Last Updated on September, 20th 2020

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Excessive dampness and mold in the basements are things every homeowner truly hates. But as much as some of us try to get rid of the problem every time the temperature and humidity increase their they are again! Thankfully the best dehumidifiers can solve these problems! Based on our research and reviews, these are our findings.

Our Selection for Best Dehumidifier for the Basement 2020:

The dehumidifiers listed are particularly great for basements that are filled with mold, bacteria, dust, mildew, as they can easily remove them, and they can even help you keep the household costs on the low side, as the excess moisture can certainly take a toll on both the heating and the cooling system.

We have taken a detailed look at the best dehumidifiers, going over all of their features and pointing out their advantages, as well as disadvantages. Read on and find out which one of these dehumidifiers are the right solution for your damp basement.

Product Details Price #1 - hOmeLabs

( Editor's Choice )



Dimensions: 15.4 x 11 x 24.3″

Size: 70 Pint

Coverage: up to 4500 Sq. Ft.

Capacity: 1.8 gal $$$ #2 - Vremi 70



Dimensions: 16.6 x 11 x 24.3″

Size: 70 Pint

Coverage: up to 4500 Sq. Ft.

Capacity: 1.8 gal $$$ #3 - Frigidaire FFAD7033R1



Dimensions: 11.6 x 15 x 24.4″

Size: 70 Pint

Coverage: up to 4000 Sq. Ft.

Capacity: 1.64 gal $$$ #4 - AlorAir Sentinel HDi90



Dimensions: 19.2×12.2×13.3 inches

Size: Pump

Coverage: up to 1,300 Sq.Ft

Capacity: 120 pints/day $$$$ #5 - Inofia



Size: 30 Pint

Coverage: up to 1056 Sq. Ft. $$ #6 - Keystone KSTAD50B



Dimensions: 10.8 x 15.4 x 23.2″

Size: 50 Pint

Coverage: up to 4000 Sq. Ft.

Capacity: 1.64 gal $$ #7 - Ivation IVALDH70PW



Dimensions: 11.1 x 15.3 x 23.5″

Size: 70 Pint

Coverage: Up To 4500 Sq. Ft.

Capacity: 2.25-gallon $$$

7 Best Dehumidifiers for Basements Reviews (September, 2020)

1. hOmeLabs 4000 Sq Ft Dehumidifier

hOmelabs is a relative newcomer to the basement dehumidifiers industry, having come into existence in 2014. Even so, their portable, 70-pint hOme dehumidifier for basements gives other established brands a run for their money.

These dehumidifiers are perfect for any large room, basements, or garage where you want the humidity level reduced.

As an Energy Star certified dehumidifier, this basement dehumidifier product not only saves your home from the threat of mold, mildew, and airborne allergens—it also saves you money.

It is incredibly energy efficient, meaning you’re easing the burden on the environment. It costs less to run these dehumidifiers compared to others on the market, too.

The hOme dehumidifiers are fairly straightforward to use: you just set your ideal moisture levels and let it run its continuous 24-hour cycle until its is full. At that point, it will automatically turn off until you drain the dehumidifier. For convenience’s sake, the manufacturer included a garden hose outlet so you can attach a garden hose for continuous draining if you prefer continuous operation.

What sets the hOme Dehumidifiers apart is the turbo mode that increases the fan speed from Normal Air of 165 CFM (cubic feet/minute) to High Air 188 CFM to maximize moisture removal and odor reduction in your household.

Pros:

Energy Star certified

70 pint dehumidifier capacity

capacity 24-hour continuous cycle with a drain outlet

Auto-turn off

Turbo mode fan

Cons:

Small water holding (12.8 pints) means you’ll have to drain it over six times a per day in high-humidity environments

in high-humidity environments Does not work in the same room as an evaporative cooler

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2. Vremi 70 Pint Portable Dehumidifier

Our second entry comes from Vremi, an appliance manufacturer that has mainly produced kitchen appliances through the years but recently expanded to all manner of home appliances, including dehumidifiers.

While the company has a fairly short history of manufacturing air-conditioning appliances, you can’t knock the quality and affordability of their 70-pint dehumidifiers.

If you are environmentally-conscious or want to save a couple of dollars each month on your electricity bill, the first thing that will draw your attention to the Vremi Dehumidifier is that it is Energy Star certified, meaning it reduces the humidity level in your home with minimal energy consumption.

Vremi designed the Moisture Maniac Dehumidifier with the convenience of the end-user in mind. It sports a sleek and clean look with convenient built-in caster wheels and handles to ensure that you can move it around the house as needed.

Also, this dehumidifier is incredibly quiet, ensuring that you will not hear it operating in the background as it reduces moisture, odors, and allergens in the air.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to run this machine, as you can easily set the ideal humidity level for your basement and then let it run in continuous 24-hour cycles until the water tank is full. You can either drain it yourself or attach a garden hose to an available outlet for continuous operation.

Pros:

Energy Star certified

Eco and pocket-friendly

Easy to operate

Drain hose slot for continuous operation

Cons:

Comes from a brand that is more known for kitchen appliances

Small water tank

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3. AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Dehumidifier

AlorAir and their specialized machines are on our list because they do an excellent job as well.

The AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 has a high price tag but specializes in crawl space and basement dehumidifiers humidity level management. Like other AlorAir dehumidifiers, the Sentinel HDi90 also features the epoxy-coated refrigerator coils that provide corrosion protection on the coils, thus maintaining heat transfer ability over the life of the coils. Moreover, the added corrosion protection reduces the chance of Freon leakage, thus extending the overall life of the product.

Basements and crawl spaces are known for being incredibly moist during any season, and thus you need dehumidifiers that can operate under low-temperature conditions.

These products feature the Hot Gas Valve Defrosting system for quick and energy-efficient defrosting under low temperatures, allowing it to run efficiently even at 36°F. The HGV defrosting system ensures that the unit works efficiently and continuously during low-temperature seasons without having to stop periodically to defrost, saving time and making the unit last longer.

What makes the Sentinel HDi90 an ideal choice for crawl spaces and basements is its remote control and monitoring function. You can use the remote control to monitor the humidity level and set the performance of the unit without having to check on it physically. However, note that you have to purchase the remote control separately.

Draining won’t be a problem as it comes with a heavy-duty condensate pump that easily attaches to the unit with a 20-inch lifting distance. The condensate pump gives you the freedom to use a drain hose anywhere.

AlorAir stands by their products, which is why they offer a 5-year warranty on the Sentinel HDi90, their after-sales service is impeccable. You can easily reach their service team wherever you are in the country if ever you need replacement or assistance with your unit.

Pros:

HGV Defrosting System

Operates at low temperatures

Epoxy Powder Coating on the Coils

Remote control and monitoring function

Comes with a heavy-duty condensate pump

5-year warranty

Cons:

Customer service websites for AlorAir are in Chinese and can be difficult to interpret

Has a high price tag

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4. Frigidaire 70 Pint Dehumidifier

We were very keen to put our hands on this Frigidaire basement dehumidifier – since it’s a successor to a highly popular FAD704DWD Frigidaire from 2014, we couldn’t wait to see which features the Frigidaire will put into their next dehumidifiers.

Are these Frigidaire dehumidifiers a worthy heir to one of the best dehumidifiers of the decade? Read on and find out!

The Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 70 pint dehumidifier works like this – it pulls the excess humidity from the basements air in the form of moisture, collecting it in its 13.1 tank that has a splash guard, a handle, and the auto-shut off function.

If you put it next to a drain and run it in a continuous way, the Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 will be able to collect some 70 pints of moisture per day, which is really impressive.

We liked how easy the Frigidaire is to operate this thing – the so-called “Ready-Select” control panel include a control lock, the digital humidity level readout, as well as the very helpful 24 hours on/off timer that allows the user to set the time for a shutdown.

The Frigidaire screens are very easy to read, letting you control the humidity’s percentage in whichever room you put this Frigidaire dehumidifier in. The combination of a top handle, side handles, and the caster wheels also makes the machine very easy to move around – this is always a big plus in our book.

Pros:

Comes from a well-known brand, Frigidaire

High-grade craftsmanship

70 pints of moisture per day

Room Wise Portable Design

Effortless humidity Levels Control

Ready-Select Electronics Control

Cons:

Sensor can break after a few years, resulting in an “F0” readout error

Shorter lifespan compared to other dehumidifiers on this list

Still the Frigidaire 70 pt dehumidifier, fad704dwd – it is one of the best basement dehumidifiers currently on the market!

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Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 Review

5. Inofia 30 Pints Dehumidifier

This compact portable dehumidifier unit features one of the sleekest designs we’ve seen so far. But what about its performance?

Even though it’s small, the Crazo 500ml dehumidifier models offers a high dehumidification capability for a basement, an excess lot of moisture in the air – as the name suggests, this basement dehumidifier is equipped with a 500 ml removable water tank capacity and is able to extract some 200ml of water per day. This might seem low water capacity when compared to some other, but remember that this one is not designed for large room – the Crazo 500ml should be enough to cover rooms of some 215 square feet.

There are also some interesting features here – like the automatically cut the power feature that shuts down the device once the maximum water capacity is reached or the so-called Eco-Friendly Dehumidification feature that eliminates all sorts of bacteria and volatile organic compounds thanks to its cold catalyst filter.

Along with the dehumidifier, the user is also getting a handy user manual and a lifetime customer service, which is something that definitely deserves a commendation.

Also, we really liked the fact that the Crazo 500ml is really quiet, noise free and can store 500ml (30 pints) water – its noise levels never go over 35 decibels.

Pros:

Easy and hassle-free to work with only one button

Smart electrical panel

30 Pints

Both manual and automatic drainage

Noise output is relevantly low.

Cons:

The alarm indicating the water tank is full is very loud.

Some users face difficulty in removing the water tank.

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6. Keystone KSTAD50B Dehumidifier

These are a highly efficient dehumidifiers that is able to remove 50 pints of moisture per day, coming with a set of electronic controls that are easy to operate and some notable features. Let’s see how it fared on our test!

Even though it looks very simple, the Keystone KSTAD50B 50 pint dehumidifier comes with a load of features that might seem hidden on the first look.

There is a LED display on the top part of these dehumidifier models, and every change the user makes appears on display, which is quite convenient. The readings are accurate, allowing you to set the desired humidity level in basements or any other room.

Even the coldest rooms won’t be a problem, thanks to the Auto-Defrost feature which detects the buildup of frost on the coils and turns on the fan to melt it.

The automatic shut-off function, on the other hand, will shut down the KSTAD50B when the water tank is full so that you can remove (this is also easily done – the tank has a top handle).

In the case of a power failure, these dehumidifier models will restart, while the 24 hours timer allows the user to let thees dehumidifier models work for a preferred amount of time.

Pros:

Easy-to-use electronic controls and LED display

Drainage hose outlet for continuous floor drain operation

Filters up to 50 pints of moisture per day

Automatic shutoff

Cons:

Dehumidifier does not turn off when the water storage is removed

The tank has to be emptied immediately – you can’t set it down because the bottom is not flat

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7. Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier

Made by the famous Ivation, these dehumidifiers is an excellent machine that’s a great choice for a room measuring up to 4,500 square feet while pulling 70 pints of moisture from the air per day.

The best thing about these dehumidifiers is the significant number of handy features that it comes with – let’s take a look at the ones that are most important.

The first thing to notice here is definitely the RHT meter with a simple LED display, which allows the user to check the basement humidity level whenever he wants and then set the ideal level of the automatic moisture control. There are two options when it comes to this – the regular and the turbo one, since the fan has two speeds.

We should also mention the 24-hour timer and the so-called Quick control panel switch, as well as the exceptional Auto-Restart technology which saves your favorite settings and also turns on the device after the power outage.

Pros:

Energy Star Certified

Auto-shutoff feature

Cleanable filters

Two fan speed options

Portable

Easy to use

Drain outlet

Frost sensor for auto-defrost

Cons:

Small water tank (10.4 pints) makes the floor drain hose necessary

Generates a bit of heat during operation

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Dehumidifier for Basement Buying Guide

A basement is more than just an extra room to gather dust. A healthy and well-loved basement can bring an array of benefits to your house.

Additional family spaces, a recreational room, guest accommodation or even that elusive extra storage that we all crave can be right there under your floor. Not to mention the extra value a functional basement can add to your property.

Maintaining a damp-free basement, however, can be an ongoing challenge. Subterranean location, inadequate ventilation or incorrectly installed appliances can all contribute to excessive moisture from the air (2) build-up. This can leave even the most modern and energy-efficient basements feeling less than cosy.

Finding the best-rated dehumidifiers for basements use is crucial. A functional basement will maintain optimum humidity levels, offering you a warm, cosy retreat in winter and a cool, calm haven in summer.

Healthy airflow in your basement is more than just a case of opening the window every once in a while. Excessive build-up of moisture can happen quickly. If it’s not removed on a continuous basis it can be a difficult problem to rectify. To return to the desired humidity level and remove moisture from the air, investing in one of the best basement dehumidifier models will be a crucial move.

The recommended RH is 50 percent during the summer months and 30% during winter. Anything in excess of this can start to cause mildew. In order to maintain a healthy living spaces, it’s crucial to remove moisture from the air on a continuous basis and keep air humidity level at the recommended levels. This can be particularly relevant for people living in climates with high humidity level.

Features to Look for if You Want to Buy the Top Dehumidifier for Basement

If you’ve made the decision to invest in one of the above dehumidifier models, the benefits will be felt throughout your house. The best dehumidifiers for basements will bring cleaner, dryer air to your living spaces. This will contribute to a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

With multiple dehumidifiers on the market, choosing the best dehumidifiers might seem a little daunting. The top rated dehumidifiers for basements will all have various features to choose from. With the best dehumidifiers, it’s definitely not a case of “one size fits all”. Room size, location, temperature range and local climate are just some of the factors that need to be considered before choosing one of the above dehumidifier models.

Room Size: Picking the right sized dehumidifier models for the intended area is crucial. You might think you’re saving money upfront by buying one of the smaller dehumidifier models.

If it’s too small, however, it will need to work much harder to reach the desired humidity level. This may end up costing you more in utility bills. In the long run, it may even lead to it being overworked which may reduce the lifespan of some dehumidifier models.

Drainage: Depending on the set-up, drainage can occur by using gravity or through the use of a condensate pump. Gravity drainage is possible where you have access to a drain at floor level. It simply involves connecting any sort of hose to the drain outlet and allowing the condensate to flow into the drain with the help of gravity. It is possible to assist drainage by placing the dehumidifier at a height. If you choose to do this, ensure that the chosen surface is secure, stable, level and close to the drain.

If you don’t have close access to a floor level drain or you wish to use sink drainage, you can purchase either built-in pumps or invest in a condensate pump and hose separately.

Simply attach the condensate pump as per the manufacturer’s instructions for effective drainage. A pump will pump the collected water up against gravity to a water collection bucket.

Dehumidifier models with a pump will need to be emptied of water manually. In this case, dehumidifier models with a larger capacity may be better suited as it means the water collection bucket will need emptying less frequently. A hose drain outlet, on the other hand, is as exactly as it sounds. Water will be carried automatically out of the dehumidifier and down a drain. If you can’t access a floor-level drain you can get a dehumidifier that has a pump which pushes the water up against gravity to a sink drain or other.

You can also connect the machine to a sump pump with a hose. A pump is a great option as you don’t need to remember to empty the water bucket. The downside to this option in areas with colder winters is that the drains might become frozen, causing a blockage in the hose. It may be better suited, therefore, to warmer climates with high humidity level and higher temperatures. Whether a pump is included or not will be reflected in the price.

Local Climate: Local climate type is a huge factor for a consumer to consider when looking at basement dehumidifiers. Will it have to work all year in a high humidity climate or will it need to cope with freezing temperatures in winter and high humidity levels in summer? Features such as Low-Temperature Settings and Auto-Defrost can be invaluable in areas with colder winter climates. Drainage options will depend on the climate too. Climates that are warm and humid all year may benefit from a floor drain outlet to avoid frequent emptying from almost constant use. In contrast, climates that experience freezing winters may be better suited to an internal pump as it will be less exposed to freezing temperatures.

There are various other features a consumer can keep a close eye on when choosing a basement dehumidifier. They may not affect the efficiency of the dehumidifier itself. They can, however, make your life a bit easier and help to keep the dehumidifier running smoothly.

Filter Indicator Light: A clogged air filter can reduce the efficiency of a dehumidifier. If a filter is allowed to become blocked completely it may stop the system from working altogether. A filter indicator light can be very handy to let you know when the filter is close to needing a change This can save an expensive call out, a repair fee and downtime from an ineffective dehumidifier.

An Auto-Humidistat: Many modern best dehumidifiers are fitted with an auto-humidistat. This is a valuable energy-saving (1) feature that causes the dehumidifier to shut off when optimum moisture levels are reached. It keeps a close monitor on moisture levels and will start back up again if humidity levels begin to rise.

Low-temperature Settings: These can prevent the dehumidifier from frosting or freezing over in temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This can allow continuous use throughout the seasons. It also lowers the risk of potential damage from ice and frost.

Auto-Reset: This is a handy feature. In the event of a power outage, your dehumidifier will reset automatically to its previous settings when it restarts.

Things to Consider Before Buying

In most ways, a basement dehumidifier is just like any other stand-alone dehumidifier unit. For this reason, most basement dehumidifiers will probably work just as well above the ground in other areas of your house. It’s worth noting that the opposite is not true though. A standard above ground dehumidifier may not operate effectively in the temperature range generally experienced in a basement area. This is because a dehumidifier designed for the basement is generally equipped with a few extra features to optimise its functioning in the subterranean environment. This can include features to cope with a wider temperature range and dehumidifiers designed to fit into a close awkward crawl space.

Deciding what type of dehumidifier is right for your basement will depend on you’re intended use for the area and on price. A spare bathroom or extra storage room will have different requirements than a basement intended to be a fully functional living room.

Noise: If it’s a spare bathroom or laundry area that will only get used occasionally a high capacity tank will be best. The noise level of the dehumidifier isn’t that important in this instance as you won’t be around much to hear it. On the other hand, if you’re planning on using your extra space for living, entertaining or just chilling out, it’s different.

The last thing you want is a noisy dehumidifier unit imposing on your downtime.

Average Room Temperature: Again, if your basement is designed to be cosy living quarters or even a spare bedroom, the temperature will more than likely be warmer. Extra insulation, an efficient heating system, and effective window seals will leave the air temperature steadier. It will, therefore, be less prone to extreme fluctuations from the effects of the outside environment. In these conditions, your dehumidifier will most likely not be exposed to freezing temperatures.

However, if your basement is not effectively weather tight or insulated, freezing winter temperatures may have an effect on even the best dehumidifiers for basements. In this case, a dehumidifier with auto-defrost and low-temperature settings will be crucial to keep it functioning.

Ducting: Another handy feature of a dehumidifiers for basements purposes is the option to have ducting. This can allow the dehumidifier to heat more than one space at a time. It can also allow the dehumidifier to be tucked away discreetly in a closet or another area so it doesn’t infringe on your living space. Remote controls, humidistats, and timers can all add to the ease of use of a best dehumidifier for basement environments.

Symptoms of excess moisture in your basement

Most of us are familiar with that unpleasant telltale feeling of damp creeping under your skin and filling your nostrils when you walk into a room. Other signs will be observable throughout your living space. The presence of any of these is a clear indicator that you need a dehumidifier.

Signs You Need a Dehumidifier

Mold growth returning on walls and windows, despite repeated cleaning.

Condensation on your windows or water pooling on the inside window sills.

Damp stains or tide marks on the paintwork or ceilings.

A damp “feel” to the air.

Telltale damp and mildew in corners and crawl space.

Walls feel damp to the touch.

Furniture or stored items may have mildew or damp smell.

Peeling or cracking paint

The Importance of Using Dehumidifiers to Combat Humidity In Your Basement

Excessively high humidity levels inside your living space cause that damp and unpleasant feeling we’re all familiar with. The observable signs such as mold and mildew are reason enough to invest in dehumidifiers.

Aside from the cosmetic effects, however, damp inside your living spaces can also have adverse effects on your health and the health of your family.

Black mold produces a type of substance called mycotoxin. Over long periods of time, this can have an effect on your respiratory system as well as causing other health issues. Nausea, skin inflammation, fatigue, a poor immune system, and even cognitive impairment can all be symptoms of poisoning from toxic mold. Mold spores are incredibly difficult to eradicate completely, even with repeated cleaning. Once the airborne type enter your lungs it can have a negative affect on your health. In minor cases, this can cause an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. In more serious cases, spores can cause or exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. An air conditioner (5) can help to purify the air.

If the underlying cause of excess water in the air is not treated, however, it will remain a problem. Another reason to get those moisture levels under control is dust mites. The American Lung Association reports that roughly 80% of consumer homes in the U.S. have this type of unwelcome allergen in their homes.

The presence of dust mites can cause sneezing, runny nose, sinusitis, and respiratory conditions. According to the American Lung Association, the most effective method of keeping dust mites under control is by keeping your living spaces below 50 percent humidity.

So if you’re wondering whether dehumidifiers are worth paying the price, remember that it’s more than just about freshening the air. Optimum humidity levels can have a positive effect on the structure of your house as well as your well-being. Purer air, fewer dust mites and the elimination of mold spores and excess water will create a healthier living environment for your family to thrive.

Benefits of Using a Basement Dehumidifier

The positive effects of a dehumidifier can be felt in your house, your health and your wallet. Let’s take a look at a few good reasons to make the investment. It’s a small price to pay for a healthier living spaces:

Reduced moisture levels significantly lower the level of mold and mildew, not just in your basement but throughout your house. This improves the air quality in your home by removing mold spores and dust mites. Cleaner air means cleaner lungs. This can reduce symptoms usually associated with poor air quality. These can include respiratory conditions, sinus inflammations, and any associated conditions.

Choosing to install a dehumidifier in your basement area instead of up top is a discreet and quiet way to improve the air quality in your home. It can hum away in the background without imposing on family life.

The lifespan of paintwork, furniture, and upholstery will be extended due to reduced or eliminated mildew and mold.

A dehumidifier will also reduce dust throughout your home.

A dehumidifier will reduce the workload of your air conditioner. In a humid environment, an air conditioner will have to work much harder to cool the air and remove water from it. If the air is dry, the A/C will work more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Timber frame homes can be adversely affected by damp. Window frames and structural beams can warp and metal fixtures can rust more readily. Removing excess damp can protect the structural integrity of your home and keep it dry for longer.

Save money and increase energy efficiency.

Our Verdict

Basements are an amazing addition to any home, offering extra storage and functional spaces for family living. The right dehumidifier can help to optimise your basement and turn it into a clean, dry and cosy setting.

The price between dehumidifiers can vary greatly for the consumer. Price will depend on tank size, whether a pump is included, the type of dehumidifier and pint absorption rate. The price should usually fall somewhere between $1,200 and $2,000, depending on consumer requirements.

For every basement, there is the ideal dehumidifier. At the end of the day, it’s down to your own personal choice which type you invest in. Our top picks for the most efficient and user-friendly, however, is the hOmeLabs 4000 Sq Ft Dehumidifier . For those extra-large basement spaces, we recommend AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Dehumidifier. Ultimately, your best dehumidifier basement unit will depend on you.

Table of Contents

Dehumidifier for Basement Reviews

How to choose Dehumidifiers for Basements

Additional Resources