This Small, Super Quiet Dehumidifier Excels at Preventing Mold and Improving Air Quality in Your Home

While many people think that their indoor allergy symptoms are caused by outdoor allergens blowing in through an open window or hitching a ride on the coat of the dog, you might be surprised to learn that indoor allergens like dust mites and mold are often the culprits. In fact, dust mites are "the most common trigger of year-round allergies and asthma," according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. And not to be outdone, mold is also present in most U.S. homes, as confirmed by a University of Arizona study, which found indoor mold in 100% of homes sampled across the country.

Mold and dust mites thrive in humid environments, especially during the rainy months in spring and summer, and in damp spaces like basements, bathrooms, and garages. In addition to allergies, these pesky organisms have been linked to upper respiratory problems in healthy people and severe complications in patients with asthma, according to the CDC. What's more, mold can cause real structural damage to your home. But don't panic: Although mold and humidity sound like a big problem, a small dehumidifier, such as the top-rated Eva-Dry EDV-1110 Petite Dehumidifier from Amazon, can make a world of difference for your allergy symptoms, overall health, and home environment.

A dehumidifier improves the air quality in your home by removing moisture from the air and making the environment far less hospitable for common indoor allergens that thrive in humid spaces. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, humidity levels in your home should be kept between 30% and 50% to inhibit the growth of dust mites and mold—which is where a dehumidifier comes into play.

To buy: Eva-Dry EDV-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier, $65; amazon.com

Designed to reduce humidity levels in small- to mid-sized rooms, the Eva-Dry dehumidifier draws warm air from the room, collects the condensation, and then returns cooler, dryer air to the environment. The dehumidifier stands at just 8 inches tall—which makes it incredibly portable and space-saving—but don't let its size fool you. While it can collect up to 8 ounces of moisture from the air per day, the reservoir can hold as much as 16 ounces of water before it needs to be emptied. Even better, this dehumidifier has a spill-proof tank and will let you know when it's time to empty the machine; a light flips on and the unit automatically shuts off.

With just one power switch and an LED indicator light that goes from green to yellow when it's time to empty the unit, the Eva-Dry dehumidifier is very user-friendly. And unlike other dehumidifiers, this one uses whisper-quiet technology for exceptionally low noise output. At 50.9 dB, you can expect the same amount of noise as rainfall outside your window.

The Eva-Dry dehumidifier is backed by more than 2,500 five-star ratings by Amazon shoppers who describe it as "small but mighty." One reviewer reported that their spouse suffered from allergies and asthma, but that their symptoms improved "after just one day" of using this dehumidifier. They were also pleased with the unit's energy efficiency, as their electric bill did not increase after months of using it. A parent who bought it to help with their son's severe allergies said the dehumidifier "made a big improvement" in his symptoms and his room "doesn't have that stuffy feeling anymore." And a shopper who used to apply Vicks on his nostrils to sleep at night no longer experiences troubled breathing and can "sleep much better" thanks to the Eva-Dry dehumidifier in their room.

If the unit's compact design has you on the fence, consider the opinions of these skeptical shoppers. "Don't let its small size fool you, it's a workhorse," said a customer who was initially hesitant to buy the petite dehumidifier but became a fan after seeing it work wonders in their laundry room. Another shopper who lives in a "super humid climate" said that "everything wants to mold in [their] house if it rains," but this dehumidifier worked so well that they now recommend it to all their friends. They also love that the Eva-Dry doesn't expel hot air, it's very quiet, and "hardly takes up any space." And a renter who lived in an old apartment complex and had mold issues at home was also quite pleased. "The smell and air quality in my apartment dramatically improved," they said.

And considering the recommendation is to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50% for a healthy home environment, shoppers validate that this compact dehumidifier does just that. If your runny nose is making you miserable this allergy season, you might consider giving the Eva-Dry small dehumidifier from Amazon a go. With a price point under $65, all you really have to lose is a few sniffles and sneezes.