Best Dehumidifier for Basements

How to Choose the Best Dehumidifier for a Basement

There is more to buying a basement dehumidifier than simply going through a list of the available products on the market. This section will cover everything that you might ever need to know about buying a basement dehumidifier. 

What Is a Basement Dehumidifier and How Does It Work?

A dehumidifier is an appliance designed to bring down moisture levels in the surrounding air to the recommended levels. A basement dehumidifier is explicitly designed to work in high-humidity environments. 

The recommended humidity level for indoor environments is between 30 and 50%. Above 55%, and you may begin to see mold and mildew, and a host of other problems. 

The appliance works by drawing in warm air from the surrounding area. This air is fed through a series of refrigerated coils inside the device. During this process, the warm air contracts and releases moisture. Water droplets are collected in a tank inside the dehumidifier. 

Once the air is sufficiently processed, it is released back into the room, but it will be drier and cooler this time. The resulting effect is reduced relative humidity in the room. Most dehumidifiers allow you to set the humidity level you want to achieve. 

5 Common Signs You Need a Basement Dehumidifier

It might be hard to tell whether you need a dehumidifier in your basement without first measuring the humidity levels. However, there are a few common signs that indicate you need to install a dehumidifier. 

Mold and mildew – The presence of fungi is a sure sign that your basement is too humid. The fungi only grow in more than 50-55% humidity. Mold and mildew can trigger asthma attacks or allergies and can lead to respiratory illnesses. 

Dust mites – Similar to fungi, dust mites thrive in humid areas, usually above 50%. These critters can trigger allergies. 

Peeling or cracking paint – Blemishes on your paint, including cracking, peeling, and blistering, are a sign of high humidity levels. You may notice this on your floors, walls, doors, and other painted surfaces. 

Musty smell – The odor of a humid room is hard to miss. A musty basement also indicates additional issues such as possible rot and mold and mildew growth. This smell is typically accompanied by a clammy or sticky feeling on the skin. 

Condensation on surfaces – You may notice foggy windows or condensation on cold surfaces, especially metal ones. Frost or ice anywhere in your basement is also a sure sign of high moisture levels in the room.

Types of Basement Dehumidifiers 

Although all basement dehumidifiers perform the same function, they work a little differently depending on their categorization. There are two main types of basement dehumidifiers:

1. Compressor Dehumidifiers

Compressor dehumidifiers are the most common type that you will find on the market today. These models perform optimally in basements and other high-humidity environments. A compressor dehumidifier has a fan that draws in the air into the unit. This air passes over refrigerated coils and releases moisture.

The water droplets are collected in a removable reservoir such as a tank or bucket. You need to empty the reservoir periodically, depending on its capacity.  Most of these units also have drains where you can attach a hose. Compressor dehumidifiers are also called refrigerant-based dehumidifiers. 

2. Desiccant Dehumidifiers 

Have you ever wondered what those small pouches with the “Do Not Eat” labels in your packages are for? These are desiccant pouches that absorb water molecules from the air. Desiccant dehumidifiers employ the same basic principles, only at a grander scale.

The dehumidifier has a desiccant filter such as bentonite clay or silica. The unit absorbs outside air and passes it through the desiccant filter, which absorbs moisture. The water droplets are then collected in the reservoir tank. 

What to Look for in a Basement Dehumidifier 

We used most of the criteria featured in this post’s review section to rank the best basement dehumidifiers. These are the essential aspects that you should look into before you make a final decision.

Pint Capacity

Pint capacity refers to the moisture that the unit draws out of the surrounding air in 24 hours. Most domestic dehumidifiers are under 70-pint capacity. Above 70-pint capacity is mainly for industrial use, severe humidity,  and big spaces. 

As a general rule, you want a higher pint capacity the more humid the environment. It may be worth purchasing a hygrometer to measure the precise humidity levels in your basement.

The moisture level is broken down into four main categories:

1) Damp – The room is damp and musty on occasion
2) Very Damp – The room is always damp and musty
3) Wet – You can occasionally see condensation in the room
4) Very Wet – There are pools of water, or there is always visible condensation in the room.

Automated Features 

Advanced technology means that you can enjoy a host of automated features to make running the unit smoother. Some essential features to look out for in this case include:

Automatic Restart – this feature turns the unit back on after a power interruption. Ideally, it should be combined with memory so that the unit reverts to its pre-set setting rather than the original or manufacturer’s setting. 

Automatic Humidistat – just like a thermostat, an automatic humidistat turns the dehumidifier on and off depending on the outside humidity. This helps to save energy. This feature, combined with Energy Star certification, gives you the best savings on electricity. 

Automatic Defrost – be sure to check the minimum recommended operating temperature before buying the dehumidifier. Compare this to how cold your basement gets in winter. Automatic defrost automatically melts any ice that may accumulate in the unit.

Clogged Filter Warning Light – this feature alerts you when it is time to clean the filter. 

Automatic Shutoff – this is a standard feature in today’s dehumidifier, but it is still worth mentioning. This feature turns the unit off when the water storage is full. You have to empty the water and replace the bucket or tank before the unit runs again.

Drainage

Most dehumidifiers between 30-50 pints come with internal water storage. This might be a tank or a bucket that you can remove to dispose of the water. Keep in mind that this storage unit’s size isn’t necessarily related to its pint capacity. 

For example, a 50-pint dehumidifier can have a 16.9-pint drain bucket. The smaller the storage, the more often you will need to empty the dehumidifier. Remember that the dehumidifier turns off when the storage tank is full. You might not get the maximum pint capacity from your appliance if it shuts off for a few hours every five hours or so. 

An alternative drainage method is a hose that goes directly to your basement drain. Most modern dehumidifiers come with internal storage and a provision for attaching a hose, usually at the appliance’s back. 

Of these types of dehumidifiers, some use gravity while others use pumps. A dehumidifier with an internal pump can push the water over longer distances and vertically if you need to drain into a sink or out of a window. Gravity drainage systems are cheaper, but you get limited hose length. You also need a sloping floor for the water to flow freely. 

Price

The price goes hand in hand with functionality when considering basement dehumidifiers. Ideally, you want to under-utilize your dehumidifier slightly to get the best out of it. Theoretically, you could use a 50-pint dehumidifier for a very wet basement larger than 4,500 square feet. 

However, this means that the system will be running at full capacity and continuously. This, in turn, leads to premature wear and tear and higher maintenance requirements. A 60-pint or up would be better suited for this scenario. Also, remember to ask for a warranty. Most of these products have a one year warranty. 

Basement Dehumidifier Maintenance Tips 

• Use the correct pint capacity dehumidifier for the size and dampness of the basement. 
• Place the dehumidifier on a level surface and at least 6-12 inches from obstructions on all sides.
• Check the optimal operating temperature of your dehumidifier and set your thermostat to that range. 
• Empty your dehumidifier regularly to avoid prolonged downtime. 
• Avoid turning the unit off and on immediately if you can help it. Wait 10 minutes before turning it on again. This period allows the pressure in the compressor to equalize. 
• Clean the water tank with soap and water occasionally to avoid mold, mildew, and debris getting into your appliance. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for when to replace the filter. Also, clean the filter as soon as the warning light comes on. A clogged filter makes your unit work harder than necessary. 
• Clean your dehumidifier’s air intake and exhaust grilles at least once every season.

FAQ

What percent should I set my basement dehumidifier?

The ideal humidity level for a basement is 30-50 percent so try to keep your dehumidifier within this range. 

Where should I place my basement dehumidifier?

Try to place the dehumidifier in the center of the room or close for optimum dehumidification. 

Will a dehumidifier kill mold?

A dehumidifier will not kill mold or mildew, but it will prevent its spread and stop new growth. The old mold will become inactive and may grow once again if the humidity rises above 55 percent. 

Should a dehumidifier run continuously?

No, you should only run a dehumidifier if the humidity level goes beyond the ideal level, i.e., 50 percent. This is typically 12 hours a day. Choose a model that automatically shuts off when the perfect humidity is achieved. This will save you money on utilities and prolong the life of your appliance.

Will a basement dehumidifier get rid of the smell?

Yes. The musty order comes from moisture in the air. As the dehumidifier reduces this moisture, the musty smell should disappear