Top 20 How To Install Whole House Dehumidifier In Basement All Answers

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Will a basement dehumidifier help the whole house?

When purchasing a dehumidifier, you should choose one that meets your needs. A portable dehumidifier in the basement will only help with moisture levels and humidity in the basement; it just isn’t powerful enough to dehumidify the upstairs or the entire house.

Can you add a dehumidifier to existing HVAC system?

Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are two separate accessories that can be installed as part of your central HVAC system. Both components are effective: Dehumidifiers remove six to 12 gallons of water from the air in your home each day.

Where is the best place to put a dehumidifier in your basement?

Placing your dehumidifier near the source of moisture will be more efficient. Your dehumidifier will capture humidity before it has a chance to infiltrate other areas.

Should I put two dehumidifiers in basement?

Since no moisture is detected, I suggest you shut down one of the dehumidifiers. If no more moisture is detected, shut down the second, and use one when needed. Also, you could use ventilation to keep the basement dry and save using the dehumidifiers, which are expensive to run.

Are whole-house dehumidifiers worth it?

Yes, an HVAC dehumidifier is worth the cost. Whole-house units prevent mold growth, wood rot, and warping. They also provide better indoor air quality and take some strain off of your air conditioner.

How much does it cost to have a whole-house dehumidifier installed?

Installation typically costs the same if not more, than the unit itself, with an average price tag of $2,000. The total cost of a whole-house dehumidifier can range in cost from a low of $3,000 to over $5,000.

Should you run a dehumidifier in the basement all the time?

As you debate whether or not to use a dehumidifier in winter, you should always watch the humidity levels in your home. If your relative humidity levels stay high, it might be a good idea to run your device. In fact, if your humidity levels remain above 50 percent, your room will benefit from a basement dehumidifier.

How much does it cost to run a whole-house dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers draw a fair amount of energy during use. Expect to add $15 to $25 per month to your energy bill, with a yearly average of $60 to $300. If you are looking to cut down on your monthly utility bill, consider a dehumidifier that has been ENERGY STAR certified.

How much does it cost to have a dehumidifier put on your furnace?

The costs depend on the size of the dehumidifier, the drainage options, and labor for installation. An installed cost of a dehumidifier can range between $1,000 and $2,800 or more.

Does a whole-house humidifier also dehumidify?

Unlike portable humidifiers and dehumidifiers, which are designed to work in a confined area, whole-house humidification systems automatically measure humidity levels and add or take away moisture to maintain ideal humidity levels.

How long does it take for a whole-house dehumidifier to work?

If the whole-house dehumidifier is connected to the ductwork, it will work more efficiently and quickly remove the humidity. But we’re talking just a few hours here for a whole-house dehumidifier, maybe up to 12-24 hours for higher starting humidity levels.

What are the disadvantages of a dehumidifier?

Disadvantages of dehumidifiers
  • they can make quite some noise.
  • might not work in low temperatures.
  • needs regular maintenance.
  • can be quite large and heavy.
  • uses electricity constantly, therefore;
  • increases energy bill.
  • purchase costs are around $200.
  • windows and doors need to be closed.

Should whole house dehumidifier be upstairs or downstairs?

In conclusion, the best place to keep a dehumidifier most definitely is the downstairs basement or upstairs close to the stairs. This is because the basement is the most humid place in your house. If there is any other moist condition upstairs, its source must be resolved rather than placing a dehumidifier.

Can you run two dehumidifiers in the same room?

Can One Dehumidifier Work in Multiple Rooms? A dehumidifier is more effective in one single room. But it can work in multiple rooms, given that those rooms are built with a very open floor plan and are connected through open doorways.

Should you run a dehumidifier in the basement all the time?

As you debate whether or not to use a dehumidifier in winter, you should always watch the humidity levels in your home. If your relative humidity levels stay high, it might be a good idea to run your device. In fact, if your humidity levels remain above 50 percent, your room will benefit from a basement dehumidifier.

Should dehumidifier be in basement or main floor?

In conclusion, the best place to keep a dehumidifier most definitely is the downstairs basement or upstairs close to the stairs. This is because the basement is the most humid place in your house. If there is any other moist condition upstairs, its source must be resolved rather than placing a dehumidifier.

Do I need a dehumidifier in every room?

Do You Need A Dehumidifier In Every Room? Ultimately, most homeowners can get away with only needing one or two dehumidifiers to keep their rooms dry and comfortable. If you live in a humid area that makes your entire home damp, we strongly recommend you install a whole-house dehumidifier system.

Can a damp basement affect upstairs?

Most damage in the basement or crawl space itself is obvious, such as mold, rot, wet insulation, wet drywall, and the list goes on. But humidity in the basement or crawl space affects the upstairs too.


How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House
How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House


Will a dehumidifier in a basement help upstairs? | Live Science

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Will a dehumidifier in a basement help upstairs? | Live Science
Will a dehumidifier in a basement help upstairs? | Live Science

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How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House – YouTube

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House – YouTube Updating Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to control humidity throughout the house all year round. (See below for a shopping…This Old House, Ask This Old House, DIY, Home Improvement, DIY Ideas, Renovation, Renovation Ideas, How To Fix, How To Install, How To Build, dehumidifier, whole house dehumidifier, HVAC, plumbing, plumber, home repair, do it yourself, diy, renovation, remodeling, attic, tom silva, norm abram, richard trethewey, roger cook, kevin o’connor, tom silva this old house, tom silva house, tom silva construction, tom silva tools, tommy silva
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How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House - YouTube
How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House – YouTube

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How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House – YouTube

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House – YouTube Updating Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to control humidity throughout the house all year round. (See below for a shopping…This Old House, Ask This Old House, DIY, Home Improvement, DIY Ideas, Renovation, Renovation Ideas, How To Fix, How To Install, How To Build, dehumidifier, whole house dehumidifier, HVAC, plumbing, plumber, home repair, do it yourself, diy, renovation, remodeling, attic, tom silva, norm abram, richard trethewey, roger cook, kevin o’connor, tom silva this old house, tom silva house, tom silva construction, tom silva tools, tommy silva
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How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House - YouTube
How to Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier | Ask This Old House – YouTube

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Dehumidifier Placement Guide – Where Should You Place Your Dehumidifier? | HVAC Training Shop

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Dehumidifier Placement Guide – Where Should You Place Your Dehumidifier? | HVAC Training Shop Updating The right amount of humidity is critical to maintaining comfort levels inside your home. In this article, we’ll discuss the best placement for your dehumidifier.
  • Table of Contents:

How to find the best place for your dehumidifier

What room should you place your dehumidifier in

Dehumidifier placement for bathrooms

Dehumidifier placement for crawl spaces

Dehumidifier placement for kitchens

Dehumidifier placement for basements

Dehumidifier placement for living rooms

Dehumidifier placement for bedrooms

Where should you place your dehumidifier

Final thoughts

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Dehumidifier Placement Guide - Where Should You Place Your Dehumidifier? | HVAC Training Shop
Dehumidifier Placement Guide – Where Should You Place Your Dehumidifier? | HVAC Training Shop

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Installing a Whole-House Dehumidifier the Right Way | PV Heating & Air

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about Installing a Whole-House Dehumidifier the Right Way | PV Heating & Air The best way to install a whole-house dehumifier: Add a dedicated return duct and send dry air to your supply plenum. · Install a new return duct in your home. …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Installing a Whole-House Dehumidifier the Right Way | PV Heating & Air The best way to install a whole-house dehumifier: Add a dedicated return duct and send dry air to your supply plenum. · Install a new return duct in your home. Thinking about a whole-house dehumidifier? Here are best practices for installation plus some thoughts on fresh air ventilation options.
  • Table of Contents:

A whole-house dehumidifier solves all of these problems

The best way to install a whole-house dehumidifier Add a dedicated return duct and send dry air to your supply plenum

Benefits of the dedicated return to supply installation method

There’s just one problem with this installation method…

Another way to install a whole-house dehumidifier Connect a dedicated return to your existing return

Fresh air ventilation the ultimate fringe benefit of whole-house dehumidifiers

How energy efficient is a whole-house dehumidifier

It might just change your life Seriously

Atlanta HVAC Service Starts Here

Installing a Whole-House Dehumidifier the Right Way | PV Heating & Air
Installing a Whole-House Dehumidifier the Right Way | PV Heating & Air

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Whole-House Dehumidifier: How to Install One in 12 Steps – This Old House

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about Whole-House Dehumidifier: How to Install One in 12 Steps – This Old House Set the whole-house dehumifier in the metal pan. Cut a square hole in the hallway ceiling and install a new return-air grille. Attach a flexible return-air … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Whole-House Dehumidifier: How to Install One in 12 Steps – This Old House Set the whole-house dehumifier in the metal pan. Cut a square hole in the hallway ceiling and install a new return-air grille. Attach a flexible return-air … Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to control humidity throughout the house all year round with a dehumidifier and the cost of getting one installed.
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Whole-House Dehumidifier: How to Install One in 12 Steps - This Old House
Whole-House Dehumidifier: How to Install One in 12 Steps – This Old House

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How to Install a Dehumidifier for the Whole House • Ron Hazelton

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Learn how to add a whole-house dehumidifier to your home’s air conditioning unit; details include installation tips

How to Install a Dehumidifier for the Whole House • Ron Hazelton
How to Install a Dehumidifier for the Whole House • Ron Hazelton

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Will A Dehumidifier In The Basement Help The Whole House? – The Spruce Air

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about Will A Dehumidifier In The Basement Help The Whole House? – The Spruce Air A portable dehumifier in a basement won’t help the whole house. It’s designed to help dehumify a space or a room. However, if you could … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Will A Dehumidifier In The Basement Help The Whole House? – The Spruce Air A portable dehumifier in a basement won’t help the whole house. It’s designed to help dehumify a space or a room. However, if you could …
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What Type of Dehumidifier Can Work for the Entire House From the Basement

What to Consider When Buying a Whole-House Dehumidifier

How Often Should You Run Your Dehumidifier in the Basement to Help the Whole House

How Do I Keep My Air Conditioner from Freezing Up

Why is My Window Air Conditioner is Leaking Water

Why does the space heater keep shutting off

How to Clean Dehumidifier Drain Hose

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Smoke

Can You Use a Dehumidifier to Dry Out Wood

Will A Dehumidifier In The Basement Help The Whole House? - The Spruce Air
Will A Dehumidifier In The Basement Help The Whole House? – The Spruce Air

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How to install a portable dehumidifier the right way – CNET

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  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to install a portable dehumidifier the right way – CNET That’s especially true if you depend on a central air (HVAC) system for home climate control. A better solution in this scenario is to buy a … From choosing the right location to ensuring proper draining, here’s how to install a plug-in dehumidifier.
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1 Choose the right type and location

2 Select your drainage method

3 Set your preferred ambient humidity level

4 Regular maintenance

How to install a portable dehumidifier the right way - CNET
How to install a portable dehumidifier the right way – CNET

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Dehumidifier in basement: Will it work for the whole house? – GreenBuildingAdvisor

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  • Summary of article content: Articles about Dehumidifier in basement: Will it work for the whole house? – GreenBuildingAdvisor We have an ERV installed and we heat (winter) and cool (summer) our house with a heat pump. Since we do need a bit of cooling and I am highly … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Dehumidifier in basement: Will it work for the whole house? – GreenBuildingAdvisor We have an ERV installed and we heat (winter) and cool (summer) our house with a heat pump. Since we do need a bit of cooling and I am highly … I own a 3-story home. Basement, ground floor and upper floor. Each floor is approximately 80m2 (860 sq feet large), combined volume of the house is cca 600m3 (21200 ft3).

    All stories are heated with floor heating and all have the same inner temperature. Basement is not cooler (perhaps 1F) or more humid.

    Given the PHPP (passive house standard) are house falls in the passiv standard albeit we do not live by those standards, so we need a bit of cooling in the summer.

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Dehumidifier in basement: Will it work for the whole house? - GreenBuildingAdvisor
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how to install whole house dehumidifier in basement

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how to install whole house dehumidifier in basement

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Will a dehumidifier in a basement help upstairs?

Your basement is likely to be the most humid room in the house. Basements are often poorly insulated and have few, if any, windows, resulting in inadequate ventilation. Consequently, the air in basements often holds larger volumes of water vapor and is more humid. A dehumidifier can remove this moisture and reduce humidity levels, but will a dehumidifier in a basement help upstairs?

Humidity is a measure of water vapor in the air – the more moisture there is, the higher the humidity will be. A comfortable humidity is between 30% and 50% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ) (opens in new tab). Anything above this can make the room, or your whole house, feel stuffy. It can also encourage mold, mildew and dust mites.

Related: Best humidifiers (opens in new tab)

However, humidity isn’t evenly distributed throughout the home: the temperature, height and spacial area of each floor of the home are all factors that play into how humid it is. In fact, what causes dampness in a home (opens in new tab) can also come from how the room is used: for example, the kitchen and bathrooms, which are periodically subjected to increased moisture, can add to the humidity for a short time.

Your basement is likely to be consistently more humid than upstairs, but there are things you can do if your basement is too humid (opens in new tab). A dehumidifier can be a great way to reduce humidity in a basement and prevent basement mold from making you sick (opens in new tab).

Will a dehumidifier in a basement help upstairs?

Portable dehumidifiers are popular among homeowners; they’re small, inexpensive and work well at room temperature. Plus, they can also be moved from room to room, which is helpful if several areas in your home suffer from an abundance of humidity.

These small units are often made of plastic and use a fan to draw warm, moisture-laden air across a set of cold evaporator coils. These coils condense the water vapor and that water is collected drop by drop in an attached storage tank, or directed straight down the drain.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Portable dehumidifiers are classified by capacity – a measure of how much moisture they can remove in a 24-hour period. Capacity is determined by the size of the area you want to dehumidify, and the conditions – whether it is only slightly damp, or consistently wet, for example.

The US Government’s Energy Star (opens in new tab) program recommends placing your dehumidifier away from walls to allow air to circulate freely, and away from dust and dirt that could clog the coils as the air is drawn in. It also suggests keeping doors and windows in the space closed during dehumidification to ensure moisture is removed as efficiently as possible.

• Related: Dehumidifiers on sale (opens in new tab)

Placing a portable dehumidifier in the basement will help to remove mold from a basement (opens in new tab) and keep humidity below 50%. However, these machines are designed to work in a small area such as a single room. They are too small in capacity and size to efficiently dehumidify larger areas and, because you should keep the room closed off, a dehumidifier in the basement will have little effect on the upstairs. This means you’ll have to move it around or invest in a portable dehumidifier for each room that has a humidity problem.

How does a dehumidifier in a basement help the entire house?

As we’ve just discovered, a portable dehumidifier placed in the basement isn’t up to the job of reducing humidity upstairs, let alone in the whole house. If your entire home is prone to high moisture levels, you may need to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. These can be installed in the basement and will help dehumidify the upstairs, and the entire house.

Whole-house dehumidifiers are more expensive and much larger than their portable counterparts. They are made of stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic, which makes them more durable, but they can be unsightly so they’re often installed, by a professional, in the basement within an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system.

Whole-house dehumidifiers work in the same way as portable dehumidifiers, but feature a larger compressor and have bigger condensing coils, allowing them to remove more moisture in less time. According to AchooAllergy (opens in new tab), whole-house dehumidifiers enable you to automatically control humidity throughout your entire home, and are up to four times more energy efficient than portable dehumidifiers. They’re also quieter, have a longer lifespan, and require little maintenance.

What makes a basement dehumidifier different?

Whether you opt for a whole-house or simple portable dehumidifier, the chances are you’ll be condensing lots of moisture from the air, so it’s important to consider how to remove this from your dehumidifier.

“Basement dehumidifiers are very similar to standard humidifiers, however, due to the potential for high volumes of humidity being removed from the air in the form of water, thought should be put into drainage solutions,” advises Edward McFarlane, Strategic Advisor, Provider Experience at HomeX (opens in new tab).

You could channel the moisture directly down the drain, or into the laundry or utility sink, or even into a tub to enable you to reuse it. If you haven’t got suitable drainage in the basement, you may need to invest in a dehumidifier with a pump to move the water away from the dehumidifier.

• Read more: How to clean a dehumidifier (opens in new tab)

Despite being one of the most humid rooms in the house, the temperature in the basement can drop lower than the rest of the house, particularly in the winter months. Your dehumidifier needs to be able to function at temperatures below 65°F, otherwise frost may form on the condensing coils and could cause the compressor to switch on and off repeatedly without actually removing any moisture in the air, according to Energy Star (opens in new tab). Some dehumidifiers are designed to work in temperatures as low as 42°F, while others feature an anti-frost sensor to automatically switch the dehumidifier off if the air temperature drops too low.

When purchasing a dehumidifier, you should choose one that meets your needs. A portable dehumidifier in the basement will only help with moisture levels and humidity in the basement; it just isn’t powerful enough to dehumidify the upstairs or the entire house. If moisture is a constant problem throughout your home, your best bet is to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier that, when installed in the basement, will help keep humidity at bay in the entire home.

Should I Buy Dehumidifier Add-on for HVAC System? Is That Worth the Money?

Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are two separate accessories that can be installed as part of your central HVAC system.

Both components are effective:

Dehumidifiers remove six to 12 gallons of water from the air in your home each day

remove six to 12 gallons of water from the air in your home each day Humidifiers can make the air comfortable even in arid climates or when the furnace threatens to dry out your home in winter

This guide is mainly talking about whole-house dehumidifier add-on for HVAC system. For HVAC humidifier buying guide, you can read here: best whole house humidifier on the market

What is a Whole House Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air in the same way an AC does with one difference.

First, here’s how they’re the same. Refrigerant cycles through a coil in the dehumidifier, pulling heat from the air and making the coil very cold. Water from humid air condenses on the coil, like water on the outside of a cold glass of iced tea. That water is drained away, so the air in your home gradually becomes drier and more comfortable.

The difference between a dehumidifier and AC is that the air is dehumidified but not cooled. Removed heat is returned to the air circulating through your HVAC system, not pumped to an outside unit where it is dispersed.

Whole-house vs Stand-alone Dehumidifier

A stand-alone humidifier is a lot cheaper, but it tends to remove moisture best from the air immediately surrounding it. That’s usually a basement, so has little impact on the air in the first floor and above. It’s possible to locate a dehumidifier on the first floor or above, but then you’ll have to empty the condensate tank frequently or run a hose to a drain, possibly in the basement.

A stand-alone unit costs a fraction of the price of a whole-house unit with installation, but the downside is hassle or trip potential on stairs that a hose is on. And stand-alone units are noisy when placed in living areas.

Whole-house dehumidifiers live up to their name – they do a better job lowering the humidity level throughout the home.

Why Install a Dehumidifier If You Have Central Air?

If you have an AC, and ACs remove moisture too, do you need a dehumidifier?

There are two possible answers to that question – No and Yes!

No: If you live in a climate without excessive humidity, then drying it further doesn’t make sense. Climates that don’t need extra dehumidification include not just desert areas of the US but most of the Northern Plains, Great Lakes and New England. Of course, if you have central AC and your home is comfy from spring through fall, you probably wouldn’t be reading this.

Yes: There are a couple of reasons you might answer “yes” to the question. The first is if your climate is muggy – warm and humid starting in spring and stretching into fall. In those climates, many central air conditioners cannot keep up with the need for dehumidification.

A second and related reason to say “yes” is that your central air conditioner is too big. Does that seem counter-intuitive?

When the AC is too big, it cools the house too quickly, and shuts off before it has removed much humidity from the air. A properly sized central air conditioner runs for longer cycles, so has the opportunity to remove more moisture.

The Cost Bonus of Dry Air

Dry air is more comfortable than muggy air. In fact, most people feel as comfortable in 78-degree air that has been properly dehumidified as in 70-degree air that is too humid. That means you can turn up your thermostat when the air is drier and cut your energy cost for the air conditioning. However, the dehumidifier also uses electricity, so your total energy bill will likely rise by 6% to 10% when running the dehumidifier.

Whole House Dehumidifier Costs

Dehumidifiers for the entire house are available in several sizes, so there is a range of prices. Installation varies by the type and difficulty of the work.

Unit Cost Installation Cost Energy Cost Top Brands

$1,050 – $1,700

$485 – $800

$6 – $12/month Honeywell Aprilaire Ultra-Aire Carrier

A stand-alone dehumidifier costs about $300. However, they are not as efficient, so the monthly cost to run them can be $30 or more. If the dehumidifier runs six months each year, then you would recover the higher cost of a whole-house unit in about 11 years through lower energy bills.

Is a Whole House Dehumidifier Worth the Cost?

If your climate doesn’t have high-humidity issues, then no, it is not worth the cost.

In humid muggy climates, the answer depends on whether you’re comfortable in spring, summer or fall. If you’re not, then talk with your HVAC technician about what a whole-house unit could do for indoor climate control and how much it would cost.

If you’d like answers to your questions and receive written estimates, consider our Free Local Quotes offer. The estimates are given by licensed and insured pros in your area that has been pre-screened for the experience. There is no cost or obligation to you.

The bottom line really is about comfort. If your home feels humid even when the AC is set to 72 or below, the air isn’t properly dehumidified. The two most effective solutions are:

Replace your current AC or heat pump with one that is properly sized. In very humid climates and weather, that still might not be enough. Install a whole-house dehumidifier to complement your central AC. If your AC is getting old, replace the entire system with one that includes a dehumidifier.

It makes sense to talk to a pro about the right solution for your home.

Dehumidifier Placement Guide – Where Should You Place Your Dehumidifier?

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When it’s time to get a dehumidifier for their home, one of the main questions that people ask me is: Where the heck am I supposed to put this thing?

I’ve seen some folks just put a dehumidifier in their living room and call it a day. While it’s true that having a dehumidifier is better than not having one at all, there are some locations in a home where a dehumidifier will perform better.

So how do you narrow down the best location for your dehumidifier?

In this article, I’ll discuss the three main factors that you need to consider before placing a dehumidifier.

How to find the best place for your dehumidifier

Generally, there are three factors that you need to consider when figuring out the best place to put your dehumidifier:

1. Source of humidity

The first thing to do is to ensure that you place your portable dehumidifier near the source of the moisture.

Where is the humidity coming from? Is it coming from an internal source such as a shower, or an oven? Or is it coming from an external source such as a window or door?

Placing your dehumidifier near the source of moisture will be more efficient. Your dehumidifier will capture humidity before it has a chance to infiltrate other areas.

2. Size of the room

The size of the room also plays a factor in your dehumidifier placement.

How big is the room that you need to dehumidify? Is it a large space such as a living room or basement? Or is it a small area such as a bathroom?

If you are dehumidifying a large room, then you will need to place the dehumidifier in a central location in order to get maximum coverage.

For a small room, exact placement will not matter as much since there is less area to cover.

3. Restrictions to airflow

Are there any objects nearby that will block airflow in/out of the dehumidifier?

To function properly, dehumidifiers require clearance from nearby objects to maintain airflow.

This means that you do not want to have your dehumidifier too close to furniture, a wall, or other objects. If the airflow is restricted, the dehumidifier won’t function efficiently.

What room should you place your dehumidifier in?

Generally, places where you find moisture are the best places to put a dehumidifier. Spaces such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and crawl spaces are all locations where excess moisture can be present.

If you are unsure of the humidity levels inside your home, it will be helpful to use a device that can give you a reading of humidity levels– such as a hygrometer

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Once you have discovered the source of humidity in your home, it is important to isolate it. You don’t want the humidity to creep into other spaces and cause more damage.

Be sure to close all the doors to the room where the humidity is present. You want to isolate the humidity in that one room, so you can remove it using a dehumidifier.

Make sure to close all windows as well – you don’t need extra humidity coming in from outside.

Dehumidifier placement for bathrooms

Long hot showers will quickly raise the humidity inside your bathroom. If you have ever taken a hot steamy shower, then you have seen that the steam in the air is made up of small water droplets.

When the moist air interacts with cold surfaces in your bathroom, condensation forms.

Condensation provides a perfect habitat for mold and mildew to grow inside your bathroom. Worse yet, condensation causes paint to peel and wood to rot.

If you have ever noticed mold, mildew, or condensation, then placing a dehumidifier in your bathroom is a smart move to combat high humidity.

Ideally, you will want to run the dehumidifier right after you take a bath or shower. Running the dehumidifier for about 20 minutes after a shower is usually long enough to remove most excess humidity from the air.

Placement of a dehumidifier in a small room such as a bathroom is always tricky. There is not much space to put a dehumidifier on the floor.

Fortunately, since the bathroom is a small room, you also can use a small dehumidifier. Some dehumidifiers are small enough to put on a shelf or the top of the toilet bowl.

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Dehumidifier placement for crawl spaces

Crawl spaces are the most unassuming places that can contain the highest amounts of humidity.

High humidity in a crawl space usually occurs during the warm months, when outside temperatures are warmer than inside temperatures.

As the warm, moist air infiltrates your cool crawl space, condensation forms. This is because cold air can not hold as much moisture as warm air, so the humidity levels rise.

Even worse, leaky pipes or inadequate insulation can contribute to far higher humidity levels in your crawl space.

Because of the cramped spaces, crawl space dehumidifiers are usually more compact than other types of dehumidifiers.

Crawl space dehumidifiers also need to have a stronger fan to ensure that dry air circulates around the tight spaces and around corners.

For these reasons, it is important to use the proper type of dehumidifier if you are going to be putting it in your crawl space.

When placing a dehumidifier in a crawl space, it is important to ensure that it is centrally located with adequate clearance. You want to make sure that the dehumidifier is allowed to exchange air with the most area possible.

Depending on the size of your crawl space, it may be helpful to use a fan to circulate air around the crawl space. Circulating the air in tight spaces will aid in dehumidification.

If your dehumidifier can not continuously drain, you will need to access the dehumidifier regularly to empty its tank. So make sure that your dehumidifier is easily accessible if you are using its tank to collect water.

Dehumidifier placement for kitchens

Kitchens are a constant source of humidity inside a home. While the kitchen sink can certainly bring humidity, other sources such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and cooking can bring unwanted humidity as well.

Using a dehumidifier in your kitchen is all about tracking down the source of humidity so you can target that area.

For instance, if the source of humidity is the kitchen sink, then placing a small dehumidifier next to the sink is optimal. Or if your kitchen gets humid when you cook, then using a dehumidifier near the stove will help keep your air dry.

No matter where you put the dehumidifier, remember that maintaining airflow is important. So you don’t want to place it in a corner or in a tight space.

Dehumidifier placement for basements

High humidity in basements is a common occurrence. This is because basements are underground – so they are vulnerable to water seepage through the walls.

Most basements also lack adequate ventilation. Moisture-containing appliances such as washers and water heaters are often located in basements. Humidity can build up quickly, especially when moist air is not allowed to ventilate to the outside.

Fortunately, a dehumidifier works well for most people to keep excess humidity out of their basement. Since most basements are small, enclosed spaces, it is usually not hard to manage the humidity inside the space.

Better yet, since many basements already have plumbing for their washing machines, you can drain your dehumidifier tank directly into the basement drain. This is important if you need your dehumidifier to operate continuously.

The basement is also a good place to put a dehumidifier because it is a discreet place that most visitors won’t see or hear.

If you have a large basement, make sure that your dehumidifier’s rating is enough to cover the area of your basement.

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Dehumidifier placement for living rooms

Living rooms are tricky when it comes to dehumidifier placement.

The Living room is usually the biggest room in your house, so ideally you will want the dehumidifier near the center of the room. However, a large portable dehumidifier in the center of the living room takes up a lot of valuable space.

If you are using your dehumidifier in your living room, then remember to find the source of humidity and place your dehumidifier close to it.

A common source of humidity in a living room is the front door. Humid outside air leaks in from the outside and brings moisture into your living area. If this is the case, then placing the dehumidifier near the front door will be most effective.

Above all, make sure you get a dehumidifier that is large enough to work effectively in your living room. The small dehumidifier used in your bathroom might not be strong enough to rid your entire living room of moisture.

Dehumidifier placement for bedrooms

One of the most important reasons for maintaining the correct humidity levels in your bedroom is your health. Having proper humidity levels will help you sleep better and will reduce the number of allergens present in the air.

Bedrooms are not usually prone to high humidity. However, leaky windows can change all that.

Cracks around windows allow moist outside air to infiltrate your bedroom, raising the humidity. Houseplants can also contribute to humidity in a bedroom.

Because of the relatively small size, the most important factor for bedroom dehumidifier placement is to ensure that it gets sufficient airflow.

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Where should you place your dehumidifier?

Placing your dehumidifier near the center of the room is always a good place to start– you will have wide room coverage and unobstructed airflow.

One thing to keep in mind is that dehumidifiers contain a tank that gradually fills up with water. So don’t place a dehumidifier near any electronics such as power strips, or on something that you don’t want to get wet.

It is rare that a dehumidifier leaks on the ground– but you want to make sure that nothing gets damaged in case it does.

You will also need to eventually empty the dehumidifier’s tank. So be sure that the tank is accessible.

Alternatively, some dehumidifiers allow you to connect a hose to drain the tank automatically. If you want to set up your dehumidifier for continuous draining, you’ll need to use the hose to direct condensate down the drain, our outside your home.

Remember that a dehumidifier is a piece of machinery, so you need to maintain it. Keep your dehumidifier clean and away from sources of dirt and dust. A clean dehumidifier will function properly and efficiently.

Final thoughts

Figuring out where to place your dehumidifier is not a hard task, but it is crucial for the proper dehumidification of your home.

Above all, remember to isolate the humidity sources, and get a properly sized dehumidifier for the room that you’re using it in.

When it’s finally time to start up your dehumidifier, make sure that it has unobstructed airflow for maximum room coverage. That’s all there is to it!

So you have finished reading the how to install whole house dehumidifier in basement topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: honeywell whole house dehumidifier, whole house dehumidifier installation, trane dehumidification in hvac systems, hvac dehumidifier installation, do i need a whole house dehumidifier, aprilaire whole house dehumidifier installation, small ducted dehumidifier, whole house dehumidifier pros and cons

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