Qlima D820A Smart

After the renovation of the sewerage system in our street, we are experiencing a high groundwater level. Our basement (20m² / 40m³) is already a bit older and moisture/water sometimes comes through the joints in the floor. The major problem with our basement, however, is that there are insufficient ventilation options. Result: floor does not dry well, mold formation, musty air, ... that could not be removed. Since we use our basement as storage space, this is not very convenient, because all the stuff in it also gets damaged.

At the end of August 2024, we therefore purchased this dehumidifier. What made us decide to buy this dehumidifier is the capacity (can dehumidify larger spaces than our basement), the noise level, the ability to purify air, lesser reviews about a competing brand and mainly the pump function (so that we do not have to continuously empty the reservoir, but the water can be pumped directly outside the basement). The app function was a nice extra but not necessary for us (although I have to say that it is addictive to see what the humidity level is, and you can also easily operate the device via the app).

When unpacking the device, all accessories were included, including a drain hose (which is at least 5 meters long, probably longer). We laid this on the ground floor (estimated: 2.5 meters higher), the device has no problems pumping up to this height. The manual was fairly concise but sufficient for us. Upon installation, our basement turned out to have a humidity of about 80%. The device was used 24/7 for the first few days, which also went without any problems.

It was soon noticeable that the room became less humid, and the smell also improved. However, the device remained at around 60% humidity for about two weeks. We thought this was a shame because 60% is actually the maximum healthy humidity in a home, but we decided to wait a little longer because the device continued to pump away water. A week passed, and we gradually saw the humidity drop further. After asking around, it turns out that walls and objects can absorb quite a bit of moisture, which explains why the device remained at the same percentage. After about a month of use, we notice that the device is around 40% humidity. Ideal, because this is the minimum (healthy) humidity level in a home. This is also what we had set the device to.

In short: we are very satisfied with our choice and the device. Dehumidifying takes a long time (this is the case with all dehumidifiers), but patience is rewarded. We definitely recommend the device. If we ever need a dehumidifier again, it will be this one!

After a long search for a dehumidifier that met all our requirements, we finally ended up with the Qlima D825 Smart. Finding good information about dehumidifiers turned out to be quite a challenge. Many descriptions are either too brief or simply incomplete. Two things were important to us: that we could have the device run on a schedule (especially at night) and that it stops dehumidifying and ventilating as soon as the desired humidity is reached.

We placed it in our 45m²/100m³ basement, where the humidity was always quite high: usually between 75% and 80%. When we turned it on for the first time, we noticed that it made quite a bit of noise. However, we quickly saw results. Within two weeks, the humidity had dropped to 60%. The collection container had to be emptied every other day, which makes sense given the amount of moisture it removes from the air.

One thing to note: after three weeks I wanted to check the filter and discovered that it was still wrapped in thick plastic! This was not mentioned anywhere and means that the device had been 'suctioning' non-stop against the filter wrapped in thick plastic for three weeks. I should have checked this afterwards, but I didn't. Fortunately, it went well and the device did not overheat (it did get warm, but the cable did not). After removing the plastic filter, it now works much more efficiently and is much quieter. Within a few days, the humidity went from 60% to about 40%.

What we also like is the dimming function to switch off the lighting. We have not tried the schedule function yet, because to be honest, that is not necessary: it automatically stops dehumidifying and ventilating when the set humidity is reached - and then it simply stands still. We have not used the pump yet, because we have not yet determined its final location.

Conclusion: We are very satisfied with this device. It does what it is supposed to do, is efficient and practical to use. It is one of the few dehumidifiers that has both a schedule function and stops automatically when the desired humidity is reached. Apart from that small filter incident, we really think it is a top product. Recommended!

I have had the device for a while now and I am still happy with it. But two important tips for when you have purchased it:

• The device gives a P3 or P4 message after some time that is not explained in the manual. This means that the device has been running for 360 hours and the filter on the back needs to be cleaned (remove and clean with a vacuum cleaner). By pressing the fan button for 3 seconds you can then remove the message. (A supplement to the manual can be requested from the manufacturer).
• In my case the filter was still wrapped in airtight plastic!!! Of course this has to be removed before use, but there is nothing about this in the manual. Strangely enough it works reasonably well even with the plastic. After removing it the device also makes less noise and will most likely work better.