I purchased this dehumidifier over a month ago. I set it in my bedroom close by the bathroom. I usually turn on the humidifier after taking a shower when humidity was 60 something. I set the timer to 1 hour and the desired humidity level to 40. The humidity level went down to low 40s when timer is up, and it stops smoothly by itself. When I took out the bucket, it often surprised me how much water it really sucked in! Works great for me! By the way, I have another dehumidifier in the basement still running after 4 years. Same brand name but older model. Love both!