How to Choose the Best Basement or Crawl Space Dehumidifier

If you have a dehumidifier in your basement or crawl space and the area is still damp and musty, then there is an obvious conclusion:  it's not doing its job.

Dehumidifiers are often set to automatically shut off when the space has reached the desired humidity level.  If it doesn't shut off, then the space is never at that acceptable dry level.  If your dehumidifier includes a collection tray, you can expect it to fill with water about once every 12 hours or so.  If you're only emptying it once a week, then it's hardly ever working at all!

There's a lot to look for when shopping for a dehumidifier.  To help you pick the best for your basement or crawl space, Lowcountry Basement Systems offers these five key features that make a dehumidifier one of the best.  If you're ready to learn more about basement or crawl space dehumidifiers, call or contact us online today for a free dehumidification estimate!

1. A Dehumidifier Powerful Enough to do the Job

 

The most common basement dehumidifier complaint that we hear comes when a homeowner has purchased a dehumidifier that runs constantly, but does not dry the basement.  The end result for this is a continuously damp, moldy space, with the only difference being a higher energy bill.

You could spend more money and buy a second dehumidifier.  However, the end result of this will be an expensive and inefficient solution.  Twice the dehumidifiers means twice the noise, twice the electricity, and very often, a basement or crawl space that is still damp. 

Instead of taking this route, start off right with a powerful 100-pint crawl space or basement dehumidifier that will assure the moisture in the space is being removed in an energy-efficient method.  The SaniDry Basement Air System is able to properly dehumidify an entire basement.

2. Find an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

 

Few dehumidifiers come with an Energy Star rating, but these are really worth it.  The best dehumidifiers can do more than twice the work at less than a third of the energy usage, saving you a lot of money in the long run.

If you are concerned about the energy usage of your crawl space or basement dehumidifier, you may also want to find a model that allows you to adjust your dehumidifier to a specific humidity percentage.  This way, you can set it to full-blast if you want the most comfortable environment that is easiest on your cooling bills (humid air is more expensive to cool than dry air), or you can simply set it to keep the space dry enough to help prevent mold growth and odors.

3. Install a Self-Draining Dehumidifier

 

Cheap home dehumidifiers come with a collection tray that will fill up with water about every 12 hours.  This means that keeping your basement dry involves emptying this tray 14 times a week or more!  However, most homeowners will fall into a routine where they empty it only once weekly.  This means that your dehumidifier's tray will fill and shut off right away, allowing it to work only 7% of the time, whereas the humidity goes unchecked the other 93%.  Why bother?

Your time and energy is too important for you to have to continually empty humidity collection trays. Find a dehumidifier that can drain the water away by itself.  Basement and crawl space dehumidifiers can be set to drain to a sump pump, a sink, or other available opening, or they can be hooked up to a condensate pump that is designed to discharge the water just outside the house. No matter which option you choose, your dehumidifier will be much more convenient and effective!

4. Your Dehumidifier Should Include Air Filtration

 

If you're hoping to fight mold, mildew, and dust mites by dehumidifying the basement or crawl space, then take your efforts to the next level.  There are dehumidifiers on the market today that can filter particles out of the air as small as 2 microns in size while they dehumidify the air.  While these systems are not air purification systems, they are able to filter out dust mite waste, mold spores, pollen, and a variety of other home allergens commonly found in a basement.  Dehumidifiers can also come with a special filter which removes the musty smell that is sometimes common in a basement or crawl space.

5. Duct your Dehumidifier into the Finished Space

If you're finishing the basement, the last thing you want to see in the newly finished space is a basement dehumidifier in the corner.  This problem can easily be avoided by installing the dehumidifier in a closet or in an unfinished section of the basement.  However, to do this, your basement dehumidifier will need a blower that's powerful enough to be ducted out of the space so it can keep the entire finished area dry.

 

Basement And Crawl Space Dehumidifier

Lowcountry Basement Systems has the dehumidifier you need to dry your basement or crawl space. The SaniDry Basement Dehumidifier we offer is an Energy Star-rated solution for your home that will keep the space dry the way it was meant to.  It is designed to be self-draining and its powerful blower can send dry air all over the basement.  An air filter can remove dust mite waste, pollen, and most mold spores out of the air while an optional odor filter keeps the air clean and fresh. If you'd like a free no-obligation dehumidification quote, call or contact Lowcountry Basement Systems online today!

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Lowcountry Basement Systems | PO Box 1906 | Rincon, GA 31326 | 912-927-7827