Mold and dampness are two things every homeowner hates. But as much as we try to get rid of them they somehow always seem to appear when temperature and the humidity rise. And when it is basements that we talk about, not having mold and mildew is pretty much impossible. Yes, we say “pretty much” because if you have the best dehumidifier for the basement, you might just succeed in keeping these wreckers at bay.
A good dehumidifier will capture the excess water moisture and prevent mold from growing. In general, a basement dehumidifier is a conventional dehumidifier that is equipped with more features to perform efficiently in severe conditions.
However, there are many products, available on the market and to choose the right unit there also many factors that you need to keep in mind. Therefore, our team has created this article that is full of exciting tips, useful information, and most importantly the top 7 reviews on dehumidifiers for basements.
See The Quick Comparison Chart
When Do You Need a Basement Dehumidifier?
It is recommended to use a dehumidifier device when you have a really humid room, such as a basement or a laundry room because it is inevitable for moisture to build up there. However, some physical symptoms are like a big red flag for you to work on this problem. Here’s how you can tell if you need a unit to dry your air:
Symptoms of excess moisture in your basement
- Mold growing on the walls
- Water beads on your window, or the so-called condensation.
- Water damage and/or stains.
- Allergies can be caused by humidity as well.
- The air in the basement feels damp
- There’s a smell of mold and mildew
- When you touch the basement walls, they feel damp
- You can see moisture rising up from the floor
- You can find mold or mildew and awful smell from things you’ve stored in the basement
These are some terrible signs that show you the need of dehumidifier in the room. Even if you have all of that, thanks to the device, you can do wonders and turn it into a dry and healthy space.
Firstly, when you are looking for such a device, take a look at its energy consumption and construction, because they vary from one model to another. Secondly, check, and this is really important if the dehumidifier’s temperature range is within the scope of your basement and if possible getting one with the option of automatic drainage will make things easier.
The Importance of Using Dehumidifiers to Combat Humidity In Your Basement
It is essential to use a dehumidifier because the organisms that thrive in environments with a lot of moisture, such as mildew and mold aren’t just a threat to your house’s structure, they are also a health risk.
For instance, there is one type of mold that grows specifically in basements, its name is ‘black mold,’ and it produces a substance called mycotoxin, which is in fact poisonous. It can lead to respiratory problems, illness, even mental impairment, nausea, inflammation on the skin, tiredness, and suppression of the immune system.
In addition to that, there are also mold spores, which become airborne and cause breathing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. This is definitely not a right and unpreventable death, losing your life to the mold in your basement. That’s like Alexander the Great dying, because of one small mosquito; which is a fact, he died of malaria. However, you can easily prevent, by using a dehumidifier. We also suggest you get a good air purifier for smoke if someone in your family smokes intensively.
Benefits of Using a Basement Dehumidifier
- Some of the most common allergy triggers, such as dust mites, mold, and mildew, thrive in humid environments. Usually, people who live in places where the weather is predominantly humidor the living space is such, suffer from such allergies. So dehumidifiers reduce the humidity levels, thus making your home less hospitable to allergens. Check out our humidifiers for allergies reviews.
- They don’t disrupt your daily life, because most of them can be quiet and efficient in the background without the occupants noticing.
- Molds and mildew come with a particular odor and dehumidifiers manage to get rid of both the “rotting” smell and the actual reason behind them.
- The units also help to reduce any chance of mold growing on your clothing, linens such as curtains or bed sheets and furniture. If the problem is bigger than that, getting a top-notch air purifier for mold can help a lot, and it will make the environment of the house healthier.
- Thanks to them you can breathe easier and feel more comfortable because they reduce any irritation to your skin and/or your respiratory system.
- Less moisture means that your clothes will dry faster, food such as cereal and bread will also remain fresh for a more extended amount of time, and electronics, computers, and tools are less likely to get signs of rust or corrosion on them.
- If you run a dehumidifier it also reduces dust inside your home, so it will healthier, and you won’t need to clean dust as much.
- These units also make it easier for your air conditioner to run better because the quality of the air is right, this way you even lower your energy costs. Especially if you get one that operates in an energy-conscious manner, they usually have an Energy Star rating. There are also some with an automatic shut-off feature, they have intelligent software, which follows the climate in your space and once it reaches the needed humidity level, it will shut down.
When the air in your house has more moisture, the a/c must work on a function of both cooling the atmosphere and removing the moisture from it, making it work harder. This also takes a more significant toll on the a/c, and it wears out sooner, this leads to more repairs or even replacements more frequently. - Using a dehumidifier also helps protect the structural integrity of your home. Most homes are built with wooden frames and moisture affects timber over time, this includes the support beams, making them warp, crack or split. The metal fittings can also start rusting, and mold will start growing in the wall, sometimes not yet visible on the outside. However, if using these air devices, you will prevent your home from deteriorating at a slower rate.
Best Dehumidifiers for Basement Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Vremi 70 Pint Portable Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon | ||
hOmeLabs 4000 Sq Ft Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon | ||
Tosot Energy Star Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon | ||
LONOVE Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon | ||
ALROCKET Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon | ||
Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
Best Dehumidifier for Basement Reviews – (Updated List)
Let’s start with the checks of the most reliable products on the market these days. They are not put in any specific order, and you can decide for yourself which unit will be the ONE.
1. Vremi 70 Pint Portable Dehumidifier
The VREMI 70 Pint dehumidifier is not only quite large but also very efficient. It weighs 44 pounds, which might lead to more expensive shipping. It is also 16.6 x 11 x 24.3 inches big. Because it is built for more extensive areas, the Vremi 70 Pint Portable Dehumidifier features a removable water tank that can store around 9 gallons of water. This unit will protect your house, basement, office space from unwanted dust, moisture, mold and will purify the air in areas up to 5000 square feet big.
Due to the auto shut-off, any danger of overflowing is eliminated. The VREMI 70-Pint is useful because it not only soaks up the moister but with the help of an easy to clean filter the air in the space will be purified. Therefore, some serious causes of allergies such as dust, dirt, mildew will be prevented.
On the bottom of the unit are installed four wheels. This way you can easily transport it from one room to another. Working relentlessly, you will barely hear the dehumidifier.
Pros:
- Works quietly and efficiently
- Filter for cleaning the air, preventing you from allergies
- Covers up to 5000 square feet area
Cons:
- Works as loud as a small In-window air conditioner
2. hOmeLabs 4000 Sq Ft Dehumidifier
The hOmeLabs Dehumidifier is one of the most massive dehumidifiers. The product is 15.4 x 11 x 24.3 inches big and weighs around 40 pounds. Suitable for any large room, basement, garage, or cellar this unit collects 9-gallon of water per day! It is Energy Star certificated. It is made of durable materials and comes with a 2-year warranty. This new dehumidifier is designed with four wheels and built-in handles. Even though it is enormous, its transportation it will be child’s play.
You can adjust the machine to work according to your preferable moisture settings. The unit will run 24/7 until the water tank is full. Once the container cant absorbs no more water, the dehumidifier will automatically stop. A good advantage is the gravity-fed drain hose outlet. The water will go straight at your garden or somewhere else and will save you time emptying the tank.
It is important to know that this unit is not going to work in a room where is a cooler is running. Also to absorb the moisture firstly, the dehumidifier needs to emit the heat.
Pros:
- Collects 9gallon of water
- Suitable for larger areas such as a basement, garage, etc
- Comes with side handles included and built-in-wheels
Cons;
- The plastic hose is not very reliable
3. Tosot Energy Star Dehumidifier
This 70-Pint room dehumidifier is made by TOSOT, and because of its measurements of 14.8 x 11.4 x 24 inches, this unit is suitable for basements, garages, big office spaces, and your house. Depending on the sizes of the area, around 9 gallons of water are absorbed from the dehumidifier per day. Being Energy Star-rated, this unit will effectively remove moisture, but will also help you save money.
For your dehumidifier to work correctly, its filter will need to be cleaned periodically. At the display screen, you will see the filter light. This light will illuminate after 250 hours of operation. Once you see it, you have to clean your unit. You can wash it with warm water, but make sure that the filter is completely dry when you reinstall it back in your basement.
If by any chance you experience a power outage, the TOSOT dehumidifier will immediately stop working. Once it is started over the unit will be with its previous settings. You don’t need to “install” it again.
Pros:
- Works quietly. With a peak sound scale of 48 decibels, you will barely know the unit works.
- Features a power outage restart
- It is Energy Star-rated
Cons:
- The water bucket is quite small. You will need to clean it every other day.
4. LONOVE Dehumidifier
If you want to protect your home and family and keep the maximum humidity below 50 %, you should consider getting this LONOVE dehumidifier. Thanks to its two air inlets, this device is regarded as one of the most efficient products of its kind. These air inlets provide 360 degrees airflow, which brings even greater results. If your apartment is 165 sq. f. or less than, then one of these devices will be enough for you to help you eliminate the unwanted humidity in your home.
Finding a place where to put this dehumidifier shouldn’t be an issue for you. Thanks to its compact design, you can place it in the wardrobe, bathroom, or other areas with limited space. Considering the fact that this item is very lightweight, you can even take it to your workplace with you. Having it in your bedroom is also a good option. You can rest assured that your night dreams won’t be bothered by this device’s sound, as it is extremely quiet. Another useful feature of this product is that it has an auto shut off option. So whenever its tank is full of water, it turns off.
Pros:
- Thanks to its smart power off option, this product saves energy.
- You can control the device easily by only pressing a button to switch it on or off.
- Due to its compact design, you can place this dehumidifier everywhere.
- This device’s 360-degree airflow helps it keep the limit of humidity to less than 50 %.
Cons:
- This device needs to be plugged in all the time to function; it is not battery-operated.
5. ALROCKET Dehumidifier
Apart from being highly efficient, this device also covers a large space area – from 54 to 260 square feet. In addition to this, the ALROCKET dehumidifier is a budget-friendly option as it uses only 40W per hour. If you are concerned about the environment, this would be another reason for you to consider getting this product as it is environmentally friendly.
You would probably like to know if this device is noisy. The answer is ‘no’ – the sound that it produces is only 39dB, which makes your bedroom even quieter than a library. If you are afraid that you may not have enough space at home for this item, you shouldn’t worry as it is very compact. You can put it in every hook of your home, and you can also carry it with you to the office.
Operating with this dehumidifier is easy – you need to touch the on and off button. Just before the device’s tank gets full, you will notice that the indicator light gets red, and then the dehumidifier shuts off automatically.
Pros:
- Using this dehumidifier will help you save money on energy costs as it uses only 0, 96 kW electricity for 24 hours.
- This device covers an area of up to 260 square feet.
- Operating with the device and changing its tank is very easy.
- Your sleep won’t get bothered by this dehumidifier as it functions quietly.
Cons:
- If the temperature drops below 41 degrees, the dehumidification effect will most probably decrease.
6. Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
This Compressor Dehumidifier, manufactured by Ivation, will fit almost anywhere because of its compact size. This unit is only 45 pounds, and what is more, it features stable rolling caster wheels. Because of them, you will be able to transport it easily to your basement.
With this unit, you are free to select between two fan speeds. You can choose either a turbofan speed or merely a regular. Relevant information about the reservoir or the filter will be visible on the simple LCD interface display. At the removable 2.25-gallon tank you can see a clear level line which will indicate when it is time to clean the unit. You can easily carry the full container with water due to the designed handle.
Another useful feature we can add to the mobility of this unit is that it has a 6-foot, three-prong power cord. Due to this, you save money by not buying extension cords.
Pros:
- Auto-restart after a power outage
- Transparent water tank, to easily monitor the level of water and when to clean it
- Long cord and rolling wheels
Cons:
- It raises the room temperature quite a bit, and it is noisy
7. Inofia 30 Pints Dehumidifier
The INOFIA 30 pints dehumidifier is an excellent unit for more significant areas such as basements or motor homes. It is intended to be used for every indoor area which is around 1056 square feet. In an ordinary day, the INOFIA unit can dehumidify up to 4 gallons. This powerful dehumidifier has a built-in 8L water tank. It features two options for drainage. Firstly, there is the automatic drainage through a water pipe with a total length of 2 meters. Press both sides of the tank and just pull it out. A red light will indicate that the machine is not working. Clean the container and gently put back the tub.
Very easy to use. With only one button you can turn it off/on. If the container is full, the unit will automatically shut down. The INOFIA dehumidifier is designed with a hidden and flat handle on the top. The product is not very heavy, weighs around 24.9 pounds
Every half a month the filter needs to be cleaned with warm water or with a vacuum cleaner.
Pros:
- Easy to work with only one button
- Manual and automatic drainage
- Intelligent electronic panel
- Works quietly
Cons:
- Difficult to open the tank
- Cannot be left overnight, because the alarm, indicating the tank is filled, is very loud.
Dehumidifiers for Basements Buying Guide
You are probably wondering: Do I even need a dehumidifier when I already have an air conditioner? However, rooms such as the basement and laundry room in your house have more moisture, they can keep odors, and this can even start to show as mold on the ceiling or walls. That’s why it’s good to have a dehumidifier, which will help maintain an ideal relative humidity (RH) level in the home.
Keep in mind that the recommended RH is 50% during the summer months. Meanwhile, for the winter season an RH of 30% is acceptable, but pay attention to condensation building up on your windows. Knowing the types of dehumidifiers and how they will help you apply moisture-control techniques best suited for your home. Keep in mind that all heating devices in your house also influence the moisture in every room. Luckily, we have already talked at length about all the available products – just check them out and control the moisture in your basement.
Features to Look For If You Want to Buy the Best Dehumidifier for Basement
This depends on what you are looking for, but some units can and would be good to have:
- An internal pump – to operate continuously it pumps water nonstop vertically up to a water basket. Keep in mind that if you prefer this feature, a unit with a larger capacity will save you some trips to the basement to empty the bucket.
- Hose drain outlet – this is another variation of the pump. Here instead you have a basement dehumidifier with a hose drain outlet which will empty the water out of the unit to a drain of your choice. This is great because it won’t pour on your finished basement floor and you also don’t need to keep changing a bucket occasionally.
- A filter indicator- this is really useful because it shows you when the air filter needs to be washed
- An auto-humidistat – this makes the unit shut off and save energy when the required humidity level is attained. Meanwhile, before that, it senses what that moisture level around the device is.
- A low-temperature setting – this lets the dehumidifier work in low temperatures such as 41oF
- Auto-defrost – this doesn’t allow the unit to freeze in a freezing environment such as below 65 oF
- Auto-reset – this will enable you to restart the device to the previously saved settings if a power loss occurs.
You may also want to buy a home air quality test kit to asses the air quality of your basement.
Things to Consider to Buy a Dehumidifier for Basement
Noise
If you use your basement occasionally or it’s just completely finished, you wouldn’t want a device that interferes with the time you spend in this room. Imagine every time the dehumidifier comes on, and it suddenly becomes unbearable for you to stay in this room. If you invest in a quiet version, it will pay off with a peace of mind, even when it’s doing its job.
Size
We will get into more details about this later in our buying guide, but it is essential to mention it here because the right size of a dehumidifier is one of the more critical criteria. If you get a smaller unit than what the size of the room requires it won’t be able to keep up with the moisture in the air, and it will waste energy because it will always be working.
Room temperature
The temperature of the indoor space is to be considered, because a low-temperature area such as the basement, should get a dehumidifier, which is able to work efficiently in these circumstances. Otherwise, the coils of the device can freeze up.
Water collecting
In the features section, we briefly mentioned that there are different ways of obtaining water and then removing it from the device. Some models shut off when their bucket is full, this is something to keep in mind, because they won’t operate unless you take care of the collected liquid. You can direct it outdoors, by connecting the collection basket to a drain hose. For other situations, the water can be eliminated by being pumped upward, for that you need a condensation pump attachment.
Special features
Apart from the features we already mentioned, there some special ones, which you should ask yourself if you need any of them, ducting being one of them. A lot of models allow ducting, this lets them dehumidify more than one space simultaneously. This also allows you to hide the unit in a closet or another room. Some other examples of such special features are remote or digital controls, caster wheels or handles for easy mobility, humidistats, integrated timers, and internal condensate pumps.
Sizing Capacity for Your Basement
It’s only logical to say that when you are picking a good quality dehumidifier, it should be one that fits the space where it will operate. However, now we will also tell you how to find what size dehumidifier for a basement is best in your case.
It is required to know the square footage of the room you will put it in and have an idea of space’s moisture levels. If you don’t know these levels, there is a way to measure the humidity in a house. Know that the drying capacity of a dehumidifier is measured by how many pints of water it can liquidate from the air within 24 hours.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) sets the standards for sizing the units in a way that matches the needs of homeowners. That’s why a lot of manufacturers have a printed sizing chart, which is really easy to understand, on the packaging of their device. This will additionally help you pick the right size for your particular space. If you don’t see such a chart of the model you are considering, ask a sales clerk for the AHAM Selection Guide.
Overall we recommend you buy a unit with a higher capacity, instead of getting one that can end up being too small. A smaller dehumidifier will need to run uninterruptedly and still not bring down to optimal levels the humidity. Another advantage of getting yourself a bigger unit is that it will be able to handle rooms that have clothes drying or dishwashers in them, and these are things that add more moisture to the air.
Something else to consider is that if there is humidity outside, then the indoor moisture levels will increase as well. This means that if you are in a region, where such weather occurs all the time, investing in a higher capacity humidifier than what the size of the room indicates can be worth it. If you live in such a humid climate, in the long run, it would be worth it to get a permanent basement humidifier. Because it’ll be used very often and it can save you space, if you mount or hide it somewhere, instead of having this device taking up space in your room.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
To remove moisture from a specific area an air fan-forced over coolant-filled coils. This is the primary system, but depending on the model, the condensed condensation can then drip from the coils into a basin/bucket, or it can be pumped out of the device. At the back, the dried air is let out back into the room.
What Kind of Dehumidifier Suits my Basement?
Usually, people would go for a standard mechanical/refrigerant (compressor) dehumidifier when it comes to a basement. However, something relevant to keep in mind is the temperature of that space, if it’s below 65 degrees, it will be more efficient if you get a device with an anti-frost sensor. The reason why this can help so much is that frost can decrease the performance of the unit, by causing the compressor to turn on and off without actually removing moisture from the air. Having a group that is connected to a hose also helps a lot when it comes to basements because they have long humid periods and with this, you don’t need to empty a bucket and keep an eye at it. It works continuously.
Refrigerant and Desiccant Type
We will take a quick look at these two main types of devices, because they work differently, with different technology.
Refrigerant/ compressor dehumidifiers
They meet the warm, humid air with a cold surface, this way condensation forms and drips down to a water bucket/tank. They are a prevalent type. Because they use a cold system, they are efficient in rooms that are already hot, this is why we recommend you check the temperature of your basement or other room you will be placing the device in beforehand. Otherwise, if you use them in a cold room, the coils inside the unit will freeze, but they are some models that do work even in such a climate.
Desiccant dehumidifiers
Here the system of the desiccant uses an absorbent material, similar to a sponge, to extract water from humid air. The unit has an internal heater that regenerates it, and the moisture drips down into a water condenser. They are the opposite of the refrigerant because they work effectively in colder temperatures, such as 15OC or less. If a room is unheated or out of the house, a desiccant will do the job.
FAQ
Now we are going to meet you with a few questions that are asked frequently.
Q: What exactly does a dehumidifier do?
A: People use a dehumidifier to help deal with moisture problems in your home. They are made to pull damp, sticky air into itself, cool it, and condense the moisture, then it redistributes the drier, worked on air back into the surrounding thanks to a fan.
Q: Where does the water go?
A: There are two typical ways to empty the collected moisture from inside the unit: either manually empty the bucket every time it’s full or uses gravity drain to direct the collective to a nearby drain.
Q: How do I choose the appropriate dehumidifier for my moisture problem?
A: It can be a tricky process finding such a device while thinking about capacity, consumer need, cost, device placement and so much more.
- Capacity
One of the key things to figure out is how much moisture you need to remove and within how much space. Models usually go into one of these four categories based on volume.- Small: They remove about 25 pints of excess humidity in your environment within 24 hours. They are recommended for small, damp spaces.
- Medium: They go up to 45 to 50 pints of moisture per day, these devices produce excellent results in the medium to large-sized spaces.
- Large: These can remove up to 75 pints of moisture for 24 hours, and can deal with a broader variety of problems with humidity, such as extremely wet to damp conditions.
- Whole-House: Some models can work on a whole house, they are integrated with a home’s existing HVAC system. A lot of them can remove humidity in areas as big as 3,000 square feet.
This is a good and accurate way to describe these types of humidifiers, no matter their volume, but you can also group them in just ‘single room devices.’
- Type of Room
The volume of the device isn’t the only thing you have to think about, the kind of room you will place it in matters just as much, and there are some specific models based on that:- Crawl space units are made to tackle with small tight crawl areas.
- Indoor pool devices help deal with the moisture in the air from the swimming pool, this makes the surroundings more comfortable and helps to deal with damage to the construction of the building.
- Water damage restoration dehumidifiers work well when you need to clean up and recover after flooding.
- Industrial units aren’t recommended for household use, they are for manufacturing settings and buildings such as warehouses. These commercial type can protect your storage from any moisture damage as well as provide and maintain comfort for employees.
Q: How do I get rid of the water collected by my dehumidifier?
A: It is handy to know how to empty a dehumidifier, but it does vary on the type of water removal system you have. For smaller stuff, a device that collects moisture in a bucket is a good option.
If you need a larger unit and/or you don’t want to keep an eye on the water collector and then empty it out, a device that offers continuous drain capability can be more useful. There’s a variety of models that have longer drain tubes, this allows you to direct the collected liquid to a basement drain or outside of a window. Some dehumidifiers can also have an external condensate pump.
Q: Where should I place my dehumidifier?
A: This is actually an excellent and vital question. Where you will place your dehumidifier can really influence its performance. Usually, people put these devices in rooms with a higher level of humidity such as basements, laundry rooms, crawl spaces or indoor pool areas. However, some models can be placed anywhere from single bedrooms to warehouses.
Once you have decided which area needs such a unit, narrow it down to a specific part of that space where you will physically place the dehumidifier. Most manufacturers recommend you put the device at around six inches away from structures that may obstruct air flowing in and out of it. If you can’t go around that and you have to place it close to a wall, think about getting a device with multiple placement options.
If for instance you want to place your device in your basement and you want it to cover the whole room, it would be perfect for putting it in the center of that space. When you put it in a location central to the area where a problem occurs, it will allow it to work most finely and efficiently, pulling unprocessed humid air, meanwhile spreading processed dry air in the whole area.
Q: Are there other ways to reduce moisture in my home?
A: Dehumidifiers are indeed the most efficient in doing this job, but there are some moisture-reducing tips to keep humidity levels healthy in your house.
- Any faulty piper, clogged gutters, just any kind of leaks or seepage in or around your home, should be repaired.
- Make sure that exhaust hoses on appliances such as dryers are correctly routed to exhaust warm air outside your house.
- Every time you use the kitchen or bathroom make sure you use the exhaust fans, they will help quickly remove any unneeded moisture at the source.
- Air out your home often, this is a natural way of getting rid of odors, moisture and boosts your home with fresh airflow.
Q: What kind of dehumidifiers are there?
A: There are three main types: compressor, desiccant, and thermo-electric. The latter two have some problems, and they are slow and don’t perform well in a lot of homes. The most commonly found and used is the compressor type, and it is usually the best out of them for residential purposes.
Read on to find the best tent air conditioners and fans for camping.
Don’t forget to check out our ventless air conditioner reviews post to discover the top-rated products.
Wrap Up
Congratulations, friends, you have arrived at the end of our buying guide to finding the best dehumidifier for the basement. When it comes to dehumidifiers, finding a reliable dehumidifier can get a bit difficult, that’s why we have gathered some helpful information, entertaining tips, and the top reviews of dehumidifiers for basements in one place.
We really hope that you have enjoyed reading our piece, and, of course, that you have found it useful. If that is true, share this buying guide with others as they may also like it. Having feedback from our readers always makes us smile, so if there is anything you would like to tell us, leave a comment or send us an email.
Using reliable products is essential, that’s why our team has many other articles devoted to finding the most suitable units for your needs. Don’t hesitate to go check them out as well! Thanks for reading, and as always- stay put!