When do I need a crawl space dehumidifier? The answer is simple. You need it when the humidity level in your crawl space or basement is more than 50%, you feel the humidity smell or see the mould on walls. It can also be seen from the condition of the floor on the first floor: bloated laminate can be one of the signs.
Why do I need a crawl space dehumidifier? All listed marks can be dangerous for a human’s health. High humidity can cause our blood and bodies to overheat. Because of this you can feel tired, have a headache or high temperature. Mould exposure can irritate your skin, eyes, and nose. It is especially dangerous for people with asthma and allergy. In our article, you will read how to choose the best crawl space dehumidifier to avoid all these symptoms and win the high humidity level.
| Model | |
The most powerful model | Operation Mode: Continuous Floor Area: 3,000-4,500 sq.ft. Dehumidification capacity: 50 pint Water tank capacity: 1.8 gallon Item Dimensions LxWxH: 16.6 x 11 x 24.3 inches - Has a Turbo mode that removes moisture more effectively; - Has the auto defrost feature that prevents coils from freezing. |
The quietest model | Operation Mode: Sleep Floor Area: up to 2,000 sq.ft. Dehumidification capacity: 34 pint Water tank capacity: 0.66 gallon Item Dimensions LxWxH: 26.2 x 17.2 x 13.6 inches - Has 360° rotatable wheels; - Comes with a 6.56 feet drain hose. |
The best auto shut-off feature | Operation Mode: Sleep Floor Area: not stated Dehumidification capacity: 30 pint Water tank capacity: 0.35 gallon Item Dimensions LxWxH: 11.3 x 6.7 x 19.7 inches - Has the timing Start-up and Shut-down feature; - Has the drying clothes mode. |
The biggest container | Operation Mode: Standard Floor Area: 4,500 sq.ft. Dehumidification capacity: 50 pint Water tank capacity: 1.6 gallon Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.94 x 11.54 x 24.29 inches - Has the filter cleaning alarm; - The container needs to be emptied twice a day. |
The best pump | Operation Mode: Sleep, Auto Defrost Floor Area: 4,500 sq.ft. Dehumidification capacity: 50 pint Water tank capacity: 1.3 gallon Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.4 x 10.8 x 23.2 inches - Has a built-in 16W pump; - Has an LCD or liquid crystal display is a flat panel display technology commonly used in TV and computer monitors. |
The best built-in timer | Operation Mode: Continuous, Comfort, Standard Floor Area: 4,500 sq.ft. Dehumidification capacity: 50 pint Water tank capacity: 1.8 gallon Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.4 x 11 x 24.3 inches - Has a built-in pump compressor; - Has the auto-restart feature. |
The easiest to clean model | Operation Mode: Continuous Floor Area: 107-480 sq.ft. Dehumidification capacity: 1.5-2.11 pint Water tank capacity: 0.53 gallon Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.43 x 10.59 x 7.24 inches - Can be used in a trailer; - Operates without a compressor, which makes it quiet. |
The most sturdy construction | Operation Mode: Gravity Draining Floor Area: up to 1,300 sq.ft. Dehumidification capacity: 120 pint Water tank capacity: does not have its own Item Dimensions LxWxH: 11.81 x 17.72 x 11.81 inches - Has the internal corrosion protection; - Has a rare earth alloy tube evaporator to avoid freon leakage. |
To choose the best models we did our research.
Thanks to this method we have understood which functions are the most desirable to dehumidifiers. Also, we have learned which options each model has and what can be improved. You can see the results of our research below.
The ALORAIR Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifiers Removal 120 PPD (Saturation) (review) can remove 55 pints of moisture at a standard condition and up to 120 pints at saturation one. But it is not designed to serve in large rooms. If your crawl space is up to 4,500 sq. ft., we recommend you to pay attention to the Vremi Dehumidifier Energy Star (review) that has a dehumidification capacity of 50 pints per day and is ideal for large rooms.
Our research showed that the Waykar Dehumidifier (review) is the quietest model. Producing 36 dB average sound (the whisper is 30 dB on average) the Vacplus 30 Pints Dehumidifier (review) is also a quiet model but in some cases, the compressor can make noise.
The MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS Dehumidifier (review) has one of the biggest water tanks (1.6 gallons) and most likely you will need to empty it just twice per day. Also, this model is easy to empty and clean, so you do not have to strain. The Vremi Dehumidifier Energy Star (review) has a 1.8-gallon water tank but some people complain that they empty it every 6 hours (4 times per day).
| Operation Mode: Floor Area: Dehumidification capacity: Water tank capacity: Item Dimensions LxWxH: | Continuous 3,000-4,500 sq.ft. 50 pint 1.8 gallon 16.6 x 11 x 24.3 inches |
| Benefits | Has a Turbo mode that removes moisture more effectively; Has the auto defrost feature that prevents coils from freezing |
✅ Pros:
⛔️ Cons:
The Vremi Dehumidifier Energy Star is the model that will not leave you indifferent. With a water tank capacity of 1.8 gallons and a dehumidification capacity of 50 gallons, this dehumidifier will collect all excess moisture even in large crawl spaces up to 4,500 sq. ft. The hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier (review) has the same technical characteristics but it does not have the memory feature which is helpful if the electricity is cut off. With this feature, the dehumidifier will start from the latest saved settings when the power is resumed.
This model fills the tank in 6 hours that means that you have to empty it 4 times per day or it will automatically turn off. For comparison, the Vacplus 30 Pints Dehumidifier (review) needs to be emptied every 12 hours or 2 times per day. However, the Vremi Dehumidifier Energy Star has a drain hose outlet but you need to buy a hose separately. With it, the drain will be a continuous process and you will not do it manually.
| Operation Mode: Floor Area: Dehumidification capacity: Water tank capacity: Item Dimensions LxWxH: | Sleep up to 2,000 sq.ft. 34 pint 0.66 gallon 26.2 x 17.2 x 13.6 inches |
| Benefits | Has 360° rotatable wheels; Comes with a 6.56 feet drain hose |
✅ Pros:
⛔️ Cons:
The Waykar Dehumidifier is ideal if you want to use your dehumidifier both in the crawl space and at home. Being the quietest one, this model has a slight hum that will not disturb you during work or sleep. With the 360° rotatable wheels and lift-up handle on the top, the dehumidifier is easy to move wherever you want. The container can be emptied automatically with the attached 6.56 feet drain hose. This is very useful if the dehumidifier is located in the crawl space as you do not need to check the water level.
If you want to use this dehumidifier at home, it has a container for manual drain and you will need to empty it once in around 11 hours. As the Vremi Dehumidifier Energy Star (review) it has the auto shut-off feature and the humidity auto control. So you can adjust the desired humidity level and the dehumidifier will control it.
| Operation Mode: Floor Area: Dehumidification capacity: Water tank capacity: Item Dimensions LxWxH: | Sleep not stated 30 pint 0.35 gallon 11.3 x 6.7 x 19.7 inches |
| Benefits | Has the timing Start-up and Shut-down feature; Has the drying clothes mode |
✅ Pros:
⛔️ Cons:
If you want to turn on the dehumidifier once and forget about it, then this model is the best for you. As our previous dehumidifiers, it has the auto shut-off feature to turn the dehumidifier off when the container is full. Also, the Vacplus 30 Pints Dehumidifier has the timing Start-up and Shut-down feature. With this feature, you can adjust the time when the dehumidifier must turn on and off. Also, you can adjust the minimum and maximum humidity level, when the dehumidifier should start and stop working.
The Vacplus 30 Pints Dehumidifier is the only model in our list that has the drying clothes mode. It does not cause condensation like a radiator to dry clothes over direct heat can. Your clothes will be dry and without any smell. Also, this model is almost as quiet as the Waykar Dehumidifier (review). It produces a 36dB sound that is slightly louder than a whisper (30 dB on average). So you will not notice it while watching TV.
| Operation Mode: Floor Area: Dehumidification capacity: Water tank capacity: Item Dimensions LxWxH: | Standard 4,500 sq.ft. 50 pint 1.6 gallon 15.94 x 11.54 x 24.29 inches |
| Benefits | Has the filter cleaning alarm; The container needs to be emptied twice a day |
✅ Pros:
⛔️ Cons:
The MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS Dehumidifier has a 1.6 water tank and needs to be emptied just twice a day which is the best performance. As the Ivation Energy Star Dehumidifier with Pump (review), this model has the washable filter cleaning alert that will inform you when to wash or change a filter. Moreover, this model also has two operating modes: continual comfort mode and continual dehumidification. The first one maintains the 45-55% humidity level while the second is to remove moisture during rainy days or in other extremely humid situations.
Unfortunately, this model is a little bit louder than the Vacplus 30 Pints Dehumidifier (review). Producing up to 51 dB the MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS Dehumidifier is compared with rainfall. It is not so loud but can disturb you if you are susceptible to noise. However, if you want to place it in the crawl space, you are likely not to notice this hum at all.
| Operation Mode: Floor Area: Dehumidification capacity: Water tank capacity: Item Dimensions LxWxH: | Sleep, Auto Defrost 4,500 sq.ft. 50 pint 1.3 gallon 15.4 x 10.8 x 23.2 inches |
| Benefits | Has a built-in 16W pump; Has an LCD or liquid crystal display is a flat panel display technology commonly used in TV and computer monitors |
✅ Pros:
⛔️ Cons:
The Ivation Energy Star Dehumidifier with Pump with its built-in 16W pump is ideal for crawl spaces. You do not need to empty it manually, you can just once adjust the pump and it will continuously drain the water. Like the Vacplus 30 Pints Dehumidifier (review), you can program this dehumidifier in many ways and see everything on a simple LCD interface. You can adjust fan speed, set the desired humidity, and program a 24-hour timer.
This model has caster wheels, with them the dehumidifier is easy to move around the crawl space. But if you want to transfer it to other rooms, pay attention to the Waykar Dehumidifier (review), because it has a lift-up handle. The manufacturer also provides the Ivation Energy Star Dehumidifier with Pump with a 6-feet cord. This is long enough not to use extension cords at all.
| Operation Mode: Floor Area: Dehumidification capacity: Water tank capacity: Item Dimensions LxWxH: | Continuous, Comfort, Standard 4,500 sq.ft. 50 pint 1.8 gallon 15.4 x 11 x 24.3 inches |
| Benefits | Has a built-in pump compressor; Has the auto-restart feature |
✅ Pros:
⛔️ Cons:
This dehumidifier has an adjustable 24-hour timer. You can change it by 0.5-hour increments, up to 10 hours, then at 1 hour increments up to 24 hours. The Ivation Energy Star Dehumidifier with Pump (review) also has a timer, but with this feature, this one is more customer-oriented as you have a wide range of diapasons. The selected time will register just in 5 seconds. This model has another smart function — waiting before resuming operations. It will wait 3 minutes after a complete cycle avoiding any damage to the dehumidifier.
The hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier has two fan speed modes. Normal mode has a speed of 165 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and the High mode has a speed up to 188 CFM to maximum moisture removal. As with any dehumidifier, this one also can slightly warm up the air in the room. The manufacturer recommends using it in 3,000-4,500 sq. ft. crawl spaces to prevent significant changes in the air temperature. If you want to use the dehumidifier in a small crawl space, look for the ALORAIR Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifiers Removal 120 PPD (Saturation) (review), that can be used in the area up to 1,300 sq. ft.
| Operation Mode: Floor Area: Dehumidification capacity: Water tank capacity: Item Dimensions LxWxH: | Continuous 107-480 sq.ft. 1.5-2.11 pint 0.53 gallon 15.43 x 10.59 x 7.24 inches |
| Benefits | Can be used in a trailer; Operates without a compressor, which makes it quiet |
✅ Pros: :
⛔️ Cons:
The Letsport Upgraded 68oz Small Dehumidifier is the best choice for small areas. It can be used not only in small rooms (up to 480 sq. ft.) or crawl spaces but even in trailers. You will need less than 15 seconds to clean the container: just turn off the dehumidifier, empty the container in the sink or bathtub, clean the inside and outside of the container if needed, put the container back, and turn it back on.
One-button control distinguishes this dehumidifier from others. Just push one button and the dehumidifier will work and remove moisture. This model has 3 types of light: to show when the item is powered on when it works and the red light to inform you that the water tank is full. The dehumidifier produces around 45-50 dB sound that is similar to a home conversation. This is quieter than the MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS Dehumidifier (review) but louder than the Waykar Dehumidifier (review) which is the quietest model.
| Operation Mode: Floor Area: Dehumidification capacity: Water tank capacity: Item Dimensions LxWxH: | Gravity Draining up to 1,300 sq.ft. 120 pint does not have its own 11.81 x 17.72 x 11.81 inches |
| Benefits | Has the internal corrosion protection; Has a rare earth alloy tube evaporator to avoid freon leakage |
✅ Pros:
⛔️ Cons:
The ALORAIR Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifiers Removal 120 PPD (Saturation) is a dehumidifier that is designed especially for crawl spaces. It does not have its water tank therefore you need just insert a drain line and the water will drain wherever you want. You will not need to empty the container, but you need to think carefully about where to drain the water: outside or into the water supply.
This is the only model that has internal corrosion protection to minimize corrosion and a rare earth alloy tube evaporator to avoid freon leakage. Dehumidifiers use freon to procure water that we later see in the water tank. The freon leakage can damage the dehumidifier and it can stop working. This dehumidifier has buttons with the help of which you can adjust the desired humidity level and switch on continuous mode. But it also has a remote control, that you can buy separately and place in the room while the dehumidifier is in the crawl space.
A crawl space dehumidifier is not the only way to reduce the humidity level in the crawl space. A structure can be a more important factor. Here we list aspects that you should pay attention to effectively reduce the humidity level.
Remember: it is better to fix the problem than to deal with the consequences.
You need to use a dehumidifier when the humidity level in your crawl space is more than 50-55%. Before buying it make sure that your desired model is efficient enough for the size of the crawl space. The dehumidifier also should be quiet and rarely empty. Most dehumidifiers for crawl spaces have a drainage system (hose and pump) for continuous draining from the container.
There are also additional factors to pay attention to. They are auto shut-off features when full, display with the humidity sensor, the possibility to be programmed, durability, small size, and clear instructions.
You can familiarize yourself with the list of top-8 dehumidifiers for the crawl space below.
| The most powerful model | |
| The quietest model | |
| The best auto shut-off feature | |
| The biggest container | |
| The best pump | |
| The best built-in timer | |
| The easiest to clean model | |
| The most sturdy construction |
A dehumidifier is used to reduce the humidity level, avoid moisture smell, and fight against mold on walls. You can find the best options in our article.
Yes, if you do not program it, the too big dehumidifier can make the air in your crawl space extremely dry. And the same is with a too-small dehumidifier, which will not cope with humidity.
Waykar Dehumidifier is the quietest dehumidifier for the home. You can read more specific information about this model in our article.
The best way is the encapsulation of the crawl space. However, it can be expensive, which is why many people choose dehumidifiers. You can read about the best dehumidifiers for crawl space in our article.
No. Water from a dehumidifier is never sterilized and may contain bacteria from the air and a water tank.
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