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Banishing Basement Blues: A Checklist to Choosing the Best Dehumidifier for Your Needs

A damp basement can be a real drag. Musty odors, mold growth, and even structural damage can all stem from excess moisture. A dehumidifier can be your best weapon in the fight against a wet basement, but with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?

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Our Checklist

Before you start shopping, consider the size of your basement and how severe the moisture problem is. Here's a quick guide to dehumidifier capacity:

  • Small basements (up to 1,500 sq ft): A dehumidifier with a capacity of around 20-30 pints per day should be sufficient.
  • Medium basements (1,500 to 2,500 sq ft): Look for a dehumidifier that can remove 30-50 pints per day of moisture.
  • Large basements (over 2,500 sq ft): For bigger basements, you'll need a powerhouse dehumidifier with a capacity of over 50 pints per day.

Don’t forget to consider these essential features:

  • Automatic shut-off: This feature prevents the dehumidifier from running when the humidity level reaches your desired setting, saving energy.
  • Pump: A pump allows for continuous drainage, which is ideal for unattended operation or if a drain is far away.
  • Humidistat: This built-in sensor monitors the humidity level and cycles the dehumidifier on and off as needed to maintain your preferred setting.
  • Noise Level: Dehumidifiers can vary in noise output. If noise is a concern, look for a model with a lower decibel rating.

There are many options, and we recommend that you do your research based on your specific needs, but here is a checklist of just a few popular dehumidifiers that might be a good fit for your basement:

1. Possible Best Overall: Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump - This feature-packed model boasts a 50-pint capacity, a built-in pump for continuous drainage, and an automatic shut-off function.

2. Possible Best Budget: Amana 48-Pint Portable Dehumidifier - This affordable option from Amana offers a 48-pint capacity and a user-friendly control panel.

3. A Possible Best for Small Basements: Honeywell 30-Pint Smart Dehumidifier—This compact, smart-enabled dehumidifier is a great choice for smaller basements.

4. A Possible Quiet Option: Midea Cube 20-Pint Smart WiFi Dehumidifier - While not the most powerful, this Midea model is known for its quiet operation and smart features.

Remember: Regularly empty the water tank or connect a drain hose for continuous operation. Also, consider addressing the root cause of the moisture problem in your basement, such as poor ventilation or a leaky foundation. With the right dehumidifier, you can transform your basement from a damp dungeon into a comfortable and healthy living space.

If you're looking to transform your kitchen, bathroom, basement, add an addition, and more, the qualified, award-winning, and creative team at HDC can help! Please take a moment to browse our extensive portfolio of remodeling projects and remodeling blog, learn more about our pricing guides, or take a moment to learn more about our design-build remodeling services. For more information or to schedule a no-obligation home or virtual consultation, simply fill out the form below, or give us a call at (630) 991-8700. Thank you for your interest in HDC.

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