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?

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.