12 Best Dehumidifiers For Stuffy Basements
Experience: 4 yearsSwathi holds a master’s degree in biotechnology from Osmania University and has worked in places where actual science and research happen. She has four years of experience and a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.
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Living in damp and dingy basements is challenging. Molds and allergens thrive in trapped moisture and cause a mucky smell, discomfort, and diseases. A quick-fix to this problem is using dehumidifiers in your basement. A dehumidifier sucks out the moisture from the air and improves its quality, easing breathing issues. Check out our list of the 12 best dehumidifiers for stuffy basements. Scroll down!
In This Article
How Does A Dehumidifier Work?
A dehumidifier sucks air from your room, strips off the moisture, and blows it back into the room. The moisture collected drips into a collection tank that you have to empty at regular intervals.
Dehumidification happens in two ways – refrigeration and absorption/adsorption.
In refrigeration,
- An electric fan draws the warm, moist air inward through a grill.
- This air passes over cold pipes/plates.
- The air moisture turns into water and drips into a collection tank.
- The treated air passes over a hot condenser/compressor unit and warms up to its original temperature.
- Warm, moisture-free air blows back into the room.
In absorption/adsorption,
- An electric fan draws moist air from the room through a duct.
- This air passes through a large rotating wheel made of a desiccant (water-absorbing material) that strips off the moisture.
- Dry air is blown back into the room.
- An electric heating element heats up the air duct.
- The moisture-absorbing wheel rotates through the heated air space, which dries and prepares the desiccant for the next rotation.
- Wet air is blown out through an exhaust duct.
Here are the top 12 dehumidifiers for stuffy basements.
12 Dehumidifiers That Work Best For Dingy Basements
1. hOmeLabs Dehumidifier
The hOmeLabs Dehumidifier is an Energy Star-certified appliance fit for medium to large basements and rooms. It absorbs moisture effectively without shooting up your utility bill. With its elegant and compact design, it blends well in your decor. It is mounted on wheels and has convenient handles to move around.
This dehumidifier works silently for 24 hours without draining off the water. Its built-in pump compressor removes moisture and odor effectively. The Turbo mode increases the fan speed from normal (165 CFM) to high (188 CFM) for maximum moisture removal. There is also a drain hose outlet for continuous draining.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 10 x 19.7 inches
- Fan Speed: 165-188 CFM
- Coverage: 1,500 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.85 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 22 pints per day
- Noise Level: 50-58 dB
- Portable
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Sleek design
- Expensive
2. AmazonBasics Dehumidifier
The AmazonBasics Dehumidifier works best in small to medium-sized rooms with a standard 8-feet ceiling. It comes with a smart dehumidification feature that maintains internal humidity of 45-55% range, which is relatively comfortable. Use this device year-round to create a temperate environment and keep your room free of allergens, odor, and molds.
This dehumidifier has an auto-restart feature that resumes at previous settings in case of a power outage. Other advanced options include a timer, auto-defrost function, and overflow protection. It is equipped with an easy-to-clean reusable filter and a removable 22-pint water collection bin. This sleek dehumidifier is Energy Star-certified and works silently.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15 x 19.7 x 10.2 inches
- Fan Speed: 129 CFM
- Coverage: Up to 1000 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 2.75 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 22 pints per day
- Noise Level: 54-59 dB
- Easy to clean
- Energy Star-certified
- Removable, reusable filter
- Auto-defrost function
- Surge protection
- Noisy
3. Waykar Dehumidifier For Home and Basements
The Waykar 40 Pint Dehumidifier suits your modern and functional home, basement, office, cellar, or laundry area. It maintains humidity between 30%-85% in an energy-efficient way. This dehumidifier has built-in humidity control, which shuts off automatically on reaching the set point. It also restarts automatically when it senses a rise in humidity.
This device is equipped with overflow protection, power outage auto-restart, full-tank indicator, and auto-drain features. The unit comes with a 6.56 ft. drain hose that drains the collected water continually. Its smooth, 360° rotatable wheels and lift-up handles make it portable and versatile.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14 x 11.2 x 22.8 inches
- Fan Speed: 144 CFM
- Coverage: 2000 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.66 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 40 pints per day
- Noise Level: 45-45 dB
- 360° rotatable wheels
- Easy to clean
- Energy-efficient
- Quiet operation
- Value for money
- Poor post-sales support
4. Vremi Dehumidifier For Basements
This Energy Star-certified dehumidifier absorbs moisture from medium to large rooms quickly and quietly with minimum energy consumption. You can run it continuously until its tank fills by choosing the 24-hour cycle and then shuts off automatically. The auto defrost feature prevents the coils from freezing, and the adjustable fan speeds ensure your rooms are free of odor and moisture. It also features a turbo mode that increases fan speed for maximum moisture removal.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16.1 x 10.4 x 19.9 inches
- Fan Speed: 129-138 CFM
- Coverage: 1500 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.8 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 22 pints per day
- Noise Level: ~55 dB
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to clean
- Auto shut off
- Auto defrost
- User-friendly
- Budget-friendly
Might get noisy
5. MIDEA MDP30SR81 Portable Dehumidifier
The MIDEA MDP30SR81 Portable Dehumidifier maintains a comfortable 45%-55% humidity level while controlling moisture fluctuations due to rains or extreme weather. This device also includes smart features, such as automatic restart in case of a power outage, overflow protection, auto defrost, and auto cleaning alert.
You can empty the collection tank manually or connect a standard 0.75 inch garden hose to the built-in socket for gravity-fed continuous draining. It comes with a reusable, washable filter that preserves air quality and saves heavy replacement expenses. This dehumidifier is Energy Star-certified, features a continuous dehumidification mode, and operates at low a volume (51 dB).
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 10 x 19.7 inches
- Fan Speed: 129-138 CFM
- Coverage: 1000 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.8 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 30 pints per day
- Noise Level: 51-49 dB
- Portable
- Quiet operation
- Easy to clean
- Power outage restart
- Auto-shutoff
- Auto defrost
- Filter cleaning alert
- Washable filter
- Energy Star-certified
- Continuous dehumidification mode
- The auto-clean alert might malfunction.
6. Yaufey Dehumidifier For Home And Basements
The Yaufey Dehumidifier is a cost-effective option for small and medium rooms in your home or basement. With an auto-shutoff option and alarm system, this dehumidifier prevents overflowing, clogging, and power surge damages. It eliminates odor-causing molds, bacteria, and other allergens to maintain 45%-55% humidity. You can choose this setting for 24 hours for continuous draining with the 2-meter long drain hose.
It also features a light-touch intelligent control panel to view the operating settings at a glance. You can select between regular and turbo fan speeds for optimal comfort. Its low-noise operation does not interfere while sleeping or studying. The removable and washable filter ensures easy maintenance, while the built-in wheels and handles enable easy movement.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.2 x 17.3 inches
- Fan Speed: 129-138 CFM
- Coverage: Up to 1500 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.48 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 30 pints per day
- Noise Level: <50 dB
- Easy to clean
- Portable
- Sleek design
- 30-days money-back guarantee
- 12-month free replacements
- Lifetime support
- Might get noisy
7. Kesnos Dehumidifier
The Kesnos Dehumidifier is ideal for large rooms, halls, or basement entryways. It maintains the humidity between 30% and 85% and switches on or off automatically by sensing the room humidity. You can also use its laundry-drying settings to air-dry wet clothes naturally.
The 24-hour setting allows you to run this dehumidifier all-day long with no hiccups. Its collection tank can be emptied manually or automatically by connecting a drain hose for continuous outflow. This dehumidifier also features smart safety mechanisms – child lock, auto-defrost, overflow protection, and auto-restart. The 360° easy-roll hidden wheels and ergonomically-recessed handles enable easy movement.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 22.8 inches
- Fan Speed: 112 CFM
- Coverage: Up to 4500 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 1.18 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 70 pints per day
- Noise Level: <50 dB
- Portable
- Easy to maintain
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Faulty control panel
8. LONOVE Dehumidifier
This mini dehumidifier maintains moisture below 50% using its two air inlets. This is designed to fit your bathroom or can be carried to your office or camping. It prevents the peeling of wallpaper, protects your home electronics, and keeps the upholstery and linen from smelling.
This device comes with a water level controller, auto-shutoff option, smart humidity sensors, and easy-drain options. It runs quietly at 35dB without disturbing your sleep, work, or study. This dehumidifier uses a fan to move the air over refrigerated coils, pull water from the air, and drip it into a tank.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 5.1 x 11.1 inches
- Fan Speed: 129 CFM
- Coverage: 165 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.2 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 0.74 pints per day
- Noise Level: <35 dB
- Portable
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight
- Energy-efficient
- User-friendly
- Not easy to clean
9. Honati Small Dehumidifier
This mini dehumidifier quickly and effectively controls the humidity levels of small spaces. It does not have a compressor and runs below 33 dB – best for quiet places like offices, bedrooms, lounges, and prayer halls. This also makes the dehumidifier an energy-saving and eco-friendly option. It also comes with an automatic shut off option that prevents water overflow. This dehumidifier removes moisture from wet floor and clothes, and has as a water level indicator to empty the tank.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.6 x 5.6 x 8.9 inches
- Fan Speed: 112-129 CFM
- Coverage: 108-215 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.15 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 0.6 pints per day
- Noise Level: <35 dB
- Portable
- Energy-efficient
- Quiet operation
- Durable
- Eco-friendly
None
10. AlorAir Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifiers
The AlorAir Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifier has a quick and efficient defrosting process that works continuously without stopping for defrosting the plates. It emits minimal freons, making the appliance energy-saving and eco-friendly. This dehumidifier has a quick and efficient Hot Gas Valve Defrosting System, which works at low temperatures (36°F or 0°C). Its coils are epoxy-coated to prevent corrosion and maintain the lifespan of the appliance. It also features a remote monitoring function and a sound insulation system.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.8 x 11.4 x 24.1 inches
- Fan Speed: 165-206 CFM
- Coverage: 4500 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 2 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 50 pints per day
- Noise Level: <51 dB
- Eco-friendly
- Energy-saving
- Works at low temperatures
- Durable
- Removable filters
- Easy to clean
- Remote controlled
- Heavy
11. TOSOT Dehumidifier
The TOSOT Dehumidifier controls the humidity levels of medium to large rooms. This way it allows your AC system to work efficiently in super-humid seasons. Its internal pump discharges collected water automatically and prevent emptying the bucket repeatedly. It also shuts off automatically if the water bucket fills up to prevent overflow damage. This Energy Star-rated dehumidifier works without racking up your electricity bill. After setting a will display the current humidity. The dehumidifier switches off after reaching the target humidity level set at the control panel.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.7 x 10.6 x 21.9 inches
- Fan Speed: 165-206 CFM
- Coverage: 4500 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 2 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 50 pints per day
- Noise Level: <51 dB
- Cost-effective
- Quiet operation
- Easy to maintain
- Portable
- Energy Star-rated
- Eco-friendly
- Difficult to clean
12. Inofia Dehumidifier
The Inofia Dehumidifier is ideal for small rooms, attics, basements, bathrooms, garages, campers, and RVs. This model is equipped with advanced negative ion air purification and activated carbon filters to keep your surroundings clean, safe, and fresh. Its auto-stop, auto-restart, auto defrost, and adjustable fan speed features help you save on your utility bills.
The auto defrost function enables using this durable dehumidifier at a low temperature of 41°F. It also restarts automatically at its previous settings during a power interruption. It alerts you when it is time to empty the bucket or attach the drain hose for self-draining by gravity. With a built-in humidistat, this dehumidifier auto-stops at the set humidity level and auto-restarts when the humidity goes up. The switchable fan speed, programmable 24-hour on/off, and only four buttons on the control panel make the operation easy.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.2 x 17.3 inches
- Fan Speed: ~112 CFM
- Coverage: Up to 1056 square feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.5 gallons
- Moisture Removal: 30 pints per day
- Noise Level: <46 dB
- User-friendly
- Easy to maintain
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight
- Energy-efficient
- Durable
- Compact
- Might leak
There are three main types of dehumidifiers based on their function and design.
Types Of Dehumidifiers
- Refrigerant/Compressor Dehumidifiers
These work almost like your refrigerator. The dehumidifier is fitted with a metal plate(s) cooled by a compressor. As the air drawn by the fan touches these cold plates, its moisture condenses and collects into the water tank. A refrigerant dehumidifier is the most-effective of the lot but expensive.
- Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers absorb water from the air using a desiccant like silica gel. The desiccant traps moisture from an incoming air stream, condenses it, and collects in the tank. Desiccant dehumidifiers are small and light. They also operate at relatively low temperatures. However, they are not energy–efficient.
- Whole-house Ventilation Dehumidifiers
These ventilation systems are most-effective and cheap. The units are tucked away in a loft space. They push the air from the loft into your home via a grill mounted in the hallway. This air forces out the old, stale, damp air through your home’s natural vents.
Each type of dehumidifier is designed for a specific home set-up. However, they come with certain features that you need to consider while buying. Find them in the following section.
How To Choose The Right Dehumidifier For Basements
- Capacity And Room Size: Measure the size of your room/basement that needs a dehumidifier. Here’s what you need:
- 30-pint dehumidifier – 500-1,500 square feet
- 50-pint dehumidifier – 2000-2,500 square feet
- 70-pint dehumidifier – 3000-3,500 square feet
- Climate: If you live in a humid climate, add 10 pints more to the recommended dehumidifier capacity. If you live in a relatively dry area, go by the recommended capacity. The washer/dryer also contributes to the moisture levels of the room. Add 5 pints more if the room/basement houses a washer/dryer.
- Dimensions: If there is a single room or corner of your basement that needs dehumidification, go for a small or mini dehumidifier. It covers up to 200 sq. ft., works silently, and can also be set on a table. For large rooms or halls, go for big devices with wide coverage.
They come with bigger tanks and yet blend well with your decor.
- Moisture Removal: Dehumidifiers are measured in terms of the number of pints of water/moisture they remove from the air in 24 hours. Go for dehumidifiers that remove 20, 30, 35, 50, 70, 90, or more pints per day. The higher the pints per day (PPD), the higher the cost and electricity consumption.
- Noise: One of the drawbacks of dehumidifiers is the noise they generate. However, the latest models have < 50 dB noise levels. Some are quiet with <35 dB. Pick small and quiet dehumidifiers for bedrooms, prayer halls, offices, and other quiet places. Louder ones can be tucked away in the loft or hallway corners- for some relief. It always helps to check the noise specifications of the product before buying it.
- Warranty: All dehumidifiers come with at least a 1-year warranty. Go for products that have a warranty because these appliances often need maintenance visits and troubleshooting. Check the documents required to claim a warranty while buying a dehumidifier.
Always go for a robust and economic dehumidifier and set it up in a suitable spot. Your basement will no longer be damp and smelly with these dehumidifiers. Order your favorite dehumidifier from our list and maintain a cozy and healthy home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What humidity should I set for my dehumidifier in the basement?
Basements should be kept at or below 50% relative humidity. Molds, mildew, and allergens thrive in damp corners if the humidity reaches 80%. It is recommended to measure and track the humidity levels of your basement at regular intervals.
How long will my dehumidifier last?
The lifetime of a dehumidifier is between 5-10 years. Change the air filters regularly, and clean the condensing coils and exhaust grills to maximize its lifetime. Ensure to call an expert once a year to inspect your dehumidifier.
How do you know if you need a dehumidifier?
If your walls, windows, or ceiling are wet and moist with stains and odor, you need a dehumidifier.
Read full bio of Swathi Handoo
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