Your crawlspaces and basements make up your home despite being hidden. Your crawlspace and basement are the parts of the home which makes your home truly as desirable as it appears on the outside. Their condition determines the smell of your home, the appearance, the health of your family, and ultimately the structure of the home.
So choosing the best basement dehumidifiers is important to protecting your home’s look and structure. In this guide, we’ll show the importance of dehumidifiers, why they are the best option, the benefits of basement dehumidifiers, and how to go about choosing one. We’ll also highlight the best dehumidifier for basements, and the best dehumidifier with pumps for basement areas according to our recommendations.
Why basement dehumidifiers?
Why should you use a basement dehumidifier instead of other solutions like waterproofing, sump pumps, and complicated construction methods? Here are a few reasons you should consider a basement dehumidifier:
Complementary solution:
In no way do we say you shouldn’t apply other basement moisture solutions. In fact having other solutions in place greatly amplifies the effect of your dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can serve as an additional measure to ensure the basement remains dry and comfortable.
Effectiveness in humidity control:
Because they are a 24/7 machine specifically designed to control humidity levels, this makes them a good option for maintaining optimal humidity levels year-round regardless of external conditions.
Ease of installation:
Installing a basement dehumidifier is straightforward and typically requires minimal setup compared to more complex solutions like sump pumps or exterior waterproofing. Unlike waterproofing or drainage systems that may require extensive excavation and construction work, dehumidifiers can be placed and started immediately.
Cost-Effective Solution:
The initial cost of purchasing and installing a dehumidifier is generally lower compared to comprehensive waterproofing systems, sump pumps, or foundation repairs. You also don’t have to commit huge chunks of time to maintain your dehumidifier compared to other solutions, which can involve ongoing expenses for repairs and upkeep.
While there are many more reasons dehumidifiers are a top pick for basement moisture control, not all can be covered in this article.
Benefits of dehumidifiers in basements in homes
This also can be a complete article but we’ll highlight some of the most important benefits dehumidifiers provide for your basements and by implication your home. It’s important to note to enjoy these benefits, you need to look for the best dehumidifiers for basements that will serve you. We talk about this in the sections below, what to look for in a basement dehumidifier, and our picks for the best dehumidifiers for basements.
Removes Irritating Musty Odors:
Your basement can really smell uninviting due to excess moisture to the extent that you have to skip chores that involve you going there. A basement dehumidifier eliminates the source which automatically removes the odor while leaving only fresh air.
Prevention of Mold and Mildew:
Mold is a very dangerous counterpart of moisture and humidity. Once mold spores find this kind of environment, they quickly form mold in hours. They can cause respiratory issues and severe health problems. But wIth a basement dehumidifier, you reduce the chances of mold or mildew growing by miles which in turn translates to 100s of health benefits.
Protects your home structure:
Choosing the best basement dehumidifier helps prevent structural damage caused by excess moisture. By reducing humidity, it protects wooden beams, drywall, and other materials from rot, warping, and corrosion, saving you from costly repairs down the line.
Prevents Damage to Belongings:
Excess moisture can damage personal belongings stored in the basement, such as furniture, electronics, and important documents. Using the best dehumidifier for basement storage protects your valuables from moisture damage.
Improves Air Quality:
Damp basements are breeding grounds for allergens and pollutants. Mold spores, dust mites, and other irritants also grow in humid environments, triggering allergies, asthma flare-ups, and other respiratory problems. A basement dehumidifier removes the excess moisture that these allergens need to survive, effectively reducing their presence in your home's air. This cleaner air means less sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, making your entire home a healthier place to live and breathe.
How to choose a basement/crawlspace dehumidifier for your home
Choosing the right dehumidifier for your basement is essential to maintaining a dry, comfortable environment and preventing issues like mold growth and structural damage. Here are the key considerations when selecting a crawl space dehumidifier for your home:
1. Determine the Correct Capacity
The first step is to assess the size of your basement. Measure square feet to determine proper dehumidifier capacity, measured in pints per day (PPD). Here’s a guideline:
For small basements (up to 1,500 square feet) with moderate humidity, a 30-40 PPD unit is suitable.
Medium-sized basements (1,500 to 2,500 square feet) may require a 40-50 PPD unit.
Larger basements or those with high humidity levels may need 50-70 PPD or more.
Choosing the right capacity ensures effective moisture control without overworking the dehumidifier. Our dehumidifiers offer even more capacity of more than 3100 sq. ft. (120 pints@AHAM, 73ºF, 60%).
2. Consider Drainage Options
Abestorm offers dehumidifiers with different drainage options to suit your basement layout:
Gravity Drainage: Ideal if you can position the dehumidifier above a drain or sink for water to flow naturally.
Condensate Pump: Allows for upward or horizontal drainage, making it versatile for basements without convenient drain access. Our Guardian SNS120 basement dehumidifier is an example of a dehumidifier with a built-in condensate pump
Selecting the appropriate drainage method ensures efficient water removal without manual intervention.
3. Evaluate Humidity Control Features
Look for a dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat, which allows you to set and maintain your desired humidity level. This feature ensures the dehumidifier operates only when necessary, saving energy and optimizing comfort levels in your basement.
4. Energy Efficiency
Opt for an Energy Star-certified dehumidifier from Abestorm to save energy costs. These models are designed to operate efficiently while effectively managing humidity levels in your basement. Consider models with the MOST EFFICIENT certification for maximum energy savings.
5. Durability and Warranty
Abestorm dehumidifiers are built for longevity come with ETL electrical standards and provide you with a 5-year warranty, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
6. Environmental Considerations
Evaluate the environmental conditions specific to your basement or crawl space, including factors like temperature fluctuations and potential sources of moisture (e.g., leaks or groundwater seepage). Abestorm dehumidifiers are designed to operate effectively even at low temperatures, ensuring continuous moisture control year-round.
7. Ease of Use and Maintenance
User-friendly controls: Choose a model with intuitive controls and easy-to-read displays.
Easy-to-empty collection tank or continuous drainage option: Consider how you'll dispose of the collected water. Some models offer continuous drainage options, eliminating the need to empty a tank.
Washable or replaceable filters: Check if the filters are washable or if they need to be replaced periodically.
8. Budget
Dehumidifiers come in various prices. Set a budget before you start shopping to narrow your options. Remember that a higher-priced model may offer more features and better performance, but a basic model can still be effective at controlling humidity.
9. Portability
If you plan to move the dehumidifier between rooms or floors, choose a model with wheels and carrying handles.
10. Noise Level
Some dehumidifiers can be quite noisy. If noise is a concern, look for models with low decibel ratings or features like "quiet mode."
Best basement dehumidifiers: Our Top Picks
If a dehumidifier fulfills the factors listed above, it can be considered the best basement dehumidifier for you. However, we have top recommendations directly from our store when it comes to the best dehumidifiers for basements.
Choosing the best basement dehumidifier involves considering capacity, features, budget, and more. Here's a summary of top picks based on different needs:
Best Overall: The AlorAir 70 PPD Crawl Space Dehumidifier is energy-efficient and versatile, making it a great choice for most basements.
Best Smart: The Abestorm 120 Pints WiFi APP Controls Crawl Space Dehumidifier offers convenient remote control and monitoring through a smartphone app.
Best for Large Spaces: The AlorAir App Controlled Dehumidifier Removal 120 PPD is designed for large areas, with high moisture removal capacity and Wi-Fi control.
Best for Small Spaces: The Abestorm Guardian SN35P is compact, energy-efficient, and ideal for smaller basements or crawl spaces.
Best dehumidifier with pump for basement: If you're wondering what is the best dehumidifier for a basement with automatic drainage, the Frigidaire 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Pump offers continuous drainage for added convenience. It's also one of the best dehumidifiers for basements overall, with high capacity and user-friendly features.
Best Commercial Use: The Abestorm Hurricane 850 is built for demanding commercial environments, with a high moisture removal capacity and durable design.
Best Energy Efficient: The Abestorm Guardian SN55 prioritizes energy efficiency, helping you save on electricity bills while effectively removing moisture.
Best High Capacity: The Abestorm Guardian SN90 is the top choice for large or very damp basements, offering a high moisture removal capacity to keep your space dry.
Best Budget: The ALORAIR Commercial Dehumidifier offers excellent value for money, providing powerful dehumidification and a built-in pump at an affordable price.
This is a highly condensed version of our recent article about the best dehumidifiers for basements of 2024(with testing). If you want more info, read on here.
To explore these top-rated dehumidifiers and find the best dehumidifier for a basement or other specific needs, visit our store.
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