The environment within your crawl spaces is often poorly ventilated due to enclosed conditions. Mold, mildew, and other contaminants such as bacteria can quickly build up, running the risk of spreading throughout your home.
Homeowners will commonly use dehumidifiers within the house to keep moisture levels low. This is true for crawl spaces, too. By installing the best crawl space dehumidifier for your home, you can improve the home environment for you and your family.
With many options on the market, we’ve spent hours researching to take away that huge task for you. We looked at customer reviews, expert advice, and dozens of products.
After considering the dehumidifier’s features, area coverage, and efficiency, we’ve got five great options to check out.
- Innovative waterproof design
- Easy to replace filter
- Built-in pump
- Keeps mold and moisture out
- Epoxy-protected coils
- Defrosting function
- Compact rectangular design
- Internal corrosion prevention
- Odor control filter
- Easy to use and setup
- 70-pints daily
- Low-maintenance
- Effectively removes 235 pints
- Dries out building materials
- Humidistat built in
Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, our professional team conducts thorough research, hands-on testing, and data analysis to provide you with an unbiased evaluation of the best crawl space dehumidifiers. We assess and rank each product based on key criteria such as performance, energy efficiency, noise level, and durability. Our experts have experience in measuring and comparing various dehumidifiers, which helps us identify the most important factors to consider when making your decision. We take a user’s perspective, sharing quantitative measurements of a product’s performance and highlighting design choices that set it apart from competitors. Additionally, we provide first-hand supporting evidence when recommending the best crawl space dehumidifier to our readers. Trust us at Oh So Spotless to guide you through your crawl space dehumidifier purchase journey.
The Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers of 2024
As we were searching for the best crawl space dehumidifiers, we made sure the performance was up to scratch. We researched several top options and real customer reviews. Due to the limited space, all items on our list are compact enough to fit.
AlorAir LGR 85-Pint Dehumidifier With Pump
Best Dehumidifier With Pump
If you have a significant amount of moisture within your crawl space, this heavy-duty dehumidifier is for you. The AlorAir LGR is incredibly effective and was specifically designed to extract high amounts of water.
It has a built-in condensate pump to help with drainage and can remove up to 85 pints of water daily. The unit is covered by an impressive five-year warranty and is available in several colors.
What We Like
Innovative Waterproof Design
AlorAir has taken the LGR to a whole other level regarding design. It was designed to combat the aftermath of leakage and flooding to help restore your home.
The body of the dehumidifier can be submerged in water completely without damage due to the rubber strip that seals the circuit board.
Another brilliant thing about the design is the fact that it’s stackable. This makes it super easy to store, transport, or set up along with other units.
Easy to Replace the Filter
The MERV eight filter is simple to locate and easily slides out when replacement is needed. It’s also washable, so when you feel the unit is less effective, wash it out and rinse it with warm water. Make sure it’s fully dry before sliding it back into place.
Built-In Pump
Locating the dehumidifier close to a drain can sometimes be challenging, so you’ll have to rely on the reservoir. However, if you’re dealing with a significant amount of moisture, you’ll be emptying it many times.
Luckily, this dehumidifier has a built-in condensate pump with a 20-foot lifting distance. This enables you to drain from anywhere.
Leak-Free Protects Coils
One fatal flaw with dehumidifiers is a Freon leak that will damage the coils. However, AlorAir has coated its coils with epoxy, protecting them from any damage or leaks.
User-Friendly Display
This dehumidifier is easy to use thanks to the bright LED display. You can easily see operating settings as well as humidity levels in the inlet and outlet.
The 19.6-foot power cord conveniently wraps up and hangs on the unit. Thanks to the length, there’s no need for extension cords.
What We Don't Like
Heavy at 78 Pounds
Weighing in at 78 pounds, the AlorAir LGR isn’t the most portable unit. It’s very heavy, and it’s tough to move around without wheels.
Not Durable Enough
While this is a heavy-duty machine, it’s not the most durable. The warranty length is one year, but customers found that the unit konked out shortly after that. Some people even said theirs failed within the first few weeks.
Coils Freeze Over
In low temperatures, don’t be surprised if the coils freeze over. Many customers noticed that the unit ices up, especially around the coils. When this melts, it can leak all over the floor.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 22.8 by 13.7 by 17.3 inches |
| Weight | 78 pounds |
| Area Coverage | 2,300 square feet |
| Pint Per Day | 85 pints |
| Built-In Pump | Yes |
Our Ratings
User Experience
AlorAir 90-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Best 90-Pint Dehumidifier
This 90-pint dehumidifier from AlorAir is an excellent choice for very humid crawl spaces. It removes up to 90 pints of moisture daily, so your crawl space will stay dry and mold-free.
The dehumidifier has a few great features, such as a built-in pump, protected coils, and a defrost system. If you wish, you can purchase a remote control separately that you can install anywhere in the house.
You’ll get a five-year warranty and additional service if needed.
What We Like
Keeps Mold and Moisture Out
This dehumidifier will remove up to 90 pints of water a day. It’s very effective and will keep your crawl space dry and mold-free.
As an added feature, it’s equipped with a condensate pump. This makes draining a breeze since you don’t have to worry about how you place the unit.
Epoxy-Protected Coils
AlorAir has coated the coils with epoxy. This will effectively protect the coils from leakage and damage and help the unit last longer. There’s also a high-efficiency rotary compressor, which ensures the unit’s low-cost effectiveness.
Quiet Operation Without Vibrations
Although this type of dehumidifier won’t be standing in your living room, the noise level is still important. Luckily, the 90-pint dehumidifier is very quiet. It’s not completely silent, but it won’t cause vibrations that might be bothersome.
Portable Unit on Wheels
Thanks to the four adjustable wheels, it doesn’t really matter that it weighs over 50 pounds. You can easily roll it across the floor to get it into position instead of having to drag it.
Defrosting Function
During the colder months, the coils risk freezing over and breaking. Fortunately, this dehumidifier has a defrosting function that will keep the coils frost-free even on the coldest days.
Compact Enough for Small Spaces
Despite being a 90-pint dehumidifier, it’s surprisingly compact. It easily fits inside small crawl spaces and is a breeze to store.
What We Don't Like
The Pump Isn’t Secured
Despite the built-in condensate pump being a handy feature, it doesn’t work for everyone. Some customers reported that they received their unit with the pump poorly secured inside.
Short Drainage Hose
The drainage hose is 10 feet long, which is too short for many homes. You may need to buy a separate hose attachment to carry out proper drainage.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 23.2 by 15.2 by 17.7 inches |
| Weight | 57.3 pounds |
| Area Coverage | 2,600 square feet |
| Pint Per Day | 90 pints |
| Built-In Pump | Yes |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
AlorAir 55-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Best for Small Areas
For compact spaces, we highly recommend this 55-pint dehumidifier. Its shape and size make it easy to fit in compromised spaces. This makes it excellent for crawl spaces or basements.
It will effectively remove 55 pints of water daily and cover vast areas up to 1,300 square feet. You get a few innovative features, such as automatic shutoff once your desired humidity levels are reached.
You can purchase a separate remote control, which you can install anywhere in the house.
What We Like
Compact and Rectangular Design
If you don’t have much room to spare in your crawl space, this dehumidifier will make an excellent fit. It’s compact and rectangular, making it easy to fit in tight spaces.
Set Desired Humidity Level
You can easily remove moisture from spaces of up to 1,300 square feet. We also love the convenience you get with this compact device. After installing it, you adjust your desired humidity levels, and the unit will run its continuous 24-hour cycle until results are reached.
Automatic Drainage
You don’t have to worry about drainage, as the unit will automatically do it once installed correctly. Once your desired humidity levels are reached, the unit will automatically turn off to save energy.
Odor Control Filter
Unlike many other dehumidifiers, you also get an odor-control filter. This unit has a G3 filter that effectively captures coarse dust particles.
When needed, remove the filter from the pocket and rinse it clean. Once it’s completely dry, you can slide it right back into place.
Internal Corrosion Prevention
To minimize the risk of internal damage due to corrosion or rust, AlorAir has coated the coils in epoxy. This will effectively prevent Freon leakage and keep the coils and machine running smoothly.
Even if you live in a very humid environment, the unit’s internal parts are protected.
Defrost Function Protects Device
Running a dehumidifier in cold environments isn’t ideal since the coils will have trouble maintaining their heat, and they might freeze. As such, having a defrost function on your dehumidifier is crucial.
This one uses a hot gas valve defrosting system (HGV), which enables the unit to run in temperatures as cold as 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
What We Don't Like
No Pump Included
Unlike the previous model on our list, this dehumidifier doesn’t come with a built-in condensate pump. Unfortunately, this will limit installation as the drain point must be at floor level to allow proper drainage.
Sensors Malfunction
The drawback of dehumidifiers with sensors is that these sensors don’t often work properly. In this case, customers find that the unit will automatically shut off when it reaches your desired humidity level.
However, a couple of minutes later, it will read that the humidity levels have already gone back up, and the machine will switch back on. Therefore, it’s constantly running. This will make a dent in your wallet when it comes to paying energy bills.
Noise Levels Might Surprise You
Many customers have something to say about the noise levels. Not only is it noisy, but it’s a distracting and irritating noise. It sounds like a vibration, screeching, or grinding noise.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 19.2 by 12.2 by 13.3 inches |
| Weight | 57.3 pounds |
| Area Coverage | 1,300 square feet |
| Pint Per Day | 55 pints |
| Built-In Pump | No |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Aprilaire E70 Pro Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Best Compact Dehumidifier
If you want a low-maintenance dehumidifier, this is your guy. It drains continuously when installed correctly. This means you won’t have to worry about trays or reservoirs filling up.
We like the rectangular shape that fits into tight spaces.
You get a five-year warranty to help ease your mind if anything breaks or malfunctions.
What We Like
Compact Sizing for Tight Spaces
This dehumidifier is perfect for areas such as crawl spaces. It has a rectangular shape making it easy to fit where a cumbersome unit wouldn’t.
Easy to Use and Setup
Getting started is as simple as it can get. Find the right spot for it where it’s leveled and over a drain, or attach the included hose.
Plug the unit into a nearby outlet and set your desired humidity levels. The machine will quickly get to work, and you’ll soon notice a difference.
Low-Maintenance Thanks to Continuous Drainage
Maintaining this dehumidifier is a breeze. There’s no need to worry about emptying a tray or reservoir since the unit continuously drains through the hose.
The filter can easily be removed, washed, and dried before placing it back into the unit.
This Unit Protects Your Home
This dehumidifier can prevent various nasties from entering your home. This includes mold, mildew, odors, wood rot, and termites.
70 Pint Dehumidifier for Large Homes
This unit can remove 70 pints daily in homes as large as 2,800 square feet. This heavy-duty machine is ideal for medium to large homes.
What We Don't Like
No Pump
Because there’s no built-in pump, how you install the dehumidifier is crucial. It has to be level and near or above a drain.
Not for Colder Climates
This unit won’t work in temperatures below 50. So if you live in a place with harsher winters, you might want to choose something else.
Warranty Only Valid if Installed by Professionals
If you set this up yourself, which is more than possible, you’ll void the warranty. The unit is already expensive, but if you want to take advantage of your warranty, there’s an additional cost. You’ll need to hire a professional to install it in your home.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 33 by 13.04 by 12.88 inches |
| Weight | 56 pounds |
| Area Coverage | 2,800 square feet |
| Pint Per Day | 70 pints |
| Built-In Pump | No |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Dri-Eaz 7000XLi LGR Commercial Dehumidifier
Best for Large Areas
Available space within the crawl space is limited, so large dehumidifiers simply won’t fit. If you have a large area to cover but limited space to fit a dehumidifier, this one will suit you.
It can cover an incredible 26,000 cubic feet and will extract a significant amount of water (235 pints daily).
We love its size since it’s easy to carry wherever needed. The hose and power cord can be stored on the unit when not in use.
What We Like
Effectively Removes 235 Pints
This commercial-grade dehumidifier might be small, but it packs a huge punch. It will effectively extract up to 235 pints of water per day, similar to large units. Large areas pose no challenge as it can cover a whopping 26,000 cubic feet.
Compact for Tight Spaces
The compact size enables you to install it anywhere it’s needed. You can easily place it in even the tightest locations, such as crawl space, attic, or basement. The size and effectiveness make this dehumidifier the perfect option for locations where large units simply can’t fit.
Built-In Humidistat
This dehumidifier has a built-in humidistat, allowing you to better control your desired humidity levels. After setting the unit up, simply set the humidistat to the humidity levels you feel comfortable with.
Dries Out Building Materials
This is also a great option if you’ve just had a flood. It can dry out wet building materials in rooms up to 13,000 cubic feet. If you’re using it during a storm and experience a power outage, it automatically restarts, too.
What We Don't Like
Loud Humming Noise
Unfortunately, this unit can be quite loud and often creates a humming sound. This can be bothersome, especially if it’s installed in a crawl space near a bedroom.
Repeated Errors Show Up
Some customers found that they had repeated error messages which was frustrating. This unit might need repairing more often than other units.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 20 by 20 by 33.5 inches |
| Weight | 107 pounds |
| Area Coverage | 26,000 cubic feet |
| Pint Per Day | 235 gallons |
| Built-In Pump | Yes |
Our Ratings
User Experience
| Product | Best | Dimensions | Weight | Area Coverage | Pint Per Day | Built-In Pump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlorAir LGR Dehumidifier | Dehumidifier With Pump | 22.8 x 13.7 x 17.3″ | 78 lbs | 2,300 sq ft | 85 pints | Yes |
| AlorAir 90-Pint Dehumidifier | 90-Pint Dehumidifier | 23.2 x 15.2 x 17.7″ | 57.3 lbs | 2,600 sq ft | 90 pints | Yes |
| AlorAir 55-Pint Dehumidifier | For Small Areas | 19.2 x 12.2 x 13.3″ | 57.3 lbs | 1,300 sq ft | 55 pints | No |
| Aprilaire E70 Pro Dehumidifier | Compact Dehumidifier | 33 x 13.04 x 12.88″ | 56 lbs | 2,800 sq ft | 70 pints | No |
| Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi Dehumidifier | For Large Areas | 20 x 20 x 33.5″ | 107 lbs | 26,000 cu ft | 235 gal. | Yes |
Why Use Crawl Space Dehumidifiers?
The crawl space is a notoriously damp or moist area that will eventually damage the structure of your house. Mold and mildew are also more likely to grow when the conditions become damp.
If mold begins to grow in your crawl space, it can quickly spread to your home.
Mold can cause various symptoms and reactions, depending on your sensitivity. The most common effects are allergic symptoms and respiratory issues like asthma (1).
A dehumidifier is the best way to keep the crawl space dry. However, you must fix leaks or puddles first. No matter how strong your dehumidifier is, it won’t fix a leaking pipe or remove standing water.
After fixing what is causing the high levels of humidity, you can find a good dehumidifier and install it within your crawl space.
Finding the Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers
Due to the compromised size of the crawl space, you can’t simply install any old dehumidifier. There are a few crucial points to consider to ensure you get the best crawl space dehumidifier for you.
Size
Choosing a unit made explicitly for small locations (crawl space, attic, basement, etc.) is crucial.
A rectangular shape allows the unit to be squeezed into nearly any tight space without compromising power.
Before settling on a model, measure the crawl space of your house to ensure you find a good fit. Compare that with the dimensions of various dehumidifiers.
Level Ground
With crawl space dehumidifiers, the floor or ground must be level. This will ensure proper drainage as the machine extracts water vapor from the air. If your ground isn’t level, try your best to fix it before installing the dehumidifier.
Area Coverage
Area coverage is another important point to consider. Most crawl space dehumidifiers can cover anything above 1,000 square feet. However, it’s important to note that the units covering larger areas tend to be bigger in design.
When choosing a unit, consider the size of the crawl space and how humid it is. Units with more extensive coverage will also use more power, so weigh your needs carefully.
Performance
Dehumidifiers are generally categorized by how many pints of water they can remove daily. These can range from a minor 10-pint to a major 90-pint and more.
In a crawl space, having a high-performing dehumidifier is important. We highly recommend that you choose a 50-pint or above for this area. This will ensure the machine is working hard at keeping the area dry.
Features
Even the best crawl space dehumidifier isn’t that impressive regarding features, modes, or settings. However, they should be equipped with a few basics:
- Humidistat: A humidistat is an excellent dehumidifier feature as it gives you more control. You can set your preferred humidity levels; most units will automatically turn off when it’s reached. Some will even turn back on when the levels change again.
- Defrost: During the year’s colder months, the crawl space can become rather frigid. This can be fatal for the coils inside the dehumidifier as they risk freezing over. If you live in a cold area, a defrost function is a must — this will keep the internal parts warm and keep the machine running.
- Remote control: Having a remote control for your crawl space dehumidifier can make life much simpler. It’s highly inconvenient having to enter the crawl space to operate the dehumidifier. This feature isn’t as common, but many units have the option if preferred.
FAQs
What is the Ideal Crawl Space Humidity?
The ideal crawl space humidity is 30 to 50 percent to reduce mold growth. The recommended moisture content for your house is also 30 to 50 percent.
Can Your Crawl Space be Too Dry?
Your crawl space can be too dry, especially if the humidity drops below 30 percent. If the air is too dry, the wood starts to shrink, which could cause structural problems for the rest of the house.
How Long Should a Dehumidifier Run In a Crawl Space?
A dehumidifier should run for eight to twelve hours to maintain humidity at 30 to 50 percent. However, it is subject to the level of dampness and the dehumidifier’s capacity.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Dehumidifier In a Crawl Space?
The cost of installing a dehumidifier in a crawl space depends on the make, model and the size required. On average, you will spend between $1,200 and $2,200.
What Kills Mold In a Crawl Space?
Bleach is one of the best things to kill mold in a crawl space. Other effective methods include hydrogen peroxide, calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime), and baking soda.
Wear a respirator if you use bleach in a crawl space, because fumes can easily overpower you in confined spaces.
Improving the Conditions
The crawl space might be the last area you’d think needed a dehumidifier, but it’s actually important. Keeping the crawl space of your house dry and damp-free is crucial since any moisture can cause various issues.
Mold and mildew are common problems that pose not only a risk to the structure but also to your health.
Thankfully, our five options are great for most crawl spaces. Always check the sizing and the coverage to ensure it will be the right fit for you.
