If you are a homeowner, there is no way around the fact that your basement is most likely a bit too moist for your liking. Basements, since they are below ground level, have a tendency to get quite wet, which can lead to all sorts of problems, like mold or mildew growing. This is, of course, quite dangerous, which is why you need to make sure that you have the best dehumidifier for basement possible. These wonderful appliances take the excess moisture from the air, making them an absolute necessity for any basement.
When we were looking for the best dehumidifier for a damp basement, we first looked at each model’s coverage area and dehumidification performance, since these are the best indicators to show how effective they will be. Next, we looked at the overall dimensions of each dehumidifier so that you would be able to find the right size model for your needs. Finally, we looked to see if they had a pump or not since this could be a limiting factor of where each appliance could be used.
We have spent tens of hours reading through hundreds of user reviews to find the best model to fit your needs. This research also allowed us to complete in-depth reviews of the best dehumidifiers on the market for basements. We also took the time to put together a detailed buying guide so that you can make sure that when you finally get your new dehumidifier that you are making an informed decision.
More features: Turbo mode; filter change reminder; 24-hour timer
When it comes to finding the best dehumidifier for your basement, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. First off, you should look for a model with a large coverage area, regardless of the size of your basement. That way, you will be sure that you will be able to remove the amount of moisture that you want to remove. Next, you need to be sure to find a model that has a high performance rating. You should also look for one that has a pump so that you can set it up anywhere and still run it continuously. If this is what you are looking for in a dehumidifier, then this just might be the right model for you.
This should not come as all that big of a surprise since hOmeLabs has been making quality dehumidifiers for a good long time. This model is no exception. Even though it isn’t overly large, this model has one of the best coverage areas on the market today. This large coverage area makes it an excellent choice for pretty much any size basement.
What really sets this model apart from its competitors, however, is just how much moisture it can pull out of the air. Even though it is easy to move and light enough to carry, this model can pull an impressive 70 pints of water out of the air a day. This high performance level makes it an excellent option for anyone with an excessively moist basement.
This model can also be used in many different modes. Since it has a built-in pump, you can use it in continuous mode, even if you are nowhere near a drain. This is probably the best way to use this model because it can be a bit tricky to empty the water tank if it is full. Of course, you can also allow it to drain continuously right into a drain as well if you happen to have one nearby.
More features: 5-year warranty; made in the USA
While the whole reason that you are reading through this article is to find a dehumidifier for your basement, that doesn’t mean you can’t think of the rest of your house as well. This whole-house dehumidifier is quite different from all of the others that we have on our list. Unlike freestanding dehumidifiers, this model actually needs to be installed into and is used in conjunction with your HVAC system. Basically, it hooks up to the air ducts in your home and dehumidifies the entire home, not just your basement.
The benefits of this type of system are numerous. First off, it will save you a ton of money on your cooling bill. Most of the time, even though it might be warm outside, it is actually the humidity in the air that is making your home feel warmer. If you remove that humidity, then your basement and home will be that much more comfortable. Once the humidity has been removed by this device, you won’t need to run your air conditioner quite as much, which could be a huge savings on your electric bill.
This model is also quite easy to install, as long as you can properly drain it. Once you have it hooked up to your ductwork and electrical panel, all you need to do is set the humidity to the level that you want, and it will do the rest. Even though this is a relatively compact dehumidifier, it still has the ability to remove a ton of water in one day’s time.
The only thing that you will need to take into account with this model is that it has a smaller coverage area than some other dehumidifiers. This is especially important in this case since you will be using it on more than just your basement. For that reason, you need to make sure to take the time to carefully measure and understand your square footage. Otherwise, it won’t work quite as well as you need it to.
More features: caster wheels; 1.6-gallon water tank
Sometimes it can be quite difficult to find the right size dehumidifier for your basement. There are so many different options out there that it can be overwhelming to find the one that has the coverage area that you need, without having to pay more than you want. Thankfully, this Vremi dehumidifier is a great all-around choice if you have a medium size basement. It has a coverage area of 4,500 square feet, which should be more than enough for all but the most gigantic of basements.
Not only does this model have a perfect coverage area for a mid-range basement, but it also has a good performance level for it as well. This model has the ability to remove about 50 pints of water per day from the air, which should be plenty as long as you don’t have an extremely wet basement.
The unit does not come with a pump, which could be a bit of a negative. Of course, it more than makes up for this fact because it has a very large tank. This tank is one of the biggest on the market and can hold up to 1.6 gallons of water before it needs to be emptied. Even during the humid, summer months, you shouldn’t have to empty this tank more than two or three times a day thanks to its larger than average size.
The only thing that you will need to keep in mind with this model is that it is very hard to move from place to place, especially if you want to move it up or downstairs. Since it has casters on the bottom, this dehumidifier is pretty easy to move around on one floor. The carry handle, however, is not very helpful when it comes to getting up a flight of stairs. Unlike other models that have a handle that lifts up, this dehumidifier only has a slot to grip. This small gripping space can be hard on your fingers, so it might be best to find the right spot for this model and keep it in place to save yourself the effort.
More features: 20-foot pump lifting system; remote control system; less than 58 dB of sound pressure level
If you are in the market for a heavy-duty dehumidifier that comes with a pump, then this just might be the right model for you. Though this model doesn’t have a very large coverage area, it has one of the best performance levels on the market today. With this dehumidifier, you can take a whopping 90 pints of moisture out of the air every single day. This high-performance level makes this a great option if you recently experienced flooding in your basement. With this model running continuously, even the wettest basements should dry out very quickly.
Since this dehumidifier is able to remove so much moisture every day, it is very important that it has a high-quality and reliable pump. Thankfully, that is just what it has. In fact, even if you are need to pump the water to a faraway drain, this model should be up to the task. Its pump is powerful enough to push the water it has pulled from the air up to 20 feet away, even if that means that it needs to go up 20 feet to do it.
Surprisingly, for how powerful this dehumidifier is, it is actually rather quiet. Even if you have it running continuously, it doesn’t get very loud. In fact, the highest sound rating that it will ever reach is about 58 dB, which is about as loud as a normal conversation. This model also comes with a remote control, so if it is a bit too loud while you are watching a show in your basement, you won’t need to get up to turn it down a bit.
The only thing that you will need to keep in mind with this device is that it gets quite warm when it is running continuously. While this shouldn’t be too much trouble in a larger space, it could heat up a smaller basement quickly, so keep this in mind before you make your final decision.
More features: real-time inlet and outlet temperature and humidity display
If you are lucky enough to own a larger home, then odds are that you have a larger than average basement. In that case, most of the dehumidifier models on the market are not going to do the job that you need them to do in an effective manner. This problem is even worse if your basement is extremely moist as well. If this is the problem that you are trying to rectify, then this just might be the right dehumidifier for the job.
This model has, by far, the biggest coverage area of any dehumidifier on the market. It can dehumidify an astounding 7,000 square feet, which makes it a great option for anyone that has a larger basement.
Not only does this appliance have a huge coverage area, but it also has a very high dehumidification performance level as well. With this dehumidifier, you will be able to pull about 80 pints of water out of the air each and every day. This appliance is also equipped with a powerful pump, which helps to make using it that much easier since you don’t need to worry about emptying it all of the time.
Something else that really stands out with this model is its easy-to-use controls and simple display. Plain and simple, there is absolutely no guesswork required when setting the humidity or reading the current moisture level in your basement. The humidistat is also extremely accurate, which makes this machine very efficient.
Of course, there is a bit of a downside that comes with this powerful performance. This model is quite loud, which might make it tricky to use near your television. Luckily, since this model has such a large coverage area, you should be able to put it somewhere out of the way so that the noise doesn’t affect you and your family too much.
More features: 2 fan speeds; adjustable humidistat
Buying a dehumidifier for your basement might seem like it is going to cost you a ton of money. For most models out there, that is, unfortunately, the case. Thankfully, even if you are on a tighter budget, you don’t need to just go without buying one. If you are looking to save a bit of money while still getting a high-quality machine, then this Haier dehumidifier just might be the right model for you. It is priced extremely fairly but is still a high-quality product made to get the job done correctly.
For starters, even though this is a relatively cheap model, it has an extremely accurate humidistat. No matter what humidity level you set it to, it will always get your basement to that exact level and then automatically shut off and only run again when it finds that the humidity has risen up again. This feature helps to make this an extremely energy-efficient model, which is, obviously, ideal.
The display and controls for this dehumidifier are also very easy to use. The display clearly shows the exact humidity level, and the controls are simple and direct, which makes adjusting the level that much easier. You also have the option to speed up or slow down the fan speed, which will speed up or slow down the dehumidification process based on what you need.
Of course, since this is a budget-friendly 30-pint dehumidifier, there are some small concessions that you will need to deal with should you purchase it. For instance, the bucket is quite small, which means that you will need to empty it more often than you would on some other models.
More features: Turbo mode; portable, quiet operation, sleep mode
The SIMSEN 95oz Dehumidifier is a high-efficiency appliance designed to create a comfortable and healthy living environment by effectively reducing humidity levels in spaces up to 720 square feet. This upgraded model boasts a double dehumidification condenser, capable of removing up to 34oz (1000ml) of moisture from the air per day in an 86°F and 80% RH environment. Its large 95oz (2800ml) water tank, coupled with a convenient drain hose, allows for continuous operation without the need for daily water disposal, making it an ideal solution for bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity areas.
Safety and convenience are at the forefront of the SIMSEN Dehumidifier’s design. It features an auto-off function that activates when the water tank is full, signaled by a red light to remind users to empty the tank. This ensures the dehumidifier is safe to use even when you’re not at home. Additionally, the device operates quietly, with a sleep mode that maintains a 30dB noise level for minimal disturbance. Two working modes cater to different needs, whether it’s high power for maximum efficiency or quiet operation for nighttime use.
The SIMSEN Dehumidifier also adds a touch of ambiance with its colorful, breathing atmosphere lights, which can be turned on or off as desired. When a particular color is preferred, simply pause the light cycle on the chosen hue to create a personalized atmosphere. This feature, along with its portable design, makes the dehumidifier a versatile addition to any room, including bedrooms, closets, and RVs. The company backs their product with a 60-day exchange and refund policy, a two-year warranty, and lifetime customer service and tech support.
More features: washable air filter; Energy Star certified; auto defrost
The last thing that you want to do if you have a smaller basement is overpay for a dehumidifier with a huge coverage area and performance level. While a larger model will certainly do the job, it might cost a bit more than you want to pay, which is obviously less than ideal. This model, however, is the perfect solution to this issue. If you have a smaller basement, it has just enough of a coverage area to get the job done correctly but isn’t so large or so expensive as to be beyond your budget.
Since this model would be best suited for a smaller basement, it certainly doesn’t need to have a high performance level. As such, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue that this dehumidifier can only filter out about 30 pints of moisture per day. This model’s tank is also on the smaller side, so this lower performance will help to limit the amount of times that you will need to empty it.
Even though this model doesn’t come with a pump, it still can be used on a continuous mode. You just need to be sure to have a drain nearby that it can empty into. One thing that can go wrong with constantly running a dehumidifier is that it could frost up, which could cause it to malfunction. Thankfully, this model comes equipped with an auto-defrost feature, which should prevent this from occurring.
Though this is an energy-efficient model, it still might run more than you want it to. This overrunning is due to the fact that the humidistat on this appliance is not terribly accurate. If you do choose to get this model, you need to be sure to set it about 5-10% lower than you actually want it to be. Otherwise, you won’t get the humidity level in your basement as low as you need it.
In this section, we will go through everything that you need to know to find the best dehumidifier for your basement possible. We have also taken the time to answer several frequently asked questions, so be sure to read through those as well if you have any further questions.
Basements are, unfortunately, prone to be quite moist places. Since they are underground, the moisture from the ground usually finds a way to seep into them, which can be a big problem in both the short and long term. If left unchecked, this moisture can cause mold, mildew, and fungus to grow inside or on the walls and floor of your basement. Not only will this end up causing an unpleasant smell, but it can also be hazardous to your family’s health as well.
Mold is one of the leading causes of upper respiratory issues in many people. It is especially hazardous for young children or older adults. Even if mold or mildew doesn’t form in your basement, the constant high humidity can also damage anything that you have stored there, such as important papers or furniture.
Thankfully, a dehumidifier can easily solve this problem. Since the entire design of a dehumidifier is focused on removing moisture from the air, they are a perfect appliance for this application. Even if you already have a mold issue starting in your basement, by adding a dehumidifier to the situation, you can start to stop the mold from spreading and eventually help to remove any that has already formed.
As you can imagine, there are a ton of different features that you need to take into consideration when you are looking for a new dehumidifier to use in your basement. In this section, we will go through all of the key features that you need to keep in mind when you are looking for your new appliance.
The first thing that you will want to carefully consider when you are looking for a new dehumidifier for your basement is the size of the area that you want to dehumidify. While most models have a pretty large coverage area, it is best to make sure that you are not pushing your dehumidifier to the limit. You should always get more coverage area than you think you need. This will help to make sure that your appliance isn’t overworked and is able to be effective at its job.
Of course, you also need to make sure that you don’t spend a ton of extra money, getting a model that has a coverage area that is well past what you require. The last thing that you want to do is get a model with a coverage area of 7,000 square feet, like the Dri-Eaz F413, when your basement is only 1,500 square feet. If you have a smaller basement, you can save a bit of money and go for something like the Haier HEN30ET. That way, you can get the coverage you need, but still save a bit of money in the long run.
After you have your coverage area figured out, the next thing that you need to take into account is just how much moisture you need to remove from your basement each day. If you have an especially wet basement, then you will want to make sure that you get a model that can take a lot of moisture out in a 24-hour period. Of course, if your basement isn’t too terribly moist, you can probably get by with a model that has a lower performance level to save a bit of money.
You just need to be careful to make sure that you understand that the amount of moisture that your dehumidifier can remove in a day is not the same as its tank capacity. The tanks of dehumidifiers are generally pretty small, even on a larger model like the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1, which can remove 70 pints of water each day. The tank on this model cannot, however, hold 70 pints, so it will need to be emptied regularly unless you are able to run it so that it drains continuously. In that case, the size of the tank will not come into play at all.
If you intend to run your dehumidifier so that it drains continuously, it might be a good idea to look for a model that comes with a pump. That way, you will be able to set your dehumidifier up wherever you would like, as long as you can get its hose to a sink. When the tank fills up, the pump will push the water through the hose and down the drain. The hOmeLabs 70 Pint Dehumidifier is a good example of a model that utilizes a pump very effectively.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend the money to get a dehumidifier with a pump, you can still run it continuously. You will just have to rely on gravity to drain it properly, as well as a drain in close proximity to the appliance. The Ivation 30 Pint Dehumidifier, for instance, can be used in the manner.
A dehumidifier is very similar to an air conditioner, in that it contains many of the same components that allows it to pull moisture from the air. These components are, for the most part, quite heavy. Even models that come equipped with wheels can be pretty tricky to maneuver, simply because of the weight of the appliance. As such, you need to make sure that you get a dehumidifier that isn’t too heavy for you to get into proper position. Obviously, the larger models, like the Dri-Eaz F413, are going to be great at removing a ton of moisture from your basement but will also be much heavier than a smaller model.
Something else that you want to keep in mind are the overall dimensions of your new dehumidifier. Some basements can be quite tight, so the last thing you want to do is buy an appliance that takes up a ton of room. If you are looking for a smaller dehumidifier, then the AlorAir Senitel HDi90 is a great option to check out.
When it comes to figuring out the level of humidity in your basement, you don’t need to purchase anything extra. All you need to do is find a dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat. This simple to read display will allow you to set the humidity to the exact level that you desire, which is a great way to guarantee that there is no mold or mildew growing in your basement.
Of course, you also want to make sure that the humidistat is easy to operate. The controls for setting the humidity level for your dehumidifier should not be difficult to understand or utilize, so make sure that you get one that is user-friendly and simple to adjust. Otherwise, you might not get the correct humidity levels in your basement, which could be a big problem.
Regardless of how much anything costs, it is always a good idea to look for a model that comes with a good warranty. This is especially true for an expensive appliance purchase like a dehumidifier. You certainly don’t want to have to deal with a model that you need to pay out of pocket for because it breaks down all the time. Of course, you need to make sure that you read through the warranty as carefully as possible.
Unfortunately, there are lots of companies out there that will claim to cover everything, only to hide the fact that their warranty is limited in the fine print. You always need to make sure that you read through your warranty information as carefully as possible. That way, you will be able to see exactly what is, and what isn’t covered under the company’s policies.
Dehumidifiers are relatively straightforward devices. That isn’t to say that there aren’t some extra features out there that are worth having if you can find a model that works for you that has them. For example, you might want to be on the lookout for a dehumidifier that comes with washable filters. Washable filters are much cheaper than replaceable ones in the long run since you don’t need to buy them continuously. All you need to do is simply rinse them off, let them dry, and put them back in once a month to keep them working correctly.
Something else that you might want to keep in mind when it comes to filters is a digital reminder to clean them. Even the best filters are going to break down very quickly if they are not taken care of, which is why having a model with a built-in filter reminder, like the hOmeLabs 70 Pint Dehumidifier is such a good idea.
Since buying a new dehumidifier is such an important and costly purchase, you need to make sure that you take the necessary steps to keep it operating in top-notch condition. In order to achieve this, there are several different steps that you should follow regularly. These include:
Each and every dehumidifier on the market has a filter in it. This filter is meant to keep dust and fine particles from entering into the machine so that it can have the right amount of airflow so that it can work efficiently. As such, you need to make sure that you clean this filter at least once a month, or when your dehumidifier’s indicator tells you it is dirty
Thankfully, cleaning the filter isn’t too big of a job. First, make sure that your dehumidifier is off. You don’t want to have your dehumidifier running without the filter in place. Once you have removed the filter, all you have to do is simply wipe the dust and dirt off of it. Just make sure that you do this away from your dehumidifier. You can also wipe off the filter with a damp paper towel to get the finer particles off. Finally, when the filter is completely dry, put it back into the dehumidifier and turn it back on.
Even if you utilize a pump or have the dehumidifier continuously draining, it is a good idea to clean the tank out every once in a while. This could probably be done once every three months or so, which would amount to four times each year.
To clean out the tank, you should make a mixture that is three parts water to one part bleach. Next, this mixture should be poured into the tank, and allowed to sit for about an hour. After you have removed this mixture, rinse out the tank with regular water, and reinstall it into your dehumidifier. This process will help to limit any bad odors or mildew from forming inside of your dehumidifier’s tank.
If you are in the market for the best overall dehumidifier to use in your basement, then you need to check out the hOmeLabs 70 Pint Dehumidifier. This appliance has a gigantic coverage area and a very high dehumidification performance level. This makes it a perfect model for pretty much any size basement, and we highly recommend you check it out.
If you have a medium-sized basement, then the Vremi 50 Pint Dehumidifier just might be the right option for you. It has a very large tank and is just big enough for medium-sized basements without spending any extra money.
The best dehumidifier for a basement also might be the best model for your whole home as well. The Aprilaire 1830 is a vented model that hooks up to your home’s HVAC system to provide whole-home dehumidification, which makes it a great value.
