Dehumidifier vs Air Conditioner: Best Basement Moisture Solution

Basements tend to be humid areas due to the lack of airflow. That’s why mold tends to accumulate in the basement first, at least for most homes, and then it will continue taking over the entire home. Plus, concrete is a material that can absorb water, and the lack of airflow can become rather problematic here. What you can do is figure out whether an AC unit or a dehumidifier is the better option.

What can each type of unit do?

The thing to note here is that the dehumidifier is meant to help remove excess moisture from the air. It draws the damp air, then it condenses the water vapors into liquids, and then it collects the water in a tank or it gets drained via a hose. It can be good for improving the air quality while preventing things like rotting, mildew, or mold.

On the other hand, an AC unit is designed to help cool air in an indoor space. Due to the cooling process, it can help reduce humidity levels. However, that’s a byproduct, and it’s not meant to do that specifically. It can work well both in humid and hot climates, and it’s particularly useful for enhancing comfort in living spaces.

Moisture removal efficiency

When we talk about removing moisture from a basement, a dehumidifier is usually the better option. An AC unit needs warm air so it can operate properly, and it mostly controls the overall temperature, not moisture levels. By comparison, the dehumidifier can reduce the room’s humidity levels by up to 50%. It’s clearly a more effective and reliable solution, and it can do wonders.

Energy consumption

That’s the thing: whether you use a dehumidifier or an AC unit, you do need to be wary of energy consumption. And in this case, the AC is the one that usually consumes more power, since it has fans, larger cooling compressors, and so on. With a dehumidifier, you have improved energy efficiency. The AC unit is better if you want both dehumidification and cooling; however, if you just want to remove moisture from the basement, your dehumidifier is a better solution.

Where do you live?

It’s just as important to think about your climate, as that matters just as much here. For example, if you live in a warm, humid climate, then an AC unit will be enough. But if you live in a damp, cool climate, then a dehumidifier is better since it works all year round without issues. In general, if the basement temperatures are very low, the air conditioning unit is not going to be the most effective option. The Hurricane LGR85 is a prime example of a good humidifier that can do wonders for any basement!

Comfort and air quality

Whenever you want to avoid basement moisture, you want to think about ways to improve air quality and comfort. A dehumidifier can be ideal if you want to avoid dealing with mold spores or dust mites. It can also be great for removing moisture that eventually leads to odors. The AC unit can be ok at times, but realistically, it can lead to overcooling or even dryness. Dehumidifiers are meant to improve air quality, and they do provide better comfort levels as well.

Basement size

Yes, the basement layout and size matter just as much. If you have a large basement, you may need to get a whole-house dehumidifier. Some people choose to go with a mobile dehumidifier because it’s easy to carry around, and you can move it anywhere you want. That’s why a dehumidifier is usually the best approach in a situation like this.

Use cases

For most people, a dehumidifier is ideal if you have a basement that’s damp and cool most of the year. It’s also good if you have mold risks and persistent humidity. If you use the basement for storage or various utility purposes and not daily living, it certainly makes a lot of sense to go for the dehumidifier option. The same thing is valid if you want to increase structural longevity, stay away from musty odors, while protecting items that you’re storing there.

An AC unit can be good if the basement is humid and hot in the summer, and you use it often. You can also use one if you live in a hot climate zone and you need to dehumidify, but also cool the air.

Now the question is, should you or do you need to use both of these together? As you can imagine, there are certain situations when it could actually make sense. For example, they can enhance the indoor comfort, you keep humidity levels under control, and you’re also improving the air quality. In order to make the most out of this, it’s a good idea to place the AC unit near the occupied zones of your basement, and then you can also place the dehumidifier close to any moist area. That way, you have the best of both worlds.

Other things to consider if you want to keep great moisture control

• It’s a very good idea to seal any cracks in your floors and foundation walls
• Installing a sump pump can help a lot, especially if you have any water intrusion, so keep that in mind
• You can also use a vapor barrier for your floors and walls, and try to improve drainage as much as possible
• Keeping the downspouts and gutters clear is not a lot to do, but it can greatly enhance how you deal with moisture
• And of course, store items on pallets and shelves, not on the basement floors

Closing thoughts

So, if you have a basement and want to eliminate moisture from it, should you use a dehumidifier or an AC unit? Generally, if you want great moisture control, a dehumidifier is ideal. It can reduce humidity levels quite a bit, and it’s great for protecting the basement against mildew or mold. Sure, an AC unit could work in humid/hot climates and a finished basement where people don’t just store stuff. However, for the most part, a dehumidifier is better, more effective, and delivers excellent reliability!