Regarding basement dehumidifiers, you might question what they do and if you need one. Essentially, a basement dehumidifier actively draws moist, humid air in through vents, then passes the incoming air over refrigerated coils, which causes water vapor to condense and drip into a collection bucket or drain pipe. The now-dehumidified, drier air then warms and recirculates back out into the basement. This constant moisture extraction directly from the air itself helps maintain basement humidity levels around the target range.
Now that you understand what it does, here are a few more questions to ask regarding your need for one:
- Sizing and Capacity: What Do I Need? Knowing what size and capacity you need requires knowing the square footage of the entire area. We recommend 30-45 pints per day for under 1,000 square-foot basements. Beyond that, increase capacity by 50–70 pints per additional 1,000 square feet. Higher drainage capacities equal greater moisture removal abilities in expansive basement spaces.
- Where Should the Unit Be Positioned? It’s important to set your basement dehumidifier unit centrally to maximize air circulation access across the floor plan. Also, you should elevate over any areas prone to flooding and make sure to direct the condensate drain hose to a suitable outlet so water can automatically empty as it accumulates.
- How Much Does a Basement Dehumidifier Cost to Run? Most 30-45-pint units consume 300–600 watts while operating 24/7, which will add about $3 to your average monthly electric bill for every 100 square feet of basement space serviced. Larger capacities and intermittent drainage cycles bump costs moderately higher.
- Can Dehumidifiers Fully Waterproof My Basement? While effective at odor and moisture control, most units cannot adequately handle actual water intrusion through foundation cracks or leaks without additional remediation. Rely on true basement waterproofing solutions to stop floods and seepage, then use dehumidifiers to manage ambient moisture and condensation.
If you have any other basement dehumidifier or basement moisture questions, reach out to our team. We are happy to help assess your situation and recommend ideal solutions.