My basement is usually damp but not to bad so I have been putting off buying a dehumidifier but now with all of the rain we have been having and the high humidity there are puddles forming in my basement from the dampness. I have searched online and found some varying in price range One of the ones I found was a Santa fe brand that was like $1200 and on the opposite end was a whirlpool for $230 but price really does not matter as long as it will last. The basement is open and about 1800 square feet so you guy's have an idea of size and I have drain's in the floor so capacity is not an issue. Thank's in advance
Dehumidifier recommendation's?
- Thread starter WhyNot
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JDgreen227
Super Member
Puddles on the floor....do you know if it's condensation from the humidity or do you have water seeping in from below the slab? If the cause is water seepage then a dehumidifier is only a temporary remedy. About service life, back in 1989 I bought a 40 pint per day Kenmore dehumidifier, it's never needed any service except cleaning and a new power cord. The problem with it is, the coils would ice up whenever the basement got below 65 degrees. It did the job, but many times you had to shut it off to let the ice melt from the coils so it would operate properly.
Two years ago I bought a 40 pint replacement dehumidifier from Menards, brand name is Fedders, and it's just a rebranded Whirlpool. The model I bought will operate down to a claimed 42 degrees before it ices up, if you can believe the packing box claims. I use it to dehumidify about the same square footage you have, and while I have floor drains, don't empty the water pan into them. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think why dump the water where some of the vapor will just go thru the dehumidifier again? I use it for irrigation outside.
One problem about running a dehumidifier full time is the impact on your electric bill...it's akin to running a small air conditioner.
Two years ago I bought a 40 pint replacement dehumidifier from Menards, brand name is Fedders, and it's just a rebranded Whirlpool. The model I bought will operate down to a claimed 42 degrees before it ices up, if you can believe the packing box claims. I use it to dehumidify about the same square footage you have, and while I have floor drains, don't empty the water pan into them. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think why dump the water where some of the vapor will just go thru the dehumidifier again? I use it for irrigation outside.
One problem about running a dehumidifier full time is the impact on your electric bill...it's akin to running a small air conditioner.
ByronBob
Veteran Member
Geez,
I bought a cheap model many years ago and have done next to nothing for maint on it and it still goes. A few $$ should be enough. I can't see 1200 for one.
Any de-hu is better than none at all.
I bought a cheap model many years ago and have done next to nothing for maint on it and it still goes. A few $$ should be enough. I can't see 1200 for one.
Any de-hu is better than none at all.
THS
Bronze Member
Whynot,
I bought one of the Santa Fe units a few years ago. Although it was expensive, it keeps my basement dry. I had a 40 pint/day smaller unit that kept freezing up in my basement. So it was drawing power and not doing a darn thing. It got so damp at times that pages in some of my books were sticking together downstairs. Nothing wrong with the house, just the nature of the beast where I live.
I figured a high capacity system was worth it if it meant peace of mind knowing the basement would keep dry.
And no, not all humidifiers are created equal. This one is a true workhorse!! It keeps my house fairly comfortable, even if it's not a ducted-setup like they recommended. My house is a 3500 sq ft 2-story house with a walkout finished basement. I think my Sahara Santa fe was worth every penny!
I bought one of the Santa Fe units a few years ago. Although it was expensive, it keeps my basement dry. I had a 40 pint/day smaller unit that kept freezing up in my basement. So it was drawing power and not doing a darn thing. It got so damp at times that pages in some of my books were sticking together downstairs. Nothing wrong with the house, just the nature of the beast where I live.
I figured a high capacity system was worth it if it meant peace of mind knowing the basement would keep dry.
And no, not all humidifiers are created equal. This one is a true workhorse!! It keeps my house fairly comfortable, even if it's not a ducted-setup like they recommended. My house is a 3500 sq ft 2-story house with a walkout finished basement. I think my Sahara Santa fe was worth every penny!