Excess humidity in your home is more than just an uncomfortable nuisance; it can lead to mold growth, damage to wood structures and furnishings, and create an environment where allergens like dust mites thrive. Finding the right whole-house dehumidifier is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring a healthy living environment for your family.
With a variety of models on the market, from sleek residential units to heavy-duty commercial systems, selecting the perfect dehumidifier for your space can feel overwhelming. This roundup simplifies the process by highlighting nine of the best options, detailing their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your home’s needs.
Our Top Whole House Dehumidifier Picks
- TOSOT 50 Pint with Internal Pump 4,500 Sq Ft Dehumidifier
- hOmeLabs 4500 Sq. Ft. Superior Moisture Removal & Humidity Control
- AprilAire E070 Pro 70-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Drain Hose
- Dri-Eaz Revolution LGR Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump, 17 Gallon
- ALORAIR Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifiers 198 PPD, 90 Pints
- Dri-Eaz PHD 200 Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump, Industrial
- Ivation 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier With Pump
- hOmeLabs 4500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
- Frigidaire 70 Pint Dehumidifier with Effortless Humidity Control
TOSOT 50 Pint with Internal Pump 4,500 Sq Ft Dehumidifier
Designed for large spaces up to 4,500 square feet, the TOSOT dehumidifier efficiently removes up to 50 pints of moisture per day. This capability helps your air conditioning system work more efficiently, as it is easier to cool dry air than humid air. Its Energy Star certification ensures it operates effectively without excessive energy use.
A standout feature is the integrated internal pump, which automatically removes collected water. This pump can send water sideways or vertically up to 16 feet away, preventing downtime from a full water bucket. For user control, the unit offers real-time humidity monitoring and allows you to set a target humidity level or run continuously with the “NS” setting for non-stop operation.
hOmeLabs 4500 Sq. Ft. Superior Moisture Removal & Humidity Control
This hOmeLabs model is built to handle very wet spaces and large rooms up to 4,500 square feet, removing up to 50 pints of moisture daily. It combines high performance with a design made for the modern home, featuring a sleek look that avoids the clunky appearance of many dehumidifiers. Built-in wheels and handles make it simple to move from room to room.
Operation is straightforward: set your desired moisture level and let it run on a continuous 24-hour cycle. The unit will automatically shut off when its 1.6-gallon tank is full. For even greater convenience, a drain hose outlet is provided for continuous drainage, allowing you to connect a standard garden hose for hands-free operation.
AprilAire E070 Pro 70-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier
The AprilAire E070 Pro is a commercial-grade unit engineered to protect your home by preventing mold, structural wood rot, and musty odors. It is particularly well-suited for sealed crawl spaces, basements, and whole homes up to 2,200 square feet, removing up to 70 pints of moisture per day.
Its compact size of 12.5” x 12.5” x 25” is a key advantage, allowing it to fit through most crawl space doors and into tight spaces between joists. This professional-grade performance in a space-saving design makes it a reliable, set-and-forget solution for areas that are difficult to access and prone to dampness.
Dri-Eaz Revolution LGR Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump
This is a professional-grade, compact dehumidifier built with advanced LGR (Low Grain Refrigerant) technology for highly effective moisture removal. It is a robust choice for demanding environments, capable of extracting up to 17 gallons of water from the air.
Despite its industrial power, it is designed to be lightweight and portable. It is easy to store, stack, and transport, making it suitable for various job sites or for heavy-duty home use in basements or other large, wet areas. The included pump and drain hose facilitate continuous operation without the need to empty a collection bucket.
ALORAIR Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifiers 198 PPD, 90 Pints
For spaces requiring heavy-duty moisture removal, the ALORAIR dehumidifier offers an impressive capacity of up to 198 pints per day at saturation. It is engineered for large areas up to 2,600 square feet, making it suitable for basements, crawl spaces, warehouses, and commercial settings.
This unit includes a built-in condensate pump to push collected water out continuously, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. It also features an automatic defrost system that prevents frost buildup in lower temperatures, conserving energy and protecting the unit. An optional remote control adds convenience for monitoring and adjusting settings from a distance.
Dri-Eaz PHD 200 Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump
The Dri-Eaz PHD 200 is an industrial-grade dehumidifier specifically designed for challenging environments like crawl spaces and basements. It features easy-to-use controls and provides useful readouts for tracking drying progress and power interruption data.
A significant benefit is the ability to control and monitor the unit remotely using the free Dri-Eaz Command Center Pro App and Dashboard. This professional feature allows for convenient management of your home’s humidity levels from anywhere, providing peace of mind and ensuring optimal performance to prevent musty odors and damage.
Ivation 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier With Pump
The Ivation dehumidifier uses a high-capacity compressor system to monitor and remove excess moisture from large rooms and basements up to 4,500 square feet. By eliminating up to 50 pints of water per day, it helps improve air quality, reduce allergens, and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
This model is equipped with an integrated 16-watt pump and a 16-foot hose, making it easy to divert water upward into a sink or out a window. User-friendly features include a clear LCD display for monitoring humidity, a turbo mode for increased fan speed, and alerts for filter cleaning and a full water bucket. Auto-defrost and auto-restart functions add to its convenience and reliability.
hOmeLabs 4500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
This Energy Star certified dehumidifier from hOmeLabs is built to manage humidity in expansive areas up to 4,500 square feet. It operates efficiently to remove moisture from the air, helping to create a more comfortable and healthier living environment while being mindful of energy consumption.
Ideal for whole-house use or for targeting particularly damp large rooms and basements, this unit is designed for reliable, continuous operation. Its energy-efficient performance ensures that you can maintain optimal humidity levels without a significant increase in your electricity bill.
Frigidaire 70 Pint Dehumidifier with Effortless Humidity Control
Frigidaire brings its trusted appliance expertise to this 70-pint dehumidifier, which is designed for effective whole-house moisture control. The unit focuses on providing effortless operation, allowing you to easily set and maintain your desired humidity level for maximum comfort.
Built with user convenience in mind, it includes features that ensure reliable performance day in and day out. This model is a solid choice for those who value a straightforward, no-fuss approach to reducing humidity and protecting their home from the effects of excess moisture.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Whole House Dehumidifier
When my basement started feeling more like a swamp than a living space, I knew I needed a solution bigger than a portable unit. That’s when I started looking into whole house dehumidifiers. These systems integrate directly with your HVAC to manage moisture levels throughout your entire home. It’s a significant investment, so getting the right one matters. Here’s what I learned you need to consider.
First, you have to figure out the capacity, which is measured in pints removed per day. This isn’t about the size of the tank like a portable unit; it’s about raw drying power. For a whole house system, you’re generally looking at models ranging from 90 to 150 pints per day. The right size depends on your climate and the square footage of your home. A house in a moderately humid area might be fine with a 90-pint model, but if you live in a hot, sticky climate or have a particularly damp basement, you’ll want to step up to 130 pints or more. It’s better to have a little more power than you think you need than to have a unit that struggles constantly.
Next, consider the airflow. These units need to work with your existing furnace or air handler, and they have specific requirements for Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). If the airflow isn’t right, the dehumidifier won’t perform efficiently and could even damage your HVAC system. You’ll need to check your furnace’s blower capacity or consult with an HVAC professional to make sure everything is compatible.
I also paid close attention to features that make life easier. A built-in humidistat is a must; it lets you set your desired humidity level and forget about it. Look for models with automatic restart, so you don’t come home to a humid house after a power outage. Drainage is another big one. While most are set up for a permanent condensate drain line, some offer a pump option, which is a lifesaver if your drain is above the unit’s location, like in a finished basement.
Finally, think about the installation process. Installing a whole house dehumidifier isn’t typically a DIY project. It involves integrating ductwork and electrical connections with your central air system. Getting a few quotes from qualified HVAC technicians is a crucial step in the process. They can also provide the best advice on unit placement and sizing for your specific home layout. Taking the time to research these factors will ensure you pick a system that keeps your home comfortable and protected from mold and mildew for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal humidity level for my home?
Most experts, and my own comfort, agree that you want to keep your home’s relative humidity between 30% and 50%. This range is low enough to discourage dust mites, mold, and mildew from growing, but high enough to avoid dry skin, irritated sinuses, and static electricity. I usually set my own system to 45% and it feels perfect year-round.
Can I install a whole house dehumidifier myself?
While it’s technically possible for a very experienced DIYer, I strongly recommend against it for most people. The installation involves working with your home’s ductwork, electrical wiring, and sometimes the drain line. A mistake can lead to poor performance, damage to your HVAC system, or even a safety hazard. Hiring a qualified HVAC professional ensures it’s done correctly and safely, and it often preserves the manufacturer’s warranty.
How is a whole house dehumidifier different from a portable one?
The main difference is scale and integration. A portable unit only treats the air in one room and you have to empty its water tank regularly. A whole house model is connected to your central air system, actively pulling moisture from the air as it circulates throughout your entire home. It’s a set-and-forget solution that manages humidity everywhere, not just in a single damp spot.
Do whole house dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
They are more powerful than portables, so they do consume more energy. However, modern Energy Star certified models are quite efficient. By reducing the humidity, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, which can actually save on your cooling costs in the summer. When shopping, look for the Energy Star label to find the most efficient units.
Where is the best place to install the unit?
The most common location is in the basement, near your furnace and air handler. This makes it easy to tie into the existing ductwork and electrical supply. It also allows the unit to tackle the most commonly damp area of the house first. An HVAC technician will assess your space to find the optimal location for both performance and serviceability. Proper placement is key for an effective whole house dehumidifier.
Will it also cool my home?
No, a dehumidifier’s sole job is to remove moisture from the air. While the process of condensation does release a small amount of heat, it is not designed as a cooling appliance. Its primary benefit for comfort is that by removing the mugginess, the air feels cooler and more comfortable, even at a slightly higher temperature.