A basement can be one of your favourite spaces in a home.
Moisture problems in basements are quite common. They cause discomfort and pose a health risk. Your situation is not entirely unsolvable. If you are dealing with excess moisture, this article will discuss the best dehumidifiers for basement.
We’ll cover energy efficiency, moisture capacity, and room performance. We’ll also discuss the noise level as some of them can be very loud to use with someone else in the room.
Dehumidifier Comparison of 2021
| Product Name | Drying Capacity per Day | Water Tank Capacity | Check Price | |
| Vremi | 50 pints | 1.8 gallons | Check Price | |
| TOSOT | 70 pints | 2 gallons | Check Price | |
| Ivation | 70 pints | 2.25 gallons | Check Price | |
| Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 | 70 pints | 1.6 gallons | Check Price | |
| hOmeLabs | 50 pints | 1.8 gallons | Check Price | |
| Inofia | 30 pints | 0.5 gallon | Check Price | |
| Honeywell TP70WKN | 70 pints | 1.6 gallons | Check Price |
Best Dehumidifier for Basement Reviews
1. Vremi 4500 SQ. Ft. Dehumidifier – Best for Medium to Large-Sized Basements
With the arrival of summer, your basement may seem more humid and mustier than ever. That’s why you need an efficient dehumidifier. The Vremi 50-pint model is designed to fit in with wet areas like the basement. It can remove up to 50 pints of moisture per day in spaces up to 4500 sq. ft.
This dehumidifier features a removable water tank with a 1.8-gallon capacity. You can also connect a hose for continuous draining. Vremi uses a gravity-assisted drain. It needs to be above the ground for the continuous drain to work effectively.
This unit is energy star certified. Apart from saving you some bucks in energy bills, it also ensures that your AC is not overburdened. It effectively removes moisture and purifies the air so that the basement and other areas are pleasant and comfortable.
When it comes to using Vremi, all it needs is plugging in the 6ft. cord. Set the moisture setting and the unit will run a full 24-hour cycle. After that, you can turn off the continuous mode so that you can change the humidity level.
Overall, Vremi is a portable dehumidifier designed for medium to large spaces. It is reliable in protecting your basement from mold, mildew, dust, and allergens. The unit also works quietly at only 48 decibels at its highest setting.
Pros
- Four wheels for easy mobility
- Auto shut off feature
- The filter needs cleaning only once a month
Cons
- A bit heavy at 44 pounds
2. TOSOT 70-Pint Dehumidifier – Best Dehumidifier with Pump
Most dehumidifiers rely on gravity for continuous operation. But TOSOT comes with an internal pump to eliminate the hassle. It includes a drain hose that can drain water continuously in any direction up to 15ft.
This unit can remove 70 pints of moisture per day. It is capable of dehumidifying areas as large as 4500 sq. ft. It is energy star rated and meets UL safety standards. It runs at only 48 decibels which is lower than having a normal conversation in the house. With closed doors, you’ll never have to deal with any fan noise coming from the unit.
An interesting feature of this dehumidifier is the auto-reset. It means the machine will start where it stopped after a power outage. You get a digital display to easily input the settings. The inbuilt humidistat allows the unit to work according to the humidity levels of the area surrounding it. It means energy is not wasted when the desired humidity level is achieved.
We like that you can time it to dehumidify every two or four hours. It also has a delay mode and a continuous mode. TOSOT may cost a few bucks more than other brands. But it showcases conveniences omitted in other models.
Pros
- Internal pump
- Touch panel controls
- 2-gallon water tank capacity
- Auto-reset
Cons
- A bit pricey
3. Ivation 70-Pint Dehumidifier – Best with Programmable Humidistat
The Ivation 70-pint dehumidifier is another nice option for basement mold control. It can pull 70 pints of moisture from the air every 24 hours. This moderately sized unit won’t be an eyesore if your basement doubles as a living space. It has a sleek exterior with a bright LED display.
This system can dehumidify basements up to 4500 sq. ft. The LCD screen hosts the humidity level meter. You can easily see the humidity level instead of buying an independent humidistat. Also, on the LCD interface, you will be able to adjust the humidity level as well as the fan speed. It provides regular and turbo fan speeds.
Ivation comes with a 2.25-gallon water reservoir. The reservoir has a transparent water level indicator and comfortable handles. You also get a gravity-fed drain option for continuous operation. This model also features auto-reset and auto shut-off features.
It will start where it shut off when the power is out. And it shuts off automatically when the reservoir fills up. Knowing it is energy star certified makes it all the more ideal for a large basement.
Pros
- Frost sensor protects the coils
- Auto-restart saves settings
- 24-hour programmable timer
- Water level sensor
Cons
- Does not include hose for continuous drain connection
- Loud for its size
4. Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 70-Pint Dehumidifier – Best with Low-Temperature Operation
Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 is one of the most sought dehumidifiers on the market. It does not only have a large drying capability, but it also has convenient features. It does exactly what it was designed to do. It removes excess moisture from the air and makes your indoors comfortable.
The machine boasts a high-quality hygrometer. It allows the machine to cycle through the desired humidity levels accurately. The humidity controller can be adjusted in increments of 5%. It also has a timer that is easy to adjust is one-hour or half-hour increments.
Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 has three fan speeds. Unlike two like its previous FAD704DWD version. It is energy star rated. However, its power draw is still a bit higher than in other 70-pint dehumidifiers. That is; the unit draws around 42 watts more power at 50% relative humidity.
It may explain why it can dehumidify a basement much faster than units in its class.
For its high moisture removal rate, Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 has earned a place as one of the best options for the money.
Pros
- Clearly marked settings for easy setup
- Can operate in low temperatures
- High-quality components
Cons
- It does not have an auto mode
- Noisier than other 70-pint units on this list
5. hOmeLabs 50-Pint Dehumidifier – Best Portable Option
hOmeLabs 50-Pint dehumidifier has nailed everything there is about a large-space dehumidifier. It is a pleasant model that will not take away the beauty of a nice-looking basement. The model features a clean design that includes casters for easy mobility.
With a 50ppd drying capacity, you have every reason to pick it for a medium to large basement, up to 4000 sq. ft. The reason it’s a best seller is that it does not emit lots of noise. It can even be a source of white noise if you so desire.
Some of its convenient features include a 24-hour timer, defrost, auto shut off, a turbo mode, and restart. All the settings are easily accessed on a touch panel. Its 1.8-gallon water tank means you have to empty it after a couple of hours. But it also supports continuous drain by setting it near a convenient drain and using a hose.
Seeing that hOmeLabs is not a cumbersome unit, it opens up possibilities for using it in any other room. It is easy to use and a definite choice in high humidity conditions
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Sturdily built-in handles and casters
- Easy to use settings
- Runs fast and quietly
Cons
- It does not include the drain hose
6. Inofia Mid-Size Dehumidifier – Best 30-Pint Dehumidifier
If you have modest needs and your basement is barely 1000 sq. ft, no need to go for a large-sized dehumidifier. Inofia 30-pint model can do the job just fine. This unit follows through with a neutral color to fit in with any décor. It has a decent water removal capacity of 30 pints per day.
This system is compact yet powerful. It comes with a 0.5-gallon water reservoir. For its size, you will not be emptying the water tank as often. The tank displays when it’s full. And if emptying is a constant struggle, it also offers a drain hose connection.
Perhaps the best feature of Inofia is its accurate humidity control. It continuously adjusts the humidity value to that of its surroundings. This way, it can cycle accurately. The machine allows you to set the humidity using an LED control panel. There’s also a speed button to toggle through the 2-fan speed settings.
With the timer, you can set this machine to run at convenient times. And because it runs at only 46 decibels, guests can sleep even when it is operating.
Pros
- Weighs only 25 pounds
- Allows manual and automatic drainage
- 1-year warranty and lifetime tech support
Cons
- It is not Energy Star Rated
7. Honeywell TP70WKN 70-Pint Dehumidifier
Honeywell TP70WKN showcases exceptional performance in very damp and wet basements. The unit can remove an incredible 70 pints of water vapor from the air. It is energy efficient and compares well to other 70-pint dehumidifiers. With a noise level of 51 decibels, many people agree it won’t be a disturbance. The lowest setting has a 50dB noise output.
You may want to set the 24-hour timer so that it does most of the work when you are not using the basement. But for most people who never use their basement, you’ll never remember it is in operation.
Honeywell TP70WKN has an adjustable humidistat. It can be adjusted in increments of 5%. You can set the humidity as low as 30% relative humidity. In this mode, the unit will run continuously which makes up for the fact that it lacks an auto or continuous mode.
We do like that it has a defrost feature. Although it is not automatic, it tells you when to turn off the machine once the temperatures hit 41F. It saves you energy and spares the coils from freezing.
Pros
- Uses a smart digital humidistat
- It has a sleep mode and auto restart
- Features a heavy-duty handle and wheels
- Includes splash guards in the water tank
Cons
- Defrost mode does not turn off the unit automatically
Why Do You Need Dehumidifier?
In spring and summer, most people complain about discomfort caused by increased levels of humidity. For some, it may because of the weather outside. Or moisture coming from stovetop cooking and drying laundry inside the house.
What is Humidity?
Why should you give a moment’s thought about indoor air quality?
Humidity is one of the most common issues discussed when we talk about the quality of air inside your house. It is defined as the number of water molecules present in the air. That’s why we say, air contains water.
Indoor Humidity Matters
The amount of water vapor in air changes when the temperature changes. Warm air holds more water than cool air. That’s why we often complain about the high humidity in summer. When the air is totally saturated, we say the relative humidity is 100%.
As such it cannot hold more air. In such conditions, it is likely to rain outside. But indoors, it presents a whole set of problems. First, it makes it hard for the body to lose water through sweating. Second, it makes the air feel musty and stuffy.
High indoor humidity causes structural problems. You will notice mold growing on walls, cupboards, wall units, etc.
You may see wet stains on walls and ceilings or even rotting wood. Excessive humidity poses a health risk to your household. According to Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), relative humidity of above 50% increases the survival of airborne infectious bacteria and viruses.
The high relative humidity is not good for computers and electronics. It can cause rusty components and short circuits. Lastly, excessive indoor humidity overburdens your AC. When there’s too much moisture in the air, your air conditioner has to work extra hard to achieve the ideal environment inside your home.
Ideally, you should aim for a relative humidity of around 30-50%. If this range is difficult to achieve, then it’s important to invest in a good dehumidifier.
How do they work?
Dehumidifiers regulate the amount of moisture in the air. They pull the gaseous water into their system and then convert it into liquid water. There are two ways a dehumidifier can achieve this.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
A refrigerant dehumidifier has five major components to regulate humidity.
Fan- it draws water vapor from the room into the dehumidifier
Fan Compressor- It expands and compresses the refrigerant in the process of cooling the dehumidifier’s coils.
Cooling coils – They contain the refrigerant. The coils are cooler than the air. The condense the water vapor and convert them into water droplets. They work using the principle that cool air cannot hold as much water vapor as warm air.
Reheater- As the water vapor is condensed, heat is generated. The reheater captures the heat and releases it into the dehumidified air before it is restored to the room.
Reservoir- The water droplets collect into the reservoir. It is a container or a drip pan that needs to be emptied from time to time. If you constantly forget, you can connect the dehumidifier directly to a drain.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
These dehumidifiers do not use condensation to remove excess moisture from the air. They use a chemical (the desiccant) to adsorb/absorb moisture from the air.
There are different types of desiccant dehumidifiers. They range from disposable ones like the silica gel that comes in a new pair of shoes. To consumer and commercial-grade desiccant dehumidifiers.
A consumer-grade desiccant adsorbs moisture. It can also release it back into the air when it’s heated. This type of dehumidifier consists of a large rotating drum. The drum removes moisture from the air as the air is drawn into the system.
It also consists of a condenser to turn the water vapor into liquid water. A heater reheats the air and a blower exhausts the air back into the room.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Basement Dehumidifier
By now, you’ve already seen the tell-tale signs of a basement in need of a dehumidifier. Here’s what to consider before you pick a model.
Drying Capacity
Consider the level of humidity in your basement. You can know this by measuring the basement’s humidity using a room humidity monitor. The amount of moisture a dehumidifier can pull is measured in pints per 24 hours of continuous use.
The drying capacity goes hand in hand with the dehumidifier’s size. After you know the basement’s moisture levels, next is its size in square feet.
That is why dehumidifiers come with a sizing chart. It allows you to match the dehumidifier to your room size. Some models can remove as much as 140 pints of water a day in 60% relative humidity and 80 degrees temperature.
In basements, the sizing chart may not be a straightforward method of knowing the ideal model to pick. This is because the chart does not consider the height of the basement. If you are dealing with a large space with ample airflow, you may not need an ultra-big dehumidifier.
This is because the airflow is good and the dehumidifier’s work becomes easier. It is better to go with a higher capacity model than your area size recommendations.
Here’s a brief chart showcasing the drying capacity of dehumidifiers.
Standard conditions are where the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity is 60%. A large-capacity model in such conditions is rated for 50-75 pints per day. Medium capacity is rated for 45-50 pints per day. While a small capacity machine has a drying capacity of 45 pints per day or less.
Efficiency
Your machine consumes energy to regulate humidity. The energy performance is the drying capacity of a dehumidifier in an hour versus the amount of energy it consumes to remove that much water.
Look for dehumidifiers with the Energy Star label.
Water Capacity
How much water can a dehumidifier store in its drain container?
Some models come with small tubs that need changing every few hours. Others have a self-draining feature where you can connect a hose to an outside drain.
This way, you will never need to empty a drain container. Some double as air conditioners. In this case, the dehumidifier has an evaporation feature. It removes the water instead of connecting to a drain pipe.
Machines that have the latter convenience are more expensive than those that need emptying.
Noise Level
When looking at indoor comfort, noise is something you don’t want to deal with in a dehumidifier. You’ll want to look at dehumidifiers that do not give off too much noise. You can test the noise level at the store or read reviews when buying online.
Indoor Temperature and Range
Basements tend to be colder in winter.
And dehumidifiers are affected by indoor temperature. Most dehumidifiers give off air at 30% relative humidity. When the temperature is at 70 degrees or higher, a dehumidifier can reduce moisture to 35-40% relative humidity.
As the temperature drops, the dehumidifier will not be working as hard as it should. Most of them only work in temperatures above 65F. Otherwise, water freezes on the condenser coils.
If you plan on using a dehumidifier in winter, it’s better to pick a low-temperature model. This type of unit can work in temperatures as low as 41F. If you pick a regular dehumidifier, it will only work when the temperature is optimal.
Features to look for in a Dehumidifier
Automated Controls
Automated controls are desirable in a dehumidifier. They monitor and set the relative humidity levels. An auto humidistat can sense the humidity level around the dehumidifier. It automatically shuts off the machine once the ideal humidity level is achieved. This feature helps to save energy.
A built-in hygrometer is another nice feature. It measures the relative humidity and lets you see the number on the display.
Direct Drain
Dehumidifiers automatically shut off once the drain container fills up. It means the unit will not be operational for the hours you are not available to empty it. instead, opt for a direct drain that feeds water outside through gravity. This way, it can always be operational even when you are not around.
Internal pump
It automatically pumps water down so that you don’t have to place the unit in a high place.
Defrost Feature
As we said, dehumidifiers are designed to work above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. An auto defrost feature prevents the coils from freezing. Remember that ice can damage the coils and cut their lifespan.
Filter Indicator
It tells you when it’s time to wash the filters. Cleaning the filter is part of maintaining the dehumidifier. This way, it can work in good condition for a long time. Go for washable filters. They spare you the expenses from constant replacements.
Auto-Reset
The dehumidifier resumes operation from its previous setting after a power outage. Or after auto shuts off when the tank is full.
What kind of dehumidifiers are there?
Dehumidifiers are identified by the way they work and by their size.
Refrigerator-Style Dehumidifiers
This is the most common type of dehumidifier used in homes. It takes in the humid air, removes the moisture from the air by cooling it, and releases the air back into the room. This type of dehumidifier is a top seller as it has proved effective.
Well, until you try to use it when it is extremely cold. The unit relies on condensers to cool the air. If the air extremely cold, the cooling coils freeze. Thus, they are only ideal in a typical environment where the air is warm.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
This type of dehumidifier does not depend on a refrigerant to cool the air. The air is simply passed over a desiccant chemical which absorbs the moisture. That’s why it is capable of working in subzero temperatures.
Desiccant dehumidifiers range in size from small packets to large commercial-grade models.
Whole House Dehumidifiers
You may pick a small dehumidifier for the basement. But if you are dealing with moisture all-around your home, it’s time you picked a whole-house dehumidifier. These dehumidifiers are not plug-and-play. They require professional installation.
They connect to the existing ductwork of your home or that of the air conditioning system.
Portable Dehumidifiers
These are the most common dehumidifiers for medium-sized rooms. They don’t need professional installation. You just plug it in and it’s ready to do the job.
Portable dehumidifiers are quite affordable. The only thing you need to do is wash the filters and have a reliable way of draining the water it collects. And, remember to match its drying capacity to your needs.
Mini Dehumidifiers
For small spaces, you are better off with a mini dehumidifier. We are talking closets, bedrooms, nurseries, and cramped spaces. These models are inexpensive. They are capable of dehumidifying the spaces they are designed for. But because of their size, don’t expect much if you are dealing with excessive humidity.
FAQs
Q1. What exactly does a dehumidifier do?
Ans: This is a simple appliance designed to remove excess moisture from indoor air. It, in turn, makes that space comfortable and healthy for its occupants.
Q2. Where does the water collected go?
Ans: When a dehumidifier condenses water vapor into droplets, the liquid collects into a plastic tank. The container needs to be emptied or directed into a drain.
Q3. How do I choose the appropriate dehumidifier for my moisture problem?
Ans: Dehumidifiers are rated with their drying capacity and the area they can cover. You can use the chart we outlined above to identify your moisture problem. After that, you can match it to the right size dehumidifier.
Q4. Where should I place my dehumidifier?
Ans: The placement of a dehumidifier depends on lots of stuff. But the best position is in the center of the room. At the center, it can draw air and at the same time have access to utilities. As you do this, ensure that all the windows and doors are closed.
Dehumidifiers with a horizontal air discharge need at least 12 inches of space around it. But if it has a top discharge, you can go ahead and put it against a wall.
Q5. Are there other ways to reduce moisture in my home?
Ans: Reducing moisture is based on the typical cause of the moisture problem.
If water collects outside of the basement wall, you may have inadequate grading. As such, you will have to backfill the area with soil. Make sure the earth slopes away from the foundation wall. It is recommended to do this at an inch per foot for a minimum of six feet.
In other cases, your basement may lack a subsurface drainage system or the system doesn’t work. You may also have missing gutters or the window wells are not properly designed.
Overall, you are looking to remove internal moisture sources like clothes drying. And, fixing exterior moisture sources like surface water, downspouts, and gutters.
Dehumidifiers are not a permanent solution if the cause of the problem is not corrected.
Conclusion
The best dehumidifier for basement should be optimized for your needs. It should work effectively to remove excess moisture. And also prevent damage to the room and its contents. That’s why we’ve picked only the top-performing units capable of the job.
Remember that basements have higher humidity levels than other rooms in a home. Our top picks cover modest to extreme needs. They can remove 30 to 70 pints of moisture per day. You’ll also find models that can work in low temperatures like the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1.
We are hopeful that one of these brands will meet your dehumidifying needs.
