Ah, the basement—a hidden treasure trove of memories, storage, and perhaps a secret lair. But beneath that seemingly common space is a battleground against humidity forces. Yes, that’s right, excessive moisture lurking in your basement can wreak havoc on your belongings, health, and even your home’s structural integrity. Fear not, for we bring you the ultimate superhero in this quest—the high-efficiency dehumidifier for your basement.
Protecting your house and valuables from the harmful effects of excess humidity is integral to maintaining your home. For instance, high humidity in your basement can lead to the proliferation of rust and corrosion, which can damage your tools or electronics. Humid spaces also encourage bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow, which can result in foul odors and cause serious respiratory issues.
Most of us have been in a damp, cold basement at some point. And while a wet basement is often an unappealing place to be, it also has several health risks. A moist, damp basement encourages mold and bacterial growth and attracts rodents, roaches, and other pests. Dust mites also thrive in humid conditions, especially if they’re warm.
See Also:
- The Best Space Heater for an Uninsulated Garage – Buyer’s Guide
- The Best Electric Space Heater for a Basement – Unbiased Reviews
- The Best Mini Dehumidifiers for Bathroom – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
- The Best Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes – Unbiased Reviews
A high-efficiency basement dehumidifier works to remove excess moisture from the air. If your home or basement humidity is above 50%, investing in a high-efficiency dehumidifier will protect your home from damage.
How Do High Efficiency Dehumidifiers Work?
A dehumidifier works like an air conditioner–like a vacuum, it pulls air from your home. It then removes moisture from the air and pumps the air back into your home. Typically, a dehumidifier unit uses a desiccant material like silica, a cooled metal plate, or a coil to remove water from the air. However, whole-house teams use a pump to force air through your home. The following section goes into detail on how each dehumidifier type works.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Dehumidifier for Basement?
To make sure that you remove enough moisture from the air in your basement, there are a few key features to look for as you shop for an efficient dehumidifier.
Size
You’ll need to ensure your humidifier is suitable for the size of your basement to be effective. Most listings will say what room size the dehumidifier is designed for. Buying a dehumidifier that works in a room more significant than your basement is a good idea. However, buying one designed for a smaller space is unlikely to be very effective.
Collection Capacity
Most dehumidifiers have a tank that collects water from the air, and this tank will need to be emptied periodically. Buying one with a larger tank, you’ll need to open it less frequently, but some dehumidifiers with larger tanks tend to be more expensive. If you forget to empty a tank, you run the risk of it overflowing. If this concerns you, you may want to consider a dehumidifier that includes an indicator–this is usually in the form of a light that will turn on as the tank comes close to capacity. Some units even have an automatic shutoff function, turning them off if the tank empties.
Energy Efficiency
Some dehumidifiers are more efficient than others. If you want to save on running costs, look for one certified as energy efficient. These units may cost a little more upfront, but their lower energy costs will compensate for the price difference after you use it for a while.
Humidity Controls
Many dehumidifiers allow you to set your level of desired humidity. This lets you avoid overly dry air. Usually, you want your home to have a relative humidity of 40% to 50%, and a dehumidifier enables you to set your desired humidity level and let the machine maintain it.
Defrosting Capabilities
If you live in a colder climate, you run the risk of a refrigerant dehumidifier freezing. Because the machine already chills the internal metal plate or coil, it can freeze even when your home temperature is above freezing. A unit that automatically defrosts will work more effectively. And because frozen coils can cause permanent damage to a dehumidifier, they are often worth the extra expense, significantly if your basement regularly drops below 65 degrees.
High Efficiency Dehumidifiers for Basement – Reviews
1) Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier
Standout Feature: This chic white dehumidifier is ideal for 1,500 square feet, a prolonged operation period made possible by its larger water tank and intelligent control capabilities, such as Alexa compatibility and the Midea Cube Air App. The Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier is an industry leader in simplicity, effectiveness, and moisture management.
When it comes to removing extra moisture from your basement and rooms, the Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier excels. Its small size does not diminish its ability to cover up to 1,500 square feet effectively. You can enjoy longer operation times with a larger water tank without emptying it regularly.
The Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier has a clean white hue and a modern, elegant style that complements any interior design. Its small size, with dimensions of 13.5 inches in width, depth, and height, makes placing in various places simple. The lift-and-twist construction of the unit offers unrivaled flexibility. The expanded form has a bigger water tank capacity, and the nested structure, which is smaller when not in use, is functional.
The dehumidifier’s front panel has a clear LED display, making it simple to check settings and make changes. The user-friendly control panel provides quick access to features, including humidity level adjustment, fan speed selection, and mode settings. Three different fan speeds and a multi-directional air intake offer practical and personalized cooling.
Pros
- Powerful dehumidification in a small package.
- A larger water tank allows for longer running times.
- Intelligent connectivity and control with the Midea Cube Air App and Alexa.
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient [year]-certified energy-efficient operation.
- A drain hose is included for easy continuous emptying.
Cons
- The design of the unit might only suit some people’s aesthetic tastes.
- The intelligent control functions may need some initial setup and connectivity configuration.
2) Yaufey 4500 Sq. Ft Home Dehumidifier
Standout Feature: It has powerful performance, flexible humidity control, and practical features—the Yaufey 4500 Sq. Ft. Home Dehumidifier stands out. It effectively dehumidifies vast areas, ensuring comfort and air quality. Its convenience is increased by the user-friendly design, which has integrated wheels and various drainage options.
The Yaufey 4500 Sq. Ft. Home Dehumidifier is made to effortlessly fit in various spaces, including offices, basements, big rooms, garages, and closets. Thanks to its portable and compact design, it may be easily installed in any large enclosed room that demands effective moisture removal. The dehumidifier is small for its impressive covering area, measuring 9.05″D x 14.17″ W x 22.83″H. The Yaufey dehumidifier is excellent at maintaining the proper humidity level, whether you need to control humidity in a basement or a large living room.
The powerful and effective Yaufey 4500 Sq can benefit large rooms and basements. Ft Home Dehumidifier. It is ideal for places up to 4500 square feet because it can remove up to 55 pints of moisture daily. You can easily modify and maintain the outstanding interior humidity level with the dehumidifier’s adjustable humidity settings and intelligent humidity management. It also has a 24-hour timer and a low-noise design for enhanced convenience and quiet operation. The Yaufey dehumidifier has several drainage choices for continuous use, built-in wheels, and recessed grips that make moving it simple.
Regular maintenance is necessary to guarantee the Yaufey dehumidifier’s optimal performance and longevity. The filter needs to be cleaned regularly as part of maintenance. A washable and removable filter is included with the dehumidifier, which helps to improve air quality by removing dust and other pollutants. Using a soft cloth and water to clean the filter once a month is advised. Furthermore, washing the water tank every two weeks keeps the device functioning properly.
If you are concerned about how loud the fan might be, the fan is very quiet. When the built-in hydrometer falls several points below its set point, it shuts off and back on again when it exceeds the set threshold.
Having wheels under it is a bonus if you move it around much. You will buy this again!
Pros
- Dehumidification that is strong and effective for big spaces up to 4500 square feet
- Intelligent humidity control and programmable humidity settings for individualized comfort
- Low-noise construction for quiet use while sleeping or studying
- Built-in wheels and recessed grips make it simple to move.
- different drainage methods for ongoing use
- Reusable filter for higher-quality air
Cons
- Due to its larger coverage area, the device could be big and need room to place it.
3) HONEYWELL TP50WKN Dehumidifier
Standout Feature: The elegant design of this dehumidifier truly stands out. For instance, the front-facing mirage display allows quick monitoring across the room. However, even more impressive is the digital humidistat that automatically activates to dehumidify your basement.
Because this dehumidifier can remove up to 50 pints of moisture from the air daily, you can be sure your basement will remain dry. Additionally, because this unit is certified by Energy Star, you can rest assured that the TP50WKN from Honeywell will utilize less energy than conventional dehumidifiers, keeping your energy bill manageable.
You can maintain this dehumidifier by simply rinsing the filter under a faucet. Additionally, because the filter is reusable, you do not need to spend any money on replacement filters. To help you keep this unit running at its best, the filter alert will reliably inform you when it is time to clean the filter.
When it is time to empty the tank, the comfort-grip handle, and the patent-pending splash guards ensure you will not spill a drop of water on yourself or onto the floor. If emptying the tank is not for you, you can set the dehumidifier to continuous drainage for unattended operation by connecting the included drainage tube.
Pros
- produces 50 pints per day
- five-year warranty
- in-house customer support
- automatically restarts following a power outage
- drainage tube included
- heavy-duty handle
- 24-hour timer
Cons
- might be considered noisy
4) Frigidaire FFAD6022W1 Dehumidifier
Standout Feature: The 60 pints of high humidity capacity it has guarantees efficient moisture removal in big places. The continuous drain option eliminates the need for manual water bucket emptying, while the personalized humidity control and easy-to-clean washable filter optimize comfort.
Performance-wise, the Frigidaire dehumidifier efficiently removes too much moisture from the air, making the space cleaner and cozier. Due to its high humidity capacity can be used in basements, bigger residential areas, or any other place with high humidity levels. The unit’s efficiency is maintained over time thanks to the simple-to-clean washable filter. You can set the unique humidity control to the amount of comfort you choose for yourself. The continuous drain option is a practical feature that does away with the requirement for frequent physical intervention. The device is automatically cut off to guarantee safe operation when the water bucket fills to its maximum capacity.
The Frigidaire dehumidifier has a functional and user-friendly design. It is simple to empty and clean thanks to its front-loading bucket, which has a carrying handle and splash protection. The unit’s white tone gives any space a crisp, contemporary look. Easy placement and mobility are made possible by compact size and maneuverability. The dehumidifier runs silently, reducing noise while in use.
Pros
- For wider areas, high humidity capacity is suitable.
- Washable filter that is simple to maintain for effective operation.
- Personalized humidity control for comfort.
- There is no longer a need for manual emptying with the continuous drain option.
- Safety-related automatic shut-off feature.
- The practical and user-friendly design includes a front-loading bucket and carrying handle.
Cons
- Somewhat more expensive than other dehumidifiers available on the market.
- Despite being built to function quietly, the unit may make some noise when used.
- Compared to top-loading alternatives, the front-loading bucket might need to be emptied more frequently.
What Dehumidifier Types Are Available?
High-efficiency dehumidifiers all have the same central purpose: they remove moisture from the air. However, depending on your unique needs, one type may be better. Dehumidifiers come in three main types: desiccant, refrigerant, and whole house.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air using a substance that absorbs water. They slow-rotate a wheel made of silica or similar material in front of the incoming air. The humidity condenses due to warm air inside the machine and falls into a collection tank. Even though some desiccant dehumidifiers include replaceable desiccant cartridges, they are less energy-efficient than other varieties. Mini dehumidifiers are more affordable, portable versions of larger, more permanent desiccant dehumidifiers that dry up small spaces like closets or basements.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
As the name suggests, a refrigerant dehumidifier works similarly to a refrigerator. The unit pulls air from your home over a chilled metal plate. As the air passes over the plate, it causes moisture to condense and collect. These machines are more energy-efficient than desiccant dehumidifiers. However, they may be less efficient if your basement becomes very cold. Even at cooler indoor temperatures, the metal plate may freeze, which makes it difficult or impossible for the unit to pull moisture from the air.
Whole-House Dehumidifiers
These dehumidifiers can’t be confined only to the basement. But if you’re experiencing issues with high humidity in other areas of your home, they may be worth the investment. A whole-house dehumidifier is essentially a pressurized fan. It’s placed in the attic and quietly and continuously pumps air through a grille in the ceiling. The new air pushes out existing damp air along with moisture. These units usually will have a higher installation cost, but they also are cheaper to run. A whole-house dehumidifier usually connects to your home’s existing ventilation system, so you probably will need a professional to install it after purchase.
Why Is the Basement a Good Place for a Dehumidifier?
Unless you choose a whole house system, you’ll need to choose a place in your home to put your dehumidifier. More often than not, the basement is an ideal place to put it. Here’s why.
- Surrounding Soil Causes Extra MoistureEspecially if you live in an area with a low water table, your basement is especially likely to be affected by surrounding soil moisture. This means the basement is at extra risk for mold and mildew buildup. Of course, other areas of your home may get exposed to water–hot showers release some moisture into the air, increasing humidity. However, these increases are temporary, and many bathrooms have ventilation fans that prevent moisture from lingering and causing mold and other issues. Your basement is constantly surrounded by damp soil, making it more crucial to place a dehumidifier there.
- Basement Water Damage Is Especially Likely to Damage Your Home’s StructureContinued basement moisture can cause crawlspace mold growth and seriously damage your home’s structure. This is especially true if you have a wood-based foundation. Constant humidity can eventually cause a wood-based foundation to rot away, which leads to dangerous and costly damage.
- Running Noise Is Unlikely to Be IssueMost dehumidifiers are very quiet to run. However, this can become an issue if you’re sensitive to noise or have an unusually loud unit. Since most people don’t spend much time in the basement, a dehumidifier placed here is unlikely to disturb you.
Final Thoughts
Because extra humidity can cause severe issues to your home and your health, many homeowners see dehumidifiers as wise investments. And luckily, there are many models to choose from. Whether you want a basic model or a highly efficient unit with multiple controls, a basement dehumidifier will help you avoid moisture-related issues in any season. Remember to research potential models and ensure they are suitable for your basement size and temperature, and you’ll be well on your way to healthier, less humid air.
Sources:
- https://www.allsystemswaterproofing.com/3-potential-health-hazards-of-a-damp-basement
- https://blog.constellation.com/2018/09/21/energy-efficient-dehumidifiers/
- https://www.breathingspace.co.uk/dehumidifier-guide-i25
- https://homeguides.sfgate.com/place-dehumidifier-results-84056.html
- https://everdrywisconsin.com/can-basement-moisture-weaken-the-foundation/
- https://www.hometips.com/buying-guides/dehumidifiers.html