For my two bits If it was me I would go looking for one of those old heavy built older window AC units. I have several that are 30 - 40+ years old that run just fine still being they were built to last back then. All they need to make them into a good dehumidifier is to drill a hole in the condensation trap/tray so that the water can drip out before being picked up by the condenser fan and spit back into the room.
Years ago we had a 12,000 BTU unit in our house that had a pinhole in the bottom so it dripped its condensation out and that could easily fill a 5-gallon pail and then some in a good days run.
I say watch your local yard and garage sales for old beater AC units and see what you can find for $20. Pretty good chance it the thing is 30+ years old and the cheap front plastic face is busted up or missing all it needs is a good cleaning and the fan motor lubed up to make it into a pretty durable high capacity dehumidifier.
Thats how I get most of mine every year. They work good but due to their front face plates being busted up or missing they get tossed out for nothing more than being old ugly and needing a good cleaning.
Years ago we had a 12,000 BTU unit in our house that had a pinhole in the bottom so it dripped its condensation out and that could easily fill a 5-gallon pail and then some in a good days run.
I say watch your local yard and garage sales for old beater AC units and see what you can find for $20. Pretty good chance it the thing is 30+ years old and the cheap front plastic face is busted up or missing all it needs is a good cleaning and the fan motor lubed up to make it into a pretty durable high capacity dehumidifier.
Thats how I get most of mine every year. They work good but due to their front face plates being busted up or missing they get tossed out for nothing more than being old ugly and needing a good cleaning.