Best Basement Dehumidifier - From Water Filters Fast

The Best Dehumidifiers for Your Basement

High humidity levels are a haven for mold, mildew, dust mites, and bacteria. All of which are responsible for a whole host of allergy-like symptoms. Basements can be especially vulnerable to humidity levels. All of these allergy causes, however, can be treated with a dehumidifier. Choosing the best basement dehumidifier comes down to comparing the top brands and considering the specific conditions of the basement where the unit will be operating.

Dehumidifiers Explained

Dehumidifiers work by pulling out moisture in the air with a fan. The best dehumidifier for basements are usually single room units. They work well when humidity levels are higher in the basement than the rest of the home. Signs of this include a musty smell and patches of mold.

The best basement dehumidifiers also have to be the right size for the basement. Full basements run the length of the home so the dehumidifier chosen needs to be superior in efficiency and capacity. Take the Winix WDH871 70-Pint Dehumidifier, for example. The powerful and highly rated best basement dehumidifier can suck out excess moisture in basement rooms as large as 1500 square feet. All of this power is packed into a sleek, compact unit that will not take up valuable basement storage space. Since the dehumidifier is designed to meet Energy Star standards it features lower energy consumption than other dehumidifiers, works quicker, and will have less operating costs.

Moisture Removal

The Winix WDH871 dehumidifier is also considered among the best basement dehumidifiers due to its superior capacity to remove dozens of pints of moisture from air in a single day. With removal of such a large amount of water, and when dealing with such a large space, having to remove or check buckets of water regularly is not a preferred option for some. Although these buckets are easy to dump, those who mainly use the basement for storage may not want to have to have to manually check and remove buckets regularly. The Winix WDH871 proves it belongs in the category of best dehumidifier for basement usage by including a hose attachment. A hose can be hooked to the dehumidifier and placed over a drain for convenient water removal. As the dehumidifier turns off automatically when the bucket gets full, the use of a hose will allow uninterrupted operation.

Basement Situations That Need Dehumidifiers

If the basement is used as a regular living or working space such as a playroom or studio, moisture buildup can be dangerous. In some instances, the use of a whole house dehumidifier like the Lennox Y3013 is best. Basement dehumidifier units can also be used. In fact, their simultaneous use can help deal with excess moisture present in other parts of the home while preventing damp basements. For instance, a leaking bathroom pipe can cause a leak that damages the floor above the basement and allows the formation of mold. Mold can be a major problem causing various annoyances including sore throats and watery eyes. If the basement has been turned into a bedroom or playroom for a baby or young child exposure to mold can cause a more severe reaction due to their developing immune systems and even increase their risk of developing asthma.

Some basements are also used as working spaces. The best dehumidifier for basements are useful when the basement serves as an at-home office. Without a dehumidifier, the heavy air moisture can damage expensive electronic equipment including computers. Those with basement studios may also find moisture can damage electric guitars and other instruments. An artist may even find paintings and other artwork damaged if they work in too humid and wet basements without the use of one of the best dehumidifiers for basements.

Managing Humidity Levels

Ultimately, once mold starts in the basement it will travel throughout the entire home if left unchecked. Dehumidifiers can be considered a must in most areas during the summer since the warmer air is moister. The best dehumidifier for basements, however, has to be useful for all seasons. Look for dehumidifier units featuring a humidistat which can be adjusted for the optimum humidity. Experts suggest that keeping this number below 50 and above 30 percent relative humidity is best. Dehumidifier for basements with adjustable humidistats, allow home users to maintain these recommended levels to avoid encouraging fungus growth and drying out the skin.

Defining The Best

The best basement dehumidifiers are durable but low-maintenance. The Winix WDH871 and Lennox Y3013 have both commonly been cited by home users and knowledgeable industry professionals as brands that offer performances worth bragging about. Their reasonable costs compared to other brands, and user-friendly control panels are ideal. Combine these benefits with few maintenance requirements and these dehumidifiers are contenders for the best dehumidifier for basement use.