Dehumidifiers are devices that ease users of allergies, smells, and discomfort in a humid environment. These devices maintain the proper humidity level in your environment by removing moisture from the air.
While living in an environment with high humidity levels might not be life-threatening, you would have to deal with several health issues like respiratory and skin issues, making you miserable.
Several factors are considered before settling for a whole-house dehumidification unit, the most important being the space covered by the whole-house dehumidifier.
If your basement, kitchen, RV, or closet is always damp, you have to opt for portable dehumidifiers depending on the room you want the dehumidifier to cover. As the name implies, whole-house dehumidifiers are meant for those who wish to dehumidify every room and space in the house.
4 Best Whole House Dehumidifiers
Table of Contents
1. Aprilaire 1850F 95 Pint Whole House Dehumidifier
The Aprilaire 1850F whole house dehumidifier is one of the most effective free-standing dehumidifiers on the market, capable of removing 95 pints of water from the air in 24 hours. The 1850F has a high moisture removal rate and operates at 50 degrees to 104 degrees F.
The 1850F has most of the basic features and functionality of other large freestanding whole-house dehumidifiers. It is an excellent choice for small and midsize homes with no central air ducting, as this model operates without ductwork.
The unique features in the 1850F are the auto-shutoff and restart features, which turn the dehumidifier on after a power outage to ensure it runs all the time, a defrost feature that prevents frost from building up in the compressor and inhibiting the performance of the dehumidifier, and a built-in humidistat that enables you to set an actual humidity level to maintain.
The 1850F is an excellent choice for people who don’t have HVAC systems drawn from the basement; it operates silently despite its bulky size.
The 1850F is one of the most energy-efficient dehumidification units, so you shouldn’t worry about your energy bills if you want to run the dehumidifier for long periods.
Moving to its drainage system, the 1850F uses a continuous drainage system led by gravity, which is a relief to those tired of constantly draining their dehumidifiers manually. The 1850F is bulky, which might pose a problem; however, mobility is made easy with caster wheels on the base and carrying handles built into the sides.
The 1850F is built with high-quality materials, which makes it durable. It also has a 5-year warranty, three years longer than any portable dehumidifier you can get on the market. As a result, the 1850F can last and operate longer than most portable dehumidification units, making it a better option for those seeking to save costs and acquire an efficient dehumidifier for their homes.
Aprilaire 1850F Features
- Moisture Removal Rate: 95 pints
- Room Coverage: 3000 to 5000 sq ft.
- Room temperature: 41°F to 104°F
- Drainage system: Gravity drainage
- Humidistat: Yes
- Auto Restart: Yes
- Auto shut off: Yes
- Continuous mode: Yes
- Defrost mode: Yes
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Warranty: 5 Years
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Humidifies large areas effectively.
- Quiet during operation
- Durable due to high-quality make
Cons
- Bulky in size
- No built-in pump; gravity drained
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2. Aprilaire 1850 95 Pint Whole House Dehumidifier
The Aprilaire 1850 is similar in capacity to the Aprilaire 1850F, but this dehumidifier operates quite differently. Aprilaire 1850, unlike the 1850F, is a ducted dehumidifier and works with your central air. The 1850F is the standalone version and requires air from its fan power to dehumidify your house effectively. However, both units are effective and efficient.
As stated above, 1850 is quite similar to the 1850F, which means it has the same room coverage of about 3000 sq ft to 5000 sq ft. its functionality is quite similar; it removes about 95 pints of water from the air in 24 hours and operates within the same temperature range of 41 degrees to 104 degrees F as the 1850F.
Aprilaire 1850 has most of the basic features and functionality of other large whole-house dehumidifiers. Its features include auto shut-off and restart features to protect the coil during colder temperatures, a defrost mode frost from building up in the compressor and inhibiting the dehumidifier’s performance, and a built-in humidistat that enables you to set an actual humidity level to maintain.
Energy Star-rated means you wouldn’t have to worry too much about your electricity bills when running this dehumidifier. Its external thermostat ensures that it operates at the correct humidity level and maintains your desired humidity level. This feature reduces energy usage as it wouldn’t have to use its fans to draw in air to check your house’s humidity levels.
Aprilaire 1850 lacks a built-in pump for drainage, just like the 1850F. Instead, you would have to place the dehumidifier above the floor and connect a hose to the drain port, allowing gravity to drain the dehumidifier continuously.
Aprilaire 1850 is durable and has a 5-year warranty that is only valid if installed by a professional. It is essential to note this as some users have complained that the dehumidifier is underperforming or broke down after two years. However, Aprilaire 1850 is a tremendous whole-house dehumidifier that saves costs and dehumidifies your house effectively.
Read the full review on Aprilaire 1850 here.
Aprilaire 1850 Features
- Moisture Removal Rate: 95 gallons
- Room Coverage: 3000 to 5000 sq ft.
- Room temperature: 41°F to 104°F
- Drainage system: Gravity drainage
- Humidistat: Yes
- Auto Restart: Yes
- Auto shut off: Yes
- Continuous mode: Yes
- Defrost mode: Yes
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Warranty: 5 Years
Aprilaire 1850 95 Pint Whole House Dehumidifier
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Humidifies large areas effectively.
- Quiet during operation
- Durable due to high-quality make
Cons
- More expensive than the 1850F
- Bulky in size
- No built-in pump; gravity drained
3. AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Dehumidifier
The AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 might be the most powerful dehumidifier on our list and the only one with over 60% of users giving a 5-star rating on Amazon. The dehumidifier covers a space of 2600 sq ft but could easily dehumidify a 4000 sq ft space.
The main thing that sets the HDi90 from other dehumidifiers on our list is its features. The HDi90 has many modern features, including an HGV Defrost system that allows the dehumidifier to operate at shallow temperatures, epoxy coating to prevent internal corrosion leakages, G3 air filters trap bacteria, and other harmful particles, a remote humidistat, and a built-in pump.
The HDi90 removes 90 pints of water per day at AHAM conditions and is energy star-rated, indicating you wouldn’t have to worry about your energy bills when using this unit. In addition, it comes with a remote control that allows you to control and monitor the relative humidity levels no matter where you are.
If you are looking for a whole-house dehumidifier that can operate at shallow temperatures, then the HDi90 is perfect. The HDi90 would run effectively at temperatures around 330F – 1040F.
The HDi90 comes with two top handles and four adjustable wheels for mobility. In addition, it can be ducted or operated in a free-standing unit.
The HDi90 comes with a 5-year warranty like other whole-house dehumidification units.
AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Features
- Moisture Removal Rate: 90 pints
- Room Coverage: 2600 to 4000 sq ft.
- Room temperature: 33°F to 104°F
- Built-in pump: Yes
- Ducting option: Yes
- Humidistat: Yes
- Auto Restart: Yes
- Auto shut off: Yes
- Defrost mode: Yes
- Weight: 88 pounds
- Warranty: 5 Years
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Humidifies large areas effectively.
- Remote control humidistat
- Quiet during operation
- Durable due to high-quality make
Cons
- Bulky in size
- Air filter requires frequent replacement
4. Aprilaire 1870 XL 130 Pint Whole House Dehumidifier
While we said the AlorAiWhile, the AlorAir HDi90 could be the most powerful dehumidifier on our list due to its efficiency and effectiveness; the Aprilaire 1870 XL tops our list when it comes to room coverage the moisture removal rate.
The Aprilaire 1870 XL covers about 3900 sq ft to 7200 sq ft, making it the largest dehumidification unit on our list. Its functionality is built around this room coverage as it removes 130 pints of water from the air in 24 hours.
1870 XL comes with the same features you would find in most whole-house dehumidifier, which includes auto shut-off and restart features to protect the coil during colder temperatures, a defrost mode frost from building up in the compressor and inhibiting the performance of the dehumidifier, and a built-in humidistat that enables you to set an actual humidity level to maintain.
The 1870 XL is a free-standing ducted dehumidifier that works with your home’s HVAC system, which means it would consume less energy during operation. However, if you require a non-ducted version with the same functionality, you can use the 1870F XL non-ducted dehumidifier.
The 1870 XL lacks a built-in pump for drainage but can use gravity drainage to ensure it is continuously drained. In addition, the 1870 XL is durable, has a 5-year warranty like all Aprilaire dehumidification units, and is energy star-rated.
Aprilaire 1870 XL Features
- Moisture Removal Rate: 130 pints
- Room Coverage: 3900 to 7200 sq ft.
- Built-in pump: No
- Ducting option: No (only for the 1870F XL)
- Humidistat: Yes
- Auto Restart: Yes
- Auto shut off: Yes
- Continuous mode: Yes
- Defrost mode: Yes
- Weight: 114 pounds
- Warranty: 5 Years
Aprilaire 1870 XL 130 Pint Whole House Dehumidifier
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Humidifies large areas effectively.
- Quiet during operation
- Durable due to high-quality make
Cons
- Bulky in size
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Whole House Dehumidifier Buying Guide
How Do Whole House Dehumidifiers Work
Generally, dehumidifiers work in two ways:
By refrigeration:
This involves cooling warm air sucked through a grille on one side of the dehumidifier; the moisture in the air turns back into liquid water and drips into a water tank. The cool air, free of moisture, passes over a heating element and warms back to its original temperature.
The moisture-free dry air is blown back into the room through another grille. Dehumidifiers that operate this way are known as compressor dehumidifiers.
By Absorption/Adsorption:
This involves the removal of moisture by absorbing or adsorbing damp air into a drying material. Dehumidifiers that operate this way are known as Desiccant Dehumidifiers.
Unlike portable dehumidifiers, whole-house dehumidifiers are fixed units connected to the house’s HVAC system. Whole-house dehumidifiers operate in the same pattern as compressor dehumidifiers. Although there are other types of whole-house dehumidifiers, you should take note.
Whole House Dehumidifier Types
Compressor / Heat Pump Dehumidifiers
The operating pattern of compressor dehumidifiers has already been explained above. These dehumidifiers possess properties that work similarly to an air conditioner, although a dehumidifier is more effective at maintaining the right humidity level than an air conditioner.
Chemical Absorbent / Desiccant Dehumidifiers
The operating system of this type of whole house dehumidifier has also been explained. However, Desiccant dehumidifiers consume a lot of energy and are not economical. Therefore, industries than homeowners mostly use desiccant dehumidifiers.
Dehumidifying Ventilators
Dehumidifying ventilators are often used in basements, although they are not quite popular. These dehumidifiers have a sensor and exhaust fan. The sensor works like a humidistat and triggers the unit when the set humidity level is reached; however, it is less effective than other dehumidifiers.
Signs You Need Whole House Dehumidifier
Whole House Dehumidifiers are the most expensive models of dehumidification units. They will add a little more to your energy bills during use, so before buying, you should ensure you need one of such size rather than several portable dehumidification units to serve the affected rooms in your house.
Musty Odor In The Air
Mold and mildew growing on the ceilings, walls, or items in your house can leave a musty odor. This is because these organisms thrive in high humidity levels and leave stains on things and places they grow.
If you spot them in more than one location in your house, getting a whole-house dehumidifier to take care of the issue all at once rather than several portable dehumidification units would be best.
Condensation On Walls And Windows
If you notice fog on your windows or glass, it will sign high humidity levels in your home. It would become a breeding ground for mold if left unattended, creating a whole-house dehumidifier.
Allergies
Another sign of a humid environment is a sudden increase in allergies. However, this sign would be referred to as something else, so you must purchase a hygrometer and measure your home’s humidity level. Humidity levels greater than 55 to 60% signal high humidity; therefore, you need a dehumidifier.
Looking at the signs above, you can quickly decide between purchasing whole-house dehumidifiers and purchasing several portable dehumidification units.
However, portable dehumidification units can cover large 4000 – 4500 sq ft. and remove 70 pints of water from the air in 24 hours.
These dehumidifiers effectively maintain the required humidity level within the specified space and cost way less than whole-house dehumidifiers.
Several whole-house dehumidifier brands are on the market, and this comprehensive guide will make it easier for you to settle for the right model to suit your needs. Our buying guide has several factors before deciding on any whole-house dehumidifier.
Energy Efficiency
The EPA-issued energy star certification allows you to save costs when running your dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers with this certification are generally energy-efficient and are the right options to consider.
Coverage Capacity
The coverage capacity is simply the amount of space a dehumidifier would cover. Whole-house dehumidifiers are expected to cover large spaces, but you need to check if the dehumidifier is strong enough to dehumidify your entire house by checking the coverage capacity.
Ducted or Standalone Dehumidifier
Ducted whole-house dehumidifiers would have to be integrated into your home’s HVAC system to work, while standalone dehumidifiers provide their circulation through internal fans.
Compared to ducted units, the main disadvantage of standalone whole-house dehumidifiers is that they consume more power and use more energy to circulate air around your house. However, if your house lacks a central air system, you must opt for a standalone unit.
Cost
A whole-house dehumidifier would cost you anything between $1,000 to $2,000. However, the upfront payment is not the only cost you will incur when settling for a whole-house dehumidifier; you’ll also need to consider installation costs.
Ensure you get a professional to install the unit, as most brands would consider the warranty invalid if you do otherwise.
Features
Most whole-house dehumidifiers have the same auto-restart and shut-off features, defrost mode, and a humidistat. However, it is important to note these features and the functionality to ensure that the dehumidifier operates efficiently.
Drainage
Whole-house dehumidifiers would be expected to drain a lot of water daily, so having a continuous drain is necessary.
However, unlike portable dehumidifiers with a tank that must be drained manually, whole-house dehumidifiers can be drained automatically. Some have a built-in pump option, while others require gravity for continuous drainage.
Operating Temperature Range
It is important to take note of the operating temperature range before buying. The AlorAir HDi90 operates at shallow temperatures and has a wider operating temperature than Aprilaire units on our list.
Noise
The noise output is another essential factor, as whole-house dehumidifiers would be expected to run for most of the day.
While most whole-house dehumidifier brands claim that their units are quiet during operation, you should confirm by test-running the dehumidifier to know the noise output or check reviews on the internet.
Washable filters
Purchasing a whole-house dehumidifier that requires frequent filter replacement sounds like a bad investment as these filters would be expensive. Therefore, buying a whole-house dehumidifier with washable and reusable filters is essential to save on a replacement.
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Final Notes
Above, we listed our 5 best whole-house dehumidifiers’ functions, moisture removal rate, and energy efficiency.
We also considered Amazon reviews and picked only the ones with the highest favorable ratings and reviews.
Many whole-house dehumidifiers break down within two years, which is why you would take your time to pick the best model from a trusted brand.
Is it better to use one whole-house dehumidifier or put one in each room where needed?
Hello!
It depends on how many rooms have moisture problems, how big the area is, etc. Whole-house dehumidifiers may be more expensive at the beginning when you need to install them, but then, by the time they pay off, also less maintenance is required. It depends on the model for portable dehumidifiers but can be cheaper and even a lot more expensive than a whole-house dehumidifier. You will need to empty water every day from portable dehumidifiers – that’s a lot of work if you have them in many rooms. But every situation is individual, and without knowing more details, I can’t give you an exact answer.