There is simply nothing more uncomfortable that having unreasonably high humidity levels in your home. Who wants to be lying in bed or watching television sweaty and sticky? Usually a properly operating A/C unit will keep humidity levels in the home at comfortable levels, but you know that A/C unit will eventually break down and that humidity level will rise. That is where a best dehumidifier can save the day.

What is a Best Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a device used to lower the humidity level of an enclosed space, like a room, basement or garage. For maximum comfort and reduced risk of mold/bacteria growth, the humidity level inside a home should hover between 40 and 50 percent. At humidity levels any lower than 40%, your comfort level inside your home may decrease. At humidity levels higher than 50%, not only will you become uncomfortable inside your home, but the environment may become favorable for the growth of harmful mold and bacteria.

Top 5 Best dehumidifier Reviews 2020

Though our above definitive guide containing various dehumidifiers like basement dehumidifier, crawl space dehumidifiers and other portable dehumidifiers, still we thought of giving some best dehumidifier reviews so that you get more information about best dehumidifier.

Based on the dehumidifiers ratings at various sites we have included best models and brands. Just go through all of these reviews and select the one which suits your requirements well.

Frigidaire FAD704DWD, Energy Star, 70-pint

The Frigidaire 70-pint Dehumidifier is very popular and best selling portable basement dehumidifier. This energy star 70 pint dehumidifier is effective for rooms having area up to 1400 sq. ft by removing 70 pint water (approximately 34 liter per day.

It gives protection from mold and mildew due to excess moisture. It also removes the bacteria present in the air which are responsible for difficulty in breathing.

This Frigidaire dehumidifier provides a continuous operation if the dehumidifier unit is placed close to a suitable drain. It has full electronic controls which allow you to set the exact humidity levels. It has water level indicator, and a filter for eliminating bacteria, room smell and other air particles.

Its design makes it space saving unit with wheels so as to move it conveniently anywhere in the basement area. It also has an alert system for full tank condition and automatically shuts off when full. It has very long 6 ft. three-prong power cable cord so that you do not require an extension cord.

Based on dehumidifier reviews on the amazon this Frigidaire 70-pint Dehumidifier has got user rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 and around 2000 customers have given positive feedback about this unit.

EdgeStar Energy Star 50 Pint, Portable Dehumidifier

This 50 pint dehumidifier is recommended for use in rooms of 800 sq. ft. for removing the excess moisture. It has a detachable bucket of 7.5 liter capacity. The electronic controls allow you to adjust humidity in the range of 35-80%.

It has a deicer feature which prevents coils from freezing. The unit’s fan has two fan speed modes. Its auto shut off features makes it to turn off fan and compressor when desired humidity level is reached in a room.

It gives you very quiet noise free operation with low temperature operation with minimum temperature of 41 degree Fahrenheit. This unit is a good portable basement dehumidifier and crawl space dehumidifier.

Based on dehumidifier reviews and feedback this portable dehumidifier has got 4.5 star user rating.

Keystone Energy Star 70 Pint Dehumidifier

Keystone energy star dehumidifier is a 70 pint dehumidifier which removes 70 pint of water from the moist air every day. This portable dehumidifier has a 1.3 gallon water tank with water level indicator.

It also has alert system for full bucket and auto shut off when tank is full. Its dust filter is very easy to remove and clean. Its rolling wheels make it conveniently portable. It has continuous draining feature with hose and a 24 hour timer.

It has another feature auto restart like air conditioners so that during power outage you need not to make the settings again. It has good relative humidity accuracy. Overall this is a great option to buy as basement dehumidifier or for other spaces in your house.

On the basis of dehumidifiers reviews it has received user rating of 4.4 stars.

Whynter RPD-702WP Energy Star 70-Pint, Dehumidifier with Pump

This is a portable dehumidifier with pump. It has 70 pint water removing capacity per day. This unit has great features which are very important and essential for effective performance in removing excessive humidity.

Its relative humidity settings range is between 30%-90%. This unit also has auto restart and auto shut off. Its auto defrost feature will give better performance as the coils will not freeze and continue its operation even during longer periods of working.

This Whynter unit is designed for high volume of operations. It is dehumidifier with pump, very cost effective and energy efficient. It has 3 drainage options manual drain, gravity drain and condensate pump drain for continuous operation.

The unit’s condensate pump pumps condensation water out and up through the 16.5′ (included) drain for continuously removing water with about15′ of vertical lift. This one is ideal as basement dehumidifier, attic or any other heavy humidity spaces.

The reviews this unit has got on amazon gives it a rating of 4.2 stars.

Danby Premiere DDR70A1GP 70 pint dehumidifier

This Danby 70 pint dehumidifier is another one of the best dehumidifier for basement with 70 pint water removing capacity from humid room air. It is an energy star unit which saves you a lot of money.

It has a direct drain option for draining out the water and ensuring continuous operation with any power off the unit. It uses non ozone depleting refrigerant for its operation. Other features this basement dehumidifier has are low temperature operation, auto restart and essential electronic controls.

On default mode it works with bucket but you can also connect hose for continuous draining. This unit is very well destined and it allows very efficient air flow through the unit vents without any obstruction. Air comes out from the top of the unit thereby circulating dry and clean air in the room.

More Information on Dehumidifiers

Areas like basement has high levels of relative humidity so you need to buy high capacity basement dehumidifier so that sufficient dry air is available in the area. The units should be preferably placed in open spaces for getting better and efficient performance. If you want to take out humidity from your complete house then you may want to go for whole house dehumidifier.

For separate rooms you need to buy more than one dehumidifiers. Buy good brands and good models only for long term effective results. Never try to buy light weight units to perform the heavy duty tasks just ensure the proper ratings for performing the desired operations.

How a Dehumidifier Works

Have you ever noticed the moisture that accumulates around the bottom of a glass of cold ice water on a hot day? This is what happens when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, condensation is created.

When air cools, is loses its ability to hold the moisture it contains. This is why many window air conditioning units have water that drips from the back of the machine onto the ground.

The moisture leftover is typically contained in a drip bucket found at the bottom of the unit, or if setup to do so the moisture will be drained outside of the home. When air cools, is loses its ability to hold the moisture it contains. This is why many window air conditioning units have water that drips from the back of the machine onto the ground.

A dehumidifier works by using a fan to draw a room’s moist air into the unit to the cold coils, which causes condensation. Next, the now dry air is heated by the dehumidifier’s hot coil and sent back into the room. The moisture leftover is typically contained in a drip bucket found at the bottom of the unit, or if setup to do so the moisture will be drained outside of the home.

Dehumidifier Sizing Guide

Use this chart to determine the appropriately sized dehumidifier for your intended purpose and needs. The number indicates the minimum number of dehumidification pints per day necessary.

HUMIDITY LEVELS	500 SQ.FT.	1,000 SQ.FT.	1,500 SQ.FT.	2,000 SQ.FT.	2,500 SQ.FT.
Feels slightly damp and has mild odor in hot and humid temperatures	11	15	19	23	28
Always feels damp and has musty odor	13	17	22	28	32
Space feels and smells wet; Possible sweating of floors and walls	14	20	26	32	38
Laundry rooms, areas with frequently wet floors	16	23	30	37	44

Why Too Much Humidity is Unwanted

You know that too much of anything is a bad thing. Well, it is certainly no different with respect to humidity. Having elevated humidity levels in your home presents a variety of risks and unwanted circumstances.

First, high humidity is a prime environment for unwanted pests like moths, cockroaches, fleas, and woodlice. These pests need a cool damp environment to thrive, and having too high of a humidity level in your home is a huge “Welcome” sign for these opportunist creatures.

Second, humid air will eventually lead to mold growth, and mold can make you and your family sick. The most often areas prime for mold existence in a home are the bathroom ceiling and walls, behind the toilet near the floor, and in laundry rooms. These areas always have the highest amount of moisture in the air, and without adequate methods of removing the moisture from the air mold will inevitably be found.

Finally, there is no doubt high humidity is really uncomfortable. Most folks do not want to sit in their home and be sticky and uncomfortable. In fact, excessive sweating caused by elevated humidity in a home can make the problem worse, as the sweat will evaporate and exacerbate the problem.

Types of Dehumidifiers

Large-Capacity Dehumidifiers

Large-capacity dehumidifiers are designed to efficiently remove up to 75 pints of water per day from the targeted space. These dehumidifiers are made to address a wider range of humidity levels, and often feature a variety of control settings to set the fan speed and noise level while the unit is operating. These units would be most appropriate for large spaces and rooms that have either damp or wet air.

Mid-Capacity Dehumidifiers

Mid-capacity dehumidifier models are designed to remove 45 to 50 pints of moisture per day. These mid-sized units are most appropriate for medium to large space spaces that are damp or wet, and are most often slightly less expensive than the large-capacity dehumidifiers.

Small-Capacity Dehumidifiers

Small-capacity dehumidifiers are designed to remove between 20 and 40 pints of moisture per day from the air. These units are specifically made to dehumidify small spaces that are damp, not wet. Also, small-capacity dehumidifiers are going to be the lowest cost dehumidifiers available.

Whole-Home Dehumidifiers

Whole-Home Dehumidifiers are either portable dehumidifier units or as add-on accessories to your existing central air conditioning system. These dehumidifiers are designed to remove humidity from a surface area up to 3,000 square feet, a very large home. As expected, this added capability comes at a much steeper purchase price, and these whole-home dehumidifiers are the most expensive option available.

Difference Between Dehumidifier and Air Conditioner

Dehumidifiers and air conditioning units are very similar types of machines. As we have discussed throughout this site, a best dehumidifier will draw in moist air, condense the air across a cold coil thereby removing the moisture, and replace the dry and slightly warmer air back into the room.

The air conditioners work in the same manner as a dehumidifier. Air passes over the cooling coils of the AC unit and directly back into the room, however the wasted air is pumped outside to the AC condenser, across heat coils and blown into the outside air by the condenser fan. The only real difference is that with a dehumidifier, the cold coil and heat coil are contained within the same unit, and the heated air is simply sent back into the room.

Dehumidifier Maintenance Tips

Like any appliance or mechanical device, proper maintenance is needed to keep it running efficiently and extending its useful life. A dehumidifier is no different. Proper maintenance and care of your dehumidify will make it run at maximum efficiency, and will extend its life span. Here are a few tips to keep your dehumidifier in tip top shape:

Change your dehumidifier’s filter approximately once per year.
Clean your water container periodically to prevent mineral buildup.
Inspect your cold coils for buildup of frost or ice. (Ice and frost can destroy your dehumidifier).
Maintain proper humidistat setting to ensure the unit does not constantly run.

Signs You May Need a Dehumidifier

You have window or patio door condensation, or beading. If you have fog on inside of the glass of your windows you have too much humidity in your home.
You see mold spots on the ceiling or on the walls of your home.
You smell a musty damp odor.
If you notice a white or gray water level mark in your basement.

Dehumidifier Terminology

Pints Per Day (PPD): The rating system for the number of pints of moisture removed from the air per day.
Thermal Condensation: Air is drawn across a thermocline which causes the air to condense, thereby separating the moisture from the air.
Refrigerative Dehumidification: The most common type of dehumidifier. Refrigerative dehumidification occurs by drawing air over a refrigerated cold air coil with a fan. The cold air coil found with the refrigeration condenses the water, separating the water from the air.
Humidistat: An electronic device that automatically regulates the level of humidity in the air.
Desiccant: A humidity-absorbing material used in the dehumidification process.

Finally Your Thoughts on Best Dehumidifier 2020

We have made an honest attempt to write about dehumidifiers and shared out knowledge so that it may help you in finding the basement dehumidifier, crawl space dehumidifier or any other best dehumidifier. In the best dehumidifier reviews we tried to share maximum details and have covered good popular models from established and known brands. As new models and brands keep getting introduced in the market, we will try to include the best dehumidifier in our comparison tables.

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