Top 5 Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers (2023 Reviews Updated)
Unfortunately, regular maintenance of crawl spaces isn’t something most people practice. By the time they sense high humidity – or, more often, smell – the problem, they already have an infestation. If you don’t want expert issues problem or s, you should buy a dehumidifier unit for your crawlspace.
Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier
- Dri-Eaz Revolution LGR(Editor’s Choice)
- AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme
- Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi
- Dri-Eaz DrizAir 1200
- AlorAir Sentinel HDi90
These products help remove excess moisture and high humidity levels from the air and make your crawl space less hospitable to fungi and bacteria.
Finding a quality dehumidifier for their crawl space may be a hassle for first-time buyers. Read on to learn about the best crawl space dehumidifiers and the different things you need to consider when purchasing one.
The Top 5 In the Industry
1. Dri-Eaz Revolution LGR
When you have a crawl space dehumidifier from a manufacturer named Dri-Eaz, you probably know what area they specialize in. The Dri-Eaz Revolution LGR products are some of the best on the market. They provide thorough drying of large areas of up to 7,000 square feet. Don’t let its size fool you—this dehumidifier can outperform even a large energy-hungry commercial model with a capacity of 136 pints of moisture per 24 hours.
This product has the highest price on our list. However, we find it worth every penny. The Revolution LGR is powerful and unique. It has a compact build and can fit in a crawl space other dehumidifiers can’t. This product keeps running until carpets, subfloors, walls, and other structural materials are completely dry. You can place these models in a crawl space, stairwells and bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways to keep areas dry. The Revolution LGR’s size also ensures that you can stack and store it easily. You can quickly move multiple units using a standard hand truck if necessary.
The Revolution LGR was designed with a built-in humidistat with a real-time inlet, outlet temperature, and relative humidity display that help you track the environment’s conditions and the progress of dehumidification.
You don’t have to worry about the continuous functionality of the Revolution LGR, as it has a built-in automatic pump that allows the machine to pump condensed water continuously into a sink, toilet, or drain hose. Moreover, suppose you have the occasional power outages in your area. In that case, you won’t have to worry because its automatic restart function allows it to resume work in the crawl space where it left off once the power comes back.
Dri-Eaz stands by its products, which is why they offer a lifetime limited warranty on the housing of the Revolution LGR. They also offer up to a 6-year limited warranty on the refrigeration system of each unit. Do note that you must purchase from the manufacturer to get these warranties.
Pros:
- Great for high humidity in up to 7,000 square feet
- Compact and sturdy build
- Easy to move and fits into small spaces. Other dehumidifiers won’t
- Built-in humidistat and automatic pump
- Lifetime warranty on housing and a 6-year warranty on the refrigeration system
Cons:
- Not ideal for low temperatures
- The price may be too high for some
2. AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme
If you’ve recently experienced flooding and water/moisture damage in your home or building, then the AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme is one of the best choices available. These low-maintenance products are specifically designed for flood and water/moisture damage restoration; the high-capacity Storm LGR Extreme filters up to 190 pints of water per 24 hours to ensure quick and complete dehumidification of an affected area.
Considering the capacity and power behind these products, it is surprising how small it is relative to other heavy-duty professional-grade dehumidifiers. If you’re a flood damage restorer, the stackable and compact design allows you to store multiple units for future use. You can also quickly move multiple units to any restoration job you may have.
You can use the AlorAir LGR Extreme in warehouses, shops, storage areas, garages, industrial locations, and server rooms—it is incredibly versatile. One of the essential features of the Storm LGR extreme is that it works on various temperature ranges, from low winter temperatures of 33°F to hot and humid environments at a high of 105°F.
The LGR Extreme works best in floods, high humidity, and water/moisture damage, so this unit is waterproof. You can even submerge it in water, and it will still function because the circuit board is completely sealed by a moisture/humidity-resistant rubber strip. It comes as no surprise that the unit has corrosion protection. The industry-leading design of epoxy-coated coils extends the life of this product and protects them in highly corrosive environments. The plan also maintains the heat transferability of the ring throughout its lifetime.
AllerAir believes in customer and after-sales service, which is why they have a 5-year warranty for the Storm LGR Extreme. You can quickly contact the manufacturer for maintenance or repair.
Pros:
- High capacity of 190 pints of moisture per day
- Functioning humidity ranges between 35 and 95%
- Waterproof design
- Compact, stackable, and easy to move
- Operates in low temperatures
- Industry-leading coil design for extended life
- Built-in pump
- 5 Year Warranty
Cons:
- Despite its dimensions, it is pretty heavy at 70 pounds
- Maybe a high price for some
3. Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi
There’s a reason that Dri-Eaz has multiple entries on our list — they are excellent machines designed to work best in varying conditions and are available at different price points. Another great example from this manufacturer is the LGR 7000XLi, which uses advanced crossflow technology to maximize the efficiency of air processing. This ensures the best performance from these products across different ranges of environments.
The LGR 7000XLi has a self-monitoring system with built-in sensors that monitor the air quality of its environment. This feature allows it to make automatic fan speed adjustments as the need arises. You can leave it on its own, and it will always run energy-efficient according to the humidity level you set for the machine. You can choose four language options on the digital control panel if English isn’t your preferred language.
The manufacturer built the rotomolded housing to last a lifetime. It is incredibly resistant to dents and dings. You can stack the box-type design several units high to save storage space or when you need to move multiple units from one area to another.
Among the essential features of the LGR 700XLi is the ergonomic design that allows for easy transportation. The design looks almost like a stroller with two wheels and an extendable handle at the top. You can stack one unit on top of another during storage and transport and roll them into whatever area needs the most attention.
The model comes at a price that may be challenging for some, as with all of their products, Dre-Eaz stands by the LGR 7000XLi and provides a lifetime warranty on the build of the LGR 7000XLi, a 6-year warranty on the coil and the compressor, and a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design for easy storage and transport
- Durable build and stackable
- 130 pints per day
- Designed with crossflow technology maximizes efficiency even in low-grain environments.
- Self-monitoring system
- Built-in Humidistat
- Limited Lifetime warranty on the build, six years on coil and compressor, and one year on parts and labor
Cons:
- A high price for such a small capacity
4. Dri-Eaz DrizAir 1200
If you don’t have the budget for the LGR 7000XLi but need something portable and easily maneuverable, then the DrizAir 1200 might be the choice for you. These products are refrigerant-type and process up to 145 pints of moisture per day at saturation levels and around 64 pints per day under the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) testing parameters of 80°F and relative humidity level of 60%.
The DrizAir 1200 operates at a wide variety of temperatures from as low as 33°F to as high as 100°F. These products process air at a rate of 227 cubic feet per minute and draw the power of 6.4 amps on a 115V power supply. The power supply has a 25-foot power cord for easy access to a power outlet or store from across an ample crawl space.
You won’t have problems draining on the DrizAir1200 as these products have a built-in duct attachment ring with lay-flat polyvinyl ducting for easy air circulation control and increased drying efficiency. Note that the lay flat polyvinyl ducting does not come with the package, and you need to purchase this separately.
Similar to the bigger LGR 7000XLi, the DrizAir 1200 has an easy-to-use electronic touchpad control panel with four language options: English, Spanish, French, and German.
The rigid design of these products is similar to the LGR 7000Xli. It consists of rotomolded polyethylene and is built like a tank. The casing is highly resistant to damage and dents, and the design also considers leaks. Like other dehumidifiers from this manufacturer, the plan is stackable, and up to two units can be put on top of each other for easy storage. Like the previous model, these products also have semi-pneumatic wheels for easy support and transportation and a rigid handle to easily transport it wherever you want.
Pros:
- A cheaper version of the LGR 7000XLi
- Removes 145 pints of water per day
- Works in a wide range of temperatures (33° – 100°F)
- Built-in duct attachment ring for improved air quality
- Ergonomic design for easy transport and storage
- Electric Touch Pad Control Panel with language options
Cons:
- Heavy at 80 pounds considering its moderate capacity
- Maybe a high price for some
5. AlorAir Sentinel HDi90
Dri-Eaz has several entries in our list, but they’re not the only ones that make quality dehumidifiers. AllerAir and their specialized machines are on our list because they also do an excellent job. The AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 has a high price tag but specializes in crawl space and basement humidity level management.
Like other AlorAir dehumidifiers, the Sentinel HDi90 also features epoxy-coated refrigerator coils that provide corrosion protection, thus maintaining heat transfer ability over the life of the waves. Moreover, the added corrosion protection reduces the chance of Freon leakage, thus extending the product’s overall life.
Basements and crawl spaces are known for being incredibly moist during any season, and thus you need dehumidifiers that can operate under low-temperature conditions. These products feature the Hot Gas Valve Defrosting system for quick and energy-efficient defrosting under low temperatures, allowing it to run efficiently even at 36°F. The HGV defrosting system ensures that the unit works efficiently and continuously during low-temperature seasons without having to stop periodically to defrost, saving time and making the unit last longer.
Its remote control and monitoring function make the Sentinel HDi90 ideal for crawl spaces and basements. You can use the remote control to monitor the humidity level and set the unit’s performance without having to check on it physically. However, note that you have to purchase the remote control separately.
Draining won’t be a problem as it comes with a heavy-duty condensate pump that easily attaches to the unit with a 20-inch lifting distance. The condensate pump gives you the freedom to use a drain hose anywhere.
AllerAir stands by its products, which is why they offer a 5-year warranty on the Sentinel HDi90; its after-sales service is impeccable. You can easily reach their service team wherever you are in the country if you need replacement or assistance with your unit.
Pros:
- HGV Defrosting System
- Operates at low temperatures
- Epoxy Powder Coating on the Coils
- Remote control and monitoring function
- It comes with a heavy-duty condensate pump
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Customer service websites for AlorAir are in Chinese and can be challenging to interpret.
- It has a high price tag.
Do you need it?
Air circulates throughout your home, even into attics, crawl spaces, and basements, and all that stale air will eventually move to other sections of your house. It isn’t just the humid air that moves through the house and crawl space, though. The airborne spores and allergens from your crawl space can also spread throughout your home, spreading the infestation through the ventilation system. You will then have a house that smells of mold and mildew, and you may soon find your family suffering from allergy attacks or toxic mold poisoning in a worst-case scenario. Even if you have a unit in the best place in the living areas of your home, it can only reduce humidity. It can’t kill it if it’s already there.
If you don’t want the nightmare scenario described above to happen to your household, you must get a good crawl space dehumidifier to prevent the problem before it starts. These products reduce the moisture in the enclosed air, making it inhospitable to allergens and mildew.
The best part about crawl space dehumidifiers is that you can program them and leave them to work, especially if your chosen model has a drain hose outlet.
Compared to Basement Dehumidifiers
Functionally, crawl space and basement dehumidifiers are the same. They both remove excess moisture from the air to reduce the humidity in the area where you place them. Their location in the home is where their difference lies.
As their name implies, one type is for the basement, and the other for the crawl space. There are differences in structural design and operation. Basements are often more significant in square footage and have a higher ceiling than crawl spaces. As a result, basement dehumidifiers have to work harder to air filter a higher volume of air per day compared to their crawl space counterpart. Thus, basement dehumidifiers have a higher capacity compared to crawl space units.
Due to space constraints, crawl space dehumidifiers are often more compact or have flatter builds to fit into crawl spaces properly. Their build also ensures easy installation and accessibility if you need to change their settings.
Another critical difference between the two types of dehumidifiers is their cost. A crawl space unit is generally more expensive than a basement unit with the same capacity. This is because crawl space dehumidifiers produce a more powerful airflow when releasing processed air, as it is necessary to ensure that dry air circulates throughout the cramped spaces and corners.
How Will It Help?
A crawl space allows air circulation and easy access to your home’s plumbing and electrical components. For fungi
and bacteria, these spaces provide shelter with conditions optimal for growth. The high humidity, temperature, and overall dampness of crawl spaces are particularly enticing to pests, and they can start infecting other parts of your household. Fungi, especially toxic mold and mildew, cause respiratory distress, amnesia, and even fainting spells in adults and children.
Toxic mold is not the only problem, either. Some species of fungi, mold, and mildew eat wood and are the leading cause of wood rot. Not only does the dampness in your crawl space weaken the integrity of any wood components of your house, but the fungi also speed up their degradation. If you have any metal components in your crawl space, the moisture also increases the oxidation process, causing rust.
Reducing the moisture levels in your crawl space and blowing out warm air to further dry the area starves mold, mildew, and other infestations and keeps them from growing. A dehumidifier will help to ensure that your crawl space becomes inhospitable to these pests. Dehumidifiers also dry up your crawl space, which helps to reduce the damage that excess moisture can do to the structure of your home.
Is a crawl space dehumidifier worth it? Yes. It not only protects the health of your family, but it also prevents damage to the structural integrity of your home.
Why Is It So Wet?
There are a variety of reasons why your crawl space gets so wet. There may be cracks in the home’s foundation or walls that allow water to enter your crawl space. However, if you have gaps in the foundation or walls of your home, then moisture in the air may be the least of your problems. If you find this is the reason for water in your crawl space, you must have the cracks repaired as soon as possible.
Adverse weather conditions and earthquakes can cause problems as well. Heavy rains leading to flooding, earthquakes causing damage to the structure of your home, or melting snow upsetting the water table in your area can all cause water to pool in your crawl space. Leaky or burst pipes, a faulty HVAC system, poor drainage systems, and improperly designed window wells can also lead to water in your crawl space.
We recommend you regularly inspect your crawl space for any signs of pooling water or excess moisture. A quick spot check, especially during the rainy season and winter thaw, will go a long way toward preventing problems. It may seem inconvenient, but it is far easier to put in a dehumidifier to control the moisture in the air and do regular maintenance than have to deal with an infestation in your home.
Can This Product Kill Mold Effectively?
Let’s get this straight: These products do not kill mold directly. However, they help to make the crawl space environment inhospitable by reducing humidity for growth in your home. As mentioned previously, any extra moisture and humidity in the air make it incredibly easy to grow and thrive. Dehumidifiers remove excess water from the air, thus stopping it in its tracks.
Again, dehumidifiers do not kill mold, but they do prevent it. If you already have spores in your crawl space, you’ll need to find the spore colonies and eliminate them. It’s important to remember that, even with the best model, you might still occasionally find spores around your home. Direct water sources, such as pipe leaks, can still lead to these issues. Removing these water sources and having these products in your home increase the chances of preventing them from growing in your home to the degree that it will affect your family’s health.
In addition to preventing mold, reducing the humidity levels also help make the air less hospitable to other allergens, such as dust mites and airborne microbes. It also reduces the load on your air conditioner, allowing it to run more efficiently.
How to Choose the Size
Choosing an appropriately sized unit is vital to prevent humidity and mold growth in your home. By “size,” we don’t mean the unit’s dimensions, although that goes hand-in-hand in that bigger dehumidifiers work on larger areas than smaller ones. What is essential is processing its capacity. Some of the dehumidifiers reviewed here have 70 pints per day
– this is the amount of moisture it can remove from the air daily.
You have to consider two things when choosing the capacity: the area of your crawl space and how damp or humid the crawl space air is. Here is a quick guide on what power dehumidifiers you need for a wet crawl space and a specific area size:
- 500 square feet: 12 pint
- 1,000 square feet: 17 pint
- 1,500 square feet: 22 pint
- 2,000 square feet: 27 pints
The dehumidifiers we’ve reviewed are appropriate for 3,000 to 4,500-square-foot spaces.
FAQ’s
Do You Need A Special Dehumidifier For A Crawl Space?
If you have a crawl space, you will need to use a specific dehumidifier for the area. Crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to moisture damage because they are not well-ventilated and can get very humid. Use a dehumidifier specifically designed for crawl spaces to keep your crawl space healthy and protect it from moisture damage. There are a few factors that you need to consider when choosing a dehumidifier for a crawlspace. The size of the room, the type of furnishings in the space, and the area’s climate will all affect which dehumidifier is best for your situation. The space size is essential because larger units are typically better at absorbing moisture from the air. Teams with a capacity of up to 50 pints per day are suitable for most crawl spaces. The type of furnishings in your area will also affect how much humidity the unit can remove. Items made of porous materials such as wood or paper typically hold more moisture than fabric items. If you have many things made out of porous materials in your crawlspace, it is essential to buy a unit with a high capacity so that.
How Big Of A Dehumidifier Do I Need For A Crawl Space?
When considering whether or not to install a dehumidifier for your crawl space, it is essential to understand the size of the area and the level of humidity required. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has published guidelines for calculating the size of a room in square feet and multiplying that number by 0.6 to determine its approximate cubic capacity in gallons per day. For example, an 80-square-foot room would require an HVAC unit with a 1,000-cubic-foot capacity. A 600-square-foot room would require an HVAC unit with a 600-cubic-foot capacity. If the humidity level in your crawl space is above 30% ( ANSI standard), then a dehumidifier will be necessary.
Will A Dehumidifier Keep A Crawl Space Dry?
A dehumidifier can be a cost-effective way to keep a crawl space or attic dry, depending on the size and condition of the area. Like any other air conditioning unit, a dehumidifier produces moisture when used. This moisture can collect on surfaces in the space, leading to rot and mold growth. If the dehumidifier is used regularly and kept clean, it can help to control moisture levels in a crawlspace or attic. Large spaces may require multiple units spaced several feet apart to reduce moisture levels adequately. In addition to regular cleaning, users should observe proper installation procedures and never let the team run continuously without fresh air entering the unit.
What Is The Best Way To Dehumidify A Crawl Space?
Dehumidifying a crawl space is essential because the humidity in a crawl space can lead to mold and mildew growth. There are many ways to dehumidify a crawl space. Still, the best way to determine the best method for your specific situation depends on the size of the area, the amount of moisture in the air, and the type of equipment available. One option for dehumidifying a crawl space is to use an air conditioning unit. Air conditioners circulate conditioned air throughout a room, including into a crawlspace. This method is most effective if the crawlspace is large and contains a high moisture level. Another option is to use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier works by removing moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers are less effective if the crawlspace is small or contains low moisture levels.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Dehumidifier In A Crawl Space?
Certain factors will need to be considered to properly install a dehumidifier or any air conditioning in a crawl space. The dehumidifier will require an outdoor and indoor unit, both of which must be sized appropriately for the area. Additionally, the installation will likely require professional assistance to prevent damage to your home. Once all the necessary pieces have been gathered, the approximate installation cost can be determined.
Do You Need A Special Dehumidifier For A Crawl Space?
If you have a crawl space, you will need to use a specific dehumidifier for the area. Crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to moisture damage because they are not well-ventilated and can get very humid. Use a dehumidifier specifically designed for crawl spaces to keep your crawl space healthy and protect it from moisture damage. There are a few factors that you need to consider when choosing a dehumidifier for a crawlspace. The size of the room, the type of furnishings in the space, and the area’s climate will all affect which dehumidifier is best for your situation. The space size is essential because larger units are typically better at absorbing moisture from the air. Teams with a capacity of up to 50 pints per day are suitable for most crawl spaces. The type of furnishings in your area will also affect how much humidity the unit can remove. Items made of porous materials such as wood or paper typically hold more moisture than fabric items. If you have many things made out of porous materials in your crawlspace, it is essential to buy a unit with a high capacity so that.
How Big Of A Dehumidifier Do I Need For A Crawl Space?
When considering whether or not to install a dehumidifier for your crawl space, it is essential to understand the size of the area and the level of humidity required. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has published guidelines for calculating the size of a room in square feet and multiplying that number by 0.6 to determine its approximate cubic capacity in gallons per day. For example, an 80-square-foot room would require an HVAC unit with a 1,000-cubic-foot capacity. A 600-square-foot room would require an HVAC unit with a 600-cubic-foot capacity. If the humidity level in your crawl space is above 30% ( ANSI standard), then a dehumidifier will be necessary.
Will A Dehumidifier Keep A Crawl Space Dry?
A dehumidifier can be a cost-effective way to keep a crawl space or attic dry, depending on the size and condition of the area. Like any other air conditioning unit, a dehumidifier produces moisture when used. This moisture can collect on surfaces in the space, leading to rot and mold growth. If the dehumidifier is used regularly and kept clean, it can help to control moisture levels in a crawlspace or attic. Large spaces may require multiple units spaced several feet apart to reduce moisture levels adequately. In addition to regular cleaning, users should observe proper installation procedures and never let the team run continuously without fresh air entering the unit.
What Is The Best Way To Dehumidify A Crawl Space?
Dehumidifying a crawl space is essential because the humidity in a crawl space can lead to mold and mildew growth. There are many ways to dehumidify a crawl space. Still, the best way to determine the best method for your specific situation depends on the size of the area, the amount of moisture in the air, and the type of equipment available. One option for dehumidifying a crawl space is to use an air conditioning unit. Air conditioners circulate conditioned air throughout a room, including into a crawlspace. This method is most effective if the crawlspace is large and contains a high moisture level. Another option is to use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier works by removing moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers are less effective if the crawlspace is small or contains low moisture levels.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Dehumidifier In A Crawl Space?
Certain factors will need to be considered to properly install a dehumidifier or any air conditioning in a crawl space. The dehumidifier will require an outdoor and indoor unit, both of which must be sized appropriately for the area. Additionally, the installation will likely require professional assistance to prevent damage to your home. Once all the necessary pieces have been gathered, the approximate installation cost can be determined.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the right dehumidifier for your crawl space can be a challenge. You need to find a model with a price and capabilities that best suit your needs. Hopefully, the answers to these frequently asked questions will help you understand how important it is to purchase and find the right crawl space dehumidifier for your home.
Check out some of the best crawl space dehumidifier reviews and find one that fits your home’s needs. Prevention is better than cure, so nip the problem in the bud and get a dehumidifier for your crawlspace to protect your home and your family.