Many homes across the globe have basements that serve multiple purposes. It could be used as a storage space or a living space, but the basement comes with its share of issues. Moisture control in the basement is one of the challenges that homemakers constantly deal with. They are dampers because moisture tends to seep through from the water leaks or foundation of the main house. Are you want to know about the best dehumidifiers for the basement?
The high moisture level in the basement can lead to the growth of mold. This can cause structural damage to your home and causing serious health issues. This is where the best dehumidifiers for the basement come into the play. According to the Basement Health Associated, humidity level that goes above 80% can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Ideally, the level should be below 50%.
Investing in the best dehumidifiers for the basement can help you deal with these challenges. The best humidifiers are specially designed to cater to this purpose. A high level of moisture cannot be easily detected. But, there are certain signs that you could watch out for. This allows you to determine whether you need to invest in a dehumidifier. Following are the signs that you require the best basement dehumidifier –
- The growth of mold in ceilings, walls, floors, etc.
- Condensation on basement’s surface
- Musty odor
- Dampness on the wall
- Visible watermark on your floor is an indication of rising moisture
If you see any of the above signs in the basement, then you need to research the best dehumidifiers for the basement. This is to improve the quality of air and protect your family from harmful damage. Here, we will discuss the top 10 best dehumidifiers for the basement along with the buying guide and answer a few questions. Let’s get started.
Top 10 Best Humidifiers for Basement Reviews in 2021
Now that you have realized the need for the best humidifier for the basement, it is time to make the best purchase. Below I have reviewed for you the top-rated humidifiers available in the market to make your decision easier and wiser –
1. hOmeLabs Small Space Dehumidifier
For basement dehumidifiers to perform efficiently, you need to buy a unit that fits with the basement size. Choosing the one with inadequate coverage areas will not be able to remove moisture properly, and would be a poor financial investment.
Additionally, a top-rated basement humidifier also ensures that you get optimum performance from your unit. If you don’t want to manually remove the gathered water, you would want to invest in a unit that comes with a pump, so that you can enjoy uninterrupted functioning.
All these features are tactically places in the Home Lab’s Energy Star dehumidifier, making it count among the best dehumidifiers for the basement. It comes with a coverage area of 150 sq. ft. which is one of the best offerings available currently in the market. Therefore, no matter the size of your basement, it would be able to function efficiently.
Additionally, the model is capable of collecting 70 pints of water within a span of 24 hours. This is one of the best highlights of this model and makes it perfect for regions with high humidity. Even with such high collection capacity, the unit is not bulky and can be moved around easily.
It also comes with versatile modes to customize the performance according to your needs. Considering that there is a pre-installed pump, you can get constant performance from this unit. Even if you don’t have a drain nearby, you don’t have to worry about it, the built-in pump will automatically remove the water to the drain location.
Check The Latest Price On Amazon!
2. Vermi Dehumidifier for Large Spaces and Basements
If you have a medium-sized basement, then Vermi’s 4,500 sq. ft. would be the best dehumidifier to provide the right moisture level to space. It comes with a water storage capacity of around 5o pints. If your basement is not extremely wet, then it is a good choice for your basement.
There is no pump in this unit, which might make the removal of water quite inefficient. However, it comes with a big tank, so you don’t have to frequently change the water. This model from Vermi’s features one of the biggest tanks available in the market today. It can collect water up to 1.8 gallons before you have to empty it.
Even on highly humid days, you would only have to empty the tank twice or thrice in a day. Along with moisture, it efficiently removes odor, and significantly improve the quality of air. It is extremely easy to use the device. All you have to do is power on and turn the mode for the 24-hour cycle. And when the tank will get filled the unit will stop automatically.
There is also a quiet fan that creates minimum noise while operating. One of the drawbacks of this model is that it is on the heavier side; therefore moving it from one place to another will be rather challenging. However, there are casters placed at the bottom of the unit, which would make the whole process a lot easier. Moving the unit through a flight of stairs would be more challenging as the handles are not that useful and there is only one slot to grip.
3. BlueDri Industrial Grade BD-76 Dehumidifier
Water retention results in the rise of moisture in the basement and in turn your entire house. It can increase the chances of the development of molds in the basement, which in turn, can create health hazards.
The kind of dehumidifier you choose significantly depends on the water retention level in your basement. Blueair BD-76 dehumidifier is counted among the best dehumidifiers for the basement for people who have basements with high water retention levels.
While it is categorized as an industrial dehumidifier, it can be apt for basements as well. It features a powerful rotary compressor that is able to extract maximum moisture from your basement. The unit holds the capacity to remove 150 pint worth of moisture from the surrounding in a day, which is double the amount of any standard dehumidifier.
This unit features a compact mobile design, a strong handle, and pneumatic wheels, which can be easily moved from one place to another. It has a powerful operating range that goes from 33-degree to 100-degree and can process 235 CFM of air.
Furthermore, what makes it one of the best dehumidifiers for a basement is that it comes with a digital panel, automatic water pump, electrical control featuring an hour counter, auto restart, temperature sensors, and RH. The model is specially designed to endure severities associated with commercial projects, flooding damaged, and other water accidents.
If you use this dehumidifier in your basement, it will remove excess moisture from every part of your house, restoring your entire living space efficiently. The performance of the unit is backed by roto-mold technology and provides a 1-year warranty as well as a 5-year housing warranty.
4. Inofia Dehumidifiers Best for Home Basements
If you have a small basement, then there is no point in paying more for basement dehumidifiers with large coverage space. When you understand the requirements properly, it will be easier to make a smart buying decision.
While a large model would perfectly do the job, why would you pay more when you can get the same level of performance at less cost? India’s 30 pints model is among the best dehumidifiers for the basement for every kind of small basement. It features a compact and sleek design, making it easier to move from one place to another.
The model is specially designed for smaller size basements, so you cannot expect a high level of performance. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t function efficiently. It can seamlessly remove around 30 pints of moisture from the surrounding per day. The tank in the model is also smaller, and considering low performance, you would not have to empty it often throughout the day.
While there is no pump, you can still use the unit in a continuous mode. But you have to make sure that there is a drain near the unit to drain out the water. A draw of this unit is that you can frost up, resulting in malfunctions. However, there is an auto-defrost feature that can result in such incidents. It is an energy-efficient model, but it can run for more hours than you would want. This is because the humidistat on the model lacks accuracy, resulting in overrunning. Thus, you have to set it around 5 to 10% lower than the level you actually want.
5. Keystone KSTAD50B Dehumidifier
You need to buy a unit that works adequately without you having to put in much work and effort. Keystone’s KSTAD50B is one of the best dehumidifiers for the basement that is known for its efficient performance in the market.
It is a simple-looking device that holds the capacity of extracting moisture up to 50 pints in a day. It sports electronic controls that come with impressive and convenient features. You will also see an LED display panel on top of the dehumidifier. So every chance that you make on the settings of the unit will be visible on top of the screen, resulting in convenient use.
Additionally, readings on the screen are quite accurate, enabling you to get an optimal level of humidity in your basement. The unit features an auto-defrost feature that allows it to perform well in extreme cold. This feature automatically identifies frost buildup on the coils and melts it with the fan. Moreover, the automatic shut-off feature will power off the unit when the water tanks get filled.
This way you will know when to remove the tank and replace it. The water tank comes with a sturdy handle that allows you to easily remove it from inside the unit and drain out the water. It comes with a coverage space of up to 3000 square feet. So if you have a medium-sized basement, then this is the dehumidifier to consider. There is a clean-filter alert that indicates that it is time to change the filters.
6. Ivation Energy Star Dehumidifier
When it comes to choosing the best dehumidifiers for basement, the brand plays an important consideration factor. A well-established brand is more likely to provide a high-quality product that is constructed to last for years to come.
Ivation is one of the popular brands in the market that is known for the quality of its products. There are many dehumidifier models by the company that won the heart of consumers, and the 70 pints energy star model is among them.
The unit comes with a coverage capacity of around 4,500 square feet and is capable of extracting moisture up to 70 pints from the air. This makes it count among the best dehumidifiers for the basement. This model comes with many handy features, making it one of the best humidifiers for the basement.
There is an LED display panel that shows the RHT meter, allowing you to check the level of humidity in the basement. This further comes with two options that power the fan in two-speed levels- the standard option and the turbo option. The display also shows timer, filter alert, humidistat, and various other settings of the unit. A 24-hour-timer allows the unit to run for the whole day without any interruptions.
The Quick Control feature enables the unit to save your favorite setting, making the usage extremely convenient. The auto-restart technology in the unit turns it automatically after a power outage. Along with ease of use, the unit is also extremely energy efficient, thereby offerings savings on your electricity bill. The tank comes with a strong handle, so you can easily remove it from the unit and empty it back in place.
7. Friedrich D70BP Dehumidifier With Drain Pump
When you will search for the best dehumidifiers for the basement online, you will be overwhelmed with hundreds of results. It is extremely crucial to pick a unit that is manufactured by a well-reckoned company that holds credibility in the market.
Friedrich is among the most regarded companies in California and offers the best dehumidifiers for the basement. Their D70BP dehumidifier is extremely popular and for all the right reasons. When it comes to the design of this dehumidifier, you will come across a simple and sell white structure that can complete the décor of any house. It is a perfect basement dehumidifier no matter what purpose you are using the space for.
The model can extract around 70 pints of water in a day. It features a powerful fan and integrated drain pump, that can efficiently remove, dust, mold, bacteria, and mildew. Moreover, it comes with digital touch controls and the interface is quite easy to use and intuitive. You can customize the panel based on your preference. The humidity level ranges from 30% to 90%. The built-in pump can remove the moisture both vertically and horizontally up to 15 feet.
Additionally, there is a drain outlet at the back of the unit, which facilitates in continuous drainage option. The model features an anti-microbial filter, which assists in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. On the bottom, you will caster wheels that make it easier to move the unit across the room. The D70BP features an ENERGY STAR rating; this means the unit is highly energy efficient. It will remove moisture from the air with its optimum potential without consuming too much energy.
8. Ivation IVADH70PW Energy Star Dehumidifier
Basements in the house can be used for so many purposes. However, when it is not used as a living space, this is the area of the house that often gets overlooked. The basement is the region that collects the most moisture, which can result in the development of molds.
Irrespective of the purpose, it is important that your basement should have an ideal humidity level so that there is no structural damage to your house in the later stage. You have to invest in the best dehumidifiers for the basement that can keep the moisture level under control constantly.
If you have a medium-sized basement, then the compressor dehumidifier by Ivation can be an option to consider. It comes with a coverage space of 4, 500 square feet and is capable of extracting up to 70 pints of moisture from the room in a day. The powerful performance of the dehumidifier prevents the growth of mold and mildew and efficiently removes allergens, odor, and dust, thereby improving the overall quality of the air.
It is extremely easy to use; all you have to do is plug in the unit and select the desired setting. There is a water collection tank that can collect around 2.25 gallons of water. Moreover, there is an intuitive LED display that shows fan speed, filter alters, humidistat, timer, etc.
A strong set of casters at the bottom of the unit enables you to move the best dehumidifiers for basement across the room easily. It also has an auto-restart feature that allows the unit to power itself after an outage. The unit comes with Energy Star Certification, thereby providing energy-efficient performance.
9. TOSOT Energy Star Dehumidifier With Pump
Buying the best dehumidifiers for basement is tricky, considering the kind of option you have available. TOSOT is a company, which is reckoned internationally for their electronic products. So when this company comes up with its dehumidifier, you would know it is worth reviewing.
So certainly the next product on our review list is the TOSOT’s basement dehumidifier that has already created a lot of buzzes. It has the capability of covering the area up to 4,500 square feet and can collect around 70 pints of water in a day from the home. The unit comes with a built-in pump that can drain the collected water automatically through a hose up to 15 feet away from it.
Along with providing the right coverage for a medium-sized basement, the performance of this model will also impress you. The unit touts an Energy Star Certificate, which removes the moisture efficiently without consuming too much energy. In order for you the dehumidifier to perform at its optimum potential, you need to clean the filter frequently. There is a small display screen on top of the unit, which shows the filter light.
After 250 hours of the performance, the light will indicate to change the filter. You can easily clean the filter with warm water. However, make sure you dry the filter completely before replacing it back into the unit. There is an auto-restart function that will start the unit in the previous setting in case there is any power outage, therefore providing extreme convenience of use. The dehumidifier works at the decibel scale of 50, meaning it is quiet.
10. OPOLAR Dehumidifier With Water Tank
Convenience is an important factor that you should consider when selecting the best dehumidifiers for basement. You would want a product that can be easily set up and move around in the room for your convenience.
And if convenience is your priority, then Opolar’s dehumidifier counted among the best dehumidifiers for the basement you need to check out. It is a powerful unit that operates on 115 v per 60 Hz through an integrated 680-watt power compressor and two condensing sheets. It holds the capability of extracting 70 pints of moisture in a day.
You can set the required level of dampness before powering the device. So it will extract the moisture as per your needs. There is also a 24-hour timer, which will enable the unit to function round the clock without interruption. The water collection tank can easily collect 1.85 gallons of water so you don’t have to constantly refill the user, thereby saving labor work. Moreover, the tank can be easily pulled out and replaced into the unit.
Along with the timer, there is an auto-shut off-specification that powers down the unit when the water tank gets filled. You have to empty the tank as soon as it gets filled otherwise it will flow out of the unit. It has a user-friendly design that makes the unit extremely easy to use and move around. It sports a sleek design, making it a perfect choice for modern houses. There is also quiet that doesn’t create any disturbance in the house.
The Research We Used for This Review
I have a thorough understanding of dehumidifiers and their needs. It is not any random review of the top products available in the market. Instead, I have used many of the above-listed products. Additionally, I have invested in research and analysis of all the products before creating this list of best dehumidifiers for the basement. Various criteria including quality, space, features, specifications, etc. have been taken into consideration while reviewing the product.
Buying Guide for the Best Dehumidifiers for Basement
When you think about investing in the best dehumidifier for your basement, you want an efficient and convenient unit. Finding the right humidifier is for the basement can be quite challenging. Finding the right size that covers your entire space is extremely important to get optimum performance.
You need to look for a top-rated humidifier for a basement that can efficiently cover the area of your basement. This is to ensure that it works according to your needs. Water retention is one of the common problems associated with the basement. You can get water into your basement for a number of reasons including a floor drain, leaky foundation, wall cracks, etc. You need to get it checked and repaired timely before it creates structural damage.
A healthy basement can add value to your overall house and ensure that your family stays healthy. However, maintaining the ideal moisture level of your basement is a task that you cannot overlook. You need to invest in a top-rated dehumidifier that can help you efficiently deal with moisture issues associated with the basement, and turn it into a useful space.
This will help in maintaining adequate moisture levels and make your basement warm and cozy in any weather condition. You need constant airflow in the basement to reduce the excessive moisture build-up. And, if you don’t remove it continuously, then you might end up dealing with a lot of issues later on.
The recommended RH during the summer month is 50% and during winters it should be 30%. And you can maintain this level by placing a dehumidifier in your basement. With an extensive option for a basement dehumidifier, making a buying decision can quite perplexing. In this article, I’m highlighting all the key points that you should consider while selecting the best dehumidifier for the basement
1. Climate
The climate of your region is among the most important factor that you should consider when buying the best dehumidifier. Are you living in a climate with high humidity throughout the year? Whether you experience high humidity in summers and winters are freezing cold? Dehumidifiers with auto-defrost and low-temperature settings can be highly in colder regions.
2. Drainage
Depending on the dehumidifier, you will either get gravity drainage or drainage with a condensate pump. If you have access to the drain at the floor level, then you can opt for gravity drainage. In this, a hose is connected to the drain outlet, which enables the condensate to move to the drain via gravity.
If you do not have access to drainage at the floor level, then a built-in pump would be a much better option. In this, all you have to do is attach the pump to the drainage according to the instructions. The internal pump collects the water and passes it to the water bucket. You will have to empty the water bucket manually. Therefore you will have to invest in a dehumidifier with a higher water collection capacity.
3. Auto-Humidistat
Modern dehumidifiers for the basement come with auto-humidistat, which is an energy-efficient feature. This feature powers off the unit after reaching the optimum level of moisture. It constantly monitors the moisture level of the room, so once the moisture level begins to increase, it will automatically start again.
4. Filter Indicator
Clogged filters impact the overall performance of the dehumidifier. Additionally, if your filter gets clogged completely, then your unit might stop working altogether. But how will you come to know whether or not your filter is clogged? This is where the filter indicator light comes in. This feature lights up to indicate that you need to change the filter. This will help you prevent expensive repair free, and ensure that the unit performance with its maximum efficiency.
5. Low-Temperature Settings
This setting ensures that the dehumidifier does not freeze or frost from a lower temperature. Therefore, you will be able to use the unit through all the seasons. It can also protect the unit from damages caused by ice and frost, which could get costly to repair.
6. Room Temperature
Contrary to other parts of your house, a basement is not well-insulated of weather tight. Therefore in winters, it is likely to experience freezing temperatures. In such cases, you should invest in a dehumidifier that comes with low-temperature settings and an auto-defrost feature for optimum results.
7. Noise
If you are using your basement as a storage space or laundry area, units with higher capacity are your best pick. Considering that you will not be present in the room often, the noise level will not be an important factor. However, if your basement is a living space, then you certainly don’t want to invest in a noisy humidifier.
8. Ducting
Ducting is another feature that makes a dehumidifier more valuable to the owner. It allows the unit to heat more than one space. Typically, the unit is installed in one place from where it heats the entire home. Features like timers, remote controls, humidistat, etc. make it extremely easy to use this dehumidifier for your basement.
9. Warranty
Irrespective of the price tag of the dehumidifier, you should look at whether or not the unit has an extended warranty. A dehumidifier is an expensive investment and you would want to make sure you are shedding the money in the right place. An extended warranty period exhibits the credibility of the brand and manufacturer.
10. Size of Your Basement
A dehumidifier for the basement comes in different sizes and tank capacity. If your basement space is small, then there is no point in buying a large unit as it will only make the area look crowded. Small units, on the other hand for a large space, would not work effectively in reducing the moisture level. Additionally, when you place a small unit in a large area, the dehumidifier has to work harder to get to the optimum moisture level, thereby increasing your electricity bill.
For a basement space that measures 2000 sq. ft., a unit with 25 pints tank capacity would work perfectly well. Local climate will also play an important role here. If you live in a region that experiences high humidity, then you would want a unit with a higher tank capacity to gather the moisture. In a humid region, you would constantly need to use the unit to maintain optimum moisture levels. So in this case, investing in a permanent unit would be better as opposed to the free-standing dehumidifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making a buying decision with regards to the best dehumidifier for the basement comes with a lot of questions. In the below section, I am answering some of the most commonly asked questions by the buyers and help you to make a better decision.
1. What Do You Mean by the Capacity of the Dehumidifier
Best dehumidifiers for the basement are rated by their maximum capacity to remove moisture or humidity within the span of 24 hours. For instance, a humidifier with 50 pints capacity will remove 50 points of moisture from your basement within 24 hours. Remember if the storage capacity of the dehumidifier is only 30 pints, you will have to empty the collection bucket manually for optimum performance.
If you don’t want to do that, you can invest in a dehumidifier that comes with a direct drain feature, so that the unit automatically moves the water to the drain without interrupting the performance.
2. Does the Dehumidifier Add Heat to the Area?
A dehumidifier does provide some level of heat to the place where it is located. The degree of heat depends on the unit’s size and your basement space where it is put. If the temperature is warmer, the unit will able to remove more moisture from the air efficiently. In the smaller space, the dehumidifier is capable of increasing temperature up to 5 to 8-degrees. If the temperature gets too cold, it will significantly impact the performance of the unit.
3. Are All Dehumidifier Noisy?
Generally, a dehumidifier doesn’t generate less noise as opposed to portable air conditioning devices. However, there is some level of noise in a dehumidifier when it is powered on so you have to choose the location of the unit carefully. An average dehumidifier generates sound around 55 to 60 decimals, which is not so much.
4. If I Put Humidifier in the Basement, Will It Maintain the Adequate Humidity Level Throughout My House?
The majority of moisture in your home comes from the basement. Therefore, when you put a dehumidifier in your basement, you are reducing the overall moisture level from the entire house.
5. How to Remove Water From the Dehumidifier?
Moisture is collected inside the unit and there are multiple ways through which you can remove it. Following are some of the important ways to do the same –
- You can manually remove the water bucket once it is full. Once the bucket is full, the dehumidifier stops until you remove the water.
- You can directly remove the water into the nearby drain through the gravity drain using a hose.
- If you need to remove the water to a place that is farther away, you can do that by using an external pump and push the water away easily.
- Some dehumidifiers come with internal condensate pumps. This feature enables the unit to pump the water automatically to an external location.
The Verdict
Finding the best dehumidifiers for a basement can be a confusing and daunting task. However here I have made the task quite easy for you. Coming to my personal pick, I would have to go with Ivation’s 70-pint dehumidifier as one of the best dehumidifiers for the basement. It is a pricey investment and you certainly don’t want to make it often.
The unit comes with everything that you expect in a dehumidifier and provides you with extreme ease of use. It comes as a plus point if you are using your basement as a living space. Subsequently, you can use automatic moisture control to set the ideal humidity level that you desire. The model is highly popular among consumers due to its powerful and efficient performance.