Abstract: A dehumidifier is pre-programmed with user-friendly modes. Each mode is named for a particular room in the house. Each mode has a pre-programmed default target humidity level most suitable for that kind of room. The default target humidity levels are determined by the manufacturer and need not be known to the end user. The names of the modes appear on the console of the dehumidifier. The human user controls the dehumidifier by reference to the names of the modes, rather than by setting particular percentage levels of relative humidity. The dehumidifier may offer optional features such as means to raise/lower the target humidity level by a fixed interval, and/or a continuous mode of operation.