Performance Test Results

Energy Efficiency

The HME020031N draws 610 watts of power at 50% RH (relative humidity) according to our testing. This is a worse than average result.

It did remove moisture faster than average, though, in our moisture removal test.

So, overall, we can say that this model is relatively energy efficient, despite its high power draw.

Noise Output

The HME020031N was measured at 59.3 dB of noise output on high fan speed at a location just above and to the front of the dehumidifier’s control panel. It was measured at 58.6 dB on low fan speed.

These readings are well below average (which is good) but note that the quality of the noise this unit produces is not very good.

Top exhaust units like the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1 emit fan noise omnidirectionally, which masks compressor noise very well.

This hOmeLabs unit emits fan noise in only one direction (the direction of its exhaust) and so it does not mask unpleasant compressor noise as well as top exhaust units like the Frigidaire (unless you’re standing/sitting in direct “line of sight” of its exhaust).

Moisture Removal

In our moisture removal test the HME020031N lowered room humidity from 90% down to 40% RH (relative humidity) in 10 minutes, 3 seconds and from 80% down to 50% RH in 5 minutes, 33 seconds. These are both decent results, but not quite as good as those of the very best dehumidifiers we recommend.

Hygrometer Accuracy

This model’s built-in hygrometer consistently gave readings that were 2 to 3% less than the actual room humidity (as measured by a separate dedicated hygrometer).

The best performing dehumidifiers in this test gave a reading that was within 1% of the actual room humidity.

The worst performers were inaccurate by more than 5%.

Included Features, Functionality, Build Quality, Warranties, and Value

Durability (Build Quality)

General Impressions

This dehumidifier is built using lower quality parts and materials than that of the very best dehumidifiers we recommend.

Consumer Feedback

Consumer reviews for this this model are overwhelmingly positive.

Overall Category Score

Overall, this models scores a 4/5 for durability. It’s not made of the highest quality parts, but after several years on the market there are very few complaints by consumers about its long term reliability.

Adjustability

This model’s humidistat can be set in 5% increments, its timer can be set for up to 24 hours, it has two fan speeds, and it features a continuous mode and an automatic mode.

Overall Category Score

All of the above is very close to the industry standard. Overall, this model gets a 4/5 for adjustability.

Versatility

Set Humidity Range

The HME020031N can be set to a target humidity level between 35% and 85% – again this is the industry standard.

Operating Temperature Range

The manufacturer recommends this dehumidifier not be used at temperatures below 41° F. Again, this is the industry standard.

Gravity Drainage

There’s an outlet on the back of the dehumidifier to which you can connect a garden hose to drain it using gravity (instead of using the bucket on the front of the dehumidifier).

Built-in Pump

This model does not feature a built-in pump.

Overall Category Score

Overall, this model earns a 4.5/5 for versatility.

Extra Features

Temperature Reading

The HME020031N does not display room temperature – it only displays the current humidity and the target humidity.

Defrost

This model features a defrost (de-icing) mode like most competitors on the market.

Check Filter

This model does feature a check filter light – to alert you when you need to remove, clean, and replace its air filter.

Overall Category Score

Overall, the HME020031N earns a 4.5/5 for extra features.

Ease of Use

LED Display Clarity

This unit does not have a very high quality LED display.

Setup Difficulty

We didn’t have any trouble setting up this model for first-time use after unboxing.

Filter Removal Difficulty

Removing this dehumidifier’s filter was easy to do.

Manual Clarity

We have no complaints about the included manual.

Water Tank Size

The HME020031N has a very small water tank. It has a capacity of only 12.8 pints. Most competitors have a tank with a capacity of at least 13 or 14 pints. Some competitors have a tank larger than 15 pints.

Overall Category Score

This model receives only a 3/5 for ease of use.

Aesthetics

At a glance, all hOmeLabs dehumidifiers are very pleasing to look at. Should you purchase and receive this dehumidifier, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be complaining about the way it looks – it really does look great – exactly like a modern appliance should.

Portability

The HME020031N weighs only 40 lb. which makes it about 3 lb. lighter than its main competitor – the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1.

It has side pocket handles if you need to pick it up.

It has a strap and a bracket on the back around which you can wrap its power cord.

Overall Category Score

Overall, this model receives a 4.5/5 for portability.

Warranty (Manufacturer’s)

The HME020031N comes with an industry standard 1 year warranty. In the past you could register your purchase with the manufacturer for an extra year of coverage but that is no longer the case.

Value

The HME020031N has always been priced very well relative to its performance and features, which makes it a good value overall.