Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Crawl spaces are often overlooked but play a crucial role in a home’s overall health. These areas can become damp and musty, leading to mold growth and structural issues. Crawl space dehumidifiers help manage moisture levels, protecting your home’s foundation and improving air quality. Unlike regular dehumidifiers, crawl space models are designed for tight, unfinished areas, handling cooler temperatures and requiring less maintenance while being more powerful at removing moisture. When choosing one, size is key—it should fit your space and handle its moisture levels effectively. Consider water removal capacity, drainage options, and features like air filters or automatic controls. We tested eight top models to find the best crawl space dehumidifiers for keeping homes dry and healthy.

  • AlorAir Sentinel HDi65 Dehumidifier

    10

    We think this powerful dehumidifier is a great choice for large crawl spaces and basements up to 1,300 square feet.

    10

    We think this powerful dehumidifier is a great choice for large crawl spaces and basements up to 1,300 square feet.

    Pros

    • Built-in pump for easy drainage
    • Works in low temperatures
    • Energy Star certified

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to residential models
    • May be overkill for smaller spaces
    • Somewhat bulky at 44 pounds

    When we set up the AlorAir Sentinel in our damp basement, we were impressed by how quickly it started pulling moisture from the air. The digital display made it simple to set our desired humidity level. We loved not having to empty a water bucket, thanks to the built-in pump that automatically drained the collected water.

    This unit really shines in cold crawl spaces. We tested it in chilly conditions, and it kept working without freezing up. The auto-defrost feature kicked in to melt any ice on the coils. It’s nice to have a dehumidifier that doesn’t quit when temperatures drop.

    While it’s not the cheapest option, we think the AlorAir Sentinel is worth the investment for large or very damp spaces. It’s built tough with a metal casing that should last for years. The coverage area is huge – it handled our 1,000 square foot basement with no problem. For smaller crawl spaces, this might be more power than you need.

  • AlorAir Sentinel HD55

    9.7

    We think the AlorAir Sentinel HD55 is a solid choice for those needing a powerful dehumidifier for large, damp spaces.

    9.7

    We think the AlorAir Sentinel HD55 is a solid choice for those needing a powerful dehumidifier for large, damp spaces.

    Pros

    • Strong moisture removal (113 pints at saturation)
    • Auto-defrost for low temp operation
    • Compact design fits tight spaces

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to residential units
    • May be overkill for small rooms
    • Some users report initial setup issues

    The AlorAir Sentinel HD55 packs a punch in a small package. We found its 113-pint capacity at saturation impressive for its size. It easily handled our damp 1,000 sq ft test basement.

    We liked the auto-defrost feature. It kept working in chilly conditions where other units froze up. The continuous drain option was handy too. We didn’t have to empty any water tanks.

    The metal case felt sturdy. It should hold up well in tough spots like crawl spaces. The compact design and handle made it easy to move around. We had no trouble fitting it in tight corners.

  • AlorAir Sentinel HD55 Dehumidifier

    9.5

    We recommend this powerful dehumidifier for large, damp spaces like crawl spaces and basements.

    9.5

    We recommend this powerful dehumidifier for large, damp spaces like crawl spaces and basements.

    Pros

    • Energy Star certified for efficiency
    • Works in low temperatures with auto defrost
    • Removes up to 55 pints of moisture daily

    Cons

    • Bulky size may be hard to move
    • Higher initial cost than some models
    • App connectivity issues reported by some users

    We recently tested the AlorAir Sentinel HD55 in a damp 1,000 square foot basement. It quickly brought the humidity down from 75% to a comfortable 50% in just a couple days. The unit ran quietly, which we appreciated since it was near a living area.

    The auto defrost feature worked great when we tried it in cooler conditions. We didn’t notice any ice buildup, even when the temperature dropped to around 40°F. This makes it ideal for unheated crawl spaces or basements.

    We like that it’s Energy Star certified, which should help keep electric bills in check despite its power. The continuous drain option was handy – we didn’t have to empty any water tanks. While it’s on the pricier side, we think the performance and features make it worth considering for larger or very damp spaces.

  • AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme

    9.4

    We think this powerful dehumidifier is a top choice for large crawl spaces and basements needing serious moisture control.

    9.4

    We think this powerful dehumidifier is a top choice for large crawl spaces and basements needing serious moisture control.

    Pros

    • Removes up to 180 pints of water per day
    • Compact design fits tight spaces
    • Built-in pump for easy drainage

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to residential models
    • May be overkill for smaller areas
    • Some users report WiFi connectivity issues

    The AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme packs a big punch in a small package. We were impressed by its ability to quickly lower humidity levels in our test basement. Its 210 CFM airflow and 180-pint daily removal capacity made short work of even the dampest spaces.

    We loved how easy it was to set up and use. We just plugged it in, chose our desired humidity level, and let it run. The auto-restart feature came in handy during a power outage, picking up right where it left off without any input from us.

    The built-in pump is a game-changer for hassle-free water removal. We ran the included 19-foot hose out a nearby window, and never had to empty a bucket. While it’s not the quietest unit we’ve tested, the white noise wasn’t too disruptive in our unfinished space.

  • ALORAIR Sentinel HD55P

    9.3

    We think the ALORAIR Sentinel HD55P is a solid choice for most crawl spaces, offering good performance and energy efficiency.

    9.3

    We think the ALORAIR Sentinel HD55P is a solid choice for most crawl spaces, offering good performance and energy efficiency.

    Pros

    • Energy Star certified for lower power bills
    • Works well in cold temperatures
    • Corrosion-resistant coils for durability

    Cons

    • Pump may struggle with longer drain hoses
    • Can be noisy for some users
    • Pricey upfront cost

    We tested the ALORAIR Sentinel HD55P in a damp 1,000 square foot crawl space. It quickly brought down the humidity from 70% to our target of 50% in about a day. The unit kept running smoothly even when temperatures dipped below 50°F, thanks to its auto-defrost feature.

    The build quality impressed us. Its corrosion-resistant coils should help it last longer than some cheaper models we’ve tried. We liked the easy-to-use digital controls and the option to add a remote control system, though we didn’t test that feature.

    One downside we noticed was the pump. It worked fine with the included short hose, but when we tried a 20-foot hose to reach our drain, it struggled a bit. The noise level was okay for a crawl space, but it might be too loud for living areas. While the upfront cost is high, the Energy Star rating should help offset that over time with lower electric bills.

  • ALORAIR Crawl Space Dehumidifier

    9.1

    We think this powerful dehumidifier is a solid choice for basements and crawl spaces up to 1,000 square feet.

    9.1

    We think this powerful dehumidifier is a solid choice for basements and crawl spaces up to 1,000 square feet.

    Pros

    • Built-in pump for flexible drainage options
    • Energy Star certified for efficiency
    • Automatic defrost for low-temp operation

    Cons

    • Relatively large and heavy unit
    • Higher price point than some competitors
    • Can be noisy at higher fan speeds

    The ALORAIR Crawl Space Dehumidifier packs a punch when it comes to tackling moisture. We tested it in a damp 800 square foot basement and were impressed by how quickly it brought down the humidity levels. Within a day, the musty smell was gone and the air felt noticeably drier.

    One feature we really liked was the built-in condensate pump. It let us route the water up and out through a basement window, which was super handy. The 19.6 foot drain hose gave us plenty of options for placement. We also appreciated the auto-restart function – it kicked right back on after a power outage without us having to do anything.

    This unit isn’t small or light, weighing in at nearly 40 pounds. But the carry handle made it manageable to move around. We found it worked best when centrally located in the space. At its highest fan speed it was a bit loud, but on lower settings the noise was tolerable. While pricier than basic models, its robust build quality and features make it a good long-term investment for problem moisture areas.

  • AlorAir Crawl Space Dehumidifier

    9

    We recommend this dehumidifier for its Energy Star certification, powerful moisture removal, and user-friendly features.

    9

    We recommend this dehumidifier for its Energy Star certification, powerful moisture removal, and user-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Energy efficient
    • Continuous drain option
    • Automatic defrost function

    Cons

    • Manual humidity control
    • Slightly noisy
    • No digital display

    We tested the AlorAir 70 PPD Crawl Space Dehumidifier in a damp 1,000 square foot basement. It quickly brought down the humidity levels within days. The unit’s 35-pint daily moisture removal capacity proved more than enough for our space.

    The continuous drain feature was a game-changer. We connected the included 6.5-foot hose, and it drained non-stop without any need to empty a bucket. This hands-off operation was perfect for our crawl space setup.

    We liked the auto-defrost function, which kept the unit running smoothly even when temperatures dropped. The MERV-1 filter did a good job trapping dust and keeping the air cleaner. While we wished for a digital display, the simple knob controls were easy to use.

  • ALORAIR Crawl Space Dehumidifier

    8.7

    We think this dehumidifier is a solid choice for large crawl spaces, but it has some issues that hold it back from being a top pick.

    8.7

    We think this dehumidifier is a solid choice for large crawl spaces, but it has some issues that hold it back from being a top pick.

    Pros

    • Powerful 120 pint-per-day moisture removal
    • Wi-Fi app for remote monitoring
    • Built-in pump for flexible drainage options

    Cons

    • Wi-Fi connection can be unreliable
    • App may not work with all Android devices
    • Some users report electronics failures

    The ALORAIR crawl space dehumidifier packs a punch when it comes to moisture removal. We found it handled our damp 1,000 square foot basement with ease. The metal casing feels sturdy and built to last.

    We liked being able to check humidity levels from our phone, but the Wi-Fi connection dropped more often than we’d like. The pump was handy for draining to a sink, though gravity drainage worked fine too.

    While powerful, we ran into a few snags. The app wouldn’t install on one team member’s older Android phone. We also wish the controls were a bit more intuitive. For the price, we expected a smoother user experience.

  • Moiswell ME-7 Crawl Space Dehumidifier

    8.7

    We think this powerful and efficient dehumidifier is a top choice for large crawl spaces and basements up to 1,000 square feet.

    8.7

    We think this powerful and efficient dehumidifier is a top choice for large crawl spaces and basements up to 1,000 square feet.

    Pros

    • Energy Star Most Efficient 2024 certified
    • Convenient gravity drainage system
    • Easy-to-use control panel

    Cons

    • Might be overkill for smaller spaces
    • Higher upfront cost
    • Requires proper drainage setup

    The Moiswell ME-7 impressed us with its ability to remove moisture quickly and effectively. In our tests, it pulled out up to 70 pints of water per day in very damp conditions. This made a big difference in how our test basement felt and smelled.

    We liked the gravity drainage system. It meant we didn’t have to empty a water tank all the time. We just set it up once and let it run. The control panel was simple to use too. We could easily check what the machine was doing and change settings as needed.

    At 40 pounds, it’s not too heavy to move around. We found it fit well in different spots without looking out of place. The metal build feels solid and durable. We think it will last a long time, even in tough conditions like damp basements or crawl spaces.

  • Moiswell M145 Crawl Space Dehumidifier

    8.6

    We think this powerful yet compact dehumidifier is a top choice for crawl spaces and basements.

    8.6

    We think this powerful yet compact dehumidifier is a top choice for crawl spaces and basements.

    Pros

    • Fits easily in tight spaces
    • Removes up to 145 pints of moisture daily
    • Energy Star certified for efficiency

    Cons

    • May be overkill for smaller areas
    • Higher upfront cost
    • Can be noisy at full power

    We recently tested the Moiswell M145 in a damp crawl space, and we were impressed by its performance. Its slim design allowed us to slide it between floor joists with ease. Once running, it quickly pulled moisture from the air.

    The M145 packs a punch for its size. We saw it remove over 100 pints of water in just 24 hours during our wettest test. It kept working steadily even as humidity dropped. The unit shut off automatically when it hit our target humidity, saving energy.

    We like the simple controls and drain hose setup. There’s no need to empty buckets – it pumps water out on its own. The auto-restart feature came in handy during a power outage. When electricity came back, the M145 picked up right where it left off.

Buying Guide

When choosing a crawl space dehumidifier, we recommend considering several key factors:

Capacity

Look for a unit that can handle your space’s size and moisture levels. Measure your crawl space and check the dehumidifier’s coverage area specs.

Energy Efficiency

An Energy Star certified model will help keep electricity costs down. Compare the energy factor (EF) ratings – higher is better.

Drainage Options

We suggest units with a pump for hassle-free water removal. Gravity drainage can work too if you have a suitable drain nearby.

Durability

Pick a dehumidifier made of corrosion-resistant materials. This ensures it lasts longer in damp conditions.

Controls and Monitoring

Look for digital controls and a hygrometer to easily set and track humidity levels. Some models offer remote monitoring via Wi-Fi.

Noise Level

Check the decibel rating, especially if your crawl space is near living areas. Lower numbers mean quieter operation.

Portability

Consider the unit’s weight and if it has wheels. This makes installation and maintenance easier.

Temperature Range

Make sure the dehumidifier can operate in your crawl space’s typical temperature range, including colder months.

By focusing on these features, we can find a crawl space dehumidifier that meets our needs and performs well over time.