What's the Difference Between a Dehumidifier with a Pump and One Without?
Humidity control is essential for protecting your home from moisture damage, mold growth, musty smells, and poor air quality. A dehumidifier is often the go to solution, but not all dehumidifiers are created equal. One important difference homeowners need to understand is the presence or absence of a built in pump.
Should you get a dehumidifier with a pump or will a non pump model do? This article explains the differences between these two types of dehumidifiers to help you make a decision for your home’s moisture control needs.
How Dehumidifiers Work and Why Pumps Matter
Dehumidifiers work on a simple principle. They pull moist air into the unit using a fan, pass it over refrigerated coils that cool the air and cause water vapor to condense, then collect this water while releasing drier air back into the room. This continues until the desired humidity level is reached, removing excess moisture from your living space.
What does a pump do on a dehumidifier?
A pump on a dehumidifier does one thing: automatic water removal. Instead of relying on manual emptying or gravity based drainage, the built-in pump pushes the collected water through a hose to a designated drainage point.
This starts automatically once the internal reservoir reaches a certain level, so you can place your unit anywhere, regardless of drain location.
How moisture is collected and drained
During operation, moisture condenses on the cooling coils and drips into an internal collection system. Without a pump, dehumidifiers have only two drainage options: manual emptying of the water bucket or gravity based drainage through a hose.
Gravity based requires the drain point to be below the unit, limiting placement options. Pump models add a third option – active pumping that works against gravity, pumping water up to sinks or through windows.
Types of Dehumidifiers: With Pump vs Without
Understanding the core differences between pump and non-pump dehumidifiers helps homeowners decide for their moisture control needs.
Pump dehumidifiers: How they work
Dehumidifiers with built-in pumps have an advanced water removal system that automatically expels the collected water. These units have built-in pumps that push water through a hose to a chosen drain. The key advantage is vertical pumping – most models can pump up to 15-17 feet, so you don’t need gravity based drainage. This is essential for basements, crawl spaces and areas below ground level where standard drainage isn’t available.
Unlike non-pump models, these dehumidifiers run continuously without interruption. Once the internal reservoir is full, the pump activates and removes the water without you having to do anything. This means consistent humidity control even in unattended spaces.
Non-pump dehumidifiers: Simpler but manual
Non-pump models have two drainage options: manual bucket emptying or gravity based drainage. With bucket collection, you need to regularly monitor and empty the water reservoir to prevent overflow. With gravity drainage, you attach a hose to the drain outlet and the water flows down.
These units are cheaper because of their simpler design. They have fewer parts that can fail, possibly extending their lifespan. But they require either constant monitoring or specific placement – the dehumidifier must be above the drain point for gravity drainage to work.
When to choose each
Choose a pump dehumidifier for hard to reach locations or spaces that need to run without supervision. These models are great for basements, crawl spaces and areas without floor level drains. If you want a hassle free moisture control solution, pump dehumidifiers are the way to go.
Pick non-pump models for spaces where manual tank emptying isn’t a problem or if you’re on a budget. They’re good for bedrooms and living areas where noise matters, as they’re often quieter than pump models.
Key Features and Maintenance Differences Between a Dehumidifier with a Pump and One Without
When choosing between a dehumidifier with a pump and one without, look beyond how they work. Their features and maintenance needs can make a big difference over time.
1) Automatic drainage vs manual emptying
The most noticeable distinction between these types of dehumidifiers lies in their method of water removal. Pump models are truly hands off – they automatically expel water when the internal bucket is full. This continuous drainage means uninterrupted dehumidification even in unattended spaces.
Non-pump units require regular manual emptying of water buckets or gravity based drainage systems. Without attention, standard models shut off when full and humidity levels can rise again.
2) Placement flexibility: Basement vs living room
Pump dehumidifiers are great for below grade spaces like basements and crawl spaces where they can pump water up to outdoor drains or sinks. Most pump models can pump up to 15-17 feet, so you have more placement options.
Non-pump models using gravity drainage must be set above the drain. They are usually quieter, around the low 50s decibels, making them a good choice for living spaces where noise matters.
3) Noise levels and portability
Speaking of noise, non-pump dehumidifiers are generally quieter, so good for bedrooms or living rooms. Regarding portability, weight is a factor – 50-pint units weigh around 50 pounds, 22-pint units around 30-35 pounds. Models with top extendable handles are much easier to move than those with side pocket handles.
4) Maintenance needs: Filters, coils and pumps
Both types of dehumidifiers require similar basic maintenance. Regular filter cleaning is essential; many models have indicator lights that tell you when to clean. Coils should be inspected annually and kept dust free with a vacuum or soft brush.
Non-pump models require manual emptying of the water bucket most often. Pump models require more attention to ensure drainage systems don’t clog. Also, cleaning and sanitizing the water tank weekly prevents mold growth in both types.
Cost, Energy Use, Long Term Value
When considering the cost of dehumidification solutions, the difference between models with and without pumps goes beyond the initial purchase price.
1) Initial cost
The initial cost varies between models with and without a pump. Non-pump models like the Abestorm Guardian SN55, 113 PPD, gravity drainage, $499.51 on Abestorm. Pump models are slightly more.
For example, the Abestorm Guardian SN55S, 120 PPD, has a built-in pump, ENERGY STAR® certified, $518.93 (was $648.66). Pump models are $20-$70 more and up to $150 more for Wi-Fi. This price difference is for the convenience of automatic drainage and ease of use.
2) Energy usage: Pump vs non-pump
Energy use is another factor. Pump models use about 5-15% more energy for the pump motor. Non-pump models like the SN55 use 300-700 watts, pump models like the SN55S or SNS65 use 350-800 watts. They use 13% less energy which can save up to $175 over the life of the unit.
3) Lifespan and repair
Non-pump models last longer since they have fewer moving parts. For example, the SN55 lasts 5-7 years. Pump models like the SN55S and SNS65 last 3-5 years since pumps can wear out over time. Regular maintenance like cleaning filters and coils can extend the life of any unit.
4) Time vs money
The value proposition is convenience vs cost. For homeowners looking for quality dehumidifiers with performance, check out Abestorm’s bestselling models that balance efficiency with reliability. Consider the time spent emptying tanks (5-10 minutes daily in humid conditions) vs potential damage ( $1,000-5,000) and mold remediation ($500-4,000). For basements, crawl spaces or vacation homes, pump models pay for themselves in the first year through convenience and damage prevention.
Comparison Table
Feature
Dehumidifier with Pump
Dehumidifier without Pump
Water Drainage Methods
Automatic pump drainage up to 15–17 feet upward
Manual bucket emptying or gravity drainage only
Placement Flexibility
Can be placed anywhere, including below drainage point
Must be positioned above drain point for gravity drainage
Energy Consumption
350–800 watts (5–15% more)
300–700 watts
Continuous Operation
Uninterrupted operation
Stops when bucket is full
Average Lifespan
3–5 years with heavy use
5–7 years
Noise Level
Generally louder
Quieter
Best Suited For
Basements, crawl spaces, below-ground areas
Living spaces, bedrooms
Maintenance Needs
Regular filter cleaning, coil maintenance, pump system cleaning
Regular filter cleaning, coil maintenance, frequent bucket emptying
Operation Type
Fully automated water removal
Requires manual intervention or gravity
Ideal Use Case
Unattended spaces, continuous operation needed
Spaces where manual emptying is feasible
Conclusion
Choosing between a dehumidifier with a pump and one without comes down to your space, drainage access and time. If you’re dealing with below-grade moisture, want to run your unit continuously or prefer less maintenance, go with a pump model. For quiet operation in main-level rooms with easy drainage, a non-pump unit offers great performance at a lower cost.
Are you ready to shop models for your environment? Visit Abestorm Best Sellers and find powerful dehumidifiers designed for efficiency, durability and convenience.
