Excess moisture provides an optimal breeding ground for mold, mildew and dust mites to thrive as well as other allergens which can cause respiratory issues. On the other hand, dry air makes you susceptible to chapped lips and itchy skin. The best whole house dehumidifier provides a powerful solution by extracting excess moisture from the air to maintain optimal humidity levels and keep your whole house free from mold and mildew.
The most important features you should consider prior to making your purchase are the coverage area, dehumidification performance if your prospective model comes with a pump, dimensions and weight, warranty and extra features such as handles and wheels and a control panel. The coverage area will let you know if the model is capable of dehumidifying your intended space and the dehumidification performance will establish the amount of excess moisture it can remove from the air in a period of 24 hours. A pump is essential to provide convenient drainage of the collected moisture, and the dimensions and weight will help you to identify the best whole house dehumidifier that will fit in the available space. And keeping these factors in mind, our Editor’s Choice goes to the AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier.
We factored in customer experiences and feedback from expert reviewers while researching several models on the market to come up with our list of the top-rated products. This all-encompassing review consists of a comparison table, in-depth reviews of the features of each unit and a detailed buying guide expounding more on the key features. It ends with an FAQ segment and a summary of our top three picks.
More features: waterproof design
Our pick for Editor’s Choice is this powerful model which is designed to dry residential and commercial facilities after flooding to protect your assets. The aptly-named AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier features rugged construction of epoxy coated coils with stainless side plates which are tough enough to endure corrosion and impact as well as severe storm while maintaining their ability for heat transfer. It also made of waterproof material that can be safely submerged in water since the circuit board is sealed tightly by a rubber strip.
The energy-efficient commercial dehumidifier can operate in low temperature of 33 degrees Fahrenheit. This range extends up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Along with the coverage of up to 2,300 square footage and dehumidification rate of 85 pints in 24 hours, this model makes the best value whole house dehumidifier which comes with multiple advanced features; a digital humidistat with readout of current temperature and humidity levels, Hot Gas Valve defrosting control system, a scheduling timer, a 14.7-ft internal condensate pump which offers continuous drainage of excess moisture, a washable air filter to improve the air quality in your home, a 20-ft drain hose for more drainage options, and an extra-long 19.6-ft power cord and an LED display.
Verified customers highly recommend this cost-effective model. They report that it is a monster which eats up the moisture and liken its noise level to that of a small desk fan. It is heavy, though, and weighs more than 75 pounds which is hard to move around since it also has no wheels.
More features: 48 dB peak noise level; Energy Star rated; washable air filter
TOSOT 70 Pint Dehumidifier towers over other models within the same pricing range due to its high dehumidification performance, wide coverage and quiet operation which will not interrupt your conversations.
The Energy-Star rated model removes up to 70 pints of excess moisture in whole basements, small houses and large-sized rooms of up to 4,500 square feet, and features high, medium and low fan speeds which produce 52, 50 and 48 decibels of noise respectively.
Humid air is drawn through the front grill and passed through the pipes to extract moisture, and then the air is reheated and blown out the top and back vents.
This 70-pint dehumidifier comes with an internal pump and a 3/4-inch drainage hose to direct the collected water to a sink or drainage system within 15 feet. Investing in the best residential whole-house dehumidifier with a pump is advantageous because the pump allows the extraction of large amounts of moisture in a shorter time than no-pump models, and it does not require gravity-reliant drainage.
When power is restored after an outage, this UL-listed dehumidifier will resume operation with the settings you had previously selected so you won’t have to keep resetting it.
A light indicator on the digital panel reminds you to clean the air filter after 250 hours of operation. The manufacturer recommends using warm water and a mild detergent to clean it.
The downside to this unit is that instructions have to be downloaded from the internet. Some buyers also struggle to attach the drainage hose.
More features: 24-hour timer; Energy Star rated
If you would like to maintain optimal humidity levels in large basements, cellars and other spaces measuring 1,500 to 3,000 square feet, but your budget won’t let you purchase a pricey unit, then you should consider our Budget Pick which offers one of the best whole house dehumidifier systems with customizable humidity levels ranging from 35% to 85%.
The hOmeLabs 35 Pint Dehumidifier comes with a pump to speed up the drainage of excess moisture extracted from air at a rate of 35 pints in 24-hour period and collected in a water tank with a capacity of 1.8 gallons. An auto shut-off safety feature eliminates the risk of overflowing water when the tank is full. For continuous drainage, the manufacturer recommends a 5/8-inch drain hose which has an internally threaded end or is secured with Teflon tape to avoid leakage. They also caution against installing the unit where there is an evaporative cooler which can limit the dehumidification process.
This model has Turbo mode which you can activate for faster moisture removal, handles and caster wheels that are convenient when relocating the unit from one room to another, touchscreen buttons, automatic restart after power failure, defrost control, a washable air filter, and a 24-hour timer to schedule operation for a specified time.
It has been certified by UL and Energy Star for energy efficiency.
More features: drainage hose included; corrosion-resistant aluminum coils
This 95-pint dehumidifier which is designed and manufactured in the U.S. is among the best rated whole-house dehumidifiers in the market. The set it and forget it dehumidifier lets you set your ideal humidity levels and automatically turns itself on to reduce excess moisture when those levels increase.
Aprilaire 1850 Dehumidifier is equipped to extract 95 pints of excess moisture in a period of 24 hours in crawl spaces measuring up to 3,000 square feet to eliminate musty odor and proliferation of mold and mildew.
It comes with corrosion-resistant aluminum coils which protect the unit from ice buildup and a control panel which can be conveniently mounted on the top or side of the unit, giving you more options to set up the unit without worrying about obstructing air circulation. However, it does not come with a pump. For drainage, level the unit with the adjustable feet and connect it to the included ten-inch hose with the adapter to direct the collected moisture to an external drainage outlet.
We like its low maintenance which requires cleaning or replacing the filter once a year. It also makes the best ducted whole house dehumidifier which can work as a standalone unit or as part of your existing HVAC system, and it is covered by a long warranty of five years.
More features: remote control system; dent-resistant metal housing
BaseAire AirWerx120X boasts of the highest dehumidification rate on our list as well as a built-in pump, remote operation, and dent-resistant construction which makes it our Editor’s Choice for the best dehumidifier for whole houses, basements, and sealed crawl spaces.
It has coverage of 3,000 square feet and removes a whopping 120 pints of moisture from the air in a period of 24 hours.
It has multiple features which increase efficiency, convenience, and safety and have been approved by cETL. These include remote control system, digital humidistat, memory starting after power outage, sheet metallic material which secures internal parts from dents and damages from impact, two air filters, and aluminum coils coated with hydrophilic layer to protect them from corrosion resulting from accumulated condensate.
This model is one of the best ducted whole house dehumidifiers with supply and return ducts. It can also be installed as a standalone unit in low temperature and remain fully operational.
The package includes a drain hose to channel the extracted moisture to a sink or an external drainage system and a manual guide.
The only minor drawback is the hefty weight of 81 pounds.
More features: 2 speeds; 24-hour timer; 1.3-gallon tank
This is the smallest unit on our list with a compact tank which only holds 1.3 gallons of water, but it is the best rated whole house dehumidifier by buyers who praise its budget-friendly pricing and the built-in pump which offers continuous drainage of moisture. If you factor in its overall size, pump and its high moisture extraction rate of 70 pints in a day, you can see why Ivation 70 Pint dehumidifier is the go-to choice for basements and bathrooms with limited space but high humidity levels.
You can also install it in bigger spaces because it has an extensive coverage of up to 4,500 square feet and four caster wheels which can be easily rolled from one room to another.
Other notable features include an integrated 24-hour timer which schedules the unit to turn on or switch off at a specified time, auto safety shut-off mechanism that prevents water from overflowing, a humidistat with programmable humidity levels, and an auto-restart function which is activated in the event of power failure.
The model also comes with an LCD display, digital controls, adjustable regular and turbo fan speeds, auto-defrost sensor, an air filter which can be washed and reused, and a 3-pronged power cord which has a length of six feet for extensive reach.
We like the high output and the compact size which make this product the best portable whole house dehumidifier. The only downside is the drainage hose which has to be bought separately.
This insightful guide breaks down the most important features to consider before buying the best ducted whole house dehumidifier or the most suitable standalone model that can be easily moved to multiple rooms if need be. We also look at the benefits of dehumidifying your entire house and offer maintenance tips that will keep your unit in peak performance and extend its lifespan. The FAQ segment focuses on AHAM rating, noise output, and ducted models.
To maintain optimal humidity levels in every space of your entire house. Cooking, showering, and laundry increase the amounts of moisture in our homes and create a favorable environment for mold, mildew, spores, dust mites and other harmful airborne particles which make us prone to allergic reactions and respiratory complications, including asthma. The best ducted whole house dehumidifiers improve our health by connecting to the HVAC system to maintain clean, breathable air in the entire house. They include air filters which keep microbes at bay.
Excess moisture can cause rotting and weaken the structural integrity of the house. It also damages furniture, clothes, carpets, instruments, and photographs. Whole house dehumidifiers have extensive coverage range and superior dehumidification performance which effectively protects our houses and treasured possessions by extracting excess moisture from the air to maintain optimal humidity levels.
The best-rated whole house dehumidifiers with a pump provide versatile installation options and convenient drainage to eliminate musty odor caused by the prevalent dampness in basements, crawl spaces and laundry rooms and other spaces that lack gravity drainage outlets.
These are the key factors to prioritize when choosing the best portable whole house dehumidifiers as well as models such as Aprilaire 1850 Dehumidifier and BaseAire AirWerx120X which have ducted supply air and return air to add to your existing HVAC system.
Each model is designed to draw excess moisture from the air in a specific size of space which is mostly indicated by manufacturers in square footage. Knowing the designated coverage enables you to choose the best dehumidifier for whole houses which can effectively maintain optimal humidity levels in your intended space. You could also opt for a model with broader coverage than your space to accommodate any extreme changes in humidity levels without overworking the unit.
Our recommended list of the top-rated products in the market features models that can dehumidify whole houses. The AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier has the smallest but substantial square foot coverage of 2,300 while the TOSOT 70 Pint Dehumidifier and the Ivation 70 Pint Dehumidifier lead the pack with extensive coverage of up to 4,500 square feet.
This refers to the amount of excess moisture that a specific dehumidifier can extract from the air in a period of 24 hours. Bathrooms, basements and crawl spaces require a unit with high dehumidification rate, like the BaseAire AirWerx120X which draws 120 pints of excess moisture from the atmosphere in a day, to achieve optimal humidity levels.
Products with high moisture removal capacity make the best residential whole house dehumidifiers because they adjust the humidity in your house to your desired levels at a faster rate and save you money on utility bills. This is because they usually incorporate a digital humidistat which triggers the unit to turn off once the set levels have been reached.
Repeatedly emptying a rapidly-filling tank is tedious enough to turn even the best portable whole house dehumidifier into a peeving burden. This is why majority of the models also come with an attachment for a drain hose which eliminates this task by diverting the water downwards to a sink or an external drainage system using gravity.
To use gravity-reliant drainage, you have to set up the unit on an elevated surface near the drainage outlet. The Aprilaire 1850 Dehumidifier comes with a 10-inch drain hose which is connected to the unit using an adapter and adjustable feet to level the height for gravity-based drainage.
On the other hand, an integrated pump expands your placement and drainage options because it can channel the collected water in any direction, including upwards, into a drainage outlet at any level, making models with pumps ideal for basements and crawl spaces. This is why a built-in pump such as the one found in the AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier and the TOSOT 70 Pint Dehumidifier is a convenient component to factor in before making your decision.
More often than not, the overall size of dehumidifiers with reservoirs matches their scope of coverage and tank capacity. Broader areas require larger tanks which can hold vast volumes of drawn moisture. This subsequently translates to big-size units.
In contrast, the best dehumidifiers for whole houses mainly incorporate drain hoses and built-in pumps for continuous drainage option to conveniently meet the dehumidification needs of an entire household without any need for frequent emptying. Pumps and other components may increase their weight, but the absence of a large tank reduces the overall dimensions of these units into a more maneuverable size. Despite featuring a tank and extensive square-foot coverage of 4,500, the Ivation 70 Pint Dehumidifier has dimensions of 15.4 x 10.8 x 23.2 inches and is one of the best portable whole house dehumidifiers.
Ultimately, the ideal size and weight should be determined by the amount of space available for set up and whether you be moving the unit to different areas.
The best whole house dehumidifier systems may have a relatively small footprint, but compressed pumps and other electronic components can make them quite heavy. If you will be using your prospective dehumidifier to optimize humidity levels in different rooms or areas, then consider the wheeled Ivation 70 Pint Dehumidifier or the hOmeLabs 35 Pint Dehumidifier that features handy handles and wheels to improve mobility.
Dehumidifiers use fans which generate varied levels of noise depending on their size and speed. This noise is amplified in mechanical models due to the buzz and vibration of pumps, compressors, and other movable parts.
Look for noise level, measured in decibels that does not exceed 60 decibels and adjustable fan speeds that lets you switch to a lower setting to reduce the noise. A good example is the TOSOT 70 Pint Dehumidifier which produces 52, 50 and 48 decibels of noise when operating on high, medium and low fan speeds respectively. Considering 50 decibels is akin to a normal conversation, all its 3 speeds are fairly unobtrusive.
Researching customer experiences and authoritative online review sites will shed light on the length and terms of warranties offered by different brands for their units and components, any existing incentives, and the availability of replacement parts.
As the best ducted whole house dehumidifier, the Aprilaire 1850 Dehumidifier comes with a long warranty of five years. The AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier has a warranty that lasts five years on compressor, evaporator and condenser, three years on parts and labor on refrigeration circuit, and one year on parts and labor.
Certification: ETL, UL, and Energy Star are among the certifications you should look for when choosing the best value whole house to confirm adherence to authorized safety and energy efficiency standards. Energy Star models typically use 15% less energy than other dehumidifiers.
Control panel: Dehumidifiers with digital screens and touchscreen controls are convenient to operate. They also display useful feedback on the settings in operation, warnings and reminders, and readout of the current humidity and temperature in your house. The AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier and the Ivation 70 Pint Dehumidifier sport digital screens and touchscreen buttons.
Housing: The construction material should be resistant to the corrosion that is rampant in areas with high humidity. The AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier is the best rated whole house dehumidifier for which embodies ideal housing. It is designed with rugged and waterproof material which secures the circuit board tightly with a rubber trip so the unit can be safely submerged in water during flood damage restoration. It also features epoxy coated coils with stainless side plates which are tough enough to endure corrosion and impact as well as severe storm while maintaining their ability for heat transfer. The BaseAire AirWerx120X is also a sturdy model with dent-resistant housing.
Cords and hoses included: The featured products are electronic, so they all come with a power cord to plug into a power outlet. A hose is a valuable accessory that saves you time and effort that would be spent on emptying tanks regularly by offering an alternative continuous drainage option for the extracted moisture. The best residential whole house dehumidifiers that include hoses in their packages are the Aprilaire 1850, the BaseAire AirWerx120X and the TOSOT 70 Pint Dehumidifier. Look for extra-long power cords and drain hoses which can extend the range you can position your unit. Also, consider an adapter to protect your model from overheating.
Variable speeds: Variable speed gives you more control on the level of output and the noise generated. In addition to saving energy and allowing you to select the best mode for your current humidity levels, you can also reduce the level of noise produced by changing the fan speed to a lower setting. Multiple speed settings which can be adjusted to select the right mode for your current humidity levels can also reduce your utility bills and the noise level when you switch to a low setting. For example, although 52 decibels is relatively quiet, you can further reduce the noise produced by the TOSOT 70 Pint Dehumidifier to 48 decibels by changing the fan speed from high to low.
Auto shut-off: This is a safety feature which triggers the unit to automatically turn off when your desired humidity levels have been achieved to save energy. In models with water tanks, like the 1.8-gallon tank included with the hOmeLabs 35 Pint Dehumidifier, this function is activated when the tank is full to avoid accidental overflowing which could expose you to falls and electric shock.
Programmable humidistat: The best value whole house dehumidifiers are equipped with an integrated digital sensor which gauges your current humidity levels and automatically restarts to adjust those levels it if it detects any change from the setpoint you have programmed, and then automatically turns off the unit once this is achieved.
Washable air filter: High amounts of moisture cause mold, mildew, and other allergens to thrive. This is why you should consider a dehumidifier that comes with filters to rid the air in your home of airborne impurities and prevent clogging the unit with debris which can inhibit its performance by obstructing air circulation.
Auto-defrost: These sensors protect coils from ice buildup and corrosion when operating at low temperature. The AlorAir 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier and the BaseAire AirWerx120X offer the best whole house dehumidifier systems because they can fully operate in low temperature, such as in basements and crawl spaces.
Timer: A convenient delay start feature which allows you to set a specified start time and duration in order to schedule the moisture extraction process.
Automatic restart after power outage: Also known as memory starting, this function enables your dehumidifier to automatically resume operation and restore the settings that were in use prior to the power outage.
Light indicators: A light flashes on to notify you when the tank is full or to remind you when you need to clean or replace your filter.
Our Editor’s Choice is the AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme 190PPD Commercial Dehumidifier. The stackable dehumidifier is an excellent water damage restoration model which also makes the best residential whole house dehumidifier with weatherproof construction that fully withstands impact, low temperature, and submersion in water.
The TOSOT 70 Pint Dehumidifier with Pump provides the best whole house dehumidifier systems. This Energy Star unit features extensive coverage, three variable speeds, a convenient pump, and a drain hose for continuous and versatile nondirectional drainage options.
Our Budget Pick is HomeLabs 35 Pint Dehumidifier. The hOmeLabs 35 Pint Dehumidifier is a great way to help maintain optimal humidity levels in large basements, cellars and other spaces measuring 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. You can customize the humidity levels ranging from 35% to 85%.
