Dehumidification

Using a dehumidifier is your best defense in the fight against high humidity conditions. Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air to avoid mold, mildew, and uncomfortable conditions. This dehumidifier buying guide will help you find the best dehumidifier for your space.

• Why Use A Dehumidifier

• Where a Dehumidifier Works Best

• Finding The Right Size Dehumidifier 

• Draining Your Dehumidifier

• Features To Look For

• Noise Level

• Dehumidifier Maintenance

• How  Do Dehumidifiers Work?

 

Why Use A Dehumidifier 

Simply put, dehumidifiers help reduce moisture in the air, making your home feel less sticky, more comfortable, and better protected against mold growth. When indoor humidity climbs above 60%, things can get uncomfortable—and even unhealthy. Ideally, keeping humidity levels between 50% and 55% creates a fresher, more balanced living environment. Here’s how a dehumidifier helps:

• Stops Mold Before It Starts: Lower humidity keeps mold and mildew from taking hold in the first place, especially in warm, damp areas where they thrive.

• Eases Allergy Symptoms: Too much moisture can trigger flare-ups of allergies by encouraging the growth of dust mites, mold, and airborne bacteria.

• Keeps Pests at Bay: Many unwanted bugs—like roaches, spiders, and silverfish—are drawn to damp spaces. Dehumidifiers make your home far less inviting to them.

• Supports Your Air Conditioner: A drier home feels cooler. Running a dehumidifier lets your AC focus on cooling, not battling humidity, improving efficiency and comfort.

• Protects Your Home’s, Spa's, Indoor Pool and Commercial premise's Structure: High humidity, especially in basements or crawl spaces, can cause real damage over time—warped floors, weakened support beams, and rotting wood included.

Where a Dehumidifier Works Best

A dehumidifier can make a noticeable difference in many parts of your home. Whether you're dealing with damp air or just want to improve comfort, here are some of the most common spots to use one:

• Basement areas

• Crawl spaces

• Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms

• Bedrooms

• Garages and home workshops

• Indoor pool rooms and spa spaces

• Commercial Environments

 

Finding the Right Dehumidifier Size

When selecting a dehumidifier, size refers to how much moisture it can remove from the air within a 24-hour period—measured in pints. To make choosing the right size easier, take a look at our quick-reference sizing chart below:

Basement, Crawl Space, and Whole House Dehumidifier Sizing Guide Building Condition 70–80 Pints 75–100 Pints 100–155 Pints Loosely Sealed up to 1,800 sq. ft. up to 2,200 sq. ft. up to 3,600 sq. ft. Moderately Sealed up to 2,200 sq. ft. up to 2,600 sq. ft. up to 4,000 sq. ft. Tightly Sealed up to 2,600 sq. ft. up to 3,000 sq. ft. up to 4,400 sq. ft

 

Dehumidifier testing standards changed in 2020. Dehumidifiers are now tested in colder temperatures, which lowers their total pint capacities compared to older models. Learn more about the most recently updated dehumidifier testing standards (2020). 

Draining Your Dehumidifier

Refrigeration-based dehumidifiers need a way to dispose of the moisture they collect. That’s where drainage comes into play. There are three common options: you can empty the water bucket by hand, connect a hose for gravity drainage, or install an external condensate pump to handle the job automatically.

Do You Need to Drain a Dehumidifier?

Yes—when a dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air, that water has to go somewhere. It collects in an internal reservoir or bucket. Since the bucket has limited capacity, you’ll need to empty it regularly unless it’s set up to drain automatically.

How Often Should You Drain It?

That depends on a couple of factors: the size of your dehumidifier and how humid your space is. The more moisture in the air, the faster the bucket fills up. In high-humidity environments, you might need to empty it frequently; in drier conditions, less often.

Ways to Drain Your Dehumidifier

There are three main ways to deal with the collected water:

• Manual Drainage: Simply remove and empty the bucket by hand.

• Gravity Drainage: Connect a hose to let water flow out on its own.

• Condensate Pump: Ideal for setups where gravity drainage isn’t possible—pumps the water out automatically.

Manual Condensate Removal

The easiest way to get rid of the collected water is to manually empty the condensate bucket when it becomes full. Almost all dehumidifiers are equipped with an illuminated alert when the bucket is full, and the unit will shut down when this happens. Simply remove the bucket from the unit, empty it, and replace it.

Gravity Draining

To set up gravity draining:

• Find the drain port on the back of the unit.

• Unscrew the drain plug that connects to your dehumidifier.

• Attach a hose (typically not included with purchase; a standard garden hose can be used).

If your unit doesn't include a drain hose, then a standard garden hose fits most dehumidifiers. The key to this type of draining is that it only works using gravity, so your hose has to lead to a floor drain or other location that’s below the drain port. Some customers improve drainage by raising their dehumidifier onto another flat surface. A table is ideal, but it needs to be large, flat, and able to hold the weight of your dehumidifier. If you want to use this method, check your setup to make sure the dehumidifier is draining properly.

Condensate Pumps

The most hassle-free way to automatically drain your dehumidifier is with a condensate pump, and many dehumidifiers come with internal condensate pumps. Most pumps push water up to 15 feet vertically or horizontally and will easily reach a sink or out of a window. Some customers even pump moisture out through doors by cutting a small hole through the door and extending the hose through it to direct water outside.

• Internal Condensate Pump: If your dehumidifier comes with an internal pump, you can expect a drain hose specifically made for your model to be included. Simply attach one end to the drain port and direct the other end to an appropriate drain location. This can include a sink, a drain access port, or a window. When the bucket fills to the predetermined level, the pump is activated and begins to operate.

• External Condensate Pump: If you already have a dehumidifier that doesn't include an internal pump, you can add an affordable external condensate pump. These are simple to set up:

  • Attach a hose to the back of the dehumidifier.

  • Direct the end of the hose to the external pump.

  • Attach the hose included with the pump and direct the other end to an appropriate drain location.

When the pump is full of water, it activates and pushes water up and out of the unit. Once you set it up, review it to make sure the water is making it to your desired location. All manufacturers we partner with agree on one key point: don’t extend the drain hose. It might seem like a quick fix, but doing so can lead to issues—and may even void your warranty.

Dealing With Leaks or Pump Troubles

If you’re using the dehumidifier’s built-in pump, the unit is designed to detect a malfunction and will shut itself off automatically to prevent damage. However, if you're relying on an external condensate pump, keep in mind there’s no electronic link between it and your dehumidifier. That means the unit won’t know if the pump fails—so always double-check that everything’s working properly before leaving it unattended. 

Where do you drain water from a dehumidifier?

You’ve got a few options when it comes to draining condensate:

• Into a floor drain

• Out a nearby window

• Through a wall drain port

• Or any other suitable outlet the hose can reach

If your dehumidifier has a pump, you can also drain the water vertically or horizontally to higher locations like a sink or window. Tip: Most built-in or external pumps can push water about 15 to 17 feet in either direction. Always check your model’s specs and test the setup if you'll be running it for extended periods.

What can I do with water from a dehumidifier?

Not sure what to do with the collected moisture? Instead of pouring it down the drain, you can:

• Water houseplants

• Rinse off your car

• Tackle other light cleaning tasks

Just a heads-up: this water isn’t safe to drink—for humans or pets. That’s a common question, and the answer’s always no.

 

Features To Look For

Convenient features in residential dehumidifiers are as follows

• Built-In Humidistat: This smart feature keeps humidity levels just where you want them. It automatically turns the unit on or off based on the conditions—no constant adjustments needed. Plus, it helps save energy over time.

• Customizable Timer: Set the dehumidifier to start or stop based on your schedule, giving you more control over operation and energy use.

• Multiple Modes & Fan Speeds: Adjust the settings to suit your space. Whether you need a quick dry-out or light maintenance, there’s a mode and speed for that.

• Easy to Move: With integrated handles and rolling casters, relocating your dehumidifier from room to room is a breeze.

• Auto-Restart Function: After a power outage, the unit turns itself back on with your previous settings intact—especially useful in places like basements where you may not check often.

• Built-In Condensate Pump (Commercial Models): Unlike residential units with water tanks, many commercial or industrial models come equipped with internal pumps to handle higher moisture volumes more efficiently.

 

Noise Level

Most dehumidifiers—especially those with built-in compressors and fans—naturally generate some noise as they move air through the unit. The amount of noise can vary widely depending on the model.

Some brands promote “quiet operation,” which typically means they’ve added noise-reducing features like fan insulation or smoother motor designs to keep things quieter.

Understanding Sound Levels

Noise is measured in decibels (dB), and here’s a helpful reference to put those numbers in perspective:

Most dehumidifiers land in the 40–50 dB range, which is audible but still easy to talk over. For context:

• 0–30 dB: Very quiet

• 31–60 dB: Generally quiet

• 61–80 dB: Can become irritating

• Above 80 dB: May pose a risk to hearing over time

 

Dehumidifier Maintenance

Taking care of your dehumidifier is the best way to protect your investment and keep it running efficiently for years to come. The owner's manual is your go-to guide—it usually includes helpful maintenance tips, a parts list for replacements, and step-by-step instructions.

Here are a few key care practices to keep in mind:

• Clean or replace the air filter as needed

• Drain the unit before storing it for the season

• Wipe down the dehumidifier and empty the water reservoir regularly

• Refer to the manual for troubleshooting tips

• Keep warranty service contact info on hand

A well-maintained dehumidifier can last anywhere from 3 to 15 years. Regular upkeep not only keeps it performing at its best but can also significantly extend its lifespan.

How  Do Dehumidifiers Work?

1. First, humid air is pulled into the dehumidifier through the high-efficiency air filter.

2. It then passes over the evaporator coil. The cold surface of the evaporator coil combined with the humid air forces water to condense and droplets to form on the coil.

3. This water then drops into the drain pan and runs out of the dehumidifier through the drain tube.

4. The now cold, dry air passes over the condenser coils and is heated. This warm, dry air is then supplied to the location(s) needing dehumidification.

 

Santa Fe Dehumidifiers

Santa Fe dehumidifiers are built to last, offering powerful and dependable humidity control even in the most demanding environments. Their product lineup includes freestanding dehumidifiers designed for basements and crawl spaces, along with HVAC-integrated ventilating units that manage moisture throughout the entire home. Proudly based in Madison, Wisconsin, every Santa Fe dehumidifier is engineered and assembled in the USA and comes with an industry-leading 6-year warranty.

Known for their superior energy efficiency, Santa Fe’s crawl space dehumidifiers consistently outperform competitors, delivering cost-effective operation that meets and exceeds energy standards. With high moisture removal capacities, easy drainage systems, and flexible installation options, these models are trusted to maintain safe, dry conditions in a variety of spaces.

 

Quest Dehumidifiers

Since 1977, Quest has been setting the standard for powerful, efficient moisture control. Engineered and assembled in Wisconsin, these American-made dehumidifiers are trusted by growers across greenhouses and indoor cultivation spaces to prevent issues like powdery mildew and maintain optimal humidity levels.

Designed for flexibility, Quest units can be installed overhead or used freestanding, and many feature built-in humidistats for accurate humidity management. Several models also meet California Title 24 standards for energy efficiency.

But Quest dehumidifiers go far beyond agriculture. They're also used in  sports facilities, gymnasiums, swimming pools, health spas, factories, auto shops, warehouses, self-storage facilities, commercial kitchens, schools, theaters, and multi-family buildings. With energy ratings up to 4.2 L/kWh and daily moisture removal capacities reaching 876 pints, they’re as tough as they are efficient.

From high-efficiency and high-capacity systems to portable and desiccant models, Quest offers a range of options to suit different needs. All models support simple onboard controls or can be integrated with external systems for greater automation and control.