Having a basement can be a great addition to your home. There’s all that extra storage space, or you could even use it as a spare bedroom or living area.
Unfortunately, basements often get very little sunlight, if any at all. This makes them a breeding ground for moisture, dampness and humidity.
Your basement may not immediately appear to suffer from excess moisture. Common signs include the following:
- Persistent coughing or increase in allergies
- Visible mold and mildew
- Damp or musty smells
- More spiders, silverfish and moths.
Luckily, the right dehumidifier can significantly reduce these problems, improving the health and well-being of you and your family. They draw warm air currents via a fan through refrigerated coils. Any condensation is kept inside the unit, and cool, dry air is released back into the room.
We’ve tested our fair share of dehumidifiers and know what to look for when recommending units for your needs.
Here’s what we looked for when making our selections:
- Basement size – An average basement in the United States is between 500-100 square feet, but many basements can be upwards of 2000 square feet. Large basements often require much bigger and more powerful dehumidifiers than most sold to consumers for smaller rooms such as a bedroom. Those with huge basements must get a dehumidifier that can remove at least 70 pints per day. For those with very humid conditions, you may need a specially designed commercial unit that can pull over 100 pints but could cost upwards of $500. Our list has options to fit all sizes.
- Pumps or gravity drain hoses – You may want to run it continuously without emptying the water bucket. If your water hose has to go up higher than the machine, you will need to choose a unit that comes with a pump, but if you are higher than the location you want to pump water, you can save money and complexity with a gravity drain hose.
- Power – Basements are generally the most damp environment in the home, which is why the dehumidifiers on our list are some of the most powerful at removing water on the market.
Top 3 best basement dehumidifiers
If you don’t want to read the entire article with the full list, then check out what we think are the three best dehumidifiers for the basement:
1. Best budget option: hOmeLabs 4000 Sq. Ft with pump
“If you want to keep your basement dry without spending too much money, this dehumidifier should be at the top of your list.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
This is one of Amazon’s most popular large dehumidifiers, for good reason. It brings a pump and can remove 50 pints of water daily for less than $250. When we tested this unit in our home, we were impressed with the pump power, allowing us to move the water upwards and out of our home without changing the bucket.
It’s quiet too. While all dehumidifiers run pretty loud compared to other home gadgets, we saw a max of 53dB at full power for this unit, which is much quieter than competitors.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Water removal in 24 hours (2019 DOE Standard): | 50 pints |
| Water tank capacity: | 7 pints |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 4000 Sq. Ft. |
| Noise level full power: | 53dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 11.75″D x 15.75″W x 25.3″H |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 42.50 lbs |
| Energy consumption: | 520 watts or $44 per month |
2. Best smart option: Frigidaire FGAC5044W1
“The Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 Dehumidifier is a well-made unit produced by one of the most trusted manufacturing brands in the U.S. It’s also a good option for those looking for a unit with smart features they can control remotely.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
This dehumidifier comes from a US Company founded over 100 years ago, and you get many brand benefits when you choose Frigidaire.
This 50-pint capable dehumidifier has many extra features not generally seen on a dehumidifier, including WIFI and an onboard ionizer. While it might feel strange to have WIFI capabilities on a device like a dehumidifier, it’s fantastic that you can check in from anywhere worldwide to see that your basement moisture is being removed.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| Feature | Description |
| Dehumidification Capacity | 50 PPD (Pints per Day) |
| Coverage Area | They don’t provide but we think this size would be useful up to 2600 sq ft |
| Built-In Humidity Sensor | Yes, Relative Humidity Minimum: 35%, Maximum: 85% |
| Filter | Clean Air Ionizer, Filter Check Indicator |
| Airflow | Air CFM (Low): 167, (Med): 194, (High): 229 CFM |
| Sound Level | Noise Level dBA (Low): 47, (Med): 49, (High): 51 |
| Warranty | 1 Year for Parts and Labor and 2-5 years for sealed system parts. |
3. Best warranty: Honeywell TP70WKN
“As with any issues relating to your air, try to ventilate your house as much as possible, especially when using VOC-heavy chemicals like paint stripping or cleaning products. Open doors and windows to get more air moving inside your home.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
We were impressed with the build quality of the smaller Honeywell 30-pint version without smart features. This version can remove up to 70 pints (50 pints per latest 2019 test) and has smart features similar to the Frigidaire device above, which is helpful for units that won’t be in a regularly used room.
Honeywell is another big US appliance brand set up in 1906 as a Fortune 100 company with $37 billion in revenue last year. The build quality is good, and I love the chunky handle they used to make moving it easier.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| Feature | Description |
| Dehumidification Capacity | 70 Pint (50 Pint 2019 DOE Standard) |
| Coverage Area | Up to 4,000 sq.ft |
| Built-In Humidity Sensor | Smart Digital Humidistat control |
| Adjustable Feet And Handle | Heavy-Duty Handle can withstand up to 150 lbs. |
| Filter | Washable Dust Filter and Filter Clean Alert |
| Auto-Diagnosis System | Full Tank Alert System with Automatic Shut-Off |
| Construction Material | Not Provided |
| Airflow | 185 CFM |
| Sound Level | Min dBA: 51 dBA |
| Power Consumption | 710 Watts |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
4. Best for large basements: Moiswell 145 with Pump
“Unlike the other dehumidifiers on our list, this device is much smaller considering how much water it can remove and, for those with extensive basements in humid conditions, the extra investment that comes with a device like this..”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
Sometimes you will need to go beyond standard dehumidifier designs used in typical rooms, that’s where this commercial humidifier comes in.
Commercial dehumidifiers are usually attached to the floor joists and provide many more dehumidification levels; this Moisewell 145 removed 145 pints per day and included a pump so water can be moved against gravity to a drain.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Water it can remove in a day: | 145 pints |
| Recommended room size: | 6000 sq. ft. (557 mᶟ) |
| Water tank capacity: | No tank, option for gravity drain hose, internal pump and external pump |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 19.2″D x 12.2″W x 13.3″ H (48.76 D x 30.98 W x 33.78H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 70 lbs (31.75 kg) |
| Noise levels: | 58 dB max |
| Other features: | All three sizes come with a continuous hose. Recommended for those looking to keep their humidifier running all the time. |
| Warranty: | 5 years |
What to look for when buying a dehumidifier for your basement
Basements are nearly always the most humid part of any house. The problem is that humidity passed a certain threshold is dangerous and causes mold and wood to rot. A dehumidifier is key in the fight against these issues, but how to choose the right one for you?
Here’s what you should pay attention to before you settle for a specific dehumidifier:
1. Your basement size. A large basement requires a much bigger and more powerful dehumidifier that can remove at least 70 pints daily. For those with very humid conditions, you may need a specially designed commercial unit that can pull over 100 pints but will cost upwards of $500.
2. Pumps or gravity drain hoses? You will want to run your dehumidifier continuously without emptying the water bucket, so only look at units with a hose for your basement. If your water hose has to go higher than the machine, you will need a unit that comes with a pump, but if you are higher than the location you want to pump water, you can save money with a gravity drain.
3. The need for a smart mode. Many modern dehumidifiers can connect via an app to see how it’s running and the level of humidity in your basement. While not a requirement, it’s a worthy addition as it will mean you can control your unit from anywhere.
4. Availability of low-temperature setting. Compressor-based dehumidifiers are great for basements but require this feature to run as low as 41F. This is important, especially if you have freezing winters.
5. Ducting. Not required in all situations, but whole-house style units can be connected to existing ducting and you can run the dehumidifier in a different location to the space you want to dehumidify.
6. Associated noise levels. As dehumidifiers are run directly below the floor, you’ll want to keep the noise level to a minimum. Be wary of any units that ensure 0dB.
7. Expected electricity consumption. Dehumidifiers can use a large amount of electricity, particularly huge units that can remove lots of water. Look for units with a good ratio of watt usage to water removal (ppd).
Common questions about dehumidifiers and basements
It depends on individual preference, but you can choose from 35%-55%, as anything over 60% will lead to mold.
Be aware that the lower the humidity level you set, the more electricity you will use, so try to find a comfortable humidity without leading to an expensive electricity bill at the end.
In the winter, try to ventilate your space if your outside air is dry. In summer, keep all windows closed.
A high-powered dehumidifier can do a great job of removing water from even the largest basements. However, you will still want to look at any other issues that are causing the dampness, so be sure to regularly clean gutters and make sure outside drains are free of any blockage and look at other possible solutions.
Simply put, a dehumidifier removes moisture and humidity from the air. To do this, the dehumidifier will suck in warm air with its fan, and as that air goes through the refrigerated coils in the unit, it contracts.
This process leaves behind condensation that will collect steadily over time, falling into an attached collection bin on the dehumidifier. From there, the unit will release cooler and drier air from a different side.
Besides the moisture, humidity is cut down as well. This is because the dehumidifier minimizes water vapor, and since humidity measures airborne water vapor, its levels should be reduced.
Since a dehumidifier can remove or reduce moisture in the air, it can help prevent mold and mildew from growing in the first place. However, if you already have these issues in your home, a dehumidifier cannot remove them. Instead, they can control the growth so that it doesn’t spread quickly before you can remove it yourself.
Dehumidifiers can reduce mugginess in the air, making breathing easier. By doing this, the chance of mold and mildew growth reduces, but it can also reduce allergens and any household pests like silverfish that thrive in high-moisture environments. But importantly, dehumidifiers can’t remove mold that is already in the air, so be sure to look at what we think is the best air purifier for mold that should be used once you have achieved at least 55% humidity.
Detecting higher moisture levels isn’t always simple unless you purchase a device like a hygrometer that measures humidity levels.
Without that, there are several factors to look out for that can indicate a dehumidifier will benefit your home:
Wrapping up
It could be the changing of weather, or you’ve recently experienced heavy rainfall, but no matter the cause, excessive moisture in the air can be damaging to your home and health. A dehumidifier in your basement can put the air in your home back on track.
By reducing moisture and humidity levels, there’s less of a chance mold, and mildew can grow and wreak havoc on your items and health. It can also help reduce the invasion of unwanted small pests like insects that need high moisture areas.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
