The Best Whole House Dehumidifier – Reviews and Ratings

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Justin Williams

Whole house dehumidifiers work by pulling excess moisture in the air and then filtering cool and dry air back into the atmosphere.

Having a dehumidifier in your home has several benefits to offer especially when you’re living in a humid climate or if your kids are vulnerable to common household allergens. Whatever the reason, picking the best whole-house dehumidifier can be a perplexing task.

But worry not because we’ve got you covered. To help you pick the right product, we’ve listed down what to look for in dehumidifiers as well as some of the best brands available in the market today

The best dehumidifier for whole house in this roundup is the Aprilaire E100 Pro. Keep reading to find out why we made this choice.

Things to Look for in Buying the Most Efficient Whole House Dehumidifiers

whole house dehumidifier reviews

With the vast number of features available in today’s dehumidifiers, having a standard set of criteria can help a great deal in choosing the right one for your household needs. When buying a dehumidifier, the general rule is to look at its capacity to hold water, energy efficiency, price range, and noise output.

According to the U.S Department of Energy, the two most important standards for the best dehumidifier nowadays are the capacity and the energy efficiency (Energy Star certificate)

Energy Efficiency

Believe it or not, many dehumidifiers nowadays consume so much power to the point that it can singlehandedly double your electric bills. Make sure to check the system’s EPA-issued Energy Star certification, which allows you to save up to $200 monthly in electricity bills.

  • Expert Tip: One of the highest rated in terms of energy efficiency is Ultra-Aire XT 105H, which has water removal capacity of 105 pints per day. However, the Ultra-Aire XT 105H was discontinued for a few years so the Aprilaire E100 Pro may be the best choice in 2024

Capacity

Now, dehumidifiers also come in various sizes and capacity to hold water – a decision which can be based on the size of your house. Non-ducted dehumidifiers can usually handle small to mid-sized houses or apartments while ducted air cooling machines that can hold up to 100+ pints per day can cover larger areas.

  • Expert Tip: For condo-type households of up to a 500 square feet, a non-ducted or a portable dehumidifier with 40-45 pints of water removal capacity is just about enough to cover your needs. Other spaces such as a pool house or a basement may need specially designed dehumidifiers with higher water removal capacities.

Price Range

Anyone looking to purchase household appliances is almost always interested in having the best value for their money. Check the price tag first.

  • Expert Tip: Rethink your calculation whenever you’re tempted to buy the cheapest brand. Perhaps spending a little more can actually save you a great deal better in the long-term in terms of electricity consumption.

Noise Output

Let’s face it, some dehumidifiers tend to be too noisy as it produces an annoyingly buzzing sound in the process of evaporating water into air. With active dehumidifiers open in most parts of the day, a buzzing sound can be unpleasant to the ears.

Now that you have an idea of what to look for in the best dehumidifiers in the market, we took the liberty of listing down the top 5 best whole house dehumidifiers based on the criteria we have set above. While these products are rated from 1 to 5, the best product for you will still depend on your needs.

Let’s jump right into our top picks for 2024:

Rank

Model

Energy Star rated

Water Extraction

Noise Output

Editor Ratings

#1

Yes

100 pints per 24 hrs

Minimal

#2

No

120 pints per 24 hrs

Normal

#3

No

120 pints per 24 hrs

Minimal

#4

Yes

70 pints per 24 hrs

Average

#5

Yes

80 pints per 24 hrs

Average


#1. AprilAire E100 Pro Whole House Dehumidifier (Best Ducted Whole House Dehumidifier)

AprilAire E100 Pro 100 Pint Whole House Dehumidifier review

The AprilAire E100 Pro is a powerful dehumidifier designed for large homes, particularly those with hardwood floors, mold and mildew issues, and high humidity levels. This unit is easy to install and can be tied into an existing HVAC system, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to reduce humidity and improve air quality throughout their homes.

One of the most impressive features of the AprilAire E100 Pro is its ability to reduce humidity quickly and effectively. Based on our tests, it was able to lower the home's humidity level from 70% to 55% within just 48 hours. This resulted in a reduction of the mildew smell, improved air quality, and overall comfort in the home.

Another benefit of the AprilAire E100 Pro is that it is incredibly quiet. Many clients state that the unit runs all the time, but they cannot hear it, indicating that it is not disruptive to daily life.

However, the AprilAire E100 Pro may come with a higher price tag than other dehumidifiers on the market. That's also the only downside of the product.

Overall, the AprilAire E100 Pro is the best ducted dehumidifier for homeowners who want to reduce humidity and improve the air quality in their homes. Its quick and effective results, quiet operation, and ability to tie into an existing HVAC system make it a standout product.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 9 x 26 x 15 inches
  • Weight: 64 lbs
  • Moisture Removal Capacity: 100 pints/day
  • Energy Star Rating: Not certified
  • Noise Output: Minimal
  • 5-year Warranty
  • Price Range: $$$$

What We Liked

  • Quick and effective at reducing humidity
  • Can be tied into an existing HVAC system
  • Quiet operation
  • Great for large homes

What We Didn't Like

98 /100
Our Ratings

ALORAIR 120 PPD Commercial Dehumidifiers with Pump review

The ALORAIR 120 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier is a highly recommended unit for spaces that suffer high levels of humidity. This dehumidifier is designed to handle tough conditions, able to remove up to 120 pints of excess moisture from the air per day, making it a highly effective tool for spaces with water damage, like basements, crawl spaces and whole house.

One of the standout features of the ALORAIR 120 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier is the built-in pump with a continuous drainage hose. This allows the unit to automatically empty collected water, making it more convenient for users who do not want to manually empty the water reservoir repeatedly.

The dehumidifier also has a variety of features that make it easy to use, including an automatic defrost for low temperatures and a memory starting function in case of a power outage. The unit also comes with a 5-year warranty, which assures users of its premium quality.

However, a drawback of this dehumidifier is its noise level. Some users claim that it may be louder than desirable. Plus, it is not Energy Star rated, meaning it is not really energy-efficient.

Overall, the ALORAIR 120 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier is a reliable and efficient device for use in spaces with humidity control issues. With its unique pumping and continuous drainage systems, it offers convenience to its users. The numerous beneficial features and warranty provided help make this product an excellent investment for both commercial and home use, as it ensures the safety of your premises and prolonged functioning of the product.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.2 x 13.3 inches
  • Weight: 57.3 lbs
  • Moisture Removal Capacity: 120 pints/day
  • Energy Star Rating: No
  • Noise Output: Normal
  • 5-year Warranty
  • Price Range: $$$

What We Liked

  • Remove up to 120 pints of excess moisture per day
  • Built-in pump and continuous drainage
  • Memory starting function in case of a power outage
  • Automatic defrost for low temperature

What We Didn't Like

  • Some customer reviews suggest a higher noise level than desirable.
  • May not be energy efficient.
98 /100
Our Ratings

Abestorm Crawl Space Dehumidifier review

The Abestorm 120 Pint Dehumidifier is a heavy-duty commercial-grade machine that is both sturdy and transportable. Its utilitarian design is complemented by a strong and projection-free case that makes it easy to move around, making it suitable for both temporary and permanent installations.

Upon unboxing and first use, the dehumidifier proved to be relatively quiet, with fan noise comparable to that of a window air conditioner and a nearly inaudible compressor. Testing the machine, the dehumidifier was able to reduce the relative humidity from 51% to 43% in just an hour, and cycled at reasonable intervals as local humidity returned to ambient levels.

However, while the Abestorm 120 Pint Dehumidifier may be a solid machine, there are some disadvantages that potential customers should also consider. Firstly, the drainage system needs to be checked carefully to avoid blocking the flow of condensate and potentially flooding the unit, an issue mentioned in the instructions. Secondly, some customers have expressed concerns over the warranty terms, which exclude consumables such as "switches" and "valves", which could affect a user's ability to self-service and potentially void the warranty if attempted.

In summary, the Abestorm 120 Pint Dehumidifier is a solidly built and effective machine that is suitable for whole house use. Its transportable design and quiet operation make it ideal for both temporary and permanent installations, and it is capable of reducing humidity levels quickly and efficiently.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 11.9 x 19.3 x 13.7 inches
  • Weight: 51 lbs
  • Moisture Removal Capacity: 120 pints/day
  • Noise Output: Minimal
  • Standard industry warranty of up to 5 years
  • Price Range: $$$

What We Liked

  • Heavy-duty commercial-grade machine
  • Large capacity
  • Transportable design
  • Quiet operation

What We Didn't Like

  • Drainage system needs careful checking to avoid blocking
  • Warranty terms exclude certain consumables.
88 /100
Our Ratings

Honeywell Smart WiFi Energy Star Dehumidifier review

The Honeywell TP70AWKN is a portable whole house dehumidifier that is perfect for apartments. Its powerful performance effectively removes moisture and helps in protecting walls, curtains, furniture, and appliances, as well as maintains the freshness of food and accelerates the drying of laundry. This dehumidifier is also practical and versatile, with many benefits outside of just using it in basements or the whole apartment.

One of the key benefits of the Honeywell TP70AWKN is its compact size. It is a compact yet powerful device that can remove up to 70 pints of moisture every day. It is also very practical and versatile, which means that it can work in multiple settings outside of basement use.

Another great feature of the Honeywell TP70AWKN is its energy-efficient design. With an Energy Star certification, it uses less energy than traditional dehumidifiers, saving consumers money on their energy bills.

Additionally, the Honeywell TP70AWKN is user-friendly and comes with easy-to-use controls, making it simple for homeowners to operate and customize it to their needs. It also has a washable air filter, making it easy to maintain.

However, some customers have reported issues with the water tank, which can fill up relatively quickly and require frequent emptying. There have also been reports of the device producing noise, which can be an issue for those using it in smaller apartments.

In summary, the Honeywell TP70AWKN is an excellent appliance for those looking for a dehumidifier that is perfect for apartments. It is packed with features that make it practical and versatile, while its energy-efficient design helps homeowners save money on their energy bills. The weak point of the device could be the noise output and frequent emptying of the water tank, but these downsides, nevertheless, don't overshadow the overall value of the Honeywell TP70AWKN.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 15.7 x 12.4 x 25.4 inches
  • Weight: 41.1 lbs
  • Moisture Removal Capacity: 70 pints/day
  • Energy Star Rating: Yes
  • Noise Output: Average
  • 5-year Warranty
  • Price Range: $$

What We Liked

  • Compact size with powerful performance
  • Energy Star certified
  • Easy-to-use controls and washable air filter

What We Didn't Like

  • Frequent emptying of the water tank
  • Produces noise during operation
86/100
Our Ratings

#5. Waykar 80 Pints Energy Star Dehumidifier for Whole House (Best Whole House Dehumidifier without Ducts)

Waykar 80 Pints Energy Star Dehumidifier review

The Waykar 80 Pint dehumidifier is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient device to remove excess moisture from their whole house. With a rating of up to 5,000 Sq. Ft., it is suitable for large rooms and basements.

One of the most remarkable features of this portable whole house dehumidifier is its Energy Star certification, which means it is energy-efficient and can save you money on your electricity bill. It also features a 1.14-gallon water tank and a 3.3-foot drain hose to give you two different drainage options which match customer needs.

Another advantage of the Waykar 80 Pint dehumidifier is that it has a removable and washable air filter that effectively captures dust and other particles, making the air cleaner and healthier to breathe.

Its user-friendly design is also quite convenient. The unit has a clear LED display that shows the current humidity level and allows the user to set a desired level. This makes it easy to control and monitor the progress of dehumidification.

On the downside, some customers have commented that the cable of the device could be longer, limiting it to placement near power outlets. Additionally, some have reported the noise level to be higher than expected on maximum fan speed, although this is based on personal preference.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 9.84 x 13.39 x 21.86 inches
  • Weight: 31 lbs
  • Moisture Removal Capacity: 80 pints/day
  • Energy Star Rating: Yes
  • Noise Output: Average
  • Extended Warranty 4 years
  • Price Range: $$$

What We Liked

  • Suitable for large home and apartments up to 5,000 sq. ft
  • Energy Star certified
  • Washable air filter & standard LED display
  • Drain hose included

What We Didn't Like

  • Power cable may be too short
  • Maximum fan speed can be louder than desired for some users
84 /100
Our Ratings

Tell-tale Signs You Need to Buy the Best Whole Home Dehumidifier

Whether you live in an apartment building, a condominium, or a suburban paradise, humidity can still get the best of us. From molds, mildew, dust mites, poor ventilation and unwanted smells, here are some tell-tale signs that tell you when you need to buy a dehumidifier:

  • Mold spores – Look out for small black spots that usually develop in highly humid areas such as your bathroom, laundry room or basement. These small black spots are most likely mold spores that can easily be eliminated with a high quality dehumidifier.
  • Unpleasant smells – High humidity areas are the perfect breeding grounds for must and mildew. These fungal growth spores are usually a thin whitish coating in appearance and can cause unpleasant odors.
  • Water stains – Unwanted water stains usually appear on wooden walls and ceilings, especially in humid areas. Without a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, these water stains can easily erode wooden panels in your household.
  • Poor ventilation – The best tell-tale sign that you need to buy a dehumidifier right now is when your house or apartment has poor or no ventilation at all. Having a dehumidifier allows air to flow smoothly while controlling humidity levels which can cause harm in the long-term especially for children.
  • Water condenses on windows – Another sign that your house needs humidity control is when you notice water droplets condensing on your window panes. When water condensation appears, it’s most likely that your house is near to inhospitable due to high humidity levels.

People Also Ask

How does whole house dehumidifier work?

A whole house dehumidifier is designed to manage humidity levels across your entire home and works in conjunction with your existing heating and cooling system. It functions by drawing in air from your living area, extracting its moisture, and then circulating this drier air back into your home.

This operation involves a fan, a compressor, and coils. The humid air is guided over the cool coils where the moisture condenses and gets collected. The now dehumidified air is reheated to room temperature before being distributed back into your living area via the HVAC system.

How to install whole house dehumidifier?

The installation of a whole-house dehumidifier involves several crucial steps such as:

  1. Attaching a flexible return-air duct to the port on one end of the dehumidifier
  2. Fastening this duct to roof framing with plastic straps
  3. Creating an exclusive return duct for the dehumidifier
  4. Linking up the dehumidifier to the HVAC supply plenum of your home for reintroducing dry air into the system.

It's vital that you install this device correctly for it to work optimally and efficiently. For comprehensive installation guidelines, you should refer to instructions provided by manufacturers or get in touch with an expert.

Can I install a whole house dehumidifier without ducts?

While standard installation of a whole-house dehumidifier necessitates integration with existing ductwork for distributing dry air throughout your home, there are alternatives if installing ductwork isn't feasible.

Ductless versions are available but may not be as effective at treating all areas of your home.

In such situations, it's advisable to seek professional advice based on specific needs and layout of your home.

How much to install a whole house dehumidifier?

Costs related to installing such devices can vary greatly depending on aspects like your home's size, the type of unit, installation complexity, and local labor rates.

The whole house dehumidifier costs could range from a few hundred dollars for just the unit to several thousand dollars when professional installation is included. To get an accurate quote, it's recommended to consult with a local HVAC expert.

How long do whole house dehumidifiers last?

While it can vary, whole-house dehumidifiers generally last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. Factors influencing this lifespan include the quality of the unit, how well it's maintained, and its usage frequency.

Regular maintenance and correct installation can contribute to extending a dehumidifier's life. Furthermore, manufacturers might offer warranties that provide an idea of anticipated lifespan and cover any potential early issues.

The Final Verdict: Which One is the Most Efficient Whole House Dehumidifier?

The clear winner of this dehumidifier product roundup is the Aprilaire Whole House Dehumidifier. While it falls on the expensive side of the price range, this product is the most energy efficient choice complete with a quiet exhaust fan and a high-performing moisture removal capacity perfect even for larger households.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, the ALORAIR 120 PPD Whole House Dehumidifier provides a more than satisfactory moisture removal capacity. With a relatively lower energy efficient rating compared to Aprilaire, this dehumidifier is more appealing to the pocket and delivers a high quality performance.

Lastly, smaller houses located in condominiums and apartment complexes can avail of the Honeywell and Waykar portable dehumidifiers. Its 70 to 80 pint moisture removal capacity can cover more than enough of your living room all for a cheaper price.

Whether you’re living in a 2,000 square foot mansion or a small bungalow apartment, dehumidifiers have far-reaching benefits for you and your entire family. From lesser risk of allergen exposure to better air ventilation, any of these best whole home dehumidifiers can and will address your needs.

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