Basement Dehumidifiers

Advantages of Basement Dehumidifiers

A wet or even just a damp basement can wreak havoc on your entire home. The advantages of basement dehumidifiers are designed to help you keep your basement drier and prevent much of the damage that can be caused by high humidity.

Greater Pints per Day Rate

One of the biggest advantages of basement dehumidifiers is the capacity to remove close to 100 pints of moisture from the air in a twenty four hour period. The combination of condensation, run-off and groundwater can create excess moisture in the basement that will simply overwhelm smaller dehumidifiers that are designed to only remove 30-40 pints per day. If you live in a particularly humid area or have a wet basement make sure that the unit you choose meets the AHAM standard which means that testing was done in an environment that is 80F and 60% relative humidity.

More Powerful Fan

Another important factor that makes basement dehumidifiers more powerful is airflow measurement of the fan. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM which indicates how much air passes over a stationary point such as the dehumidifier coils each minute. To effectively remove moisture in a larger size basement, you will need a fan with a rating of at least 275 CFM. When comparing CFM ratings make sure that testing was done according to AHAM standards to insure the unit truly has the powerful fan you need.

Hassle Free Maintenance

Many dehumidifiers have a drain bucket or tray that is used to collect the excess moisture removed from the air. Emptying this bucket frequently can be a major pain. Basement dehumidifiers should have a built-in condensation pump or at least a gravity drain that can be positioned to drain into a floor drain, sump pump or even utility sink. Some units have a built-in humidistat which measures the humidity levels so that the unit only runs when needed and a built-in hot gas defrost which may be needed when room temperatures are cooler. All of these features combine to make maintenance relatively hassle free.

Greater Energy Efficiency

Just like with typical washers, dryers and other electrical appliances, a basement dehumidifier uses different amounts of energy depending on the model you buy as well as the environment. Energy Star rated dehumidifiers are designed to use up to 20% less energy to remove moisture from the air because they are built with more efficient refrigeration coils, fans and compressors than traditional models. Operating an Energy Star rated dehumidifier with a capacity of 100 pints can save over $50 per year over non-Energy Star rated models on your utility bills.

Some basement dehumidifiers are equipped with ducting or have optional ducting kits that extend the reach of the dehumidifier beyond the room where it is installed which is important if you have multiple rooms or closets in your basement area. Investing in a quality basement dehumidifier can be a very beneficial way to combat the moisture in your basement which in turn will improve the air quality of your entire home.

Disadvantages of Basement Dehumidifiers

When it comes to removing excess moisture from your home, there are some disadvantages of basement dehumidifiers that you need to consider before making a purchase. It's important to weigh these disadvantages against the benefits that you could receive from using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from your basement.

Initial Cost Is More Expensive

The biggest disadvantage to basement dehumidifiers can be the initial cost. Quality units with all the needed features for hassle free maintenance and maximum energy efficiency can cost $1,000 or more. If you have a large basement and need a second unit or have a divided basement that requires ducting be installed to remove enough moisture from the air, it will cost even more. Initial cost can also be more if the model you buy needs ducting installed in order to be effective.

Size Can Make Installation Difficult

Depending on the model that you decide to buy, size can be a disadvantage because good, quality units can weigh over 100 pounds. It may be possible to get a model with wheels that can make positioning easier but you still have to get the unit into the basement which can be tricky in older basements with narrow or steep stairs. Another downside to basement dehumidifiers is that they are usually anywhere from 22 inches to 36 inches tall which can be difficult to maneuver down stairs or in tight spaces and can also limit options for placing the unit in basements with low ceilings.

Positioning of Your Basement Dehumidifier

One disadvantage of a basement dehumidifier is that because air needs to freely circulate over the refrigeration coils, it is recommended that you position the dehumidifier so that there is at least one foot of space in front and in back of the unit. Also only a top discharging model can be placed against a wall. This can be a problem if you have a smaller basement or a larger basement that has been divided into small rooms. A single unit will not be able to effectively remove moisture in the air from adjoining rooms or closets which can be another problem to consider.

Professional Installation May Be Required

As mentioned the size of most units may call for either professional installation or additional help depending on your own ability and how easy it is to access your basement. In addition to the weight and height of most models, some units may require the installation of ducting so that the unit can work with your central HVAC system in order to do the job. There is a ducting kit available but in many cases you may need to hire a professional and pay them to do the installation.

A basement dehumidifier can be an effective way to remove excess moisture from your home. However, it's important to be aware of and understand the disadvantages that can come along with this type of dehumidifier so that you can effectively weight these against the benefits before making a purchase decision.