The dampness of basements makes them an attractive niche for molds and insects.
But the question is, would you know which one is the best dehumidifier for your basement?
In this post, we will run that down.
Desiccant humidifiers are not good choices for basements because they cannot control large rooms below ground level.
Aside from these, it is alsoportable, energy efficientand aneasy to detach 1.6gL collection tank.
Its best features would be itsquiet performance and humidity reduction capability.
This is another overall pick for basement humidifiers.
While it is only at 50-pint, it is comparable to the Frigidaires performance for many reasons.
This makes it a go-to choicefor large basements too.
Its coverage is perfect even for4500sq.ft.
This one is an easy 4.8 out of 5 too.
It hashumidity level presets in between 30-90%and adjusts automatically for the desired preset to be maintained.
Aside from this, it also comes with a24-hr timer for better energy efficiency.
It also comes with afull tank sensorwhich shuts off automatically until it is emptied.
Although relatively pricey, its full-packed features cover it all.
It also has anautomatic shut off/on when there is a power surge.
Aside from its drain hose, it also comes with a 16-pint extra bucket.
Ergonomically designed, it features aneasy navigation LCD function display,durable caster wheels,auto defrost systemand3-speed fans.
With these, we give it a4.7 out 5.
And although it is at 45-pint, performance wise, it works like a 50-pint.
Aside from its ability to maintain preset levels, it can also becontrolled remotely through WiFi connection.
It is commendable too for itsfull tank alert, helping you in avoiding overflow everytime you drain it out.
It is perfect for small basements not exceeding 1500 sq.ft.
This one deserves a4.7 out of 5.
It has been consistently reviewed at 4.6 out of 5 in major shops.
It can easily be placed in a countertop and it is very energy efficient given its size.
It is relatively cheap given its features and has a quiet performance like larger humidifiers.
This one deserves a4.7 out of 5.
For one, it is powerful, but it runs quietly.
Aside from these, itsfeatures are upscale.
First, it istank-free.
it’s possible for you to directly connect its drain to your basement plumbing.
Overall, this one deserves a4.8 out of 5 in the in-wall dehumidifier category.
Its caster wheels are dependable to move aroundlarge basements of up to 4000sq.ft.
With all things considered, this one is a4.8 out of 5.
It is energy-efficient and everything from humidity, on/off, andspeed can be controlled using Google Assistant or Alexa.
It is the best automatic dehumidifier out there with itsauto drain, auto restart and auto defrost system.
These smart features also come in handy when you are out of town and you accidentally left it open.
Like the big guns in dehumidifying, it comes with anLED display featuring a full tank indicator.
Fortunately, it comes with a 52-ounce tank which means that you should empty it once a week.
It is a thermo-electric key in and as such,runs quietly for hours.
It is perfect for small basements with an area of 450-800sq.ft.
If you are thinking of dehumidifying multiple rooms aside from the basement, this one is a good choice.
It is a clear4.7 out of 5.
It features a5-year warranty, which is a big plus in a pool of 1 to 3-year warranty choices.
This is a well-reviewed Honeywell dehumidifier model because of its 4500sq.ft.
coverage and 70-pint capacity.
It is also high-powered with itsbuilt-in pump.
It also features anauto-defrostandrestart system.
This one is a4.8 out of 5.
It comes withrolling casters,side handlesandcord cases in the back for easy storage.
It cancollect 22 pints of water everydayand dries off the room easily.
One of its major features is its 2gL collection tank.
It is big and dependable given its portable size.
It sure deserves a4.7 out of 5.
It is a single unitdirectly connected to your apartments HVAC system.
This provides afull moisture control system for the whole space.
It has a 95-pint capacity and could work even at5,500sq.ft.
Its major upside is that you could maintain the humidity level in your entire home in your desired duration.
Best store it in a crawlspace in the basement apartment for you to experience its quiet performance.
This one gets a4.6 out of 5.
More often than not, the hose is bought separately.
This pick is a powerful dehumidifier albeit its compact design.
It is also known for itsdurability thanks to its epoxy-coated coils.
Itsauto-defrost feature is upscale.
It couldrun efficiently even at 36degrees and below.
It comes with a remote control for you to adjust the humidity even if you are far.
It is easily a4.7 out of 5.
It features a 550-pint capacity and an easy uncoil drain hose.
It also has a decent coverage of up to 1200sq.ft.
If you do not intend to have a permanent living space in yourunfinished basement, this dehumidifier will suffice.
There is just one featured desiccant and one thermo-electric dehumidifier in the list.
For large basement spaces, 5070-pint capacity is best for large spaces of 2,000sq.ft.
35-50-pint capacity would be enough for medium size basements while 22-pint is sufficient for small basements.
Moisture removal capacity is the main reason behind installing a dehumidifier in a basement.
As such, you must understand that 5070-pint capacity dehumidifiers are good for 2,000-4,500 sq.ft.
A 35-50-pint dehumidifier is commendable for a 1,200sq.ft.
basement while 22-pint dehumidifiers are sufficient for 500sq.ft.
This consideration should help you in making the best dehumidifier choice for your basement.
Is the filter washable?
Does it have an auto-restart feature?
Will it automatically defrost when it censors a drop in temperature?
Is there a full tank indicator?
Some even have a smart system making them capacitated for remote operation or through a WiFi.
What are the benefits of a basement dehumidifier?
More often than not, basement dehumidifiers are ranked in terms of capacity.
By capacity, we mean the amount of water or moisture that it could condense in a day.
This amount is measured in pints.
Capacity here is interchangeable with power and not in terms of the tank size.
As such, the more powerful the dehumidifier, the greater its capacity.
Note that there are three types of dehumidifiers in this category.
Small dehumidifiers are portable, for small-size basements and at a range of $50-100.
They range from $120-200.
Large dehumidifiers are at 70 pints and are the perfect choice for basements.
They range from $200-300.
The best humidifiers are those that run at 45dB and below.
In general, dehumidifiers should resemble the humming sound of your AC unit.
You would not find noise level labels in dehumidifiers.
This is the reason why you must check reputable reviews about the product before buying it.
Note that all dehumidifiers come with a tank just with different storage capacities.
The only difference resides in the drainage hose.
you’re able to do it on thedrain floor, the sink, or even in basement windows.
When it comes to ease in drainage, those with built-in pumps are sought after.
The good news is that present models of dehumidifiers are almost all Energy Star certified.
This means that they are more energy efficient by 30% than older dehumidifiers.
What is the best way to use a basement dehumidifier?
As has been presented, basement dehumidifiers come with a lot of benefits.
As such, there are also various ways to get the most out of these useful appliances.
What comes along with this is cleaning the grills too.
When the grills are dirty or there is a dust buildup, expect that the airflow becomes very slow.
This is also an indication that you must wash your air filter soon.
These are just basic steps to ensure quality performance from your basement dehumidifiers.
By following them, it’s possible for you to surely get the most of out your basement dehumidifier.
For areas with colder climates, the best setting would be at 30-40% during their considered hot season.
In general, the best setting would be at 50%.
What is the best basement dehumidifier brand?
When we are talking about the best brand for basement dehumidifiers, we are not just talking about one.
For instance, in January of 2021, new consumer reports on the best dehumidifiers surfaced.
Does dehumidifier really work?
Given their popularity nowadays, we could really say that dehumidifiers really work.
Most importantly, dehumidifiers are cost-efficient.
With their ability to condense air, they are helping your air conditioning unit to be more effective.
Do I need a dehumidifier for my basement?
The following are some things to assess if you think that you need a dehumidifier for your basement.
How does a dehumidifier work?
Basically, this appliance works by converting hot air from its fan and into the coils.
With the condensation process, drier and cooler airflow is released from the side vent.
On average, a dehumidifier works to bring down the humidity level of any room by 30-50%.
The other task is to look for specific features to choose the best humidifier for your basement.
There are unique features in some models that you would not find in others.
This gives them a notch up from the rest.
And needless to say, these are the types of dehumidifiers that you should be on the watch for.
Automatic controls:Dehumidifiers have default controls that are present in all types and models.
These controls are humidity level presets including a turbo mode and full tank indicator.
Frost censor:This one works whenever the system detects frost buildup in the coils.
When there is so much frost, the dehumidifier cannot work efficiently.
Ducting capacity means that a humidifier can service two rooms at the same time.
It saves you a lot of time, and maintenance costs and ensures that the dehumidifier performs well continuously.
How much does it cost to operate a dehumidifier in your basement?
Fortunately, the game has changed for dehumidifier manufacturers as they have really banked on energy and cost efficiency.
Present models only cost 4.2 cents when you run it for a straight hour.
Try running that for 24hrs and you only pay a dollar or $30 a month.
What is the ideal humidity level for my basement?
There is a reason why a dehumidifier is recommended for basements be it finished or unfinished.
The dampness and humidity level of the basement is most likely at 80% and above.
This makes it one of the favorite niches of mold, mites, and mildew.
To eliminate this niching, theideal humidity for the basementshould be 50% and below.
The role of dehumidifiers is to maintain that humidity level every day.
What size dehumidifier for the basement do I need?
We have comprehensively discussed this in the previous sections.
Just keep in mind that the greater the pint, the larger the dehumidifier will be.
There should be ample crawl space around the dehumidifier so that good air quality is circulating.
Where to place a dehumidifier in the basement?
Experts assert that dehumidifiers should be placed in the middle of the basement.
This is the best location to distribute airflow because there is enough space for it to be circulated.
This makes the dehumidifier more energy and cost-effective.
How loud are dehumidifiers?
The general sound rating of dehumidifiers stands at 40-50 dB.
However, some models have different sound ratings.
The loudest dehumidifiers could go as loud as your fan box or exhaust fan.
Others have a fair sound level resembling a whispering conversation.
The quietest ones would have a humming sound like the noise of a refrigerator.
What is a dehumidifiers lifespan?
The average lifespan of a dehumidifier ranges from 5-10 years.
Tucking it in safe storage is also a key factor in a longer dehumidifier lifespan.
How often to run a dehumidifier in the basement?
And given their energy consumption and their line of benefits, 12hrs might not even suffice.
When to use a dehumidifier in the basement?
Dehumidifiers are bought and installed precisely because there is a need for them in the basement.
Here are six reasons to use a dehumidifier in your basement.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
But in general, dehumidifiers are very energy efficient.
By the rule of thumb, larger dehumidifiers consume less electricity compared to smaller ones.
Can I leave my dehumidifier on all day?
Yes, but not necessary.
Will a dehumidifier kill mold?
This is a common misnomer among homeowners.
Dehumidifiers do not kill mold they just lessen the humidity level of the room to inhibit their growth.
Molds thrive on dampness and over-moisture.
Our Verdict
With all things considered, we give the best humidifier for the basement toHomeLab 4500.
It also has all the essential digital and automatic controls needed for a high-performing dehumidifier.
So, maintenance, ease of operation, and power wise, it is the clear winner.
We must give props toFrigidaire 70-pintandHoneywell 50-pint too.
Their portability is commendable and in terms of performance, they are at par with theHomeLab 4500.
