2 Types of Basement Dehumidifiers Explained

Basement dehumidifiers work to reduce the amount of moisture in the air of the lowest level of your home. This is sometimes necessary for a number of reasons. Among the advantages of using a dehumidifier in the basement are improved quality of air, reduced moisture, fewer insects, lower energy bills and convenience. Each of these reasons deserves an explanation all its own. There are many types of basement dehumidifiers, though. They come in different sizes and serve different functions depending on how you need them to work in your home. First, though, the benefits are worth knowing.

Benefits of Basement Dehumidifiers

Installing a basement dehumidifier is not difficult. Considering that they are quite portable, they simply have to be plugged in and set to work. They also come in various sizes for all types of dehumidifying. Convenience, then, is the first benefit. By working to remove the moisture in a basement, they not only keep mold at bay, but they work to protect the inner integrity of the home. If moisture is allowed to build up over time, it can damage drywall, structural wood, carpets and paint. Moisture reduction is the second reason to install a dehumidifier in the basement. Also, by reducing moisture, insects do not have as much of an opportunity to thrive in a dehumidified basement.

The reduction of moisture also diminishes the need to run the air conditioner as much during the summertime. This leads directly to increased energy savings. Lastly, an overall reduction in moisture can improve the air quality in a basement and other levels of the home. So you see, by reducing moisture, many other related benefits arise.

Portable vs. Whole House Basement Dehumidifiers

Basement dehumidifiers can be differentiated in terms of size and function. The basic size difference is between portable dehumidifiers and whole house varieties. Whereas portable dehumidifiers are meant only to remove the moisture in an individual room, whole house models work to reduce moisture over the entire living space. Consequently, they are quite a bit larger and made from more durable material such as stainless steel. Portable versions are made of plastic and have a removable bucket that collects water taken out of the air.

Portable vs. whole house dehumidifiers applies to function as well. Portable models can be moved from the basement to a bedroom or elsewhere in the house. Whole house models are installed and meant to stay in one area. Whole house dehumidifiers have a fan that pulls more air over the coils within which in turn pulls more moisture out of the air. Smaller, portable dehumidifiers are not equipped with the power to affect large areas, though, making them effective in single rooms only.

The benefits of using a basement dehumidifier are compelling, especially if that area of your home is prone to excessive moisture or is infested with insects. Not only will the tool bring down the moisture levels which have numerous positive effects, it can also indirectly save you money on energy costs. Depending on the need in your home, however, you may wish to install either a whole house or a portable dehumidifier. Whereas a portable dehumidifier is powerful enough to reduce moisture only in a single room, whole house models are able to bring down moisture levels throughout the entire house.

Looking for a dehumidifier? Compare brands, types and prices with our Dehumidifiers Buyer's Guide.