6 Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers — Reviews and Buying Guide

By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: September 05, 2023
HouseAndBeyond is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

It is a well-known fact that a dehumidifier is one of the essential appliances that you can get for your house, especially if it’s large and you live in a humid area. Not only do these machines remove excess humidity from your home, but they also help to reduce the spread of harmful allergens, such as mold and mildew.  One of the most critical spots in your home to install a dehumidifier in is the crawl space. These spaces are prone to moisture issues, so making sure you have the best crawl space dehumidifier in place is essential.

In order to put this article together, there were lots of different factors that we needed to take into account. We first looked at the coverage area and dehumidification performance of lots of various models, since this shows how much moisture can be removed in a day. Since lots of crawl spaces practically don’t have any drainage system, we also looked at whether or not different models have an internal pump. Finally, since crawl spaces are usually cramped, we reviewed the sizes of each model to make sure that they weren’t too big.

We have spent tens of hours reading hundreds of user reviews to put together a comprehensive list of the best crawl space dehumidifiers available today. If you know what you are looking for in a dehumidifier, be sure to read through our detailed reviews of each of these models. If, however, you are not sure what to look for in a best-rated crawl space dehumidifier, then you should read our buying guide, which will tell you everything you need to know to find the perfect appliance for your needs.

Quick Summary

  • "The Alorair 120 PPD is a commercial grade dehumidifier with Energy Star certification that can be used for a wide variety of applications"
  • "A great option for small and middle-sized crawl spaces; easy-to-read LED controls make operating this unit a breeze"
  • Best Dehumidifier with Pump: Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution
    "With this dehumidifier you don’t have to worry about emptying the water tank or your drainage being located too high: the internal pump will cope with its job perfectly"
  • Best for Cold Temperatures: AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier
    "A compact unit that performs well even in low temperatures thanks to the built-in Hot Gas Valve defrosting system"
  • Easiest to Operate Dehumidifier: Aprilaire 1820
    "A model from the trusted manufacturer that is perfect for areas of up to 2,200 square feet and boasts durable corrosion-resistant aluminum coils"
  • "A super powerful unit that can cover up to a whopping 15,000 cubic feet and extract 80 pints of water per day"

Top 6 Crawl Space Dehumidifiers Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2006 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
Features
  • Coverage area: 1,300 sq.ft.
  • Dehumidification performance (pints per day): 120
  • Pump: no
  • Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.2 x 13.3 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited on parts and labor; 3-year limited on compressor, condenser and evaporator

More features: ETL-listed, automatic defrost, 130 CFM

The Alorair 120 PPD is a commercial grade dehumidifier with Energy Star certification. It can be used for a wide variety of applications including in factories, warehouses, basements and other commercial locations. It can be used to resolve any damp issues that could cause damage to inventory or the building itself. It has a preassembly side sliding filter and external condensate connection point to make the installation straightforward.

The unit can remove up to 55 pints per day in spaces of up to 1,300 square feet to lower the humidity to a comfortable level within a short period.  Since the Alorair 120 PPD is Energy Star certified, it can quickly and effectively remove moisture without driving your energy bills up to an excessively high level. It also has a metal outer casing which can withstand the rugged conditions in any commercial setting to ensure ease of maintenance and satisfactory long term use.

Not only is the Alorair 120 PPD straightforward to install, it is also convenient to use. You can simply adjust to your ideal humidity setting to reduce odors and minimize moisture levels. The unit is fitted with a MERV 8 filter, which will protect the internal components from particles of dust and debris when it is in use. However, what makes the Alorair 120 PPD most convenient is that you don’t need to empty the collection tank every hour as you would need to do with a domestic dehumidifier. In fact, you don’t need to manually pour away the water at all. The Alorair 120 PPD does not have a collection tank, it automatically drains. The Alorair 120 PPD also has an automatic defrost feature, which allows it to operate at low temperatures. If any frost is detected on the coils, a defrost cycle is automatically initiated to avoid frost build up and any potential issues associated with ice build up. This means that you can run the unit continuously, without needing to stop periodically to empty the tank or defrost the coils.

    What do we love it for?
  • Built-in MERV filter
  • Gravity-draining design
  • Automatic defrost setting
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Remote control is sold separately
  • Not the cheapest option on the market
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5863 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.4
Features
  • Coverage area: up to 3,000 sq. ft.
  • Dehumidification performance (pints per day): 50
  • Pump: no
  • Water tank capacity: 2 gal.
  • Dimensions: 14.8 x 11.4 x 24.0 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: quiet operation at 52 dB; LED display controls

When it comes to the best crawl space dehumidifier, you might think that you will only get the best machine if you spend the most money. While this might be true for some models, it is, thankfully, false as far as this dehumidifier is concerned. This appliance is exceptionally budget-friendly, as it is by far the cheapest model available on the market today. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to save a bit of money while also controlling the humidity level in their home.

What makes this such a great value is the fact that it is so simple to use. The controls on the top of the machine are easy to set and read, even in a dark crawl space. This appliance is also extremely mobile, thanks to the wheels on the bottom. You shouldn’t have any issue whatsoever getting it into place once you have it in your crawl space. The coverage area is also quite large for the price, as this model is capable of dehumidifying any space up to and including 3,000 square feet.

One thing that is a bit of a concern with this dehumidifier is the lack of a pump. While this model has a continuous drain option, it will need to be drained directly into a drain or external pump, which will end up costing you some extra money. You could also empty the tank manually. The Tosot does have a high-capacity tank, but will still need to be emptied at least once per day if you have an extremely wet crawl space.

    What do we love it for?
  • Quiet operation
  • High-capacity tank
  • Large coverage area
  • Easy to read and operate controls
  • Portable
  • Energy-efficient
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Does not have a pump
  • Low dehumidification performance
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8695 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.3
3
Best Dehumidifier with Pump

Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 7,000 sq. ft.
  • Dehumidification performance (pints per day): 80
  • Pump: yes
  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 21.5 x 12.5 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited on parts and labor; 6-year limited on compressor and coils

More features: built-in humidistat, temperature display

One of the most important considerations that you need to keep in mind when you are buying a dehumidifier for your crawl space is whether or not it has an internal pump. Since crawl spaces are generally hard to get into easily, the last thing that you want to do is get a model where you need to empty the tank often. This dehumidifier from Dri-Eaz is by far the best model with a pump you can buy. This pump together can remove an impressive 80 pints of liquid per day, making it a great model for an incredibly moist environment.

This dehumidifier also comes with all of the necessary hoses and cables so that you can set it up in your home and get it running. You will want to make sure that you take the time to carefully lay out the hosing that it comes with, however, as it does tend to kink up if you aren’t careful. As long as you make sure that it doesn’t have any twists in it while you are putting it to your drain you should be alright. Of course, you could also purchase a sturdier hose as a replacement, though this will cost you a bit more upfront.

It has an extensive coverage area of up to 7,000 square feet, so it should work for pretty much any size crawl space. It is also compact and easy to move, making it ideal for the tight confines. While this model is suitable for constant use, it does not work especially well in extremely cold temperatures, so keep that in mind before you purchase it.

    What makes it special?
  • Long warranty
  • High-performance level
  • Built-in pump
  • Large coverage area
  • Compact design
  • Easy to move
    What cons did we find?
  • Not good for colder temperatures
  • Difficult to set up initially
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5817 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.2
4
Best for Cold Temperatures

AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 1,300 sq. ft.
  • Dehumidification performance (pints per day): 55
  • Pump: no
  • Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.5 x 13.3 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited; 3-year limited on refrigeration circuit; 5-year limited on compressor, condenser, and evaporator

More features: low-temperature operation; Hot Gas Valve defrosting system

Crawl spaces are not only usually the moistest locations in a home, but they can also get extremely cold as well. If you know that your crawl space has a tendency to get a bit chilly, then this dehumidifier is a great option to look into. It has a hot gas valve defrosting system that allows it to operate even in low temperatures. This keeps the coils from freezing over, which would shut down the unit until it could warm up again. By keeping the coils from freezing up, this unit can continuously dehumidify your home.

This appliance is also one of the most portable crawl space dehumidifiers that you could purchase. While most of these larger style dehumidifiers require a hand truck to get into place, you should be able to move this one with the built-in carrying handles on the top. This portability makes it an excellent choice for the smaller spaces that it is designed to be used in. If you have a crawl space that is up to and 1,300 square feet in size, then this is a great option.

While it doesn’t have a huge coverage area, this model is able to remove up to 55 pints of water each and every day. It can also be run continuously, though you will need to purchase an external pump to really see the benefits of this system, as it does not come with an internal one.

    What stands out?
  • Long warranty
  • Good for all temperatures, including extremely low temps
  • Compact design
  • Easy to move
  • Can be run continuously
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Lower coverage area than other models have
  • No pump
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4001 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
5
Easiest to Operate Dehumidifier

Aprilaire 1820

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 2,200 sq. ft.
  • Dehumidification performance (pints per day): 70
  • Pump: no
  • Dimensions: 25 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: corrosion-resistant aluminum coils; engineered and manufactured in the USA

If you are in the market for a no-frills, easy-to-use, and easy-to-setup dehumidifier for your crawl space, then this just might be the model for you. It is extremely easy to operate. All you need to do is place the model on a level spot, plug it in, set the humidity level you desire and let the unit take care of the rest. It is a completely automatic operation that will run only until the humidity level reaches your desired one. After that, it will automatically shut down until the humidity level starts to go back up, which will make it turn back on.

This model is also built to be used all day, every day. The corrosion resistant coils help to keep it from breaking down, which makes it an excellent option for use in an incredibly moist environment. It is unfortunately not suited for colder temperatures, so keep your crawl space temperature in mind before you decide upon this model.

Something that is really surprising about this unit is its high-performance level. It is able to remove up to 70 pints of moisture per day from a 2,200 square foot space, even though it is so compact and easy to move.

This dehumidifier comes with a drain hose that is on the shorter side, which might make it difficult to reach a drain. If, however, you don’t have a drain for it to empty into, you will need to buy an external pump, as this model does not have an internal one.

    What do we love it for?
  • Long warranty
  • High-performance level
  • Compact design
  • Corrosion resistant coils
  • Large coverage area
  • Easy to setup
  • Simple control system
    What were we disappointed with?
  • No pump
  • Not good for colder temperatures
  • Provided hose is too short
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2231 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.0
8.5
Features
  • Coverage area: up to 15,000 cu. ft.
  • Dehumidification performance (pints per day): 80
  • Pump: yes
  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 17.6 x 21.5 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited on parts and labor; 6-year limited on compressor and coils

More features: digital touchpad controls in 4 languages, displays inlet and outlet temp and RH in real time

If you are in the market for the best crawl space dehumidifier, then this is a great model to check out. To start with, it has exceptionally easy-to-use controls. Once you have it installed in your crawl space, you can either choose to run it continuously or to a set humidity level. If you have a very humid crawl space, then you will want to use the continuous mode, as this will allow you to remove up to 80 pints of liquid per day. The internal pump makes this operation completely automated, as you will not ever have to empty the tank to use this model.

Of course, if you want to set this dehumidifier to a specific humidity level, you can do so very easily. The internal humidistat is surprisingly accurate. It helps to make sure that you don’t remove any more moisture than you want to.

Something else that makes these two modes so easy to use is the display. It is very user-friendly, and in fact can be set to four different languages, making this one of the most easily accessible models on the market today. It is effortless to switch between the two different modes and set your humidity level accurately every time.

As with any product on the market, this one also has its drawbacks. When it is running, this dehumidifier is quite noisy. Thankfully, this won’t be all that big of a deal in your crawl space, and would only really be a factor if you tried to put somewhere else in your home.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Includes a pump
  • High level of performance
  • Easy-to-read display
  • Large coverage area
  • Continuous run option
  • Accurate humidistat
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Loud operation

Things to Consider

In this section, we will go through everything you need to know to find the best dehumidifier for a wet crawl space. We will also answer some frequently asked questions that you may be wondering about.

Features to consider while choosing a crawl space dehumidifier

Best Crawl Space DehumidifierAs you might imagine, there are several different factors that you need to keep in mind when you are looking for the best crawl space dehumidifier. In this section, we will cover everything you need to know to find the perfect model for your needs.

Coverage area

The coverage area of any dehumidifier is the amount of space that it can be counted on to fully remove the moisture from. You need to be sure that you select the proper dehumidifier based on the space that you have. The last thing that you want to do is pick a model that can’t cover the area you intended to dehumidify.

This is also a way that you can save a bit of money. The larger the coverage area that a model has, the more expensive it is going to be. If you have a smaller space, then you can probably get by with a dehumidifier like the AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier, which has a smaller coverage area. Of course, if you want to guarantee that you have your space covered, you can go for something like the Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution LGR Dehumidifier, which has a large coverage area.

Dehumidification performance

When it comes to the dehumidification performance of one of these machines, this number tells you exactly how much moisture can be removed from the air of your home each day. If you have a very moist environment, you will want to get a model with a higher performance level, like the Drieaz F515 PHD 200 Compact Dehumidifier, which can remove up to 80 pints of water per day.

Of course, the amount of water that is removed is also based on the capacity of the tank your dehumidifier has attached. Even if your model can remove tons of liquid per day, it will stop working if the tank is full and will only start again after it has been emptied. To combat this problem, you could get a water pump, or purchase a model with an integrated one to empty the tank for you.

Pump

You can either select a dehumidifier that comes with a pump, or one that does not. A pump is a huge advantage for a dehumidifier in a crawl space since it will get rid of the water for you. That way, you don’t need to go down into the crawl space yourself each day, or several times a day, to empty the tank. The Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution LGR Dehumidifier is an excellent option for a model that comes with a pump. You can also buy external pumps for your dehumidifier to empty into. This will, of course, add a bit more cost to your budget.

Dimensions and weight

You will need to measure the size of your crawl space very carefully before you select your dehumidifier. Some of these appliances are quite powerful, so they are also relatively large. You certainly don’t want to choose one that is either not going to fit into your space at all or be too cumbersome to get in place once you have it inside your crawl space.

Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier

If you are in the market for the best dehumidifier for a smaller space, like a crawl space that has been ducted, then you should check out the AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier, which is nice and slim. It would also be a perfect model for any cramped crawl space as well.

Warranty

As with any appliance or a big purchase, you want to make sure that you protect your investment. One of the ways that you can do that is by making certain to get a model with a good warranty. That way, if something should fail in the normal operation of your dehumidifier, you will be covered.

When you select your warranty, be sure to read through the fine print very carefully. Some companies claim to offer a long guarantee, but will only cover certain parts instead of the whole machine, so make sure to get a warranty that will stand up to the test of time.

Extra features

One of the most important features that you should look for in the best dehumidifier for a wet area such as a crawl space should be clear and easy-to-read controls. That way, you can make sure that you are going to get the proper amount of humidity out of the environment each and every time you run your appliance.

You should also look for some sort of system to keep your dehumidifier running at all times. Anti-corrosion coils, like those found on the Aprilaire 1820 Crawl Space Pro Dehumidifier, are a good way to keep your machine from breaking down. You could also get a model with a heating system to prevent frosting in cold temperatures, like the one that comes with the AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier.

Tips on how to prevent mold and mildew growth in your crawl space

There are several different things that you can do to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your home crawl space. The first, obviously, is to install a good dehumidifier. By placing one of these appliances in your crawl space, you will be able to reduce the amount of moisture to an acceptable level. You just need to be certain that you empty it regularly, or to purchase one that has an internal pump. That way, all of the moisture will be pumped right out to a drain.

Something else you can do to reduce the amount of moisture in your crawl space tis to make sure that there is adequate ventilation. By allowing the air to circulate properly, the surfaces in your crawl space will be able to dry off. This will help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Finally, one more thing that you can do to prevent mildew and mold from spreading in your crawl space is to cover the ground with thick plastic. This will reduce the amount of moisture coming up from the ground. You can also cover the plastic with sand to help hold it down and absorb excess moisture.

FAQ

If I install such a unit in my crawl space, does it mean I can forget about mold and mildew in the whole house?

Since a crawl space is one of the moistest areas in a home, getting rid of that excess moisture will go a long way towards reducing mold and mildew from sprouting up in the rest of your house. That is not to say that it will completely solve all of your moisture issues.

If you do want to try and get rid of moisture throughout your home, then you need to make sure that you get a model with not only an extremely high-performance level but also one with a large coverage area. That way, you can help to eliminate moisture throughout your entire home, which will help to get rid of mold and mildew.

Can these units dehumidify the air more than needed?

While you certainly do want to get rid of the excessive amounts of moisture in the air in your crawl space and home, you don’t want to overdo it. Thankfully, all of the models that are listed above have very easy-to-use controls that will allow you to set the humidity level that you want to achieve.

If the model I’ve purchased doesn’t have a pump, but I need one, what can I do?

Since crawl spaces are usually harder to get to than an average room in your home, you will want to get a model with a pump when possible. If, however, you are unable to get a dehumidifier with an internal pump, you can purchase an external one for your appliance to drain into. This external pump will then empty itself whenever it is full so that you don’t need to do it yourself.

Our verdict

The Alorair 120 PPD is a flexible dehumidifier that can be used in various commercial settings. It has a rugged body and automated features including auto defrost and automatic draining to ensure that it is also very convenient to use. Whether you want to protect your inventory or ensure the optimum moisture levels in your building, this model is a good choice.

If you are in the market for a more budget-friendly dehumidifying option, then the Tosot 50 Pint Dehumidifier might be right for you. This model is easy to move thanks to its wheels on the bottom. Moreover, it’s super quiet and boasts user-friendly LED controls.

The best crawl space dehumidifier with a pump is definitely the Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution LGR Dehumidifier. Its internal pump and extra-long hose make it simple to pump out up to 80 pints of liquid per day. It also has a huge coverage area of 7,000 square feet so that you can rest assured that your crawl space, and the areas beyond it, will be at the right humidity level.

9,8
Total Score
ALORAIR 120 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier - Editor’s Choice
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *