As air circulates through your home, what was once in your crawl space eventually makes its way through every room. Crawl spaces usually don’t have sufficient ventilation and can get very humid and damp in certain climates. This makes the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria which can lead to significant health problems over time. One of the best ways to solve the high humidity issue is to use the best crawl space dehumidifier available.
We considered a few different features when looking for the best products. First, the coverage area. Dehumidifiers are only effective if they’re used correctly and getting one that’s not big enough or is too large to fit in the space are common mistakes. We also looked at the performance, how much moisture the unit is able to remove from the air in a 24-hour period. Some of these machines have pumps for continuous drainage while others require emptying a water tank every day or so. Finally, we considered warranty information to make sure you get a product that’s built to last.
To put together this review, we spent hours researching manufacturer specs as well as reviews from experts and people just like you who use these dehumidifiers in their homes every day. The first thing you’ll find is a comparison table where you can see how all of our models stack up against one another. Next are in-depth reviews of our picks for the best crawl space dehumidifier
More features: corrosion-resistant aluminum coils; ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ control automatically starts dehumidification when the humidity level is above target
If you’re looking for the best high-end dehumidifier for crawl space, take a look at the Aprilaire E70 Pro. This powerful machine removes up to 70 pints a day and is ideal for a sealed crawl space or basement.
One of the best things about this model is there’s no messy tray to empty. Just use the included hose or place the machine directly over a drain. Then, level it, plug it in, choose your settings, and let it run continuously. The control panel can be mounted on the top or side of the unit so you can set it up for easy access depending on the way your crawl space is built.
This machine is built to last. It uses corrosion-resistant aluminum coils that are really strong and durable, and the filter only has to be changed or cleaned once a year. One more thing, it’s covered by an impressive five-year warranty.
One downside is with the installation. While actually setting up this unit isn’t difficult, it weighs 56 pounds and can be difficult to lift into place without a few pairs of hands to help you out. Depending on how your crawl space and home are designed, you may have to hire a professional to help.
More features: operates in low temperatures; remote control system; C-ELT and Energy Star listed
Next is the AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier which uses a hot gas valve defrosting system. That means it can run continuously without stopping to defrost which saves energy and helps the unit last longer.
There are a lot of impressive things about this model. It has internal corrosion protection to maintain the heat transfer ability over the life of the coil. It’s perfect for crawl spaces and removes up to 55 pints of water from the air every day. The unit is also Energy Star certified and uses as little energy as possible.
It’s really easy to use, too. Just adjust to your ideal settings and let it run. The continuous draining hose prevents you from having to empty a tank every day. When the room hits the desired humidity level, the machine automatically turns off. When it ticks back up, it turns on again. The AlorAir dehumidifier also allows for a remote control to let you not even get into your crawl space every now and again should you need to change any settings. The controller should be bought separately, though.
Installation is pretty simple thanks to the external connection point and side-sliding G3 filter. This filter actually captures most of the larger particles from the air to protect the unit from any impurities to help it last even longer.
As for the downsides, some users stated that the unit didn’t fit properly into their crawlspace opening. So be sure to check the product dimensions before you go for this particular model.
More features: Turbo mode, continuous draining option; convenient controls
The MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS Dehumidifier has a smooth, clean look and is also really convenient to use. The wheels and handles make it effortless to move around, the unit is really easy to get in and out of your crawl space. Keep the dimensions in mind, though, since it’s meant for basements mainly and may not fit into any crawl space. Pay attention to the unit’s height and compare it with you crawl space’s one. If the size is fine, it’s probably the best dehumidifier for crawl space if you’re trying to stick to a budget.
This model uses a quiet fan to help draw moisture out of the air so it won’t disrupt your daily routine. It’s also effortless to use. All you have to do is use the control panel to choose your ideal moisture setting then let it run. There are a total of four settings to choose from including Turbo mode for maximum moisture removal and odor reduction.
The 50-pint dehumidifier also boasts an automatic shut-off that kicks in when the tank is full. If you’re using this dehumidifier in a crawl space, getting to it to empty the tank every day may not be very convenient which is why there’s also a gravity-fed drain hose outlet so you can set up continuous draining. You’ll still need to perform general maintenance like wiping it down every few weeks and washing the filter every month but using a drain hose eliminates the need for daily emptying. The one downside is you have to provide your own hose.
It’s covered with a one-year warranty that is a nice addition to make sure unit works properly. It’s also Energy Star certified so it’s also energy-efficient and won’t increase your energy bills. Users are generally pretty happy with its performance, but there are some complaints that it runs a bit hot when used for too long. All in all, it’s probably one of the best 50-pint crawl space dehumidifiers available on the market today.
More features: High/Normal dehumidification mode, low-temperature operation, digital controls
The Santa Fe Advance100 Dehumidifier may be compact, but it’s one of the most powerful products on our list. This model is ideal for crawlspaces and can remove up to 100 pints of moisture every day.
It works as a gravity-fed model or can be used with an additional pump to eliminate the need for frequent water tank emptying. Also, this will allow the machine to run continuously. It comes with a drain hose and can operate even at low temperatures.
The operation is really easy. The digital display and buttons can be seen even in dark environments, allowing you to check the temperature and relative humidity in real-time, so you can continuously monitor the progress. Generally, users found this unit very effective.
Although it has a compact size, this dehumidifier is not that easy to transport. That said, it weighs 80 pounds, so you may need an extra hand to help you get it into place. However, such weight is typical for such a design. It comes with a great warranty that will get this unit covered for six years. In case there are any manufacturer defects, the warranty should help you solve most issues.
More features: waterproof design, easily replaceable MERV 8, cord and hose storage, stackable design
The AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier is one of the best-rated crawl space dehumidifiers for areas up to 2,300 square feet. It’s a commercial-grade dehumidifier that dries out areas other dehumidifiers just aren’t powerful enough to handle.
This machine has a smart, convenient design that allows for easy access for cleaning and maintenance, and it’s so compact, it fits in even very tight spaces. If you have a particularly large area to dry, you can even stack them on top of one another. This stackable feature also comes in handy for storage.
Something handy is the built-in humidistat, which displays real-time temperature and relative humidity readings so you can monitor the whole process. If there’s a power cut, it automatically restarts the previous setting when power is restored. Plus, this dehumidifier with pump makes it easy to remove the water directly into a drain or sink, so you don’t have to worry about emptying a water rank either.
The compressor is covered by a 5-year warranty, and you get 3 years of coverage on parts for refrigeration circuit as well as one year on parts and labor. Some users reported that the unit leaks, but this issue should be under warranty. Next, the machine is quite heavy.
If you’re looking for an ideal crawl space dehumidifier to keep the humidity level under control, and mold and mildew at bay, choosing the right unit is really important. Here are some things to think about as you shop.
This tells you how much moisture each dehumidifier is about to remove from the air in a 24-hour period. We found units that remove as little as 50 pints to as much as 100 like the Santa Fe Advance100 Dehumidifier. How many you need depends on the climate you live in as well as on temperature and your house specific characteristics. For example, if you live in an area where it’s warm and humid most of the time, the air contains more moisture which means you need a machine with higher performance.
On the other hand, if you live in a place where it’s hot and humid during the daytime in the summer but cools down and the humidity drops significantly at night, you may be able to get by with something less powerful.
You’ll need to know the square footage of your crawl space. This is one of the most important things to consider because if you choose a unit that is too small for your area, it’s not going to be effective and you’ll likely ruin the machine completely.
We found a lot of different options for you, and the Santa Fe Advance100 Dehumidifier can handle up to 3,200 square feet.
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to get the right amount of coverage area. A lot of times when people assume that their dehumidifiers aren’t working it’s because they’re using one that’s too small for their space.
Pumps are really convenient because they eliminate the need to direct a drain hose down to let gravity do its job. Machines with pumps remove water faster and can pump it high up, or in any other direction. This is a necessary feature with powerful devices that can remove 80 pints from the air every day. Imagine how difficult it would be to empty a tank of that size manually!
Pumps use a hose to direct the water into either a drain or sink. While some can also be set up to drain to the outside, make sure you divert the water away from your crawl space if you choose this option. The last thing you want to do is put forth all that effort to get rid of the moisture only to have the water come directly back into the crawl space.
The most important thing is to make sure the dehumidifier fits into your crawl space. Consider the weight, too, because you will need to be able to lift it to get it installed properly.
Another thing to think about is whether you’re going to need the dehumidifier all year round. If you live in a climate that is cool and dry in the winter, you may want to consider storing it away. In that case, make sure you choose one that’s easy to move and compact enough to store.
Some high-end units, like the AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier, have a built-in humidistat. This feature gives you a real-time reading of the relative humidity in the air and is an easy way to tell how well the dehumidifier is working. While these units might be a little more expensive, they’re worth it in the long run because they really help you monitor moisture levels carefully.
Warranty information is always important but especially so for a product like this. Not only are some of them pretty expensive but you’re relying on their performance to help keep your home safe from mold and bacteria that could potentially cause health problems for you and your family.
Check the warranty information carefully. All of our picks are covered, but the length and the type of warranty vary. In fact, some of them even have different coverage for the parts and labor, housing, and compressor.
There are some things that you don’t really need but that can come in handy when you use a dehumidifier.
Some of the units that have a pump or continuous draining system come with the hose you need to set it up while some do not. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s definitely easier to set things up when everything is included.
Another thing to think about is energy consumption. If you’re running a humidifier continuously, it uses a lot of energy which will really increase your electric bill. Several models in our reviews are Energy Star certified which means they use less power than other models. This is a good way to make sure you’re as environmentally conscious as possible while also saving yourself a bit of money.
It’s also worth mentioning the price. Some of these machines are a little pricey, but if you need something large and powerful to control the humidity in your crawl space, it’s probably best to make the investment. When it comes to mold, mildew, and all the other things that can result from a wet crawl space and how it can affect the health of your family, you can never be too sure. That’s also why it’s so important to get the best possible product that you can. If you decide to make a significant financial investment, it’s comforting to know that you’re getting a machine that’s going to last and get the job done.
There are a few things you can do to lower the humidity level in your crawl space without using a dehumidifier.
Basically, the best way to keep the humidity down in a crawl space is to prevent excess water from getting in any way you can. If you’ve tried all these things and have found them to be ineffective or if they’re not bringing the humidity down quite enough, it’s probably time to consider using a dehumidifier.
Our top pick is the Aprilaire E70 Pro. It removes up to 70 pints a day, uses continuous drainage, and the hose is included for easy setup. There’s minimal maintenance required, just wipe it clean every so often and change the filter once a year.
Next, you can go for the AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier. This is a heavy duty unit that has a defrosting system and allows for continuous operation. Internal corrosion protection and a powerful filter help extend the life of this effective machine.
Finally, the MIDEA MAD50C1ZWS Dehumidifier is our Budget Pick and is perfect for smaller spaces. It features wheels and handles for easy transport and an intuitive control panel with four different settings. It automatically shuts off when the water tank is full or you can set up continuous drainage using the integrated hose outlet.
