Basements are known to be hot and humid. The humidity alone can be and often is the cause of mold infestations, and if left unchecked, spores can travel from the basement to other parts of your home, which is how mold spreads. Controlling the humidity levels in this crucial part of your home will go a long way in safeguarding the rest of your house and your overall health. Although there are natural ways to lower indoor humidity, here we will focus on the best basement dehumidifiers.
Topics Covered
- How to choose a basement dehumidifier
- The best basement dehumidifier systems
- Do dehumidifiers work well in basements?
- Where to place a dehumidifier in the basement
- How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry a basement?
- Will a dehumidifier get rid of water in basement?
- Conclusion
How to choose a basement dehumidifier
Choosing a dehumidifier for your basement involves considering various factors to ensure you select the right model for your specific needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
Calculate the size of your basement: Measure the square footage of your basement. This will give you an idea of the dehumidifier’s capacity you’ll need. Larger basements will require higher-capacity dehumidifiers.
Determine the current humidity levels: Use a hygrometer to measure the current humidity level in your basement. If it consistently measures above 50% humidity, you likely need a dehumidifier.
Look for humidity control: Opt for a dehumidifier that allows you to set your desired humidity level. This feature helps maintain the right moisture balance in your basement.
Consider drainage options: Decide whether you prefer manual emptying, continuous drainage through a hose, or a built-in pump. For convenience, continuous drainage is recommended, especially if you can’t be present to empty the reservoir regularly.
Check for defrost functionality: Look for a dehumidifier with an auto-defrost feature if you live in a colder climate. This prevents frost buildup on the coils and ensures efficient operation.
Energy Efficiency: Choose a model with the ENERGY STAR label. Energy-efficient dehumidifiers consume less electricity, which saves you a considerable amount of money over time.
Noise level: If noise is a concern, check product specifications for the noise level in decibels (dB). Quieter units are better if you plan to spend time in the basement while the dehumidifier is running.
Portability and placement: Consider the dimensions, weight, and mobility features of the dehumidifier. Casters and handles make it easier to move the unit when needed.
Brand reputation and reviews: Choose reputable brands known for producing reliable dehumidifiers. Reading user reviews can also provide insight into real-world performance and any potential issues the model you’re interested in might have.
Warranty and customer support: Check the warranty length and what it covers. Also, don’t underestimate good customer support, because you might need it if you encounter any problems with your dehumidifier.
Price consideration: Set a budget range, but also keep in mind that investing a bit more in a high-quality, well-suited dehumidifier can provide long-term benefits.
The best basement dehumidifier systems
Here we have reviewed 5 of the best basement dehumidifiers – SIMSEN, the Midea Cube, Waykar, the Vellgoo DryTank and a portable BLACK+DECKER.
SIMSEN 95oz dehumidifier for 720 sq. ft basements
This SIMSEN upgraded basement dehumidifier offers exceptional de-humidification capabilities – thanks to its double de-humidification condenser.
It can dehumidify an area of up to 720 square feet, has a range of smart features, operates very quietly, and with its versatile modes and portability, is well suited for various types of rooms and settings.
Safe & smart features
The dehumidifier has been specifically designed with safety and convenience in mind. It features a 95oz (2800ml) water tank, which eliminates the need to manually pour out water every day. Additionally, it has an auto-off function that shuts down the dehumidifier and emits a red light as soon as the water tank is full. This feature ensures safe operation if you haven’t hooked the system up to a drainage system.
Ultra quiet & versatile modes
It has a power and sleep mode. The power mode quickly dehumidifies the air when humidity levels are high, while sleep mode operates with a whisper-quiet 30dB noise level, ensuring a peaceful sleep environment.
Colorful atmospheric light
It can also add a touch of ambiance with its lights. The lights automatically change colors, thus creating a soothing and romantic atmosphere. You can pause the light on your preferred color, allowing you to personalize your space – a delightful addition to any bedroom.
Creates a comfortable environment
The dehumidifier maintains moisture levels below 45% in spaces between 40 to 720 square feet in size. By collecting the moisture and releasing fresh air, it promotes a healthy and comfortable environment for you and your family.
Professional customer service
SIMSEN offers excellent customer service, including a 60-day free exchange and refund service, as well as a two-year warranty. Their dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist with any inquiries or concerns.
- Brand: SIMSEN 95oz Dehumidifier
- Coverage area: 40 to 720 Square Feet
- Noise: 30dB
- Number of Speeds: 2
- Dimensions: 5.55″D x 8.26″W x 13.77″H
- Weight: 6 Pounds
- Warranty: 2-Year Warranty
Midea Cube 1,500 sq. ft basement dehumidifier
The Midea Cube basement dehumidifier stands out with its large water tank capacity, longer running time, and versatile features. It offers convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness with its continuous draining options, impressive smart control capabilities, and energy-saving operation.
Also, its nested design allows for compact storage, while its efficient moisture removal capabilities make it suitable for various spaces – and not only basements.
Larger water capacity & longer running time
The Midea Cube basement dehumidifier truly sets itself apart with its small size and surprisingly large water tank capacity. Its water tank is actually 3 times larger than conventional dehumidifiers, so this unit can operate for extended periods without the need for frequent emptying. The removable 12-liter bucket ensures that you can enjoy more time without the hassle of managing the water tank.
Continuous draining with included drain hose
If you don’t like the idea of manually emptying buckets of water, then you will like the convenient no-bucket option for moisture removal. By removing the water tank, you can utilize the included drain hose to continuously drain the collected water. This feature provides flexibility in placement, allowing you to position the unit directly over a floor drain or above a sink. It also eliminates the need for constant monitoring and manual emptying of the water tank.
Nested design for compact storage
The Midea Cube boasts a unique nested design that offers impressive flexibility. When the dehumidifier is not in use, it can be easily nested to a more compact form for convenient storage. This design feature ensures that the unit doesn’t take up unnecessary space and can be neatly stowed away until needed again.
Smart control and energy-saving features
It’s equipped with smart control capabilities, including Wi-Fi connectivity. Using the Midea Cube Air App, you can monitor the real-time dehumidification status, including water levels and humidity levels, from anywhere using your smartphone. Additionally, the unit can be controlled via a voice assistant for extra convenience.
Energy-saving de-humidification
With its high-efficiency compressor, the Midea Cube offers powerful de-humidification while simultaneously optimizing energy consumption. This energy-saving feature ensures that you can create an ideal home environment while also saving on your electricity bill.
Coverage and versatility
The unit can cover up to 1,500 square feet of space. It can collect up to 20 pints of water per day (equivalent to 30 pints based on the 2012 DOE standard) and effectively adjust humidity levels from 85% to 35%. Whether you need it for your basement, bathroom, bedroom, or crawlspace, this dehumidifier offers reliable and efficient performance.
- Brand: Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier
- Coverage area: 1,500 Square Feet
- Noise: 54dB
- Number of Speeds: 3
- Dimensions: 13.5″D x 13.5″W x 13.39″H
- Weight: 33 Pounds
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
Waykar 2,000 sq. ft basement dehumidifier
The Waykar dehumidifier is a powerful and efficient solution for maintaining optimal air quality in spaces up to 2000 square feet. It’s high-capacity compressor and 112 CFM system can effectively remove up to 34 pints of moisture per day – thus making it suitable for various areas such as basements, offices, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, stockrooms, and more.
It also has easy-to-use controls and multiple drainage options to ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment.
Intelligent control panel for easy use
The dehumidifier features an intuitive control panel that simplifies operation. The 24-hour timer setting allows you to preset the dehumidifier to operate at specific times, which helps reduce energy consumption.
The humidity auto control function allows you to set your desired humidity level, and the system will automatically sense the room’s humidity and dehumidify accordingly. It also has an automatic shut-off/on feature that turns off the unit when the water bucket is full and restarts it once the bucket has been emptied.
These intelligent controls make it effortless to maintain the desired humidity levels in your space.
Easy to move and convenient to drain
The dehumidifier is designed for convenience as it’s equipped with 360° rotatable wheels and an ergonomic lift-up handle, so it can be easily moved around your home. It also offers two convenient drainage options. With the auto drain feature, you can attach the included 6.56 ft drain hose for continuous draining. Alternatively, you can use the manual drain option by emptying the 0.66-gallon (2.5 L) water tank when it reaches its maximum capacity. It even has a full tank indicator light that alerts you when it’s time to empty the tank.
Maintenance
To keep the unit operating at its best, occasional cleaning is recommended. Wipe down the water tank every two weeks and wash the air filter once a month using a soft cloth and water. If putting it into storage, clean the base, water tank, and air filter, and then cover the dehumidifier with a plastic bag while storing it upright in a well-ventilated area. These simple maintenance steps will help ensure the longevity and efficiency of your dehumidifier.
Support and warranty
Waykar stands behind its products with excellent customer support. The dehumidifier is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied, a one-year warranty, and the option to extend the warranty for an additional year. Plus, their expert technical support team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns.
- Brand: Waykar
- Coverage area: 2000 Square Feet
- Noise: 40dB
- Number of Speeds: 2
- Dimensions: 9″D x 12.2″W x 20.9″H
- Weight: 28 Pounds
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
Vellgoo 3,200 sq. ft dehumidifier for basements
The Vellgoo DryTank Basement Dehumidifier is a game-changer when it comes to creating a healthy and comfortable living environment. With its Energy Star certification for 2022, this unit stands out as one of the most efficient options on the market.
By choosing the Vellgoo DryTank, you not only reduce your power bills, but also contribute to a greener and more eco-friendly planet.
Designed for basements, built for power
The unit covers areas of up to 3,200 square feet and is specifically engineered to handle moisture problems in basements. It can easily remove up to 36 pints of moisture per day, providing you with a dry and comfortable environment.
Flexible drainage options for hassle-free operation
There are three flexible drainage options to meet your specific needs. Whether you prefer manual drainage or continuous drainage, this dehumidifier has you covered. It comes with a 6.56-foot drain hose for reliable and constant water removal, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind without the hassle of emptying the water tank. Additionally, it is compatible with a garden hose with an internal threaded end (not included) for even more convenience.
Intelligent control for maximum convenience
The unit takes the hassle out of managing humidity levels in your home with its intelligent control features. It will automatically stop working or restart based on the set humidity level or when the humidity exceeds the target level. This ensures that you always enjoy the perfect balance of moisture in your living space. The dehumidifier is equipped with a humidity level reading, a silent reminder when the bucket is full, an auto-shutoff function, 24-hour timers, auto defrost, and an auto-restart function, providing you with ultimate convenience.
Designed for safety and ease of use
This product goes beyond just efficiency and convenience as it also prioritizes your safety and comfort. It features two modes of de-humidification, allowing you to switch freely according to your needs. There is also a child lock that ensures that children and pets are protected from unintentional harm. In addition, it has 360° rotatable wheels and an ergonomic handle, so moving the dehumidifier around is a breeze. The removable and washable filter not only ensures fresh and clean air quality but also saves you the extra expense of replacing the filter regularly.
Excellent warranty and customer support
Your purchase comes with a lifetime of expert tech support and a warranty package that includes a 1-year warranty, a 2-year paperless extended warranty, and a 5-year warranty for compressors. They also provide exceptional customer support. In case of any questions or concerns, the Vellgoo team is always ready to assist you.
- Brand: Vellgoo
- Coverage area: 3200 Square Feet
- Noise: 40dB
- Number of Speeds: 3
- Dimensions: 14.3″D x 8.6″W x 24.01″H
- Weight: 35 Pounds
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
BLACK+DECKER 4,500 sq. ft dehumidifier for basements
This BLACK+DECKER dehumidifier is the ideal solution for maintaining optimal air quality in your basement, garage, closet, RV, laundry room, or any other space up to 4500 square feet in size.
It has the ability to remove an impressive 50 pints of water per day, thus ensuring a comfortably dry environment.
Convenient features for easy operation
This dehumidifier is designed with convenience in mind. Its 1.8-gallon collection bucket can hold a large amount of water and features a water level indicator and an auto shutoff function when the bucket is full. Better yet, you can use the included 3.28-foot drain hose kit for continuous drainage. The dehumidifier also offers a 24-hour timer, allowing you to set specific operating periods to suit your needs. Plus, its lightweight construction, recessed handles, and caster wheels make it highly portable and easy to move from one place to another.
Efficient and environmentally friendly
It has an adjustable humidistat where you can set the desired relative humidity level anywhere from between 35% to 80%. The dehumidifier also extracts moisture efficiently. It utilizes environmentally friendly R410a refrigerant, which makes it a responsible choice for those who care about the environment. Additionally, the dehumidifier is also Energy Star certified, which guarantees its energy efficiency and helps you save on your electricity bills.
Compact size and versatile applications
Measuring at just 15.8″ x 11.6″ and weighing 41.1 pounds, this dehumidifier has a small and compact footprint that fits unobtrusively into various spaces. Whether it’s your living room, office, basement, or any other area, the unit blends seamlessly with your decor.
Additional convenient features
The dehumidifier has an LED display that provides clear visibility of the current settings. The 24-hour on/off timer allows you to program the dehumidifier to operate according to your schedule. An automatic defrost and restart function ensures optimal performance even in icy cold temperatures.
Then there’s the two-speed fan with which you can adjust the airflow to your preference. Also, the recessed handles provide a comfortable grip for transportation and a bucket full indicator light notifies you when it’s time to empty the bucket. Lastly, the use of R410a refrigerant ensures efficient and reliable de-humidification.
Experience the power and efficiency of BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER is known internationally for producing high-quality and reliable appliances, and this basement dehumidifier is no exception. It has a 1-year warranty for parts and labor.
- Brand: BLACK+DECKER
- Coverage area: 4500 Square Feet
- Noise: 48dB
- Number of Speeds: 2
- Dimensions: 11.6″D x 15.7″W x 24.8″H
- Weight: 41 Pounds
- Warranty: 1-Year Warranty
Do dehumidifiers work well in basements?
Yes, dehumidifiers work very well in basements and are often recommended to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment. Basements tend to have higher humidity levels compared to other areas of the house due to factors such as lack of proper ventilation, potential moisture intrusion, and cooler temperatures. This elevated humidity can lead to issues like mold growth, musty odors, and even structural damage over time.
Where to place a dehumidifier in the basement
Where you place the dehumidifier in the basement matters. Here are some tips on where to place your dehumidifier to get the best results:
Central location: You should ideally place the dehumidifier in a central area of the basement. This allows for better air circulation and more even humidity control throughout the space.
Near a drainage point: If you’re using the dehumidifier’s built-in pump or continuous drainage feature – which you should, position it near a suitable drainage point, such as a floor drain, sink, or window.
Away from walls: Keep the dehumidifier at least several inches away from walls to ensure proper air intake and circulation. This prevents obstructed airflow, which can affect its efficiency.
Elevated position: Placing the dehumidifier on an elevated surface, such as a table or stand, can improve its air intake and drainage. This also helps prevent the unit from drawing in dust or debris from the basement floor.
Avoid obstacles: Ensure that there are no obstacles blocking the airflow around the dehumidifier. This includes furniture, storage items, or other objects that might obstruct the intake or exhaust.
Consider noise and vibration: If noise is a concern, place the dehumidifier away from areas where you spend a lot of time, such as a home office or a living space. Some dehumidifiers have quieter operation modes, so check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Away from HVAC vents: Avoid positioning the dehumidifier directly in front of HVAC vents or close to strong air currents, as this can interfere with its ability to accurately measure humidity levels.
How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry a basement?
The time it takes for a dehumidifier to effectively reduce humidity levels in a basement depends on several factors, including the initial humidity level, the capacity of the dehumidifier, the size of the basement, and the overall moisture content in the space.
As a rough estimate, if the basement has moderately high humidity levels, a properly sized dehumidifier could start showing noticeable results within a day or two of continuous operation. However, it might take several days to a week to achieve the desired humidity level and stabilize it. For basements with extremely high humidity levels, it might take longer.
Just remember that dehumidification is an ongoing process. Once you’ve achieved your desired humidity level, the dehumidifier will need to run periodically to maintain that level, especially during more humid times of the year.
Will a dehumidifier get rid of water in basement?
Yes, a dehumidifier can help reduce excess moisture and water in a basement, but its primary function is to control humidity levels in the air rather than directly remove standing water.
However, if you have significant amount of standing water in your basement, a dehumidifier alone may not be sufficient to address the issue. In cases of standing water, it’s important to identify and address the source of the water, whether it’s due to leaks, groundwater seepage, or other factors.
Conclusion
High humidity levels in a basement can lead to mold and health risks, which is why dehumidifiers are a practical solution. Consider factors like size, humidity levels, drainage, and energy efficiency when choosing. Our top picks include the SIMSEN 95oz, Midea Cube, Waykar, Vellgoo DryTank, and BLACK+DECKER. These units offer efficient dehumidification for different spaces. Remember, dehumidifiers tackle humidity, not standing water. Select wisely, and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable basement environment.
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