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To find the best dehumidifier for basements, we reviewed:
- 1. Pint Capacity
- 2. Automated Features
- 3. Drainage
- 4. Energy Efficiency
- 5. Price
- 6. Warranty
Disclaimer: REthority is supported by ads and participation in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you click our links. The information included in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice.
Best Dehumidifier for Basements
1. AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Dehumidifier
2. Frigidaire FFAD5033W1
3. TOSOT GDN45BA – A3EBA2B
4. Inofia GA2 Dehumidifier
5. MIDEA MAD50CIZWS
A damp basement not only smells terrible but also promotes mold and mildew growth. You may also notice your furniture and books begin to discolor. Worse still, a damp basement can trigger allergies and even lead to respiratory illnesses. A basement dehumidifier becomes a must-have in this case.
Best Overall
AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Dehumidifier
Our pick for the best dehumidifier for basements, bars, garages, or offices.
AlorAir HDi90 is a top-of-the-line dehumidifier for homeowners willing to pay the price for a premium unit. This model works in temperatures as low as 36 degrees Fahrenheit and is also excellent for crawl spaces.
AlorAir is solidly built with heavy-duty materials that will last for many years. This is a commercial-grade unit that would be equally at home in bars, restaurants, shops, and offices. We highly recommend the AlorAir HDi90 for extremely wet basements and severe moisture conditions.
Overall Score: 28/30
Pint Capacity: 5/5
This model has an impressive 90 pint capacity per day. AlorAir functions in environments with up to 90% humidity. The model works optimally in basements under 2,600 square feet but will still work in larger spaces up to 3,500 square feet and more.
Automated Features: 5/5
This AlorAir is highly automated. There is an auto-defrost feature. Also, the internal components are protected against corrosion and leaking. You can set the humidity to any level you want.
The memory feature will resume to the pre-set level after a power outage. This feature is useful if you use the unit in crawl spaces where you cannot access the control panel to set the humidity.
Drainage: 5/5
AlorAir uses a piped system to dispose of water. It does not have an internal bucket. This model also has pumps that discharge the water. You do not need to worry about the floor gradient or running the drainage pipe vertically.
Energy Efficiency: 5/5
AlorAir HDi90 dehumidifier is Energy Star rated.
Price: 3/5
This unit is expensive. It is worth the money, but many homeowners may prefer a cheaper model. Still, you get what you pay for, and this model is worth seriously considering if you have the budget for it.
Warranty: 5/5
AlorAir offers a five-year warranty, which is pretty unusual for a small appliance. It just goes to show that the manufacturer truly stands behind the quality of their product.
Second-Best
Frigidaire FFAD5033W1
A great basement dehumidifier for homeowners seeking style and value.
Frigidaire is mostly known for its refrigerators, but this FFAD5033W1 basement dehumidifier is a great product. The simple white body with a black top fits nicely into any basement décor. This compressor-type basement dehumidifier will work in a basement of nearly any size and humidity level.
Overall Score: 26/30
Pint Capacity: 4/5
This Frigidaire basement dehumidifier is a 50-pint model. It will quickly dehumidify moderately damp and wet basements under 3000 square feet.
Automated Features: 5/5
The FFAD5033W1 model turns off automatically when you reach the desired humidity level. It will also turn back on if the humidity level exceeds the ideal levels. This dehumidifier also has an auto-restart feature. It turns back on automatically after a power outage. The system again shuts off automatically when the bucket is full.
Drainage: 4/5
There are two ways to drain this model. It has a 16.9-pint drain bucket that you can empty manually. Alternatively, there is a provision for a drain hose at the back. You will need to buy the hose separately, along with an adaptor or connector.
Energy Efficiency: 5/5
This model is Energy Star rated.
Price: 4/5
Frigidaire offers good value for money. You can still get cheaper models than this one, but you will have to sacrifice some useful features.
Warranty: 4/5
You get a one-year warranty that covers labor and parts.
Third-Best
TOSOT 4,500 Sq Ft Dehumidifier
A stylish basement dehumidifier to pick if you value quite operation over anything else.
This TOSOT GDN45BA – A3EBA2B is relatively compact at 48 pounds. It is perfect for when you need a basement dehumidifier that you might need to relocate at a later date. It offers a maximum airflow capacity of 280 MHz to dehumidify a room up to 4,500 square feet. Operation noise is tolerable at 51 decibels, slightly above the hum of a refrigerator.
Overall Score: 25/30
Pint Capacity: 4/5
TOSOT can dehumidify up to 50 pints per day. The performance is satisfactory, especially at this price range. You can use it for a moderately damp to wet basement. You might be pushing it to its limit and potentially reducing its life span if you plan to use it in a wet basement.
Automated Features: 5/5
This model comes with a good assortment of automated features. You can set the ideal humidity level. After, the unit turns on and off automatically to maintain the ambient humidity. You can also set the dehumidifier to run continuously. This model also has a warning light when it is time to clean the filter.
Drainage: 3/5
TOSOT has an easily accessible bucket that you need to empty roughly every 5 hours. Additionally, you can attach a hose to discharge directly to the basement’s drainage. This system uses an internal pump, so you can attach the hose vertically or horizontally. However, the pump is relatively weak and shuts off every 15 minutes, so it doesn’t overheat.
Energy Efficiency: 5/5
This is an Energy Star rated product.
Price: 4/5
The unit is affordable for its features and functionality. We recommend this model for a mild to medium humid basement.
Warranty: 4/5
You get a one year warranty with this product.
Fourth-Best
Inofia GA2 Dehumidifier
The best dehumidifier for basements where you'll need to move the unit around.
This TOSOT GDN45BA – A3EBA2B is relatively compact at 48 pounds. It is perfect for when you need a basement dehumidifier that you might need to relocate at a later date. It offers a maximum airflow capacity of 280 MHz to dehumidify a room up to 4,500 square feet. Operation noise is tolerable at 51 decibels, slightly above the hum of a refrigerator.
Overall Score: 25/30
Pint Capacity: 4/5
TOSOT can dehumidify up to 50 pints per day. The performance is satisfactory, especially at this price range. You can use it for a moderately damp to wet basement. You might be pushing it to its limit and potentially reducing its life span if you plan to use it in a wet basement.
Automated Features: 5/5
This model comes with a good assortment of automated features. You can set the ideal humidity level. After, the unit turns on and off automatically to maintain the ambient humidity. You can also set the dehumidifier to run continuously. This model also has a warning light when it is time to clean the filter.
Drainage: 3/5
TOSOT has an easily accessible bucket that you need to empty roughly every 5 hours. Additionally, you can attach a hose to discharge directly to the basement’s drainage. This system uses an internal pump, so you can attach the hose vertically or horizontally. However, the pump is relatively weak and shuts off every 15 minutes, so it doesn’t overheat.
Energy Efficiency: 5/5
This is an Energy Star rated product.
Price: 4/5
The unit is affordable for its features and functionality. We recommend this model for a mild to medium humid basement.
Warranty: 4/5
You get a one year warranty with this product.
Fifth-Best
MIDEA MAD50CIZWS
A portable but yet portable unit that delivers quiet operation at a good price.
You can add a little more money if you need a more powerful unit than the Inofia above and get this MIDEA. This model will dehumidify up to 4,500 square feet of basement space. The unit operates at 51 decibels, which isn’t much louder than your refrigerator. You can set the humidity level between 35-58%.
Overall Score: 23/30
Pint Capacity: 4/5
MIDEA MAD50CIZWS has a 50-pint capacity. It is suitable for up to 4,500 square feet as long as the basement isn’t too humid. We suggest using it for mildly damp to very damp or slightly wet basements.
Automated Features: 2/5
There isn’t much to shout about here except that this model turns on automatically after a power outage. It runs continuously, so it doesn’t shut on and off depending on the ambient humidity level.
Drainage: 3/5
MIDEA dehumidifier has an internal bucket to collect water. You can also attach a garden hose to make it easier to drain. This model doesn’t have an internal pump. You will need a sloping basement floor to drain with the hose since it relies on gravity for drainage.
Energy Efficiency: 5/5
This unit is Energy Star certified.
Price: 5/5
Given its performance, the MIDEA MAD50CIZWS is quite affordable. We are happy to forgive the missing pump and sparse automated feature at this price range.
Warranty: 4/5
The basement dehumidifier comes with a 1-year warranty.
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
Andrew Helling
Andrew Helling is the founder and editor of REthority.com. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he obtained a Finance and Banking degree. As a formerly licensed real estate agent and property manager of 500 single-family homes, Andrew knows real estate.
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