-handling ability.
- PPD gives you a quantifiable measurement of moisture removal over time.
- CFM tells you how well the air is circulated.
For instance, you would search for a dehumidifier with a high capacity, a high PPD rating to remove moisture efficiently, and a high enough CFM to guarantee that the air is circulated throughout the room– depending on the specific project requirements.

Choosing the Right Dehumidifier and Air Mover for Your Needs
Choosing the best dehumidifier and air mover depends on how much moisture you need to get rid of in the location in question. That said, it's important to know how much moisture a dehumidifier can remove while looking for the right one for your needs.
Smaller models (20 to 30 pints per day) work well in bedrooms and other small rooms, while larger models (50 pints or more) are best for basements or other places with a lot of moisture. When making your choice, think about getting units with built-in wheels and handles to make them easier to move around.
CFM is also important for air movers. More CFM means faster drying, which is important for big areas or areas that have been damaged by water. For smaller rooms, a lower CFM is enough to keep air moving and cut down on moisture levels.
At Alorair we offer many different types of dehumidifiers and air movers to meet different needs such as dehumidifiers for basement and commercial dehumidifiers. These range from small, portable units for home use to large models for business use. All of these models are effective at getting rid of moisture without sacrificing performance or ease of use.
Alorair– Your Moisture Control Partner
At Alorair, our expertise lies in offering superior dehumidifiers and air purifiers that are engineered to efficiently address various moisture issues. Our devices provide cutting-edge features that make controlling indoor air quality easier than ever before.
Take charge of the quality of the air inside your home by visiting Alorair to see our selection of air purifiers and whole house dehumidifiers. To learn more, give us a call or fill out a contact form with your information!