With humid summer months ahead, many homeowners are looking into installing a dehumidifier to help control moisture and humidity levels indoors. Ultra Aire and AprilAire are two of the most popular whole-house dehumidifier brands on the market.
But with so many models to choose from, how do you know which brand and model is right for your home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare key features, pros and cons, and real customer experiences between Ultra Aire and AprilAire dehumidifiers. Read on to find out which whole-house dehumidification system is best for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Ultra Aire | AprilAire |
| Dehumidification Capacity | 65-150 pints/day | 50-135 pints/day |
| Coverage Area | 2,200-4,500 sq ft | 1,500-4,500 sq ft |
| Filtration | MERV-11 or MERV-13 | MERV-11 |
| Airflow | 190-205 CFM | 140-180 CFM |
| Sound Level | 48-66 dBA | 47-58 dBA |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star, high SEER | Energy Star, high SEER |
| Warranty | 5 years parts/1 year labor | 5-7 years parts/5 years labor |
| Price Range | $600-$1,200 | $650-$1,300 |
Overview of Ultra Aire & AprilAire
Before diving into model comparisons, let’s take a quick look at each brand’s background and general product offerings:
Ultra Aire:
- Founded in 1963 and headquartered in San Diego, California
- Manufactures whole-house and portable dehumidifiers
- Known for energy-efficient and durable products
- Popular models: Ultra Aire BHDEH70, Ultra Aire UVDEH90
AprilAire:
- Part of Research Products Corporation, founded in 1954 in Madison, Wisconsin
- Specializes in whole-home indoor air quality products including dehumidifiers
- Known for high-performance and quiet operation
- Popular models: AprilAire 1850, AprilAire 1855
Now that you know a bit about each brand, let’s see how some of their most popular dehumidifier models stack up.
Key Feature Comparison of Ultra Aire And AprilAire Dehumidifiers
These features can help you evaluate and compare the Ultra Aire vs AprilAire models:
Dehumidification Capacity
- Ultra Aire capacities range from 65 to 150 pints/day
- AprilAire capacities span from 50 to 135 pints/day
- Higher pint capacity means more moisture removal
Coverage Area
- Ultra Aire covers 2,200 to 4,500 sq ft
- AprilAire covers 1,500 to 4,500 sq ft
- Match capacity to your home’s square footage
Filtration
- Ultra Aire uses MERV-11 or MERV-13 filters
- AprilAire uses MERV-11 filters
- Higher MERV = better filtration from allergens/pollutants
Airflow
- Ultra Aire 190-205 CFM airflow
- AprilAire 140-180 CFM airflow
- Higher airflow moves more air through the dehumidifier
Sound Level
- Ultra Aire 48-66 dBA sound levels
- AprilAire 47-58 dBA sound levels
- Lower decibels = quieter operation
Energy Efficiency
- Ultra Aire Energy Star certified with high SEER ratings
- AprilAire Energy Star certified with high SEER ratings
- Look for Energy Star and SEER 14+ for cost savings
Warranty
- Ultra Aire offers 5 years parts/1 year labor warranties
- AprilAire offers 5-7 years parts/5 years labor warranties
- Longer warranties provide more coverage and support
Price Range
- Ultra Aire $600 to $1,200
- AprilAire $650 to $1,300
- Good value under $1,000; premium models exceed $1,000
Ultra Aire Or AprilAire: Which Is Better?
With the key specs laid out, you may be wondering – which whole house dehumidifier is better – Ultra Aire or AprilAire? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each brand:
Ultra Aire Pros:
- Very energy efficient with high SEER ratings, Energy Star certified
- Durable, long-lasting construction and components
- High moisture removal capacities up to 150 pints/day
- Can cover large spaces up to 4,500 square feet
- MERV-11 or MERV-13 filtration removes allergens
- Solid warranty coverage (5 years parts/1 year labor)
Ultra Aire Cons:
- Only available through HVAC contractors
- Base warranty only 1 year labor
- Some noise complaints on certain models
- Lacks smart home connectivity
AprilAire Pros:
- Extremely quiet operation, as low as 47 dBA
- Can provide whole-home or spot dehumidification
- MERV-11 filtration standard
- Excellent warranties (5-7 years parts/5 years labor)
- Wi-Fi connectivity and app control on newer models
AprilAire Cons:
- Tend to be more expensive than Ultra Aire
- Slightly lower moisture removal capacities
- Mixed reviews on reliability of smart controls
- Requires professional installation
Overall, Ultra Aire dehumidifiers tend to be a better value for high capacity moisture control. But AprilAire offers ultra quiet operation and stronger warranty coverage.
For large, damp basements or moisture issues, Ultra Aire’s power and efficiencies have an edge. But if a super quiet unit for bedrooms or living spaces is your priority, AprilAire is hard to beat.
Top Model Comparison
Let’s look at two of the top-rated dehumidifiers from Ultra Aire and AprilAire:
Ultra Aire BHDEH70 Pint Dehumidifier
Key Specs:
- 70 pint/day moisture removal
- 2,200 sq ft coverage
- MERV-13 filtration
- 205 CFM airflow
- 14.3 SEER energy efficiency
- 66 dBA sound level
- 538 kWh/year energy use
Pros:
- Powerful 70 pint capacity in compact unit
- Excellent for basements or crawlspaces
- Provides 24×7 moisture control
- MERV-13 captures mold spores and allergens
- Very energy efficient operation saves on bills
Cons:
- Fan can be loud on higher settings
- No pump drain option
- Basic digital controls lack smart features
Price Range: $600-$800
AprilAire 1850 Dehumidifier
Key Specs:
- 135 pint/day moisture removal
- 4,500 sq ft coverage
- MERV-11 filtration
- 180 CFM airflow
- 14.3 SEER energy efficiency
- 52 dBA sound level
- 792 kWh/year energy use
Pros:
- Huge 135 pint capacity for whole home dehumidification
- Can handle very damp spaces up to 4,500 sq ft
- Ultra quiet down to 52 dBA for bedrooms
- 5 year parts and labor warranty
- Optional wi-fi control via app
Cons:
- Very heavy and bulky
- App connectivity can be glitchy
- Higher upfront cost
Price Range: $1,100-$1,400
The Ultra Aire BHDEH70 is a great pick if you need a powerful but more affordable dehumidifier. But the AprilAire 1850 offers incredible dehumidification capacity in a super quiet package.
Real Customer Reviews
Before choosing a dehumidifier brand, it helps to read real customer reviews. Here are some first-hand experiences with these two brands:
“We installed the Ultra Aire 70 pint in our basement. The basement humidity used to always be around 70% even with a small dehumidifier running. Since installing the Ultra Aire, the humidity stays under 50% which has made a huge difference in comfort and smell. My allergies have gotten better too since there’s less mildew and mold.”
“We went with the AprilAire 1850 to dehumidify our whole house during the humid Ohio summers. It keeps all 3 levels at 50% RH even when it’s muggy out. The filter does a decent job catching dust too. My only complaint is the wi-fi connectivity isn’t very reliable but it works fine in standalone mode.”
These real customer perspectives highlight the power and performance of Ultra Aire and AprilAire’s dehumidifiers. Just keep an eye out for potential “cons” like noise or smart home integration glitches.
Cost Comparison
Here is a pricing comparison of basic models from each brand:
| Brand | Model | Capacity | Coverage | Price |
| Ultra Aire | BHDEH65 | 65 pints/day | 2,200 sq ft | $600 |
| AprilAire | 1830 | 105 pints/day | 3,000 sq ft | $900 |
| Ultra Aire | UVDEH95 | 95 pints/day | 3,000 sq ft | $850 |
| AprilAire | 1850 | 135 pints/day | 4,500 sq ft | $1,200 |
On average, Ultra Aire units run around $200 less than comparable AprilAire models. However, the AprilAire premium provides quieter and stronger performance along with longer warranties.
Consider paying more for an AprilAire if noise is a concern or you need robust whole-home dehumidification. Otherwise, Ultra Aire provides solid performance at a more affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ultra Aire and AprilAire dehumidifiers:
Ultra Aire dehumidifiers are manufactured by Therma-Stor LLC, a company based out of San Diego, CA. They specialize in whole-house and commercial dehumidifiers.
AprilAire is highly regarded but “best” depends on your needs. AprilAire excels at providing ultra-quiet yet powerful whole-home dehumidification. They are a premium brand with advanced features.
Yes, the parent company Therma-Stor was acquired by Santa Fe in 2021. But Ultra Aire operates as a distinct brand still making the same dehumidifiers.
The majority of AprilAire’s dehumidifiers are made in the USA at their manufacturing facility in Wisconsin. Some entry-level models are sourced overseas. Made in the USA models will be clearly labeled.
Final Thoughts
With this Ultra Aire vs AprilAire comparison complete, choosing the right whole-house dehumidifier for you comes down to a few key factors:
- Dehumidification capacity matched to home size
- Noise level preference – do you need ultra quiet?
- Filtration needs – MERV-11 vs MERV-13
- Smart controls desired or not necessary
- Budget – Ultra Aire models tend to cost less
Make sure to size your capacity correctly – too little capacity means insufficient dehumidification. And install the dehumidifier properly so it can run efficiently.
Also consider supplemental portable units if you have particular damp rooms the whole-house dehumidifier can’t tackle completely.
Hopefully this comparison gives you the information you need to decide between Ultra Aire and AprilAire. Both are great brands that make powerful, efficient whole-house dehumidifiers to keep your home’s air quality pure and moisture-free.