How does one test a dehumidifier to make sure it's functioning according to specs?

dehumidification system condenses water from the air if it is releasing water is that it works.

also, you can make a hygrometer or dry and wet bulb

measurements.

There is no practical way of testing the dehumidifier to determine if it's functioning according to specs. The issue with it drying the air so slowing may be due to its capacity (pints per day), the size of the space it's being used for, the BTU capacity of the unit and how much humidity is in the space.

It all depends on how much humidity your dehumidifier has to get rid of.

Your humidifier won't run as often if there isn't enough humidity to be removed from your home.

If you still have the instructions, read up on it. We keep all instructions just in case we have to refer back to them now and then.

Appliance goes (drops dead) instructions get shredded.

You need a hygrometer- it's a special tool used to check humidity levels. They seem to cost between $5 and $30.

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=hygrometer&...