Does your house feel damp and sticky in the summer? Do you still smell musty odors, even after installing a water drainage system and a sump pump in your home? These are signs that you need to take an additional step to reduce the humidity in your home. The best way to do that is with a dehumidifier.
Acculevel has been waterproofing homes since 1996 and has installed water drainage into thousands of homes. Many of these installations have included whole-house dehumidifiers; we exclusively install Aprilaire brand dehumidifiers. Aprilaire is well-known throughout the industry for their healthy home solutions, and the products they make to solve everyday problems.
The benefits of a dehumidifier are detailed in our article on whole house dehumidifiers. There you’ll also learn how to determine the proper size you need to buy.
But if you aren’t convinced you need a professional grade residential dehumidifier, or you are a diehard DIY fan, you may want to install a dehumidifier yourself. If so, then this is the article for you! We have compared dozens of models, verified reviews from customers and consumer groups alike.
For the purposes of this article, we have only included residential products sold to consumers, with a maximum capacity of at least 50 pints. This is the minimum capacity needed for the average 2500 square foot home. The top 5 options are listed below in order of price, lowest to highest.
All of the models listed meet the following criteria:
Keep in mind that the 50 pint removal capacity is based on a room's square footage, how damp the room is, and what the ambient temperature is. In ideal testing circumstances (65° with 60% humidity), these models remove 50 pints/day. If you are planning to install the dehumidifier in a space that is below 65 degrees or has more than 60% humidity, your results will be different.
| Model | Brand | Capacity | Warranty | Price |
| ADEL50LZ | GE | 50 pt | 1 year | $269 |
| IVALDH70PWWPWH | Ivation | 50 pt | 1 year | $280 |
| DSJ-50EIP-01 | Soleus | 50 pt | 1 year | $280 |
| UD501KOG5 | LG | 50 pt | 1 year | $300 |
| BDT50PWTB | Black + Decker | 50 pt | 1 year | $430 |
This new model is equipped with 3 fan speeds, an adjustable humidistat, and automatic defrost control. It has an automatic shutoff and bucket full indicator if you are emptying the bucket manually, but also comes with a drain hose connection.
This dehumidifier comes with a built-in pump capable of pumping water out of the unit vertically, allowing you to drain the water into a utility sink if you don’t have a sump pump system installed. Its design lets you control moisture levels with a simple LCD interface; you can check the humidistat, set your ideal levels, adjust fan speed, and program the 24-hour timer.
Engineered with industry leading Tri-Pat patent-pending safety technology, this model utilizes overheat sensors, automatic cool-down cycles, and electrical current sensors that are built-in as added layers of protection. Like the Ivation, it comes with both a built-in pump and hose connection so that you can choose how the water drains automatically.
This model has digital controls, an auto safety standby, advanced structural design, airflow blockage alarm, and safety plug. If you choose to empty the bucket, this one features a clear bucket and solid handle for easy lifting.
Backed by technology, this model features R410a refrigerant auto shutoff, auto restart and auto defrost. It includes a built-in pump like two other models on this list, along with a timer function. As an added bonus, it also includes a child-proof lock.
This photo was taken by a crew member after encapsulation. The dehumidifier is installed and the drain hose runs directly to the sump pump.
Maybe you need a larger capacity dehumidifier, or you don’t want to go the DIY route.
Acculevel provides free estimates for large capacity dehumidifiers that can manage the humidity level for up to a 5500 square foot home. We install Aprilaire brand dehumidifiers and service these products for 5 years. These are super durable and reliable, with rust-resistant aluminum coils and has an average life span of about 15 years. These dehumidifiers are larger than the models routinely sold to homeowners, removing 95 pints per day and functioning at optimal levels at temperatures below 65°. Aprilaire is an American brand and its products are made in the USA.
The full cost of this installation is $2100-$2300 and is usually completed within a few hours. The drainage line for the humidifier will be run directly to your sump pump pit, and we will set the desired humidity level for you. This unit will then run automatically whenever the humidity goes above your settings, and shut itself off when it’s not needed.
If you don’t live in our service area, we recommend that you find an experienced local foundation company or plumber, and make an appointment. Before you sign a contract for any service, you should always verify the company is reputable, insured, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
If you’d like more information about the waterproofing process, we have more to share with you! We’ve detailed the process and costs for waterproofing both basements and crawl spaces.
If you have noticed other issues with your basement, crawl space, or foundation, you are welcome to use our free symptom checker for help diagnosing potential concerns.
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