To determine how many dehumidifiers to place, one must calculate the _____ of the area to be dehumidified.

To determine how many dehumidifiers to place in an area needing dehumidification, calculating the cubic feet of the area is essential. Cubic feet provides a measure of volume, which accounts for three dimensions: length, width, and height. This measurement helps in assessing the total space that needs to be treated for moisture control.

Cubic feet informs the selection of dehumidifiers because each dehumidifier has a specific capacity, usually rated by the number of pints of water it can remove from the air per day. By having the cubic foot measurement of the area, restoration professionals can ensure they deploy the appropriate number of dehumidifiers to effectively manage humidity levels throughout the space, preventing further water damage and promoting efficient drying processes.

Using the area alone would not provide the necessary volume measurement, as it only considers two dimensions (length and width), missing the vertical aspect, which is crucial for accurate dehumidification calculations.