Major Chinese appliance maker TCL is set to release a new Matter-enabled dehumidifier, a move that comes before the device type is even officially supported by the Matter smart home standard.
Although Matter has added plenty of climate control devices, humidifiers and dehumidifiers are still notably absent from the latest Matter 1.4.2 specification. However, the appliance giant appears to be moving ahead of the standard by certifying its new dehumidifier using an existing device category. It’s a clever strategy to break the chicken-and-egg dilemma of hardware availability versus spec support, similar to what other brands like SwitchBot have done in the early days of Matter.
Essential control via Matter
The TCL Dehumidifier (model H50D66KW) is certified under the Matter 1.3 specification using the Matter Fan device type. This workaround allows for essential controls like on/off and fan speed adjustments through Matter. However, it means that extra features, such as filter status and water tank monitoring, will not be exposed to Matter.
Another key feature missing from this implementation is support for firmware updates via Matter (OTA), meaning users won’t be able to update the device through platforms like Apple Home or SmartThings.
The certification is for the TCL DFH Series Dehumidifier. Based on product photos, it appears similar to the H50D44W model listed on Amazon. The dehumidifier features a square body with a white, minimalist design. The water tank has a viewing window and is easy to detach for emptying. It’s also built with wheels, making it easy to move between rooms. According to TCL’s website, similar models can “remove up to 50 pints of moisture per day in spaces up to 4,500 square feet”.
As of press time, TCL has not yet responded to Matter Alpha’s inquiry about the model.
Official support for dehumidifiers and humidifiers
The upcoming Matter 1.5 specification, expected later this year, is set to add official support for both dehumidifiers and humidifiers. This will likely include standard features for fan control, humidity measurement, and water tank monitoring. Based on current development, these devices may function similarly to smart thermostats, allowing users to set a target humidity level that the device will automatically maintain.
Full details will be available when the specification is officially released by the CSA. For other features possibly coming in Matter 1.5, check our previous coverage.
