Kick mold and mildew to the curb with a dehumidifier
Basements are known for being dark and damp, and those conditions often lead to mildew, mold and not-so-pleasant odors. Dry out the air and take back your space with a humidifier. There are a ton of different versions on the market, and it can be overwhelming when deciding which one to buy. We’ve broken down what to look for in a humidifier, as well as rounded up the best machines for your basement.
In this article: Honeywell 32-Pint ENERGY STAR Smart Wi-Fi Dehumidifier, Black + Decker Dehumidifier, hOmeLabs 1,000 Sq. Ft Portable Wi-Fi Dehumidifier
How to choose the best humidifier for your basement
Consider size and portability
The size of your basement makes a big difference when it comes to buying a humidifier. Certain models can handle smaller footages while others are perfect for large areas. For example, humidifiers with a capacity of 20 pints can cover an area of 1,000 square feet, while those with a capacity of 50 pints can cover a larger space.
Don’t forget to consider how hot it gets in your basement. Higher temps mean you’ll have to empty your humidifier more often, so you might want to get a model with a higher pint capacity.
Plan on moving your humidifier around the basement? Several great models have wheels and handles for easy portability, but the larger ones are heavier and should be left in one spot.
Think about continuous drainage
If you’ve got a floor-level drain in your basement, buying a humidifier with a continuous drain feature can be a game-changer. They have a hose that empties the water directly into the drain, so you won’t have to spend time emptying the water from the humidifier yourself during the day.
Take into account energy efficiency
There’s no doubt about it — humidifiers take up a lot of energy, especially if you run them consistently throughout the day. To keep your electric bills down, plan to run your humidifier for only a few hours each day. If you think you’ll have to keep it on longer, look for an Energy Star-rated machine, as they use less energy than other humidifiers.
Noise level matters
If you use your basement for something other than storage or laundry, there’s a good chance you won’t want to listen to a humidifier running all day. Check the machine’s decibel rating before purchasing it. A 50-decibel dehumidifier is half as loud as a lawn mower, and some machines have a decibel rating as low as 30dB.
Check the warranty
Humidifiers aren’t cheap. Protect your investment by purchasing one with a good warranty so you’ll be covered if it has issues in the future. Additionally, a warranty’s length of time is usually a good indicator of how long the manufacturer expects the machine to function properly. A five-year warranty usually means you won’t have to consider replacing your machine within that time frame.
The best humidifiers for basements
hOmeLabs 1,000 Sq. Ft Portable Wi-Fi Dehumidifier
If you have a small basement, this machine is a good choice. It’s quiet, hooks up to your Wi-Fi, has a continuous drainage feature, is energy-efficient and has smart control options.
This humidifier offers 3,000 square feet of coverage, has a built-in indicator light to let you know when the tank is full, is environmentally friendly and has a continuous drainage feature.
You can choose between 35 and 50 pints with this machine. It offers humidity control, features a reusable filter and includes functions such as auto-defrost, a restart function and overflow protection. It can reduce humidity levels up to 2,500 square feet.
Honeywell 32-Pint ENERGY STAR Smart Wi-Fi Dehumidifier
This Energy Star-rated machine covers up to 3,000 square feet, has a detachable tank, antispill tank guards and a continuous drain tube. Pair it with Alexa or Google Home to manage settings from almost anywhere.
Frigidaire High-Humidity Dehumidifier
If you’re looking for a machine that’s easy to move around your basement, this is a top pick. The wheels make it easy to get it from point A to point B, the 60-pint tank means you don’t have to empty it as often, and it’s built to function well in low temperatures.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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