Dehumidifying your basement is a crucial part of keeping it livable, pleasant, comfortable, and useful. With the enclosed spaces and less insulation, most humidifiers meant for your basement can often be loud and disruptive. Finding the best quiet dehumidifier for basement use can be tough and elusive. Lucky for you, we’ve made the research, real-world testing, and comparison so that you can cherry-pick from the best ones available today.
Noise levels in dehumidifiers depend on more than one component. The main noise undoubtedly comes from the compressor. But parts like the fan, intake location, and even the CFM can add to the noise in subtle ways. We performed tests and use-case scenarios on some of the top models before narrowing down on these options for the best quiet dehumidifier for the basement.
Sound and noise are only a part of the assessment, though. You don’t want your dehumidifier to be less noisy at the cost of its primary function – dehumidifying. So, we made sure that we only picked those models that could bring down and maintain optimum levels of humidity (30-50%).
Also, we considered other features such as bucket size, drainage system, affordability, space-saving designs, etc., and narrowed down on these models that scored well on all fronts.
TOSOT 35 Pint 3,000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier Energy Star: Overall Best Quiet Dehumidifier for Basement
Pros
- Option for both manual and continuous drainage.
- Energy Star rating
- Preset timer for desired humidity levels.
Cons
- Drain hose not included
When you’re in search of the best dehumidifier for your basement that’s still low on noise, there are a lot of features you’ll need. And if there’s one that fits the bill, it’s the TOSOT 35 Pint Dehumidifier. This unit comes with all the basic features as well as additional functions that make it more efficient, valuable, and superior to most other models in its category.
With a capacity of 35 pints per day, you can rest assured that the air around is optimally dehumidified for full comfort. The TOSOT 35 Pint Dehumidifier also comes with a space capacity of up to 3,000 sq. ft. So, there’s no worry about whether the machine can cover the length and breadth of your basement.
A special feature of the TOSOT 35 Pint Dehumidifier is that you can set a target humidity level for the room. The unit will automatically stop dehumidifying once it reaches this target. It allows you to maintain a specific level of humidity based on what your basement requires.
Also, you can connect a drain hose (3/4 inch) to the unit to ensure that there’s continuous drainage even when the appliance is in use. This way, you don’t have to worry about constantly draining the water manually. However, if you want to manually empty the contents, the 1.5-gallon water bucket ensures that you don’t have to drain it too frequently.
Finally, the Energy Star rating and the 50db max noise levels make it both energy efficient and a quiet appliance that causes minimal disturbance.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 14.76 x 11.38 x 24 inches |
|---|---|
| Fabric Type | Plastic |
| Assembly Required | No |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Warranty Description | 1-year warranty. |
| Included Components | 1x 35 pint dehumidifier |
Gocheer Upgraded Dehumidifier for Home: Best Lightweight Dehumidifier for Basement
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Low-noise emission (less than 40db)
- Auto-stop function when the bucket is full.
Cons
- No option for continuous drainage.
If you’re wondering which option counts as the best quiet dehumidifier for the basement, the Gocheer Upgraded Dehumidifier for Home is surely a great alternative. This compact yet powerful unit will deliver both efficiency and convenience for smaller basements.
Tested under 80% relative humidity and basement temperatures of 86°F, this appliance can remove as much as 1000ml of moisture from the surrounding air. With its space-saving design, you can shift it from your basement to the bathroom or large closet anytime. This makes the appliance incredibly portable and easy to take around with you. And you’ll have to do that anyway since the space coverage for this unit is about 480 sq. ft.
For added convenience, the Groocher Dehumidifier comes with an auto-stop function. The unit can turn itself off once the collected moisture reaches full capacity. Once the 2000ml bucket gets filled, a red light will appear, indicating that you can now empty the container.
The unit also comes with a semiconductor condensate technology that runs with better efficiency. With 360° airflow, you can ensure that every nook of the basement gets an equal dehumidifying effect.
The ultra-quiet compressor also runs at less than 40db of noise, which is about the same noise level as your average refrigerator.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 15 x 10 x 7 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Date First Available | April 15, 2020 |
hOmeLabs 1500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier
Pros
- It is suitable for an area of 1500 sq. ft.
- Turbo mode throttles the fan up to 118 CFM.
- User-friendly interface and display.
Cons
- Water bucket can hold only 0.8 gallons.
- Capacity of 22ppd is slightly lower than competing models.
The 1500 sq. Ft Dehumidifier by hOmeLabs is another unit that covers all the basics of a reliable dehumidifier. It’s affordable and convenient while still being efficient and effective in its task.
This unit offers three unique modes for your basement. One is the Comfort mode, where the appliance dehumidifies your basement based on the current air and moisture levels. The second is the Continuous mode which keeps dehumidifying the room without a specific target level. Finally, it has a Turbo mode where the fan spread increases for more intense moisture removal.
With a decent capacity of 22 pints per day, this 1500 sq. ft. dehumidifier will absorb the moisture from normal-sized basements given enough time. The container is relatively small, so you may have to empty it more frequently. However, if you purchase the bigger (4,500 sq. ft.) variant, you can opt for the model that comes with continuous drainage for extra convenience.
The interface on this appliance is also incredibly easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. Both the easy-to-press buttons and the clear digital display make it a pleasure to operate.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 15.2 x 10.2 x 19.7 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 30.5 pounds |
Colaze 30 Pint 2000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier: Best Feature-rich Dehumidifier for Basement
Pros
- A 6.5 ft. long drainpipe included with the unit for continuous drainage.
- Visualized humidity and touchscreen controls
- Options for manual and continuous drainage.
Cons
- Unit doesn’t work in temperatures below 41°F (5°C)
If you prefer a few additional features in your appliances, this dehumidifier by Colaze may be the perfect choice for you. Covering over 2000 sq. ft. with a capacity of 30 pints per day, the Colaze Dehumidifier is no pushover when you consider performance.
However, what sets it apart is the array of enhancing functions that come with it.
For one, the intelligent controls come with a touchscreen display where you have full control. Here, you’ll get a visualized indication of the air where blue shows humidity levels of 30% to 50%, green means 50% to 70%, and red warns of humidity levels over 70%. You can also set target levels within this progress bar. The dehumidifier will shut off automatically to save energy once it reaches the desired humidity levels.
The Colaze Dehumidifier also comes with a bi-directional function where you can determine the delay-on or delay-off with one-hour increments. This allows you to utilize the unit in a way that saves energy and optimizes power usage.
You also have options for both manual and continuous drainage. For manual drainage, the unit will beep and light up for around 20 seconds, indicating that the container is full. The dehumidifier will also shut down on its own so that no additional moisture gets collected during this time. For automatic drainage, you can connect the appropriate drain hose on the left side of the machine for the water to empty continuously.
Finally, this unit comes with a handy auto defrost function. During winter or low-temperature days, this feature ensures that your appliance does not get clogged with frozen water in the container.
Product Details:
| Package Dimensions | 21 x 11.4 x 11.4 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 25.1 pounds |
REEMKIZZ 35 Oz. Dehumidifier: Best Ultra-Quiet Dehumidifier for Basement
Pros
- Uses the Peltier Effect to keep noise ultra-low and quiet.
- Compact, lightweight, and easily portable.
- Color breathing mode with seven different colors.
Cons
- Lower capacity of 17 Oz. per day.
- Efficient only in smaller spaces.
The REEMKIZZ 35 Oz. dehumidifier is for those buyers who need an extra quiet environment downstairs. This unit will normally emit such low levels of noise that it won’t go beyond 35db. For context, your average library has about 40db of noise in normal conditions. So, if zero-noise and zero-disruptions are priorities for you, the REEMKIZZ 35 Oz. dehumidifier is a great alternative!
However, the ultra-noise level also comes at a cost. It means manufacturers cannot use the biggest compressors or fans. So, you’re left with less dehumidifying capacity compared to the other units on this list.
The transparent water container lets you keep track of how much moisture is being collected. And even if you’re away, the unit will shut down automatically once the container is full. You’ll also see a red light as an indication when it’s time to empty the container of the collected moisture.
A nice touch on the REEMKIZZ Dehumidifier is the Nightlight function. The collected water and container can display seven different colors in specific combinations. This feature makes it as much an item of décor as it is an appliance for dehumidifying.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 5.7 x 5.7 x 8.9 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 3 pounds |
AIRPLUS 30 Pints 1500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier: Most Versatile Quiet Dehumidifier for Basement
Pros
- Versatile dehumidifier usable in every room.
- Multiple modes for specific dehumidifying needs.
- Special Drying mode if you do your laundry in the basement.
Cons
- Continuous drainage provisions not available.
Buying a dehumidifier solely for your basement can seem like an unnecessary expense when you’re low on finances. But what if you could get a model that works well anywhere in the house? The AIRPLUS 30 Pints 1500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier is a unit that offers versatile features making it ideal for every room in the house, including, of course, the basement!
This AIRPLUS Dehumidifier comes with a capacity of 30 pints per day, which is an impressive level given how it’s suitable for over 1500 sq. ft. of space. The capacity was tested in temperatures around 86°F and relative humidity of about 90%. So, real-world applications may not be 30 PPD exactly.
The unit also offers four different modes based on where and how you want to use it. The Standard mode regulates the room’s relative humidity from 40% to 80%. You also have a Drying mode where you can rid the room of moisture for fresh laundry. There’s also a Raining mode and a Sleep mode for when you want a more relaxing atmosphere around you.
You also get a two-way function for setting timers. With this feature, you can preset the auto-start or stop functions for up to 24 hours for more convenience.
The smart control also indicates when the tank is full, and you can switch between different modes using the same interface.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 19.61 x 6.69 x 11.3 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 23 pounds |
Benefits of Basement Dehumidifiers
Helps Your AC Work More Efficiently
Humidity is generally higher during those hot summer months. This means more moisture in your home, especially in your basement. The excess moisture can often make its way inside the air conditioning units. The result is that your AC isn’t working at optimum capacity, and it uses more energy to work normally. The right dehumidifier will remove moisture from the basement air, making it easier for your AC to run efficiently.
Also, high humidity levels can make it seem as if the air is warmer than the actual basement temperature. Lowering the moisture levels with a dehumidifier means you won’t be cranking up your AC all the time.
Keeps Basement Dry and Free of Mold and Odors
Excessive moisture in your basement can lead to a number of problems and inconveniences. You’ll find that both the air and the contents of your basement seem damp all the time. Whether it’s laundry, furniture, home supplies, or an extra bedroom, you want your basement to avoid the hassles of dampish and watery air everywhere. And it is precisely what an ideal dehumidifier will do!
If you have any furniture or clothing downstairs, high moisture can increase the growth of molds and mildew. This means your basement will develop odors that are not only unpleasant but unhealthy too. Your dehumidifier doubles up as an agent that fights against these odors and molds.
Makes Basement More Comfortable
Your dehumidifier will simply turn your basement into a more livable and comfortable space. Humid and enclosed spaces like basements can trigger allergies, give you a stuffy nose, or cause sneezing and breathing issues. Other times, the moldy sights and smells of the space can put you off whenever you visit your basement. With the right dehumidifier, your basement and its contents will stay fresh and dry the whole year. This means you can turn it into a comfortable pad, a cozy guest room, a well-organized storage space, or whatever suits your fancy! When you find the best quiet humidifier for basement use, you’ll notice a whole new level of comfort and convenience in your home.
Considerations when Choosing a Quiet Dehumidifier for Basement
Basement Size
Most dehumidifier manufacturers will mention the maximum size where the unit will be effective. So, you will see everything from a 300 sq. ft. dehumidifier to a 5000 sq. ft. model. But it’s important to duly remember that these numbers come with certain conditions.
For instance, they assume that you’ll move your dehumidifier around the rooms or spaces for optimum effect. Plus, the real effect of these machines usually comes from their dehumidifying capacities, which are measured in pints per day (explained below).
However, it’s still good to know what the makers think is the maximum size the machine will be able to dehumidify.
Water Tank Capacity
The next feature to consider is the dehumidifier’s water tank capacity. Sometimes called the ‘condensate collection bucket’ or simply ‘bucket,’ it collects the moisture that your dehumidifier removes from the air. When it’s full, you’ll have to manually remove and empty the bucket before the machine runs again. There’s usually a beeping signal or indicator that announces itself when the collection is full.
The basic takeaway here is that a bigger bucket is usually better. It means you can leave your humidifier on for longer periods, and you spend less time emptying the contents. One workaround for tackling this problem is by getting a model that has continuous/automatic drainage (explained below).
Pints Per Day (PPD)
The PPD (Pints Per Day) reveals the approximate volume of humidity that your machine can remove from the air in a day. So, if your PPD is 20, it means your unit will take away about 20 pints of moisture from the basement’s air.
The best quiet humidifier for the basement isn’t necessarily the one with the highest PPD. That’s because higher capacity PPDs can often be louder because they work with more energy and intensity. So, if you buy a dehumidifier with 50 PPD, chances are, you won’t get the quietest model in the market.
Mid-level PPDs will usually suit you more if you’re using the machine in the basement. That’s because it isn’t the biggest room in the house.
Also, PPD measurements have changed over the years. The erstwhile standard was the 2012 DOE, which measured the machine’s capacity in 60% relative humidity and about 80°F. But these conditions seemed too far from normal home conditions. So, the 2019 DOE became the new standard where dehumidifying capacity was measured in 60% relative humidity and 65°F.
Energy Efficiency
Like any other appliance that runs on power, you want a dehumidifier that uses energy efficiently. Ordinarily, finding out the energy specs and resource consumption of these components is a specialized task not suited for the average homeowner. But fortunately, you have a widely trusted and government-backed standard that does this job for you – the Energy Star rating.
The Energy Star rating is an identifiable label that you’ll find in electrical appliances that have passed a rigorous set of requirements. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) sets guidelines and criteria that appliances must meet before earning this label. Generally, you can expect to potentially save about 30% more energy when using appliances with this label.
Ensure that your dehumidifier comes with this label. It’s a blue label with the words and logo of Energy Star clearly printed on the sticker.
Continuous Drainage
As mentioned above, bucket size and frequency of emptying the collected moisture is an important factor when choosing a humidifier for your basement. For the ultimate convenience, you can choose models that come with automatic drainage.
For some models, you can connect a pipe or hose to the unit, and the collected moisture will empty itself thanks to gravity. But this can be a tricky draining solution since basements are usually beneath ground level. In such cases, you can pick a model that comes with a pump. With these designs, the pump will continuously drain the collected water even as the dehumidifier continues working its magic. So, you get the advantage of a comfy basement without the hassles of emptying the bucket 3-4 times a day.
FAQs on Best Quiet Dehumidifier for Basement
Q. What makes a dehumidifier quiet?
A. Dehumidifiers come with two core components that emit most of the noise – the compressor and the fan. It’s normally the compressor that creates most of the sound, but the fan can also add to the noise. Low-noise dehumidifiers come with compressors and fans that are specially designed for less noise.
Q. Are quiet dehumidifiers energy efficient?
A. Yes. Dehumidifiers with low noise can be as energy-efficient as the louder ones. Look for the Energy Star rating that indicates that the machine is designed to use power efficiently.
Q. How many decibels does a quiet humidifier emit?
A. Normal humidifiers can often emit noises above 60db. For context, your average city traffic creates noise levels of 70db or more. Quiet humidifiers should restrict their noise levels to about 50db or less.
Closing Note
This comprehensive guide should assist you in choosing the best quiet dehumidifier for basement use, regardless of what type of home you live in.
The quality of air in your house is a crucial factor in ensuring the good health of your family members. And given how the basement can often get stuffy and moldy air, getting one of these is a must. Although each of these models comes with specific strengths and features, the TOSOT 35 Pint 3500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier is undoubtedly the frontrunner if you consider everything from low noise and performance to efficiency and aesthetics.