Best budget dehumidifier
Fighting excess moisture buildup in a home must be a priority. One must never neglect condensation and moisture accumulation indoors. Although it might seem harmless, with mildly uncomfortable humid weather, the problem can escalate quite quickly. Humidity levels that are not maintained come with a ton of dangerous and damaging side effects. To mention a few; dampness, wood rot, mold growth, mildew, musty odor, allergies, dust mites, condensation, etc.
The best way to tackle humidity is by investing in a suitable dehumidifier. The latest dehumidifiers are equipped with advanced features (not to forget Wi-Fi and voice control), that make dehumidification easy. In this article, we will take a close look at the best dehumidifiers on the market that fit within a comfortable budget. We trust you will be able to identify the unit that meets your needs most.
3 Key Takeaways:
🚀 A dehumidifier is the best way to balance the ideal humidity level of an area. Dehumidifiers are worth the investment in protecting a home or workspace against the hazards of high humidity.
🚀 Like most electrical equipment, dehumidifiers can be expensive depending on their brand, model, and features. However, in this article, we have a comprehensive list of the best dehumidifiers on a budget.
🚀 The hOmeLabs 4500 sq ft Energy Star-certified dehumidifier is the best-rated unit that delivers seamless performance at a great budget.
Investing in a dehumidifier: How much should you spend?
Before you invest in a dehumidifier you must thoroughly research the features and reviews on the unit. You must ensure that the dehumidifier is suitable for the square feet area you wish to cover, has adequate tank capacity, can carry out the collected water removal with multiple draining options, etc.
Depending on the model, brand, and features, one might spend anywhere between $150 to $400 for a dehumidifier unit. While residential dehumidifiers are less expensive, commercial dehumidifiers might be a lot more expensive. Installation costs of commercial dehumidifiers are also expensive when compared to residential dehumidifiers.
How we picked and tested
After careful analysis of the features and performance delivered by the best-selling dehumidifiers available on the market, we have picked out the units that offer both performance and fit within a budget.
Comparison of 6 best budget Dehumidifiers that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank:
Reviews:
1.hOmeLabs 4500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier- Best overall budget dehumidifier
Maintain the desired humidity level for your home effortlessly with the hOmeLabs 4500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier. This dehumidifier model has been rated as the best budget dehumidifier available in the market. it is packed with several advanced features that make it easy to remove excess moisture from the air. Suppose you are looking for an energy efficient dehumidifier that can conveniently balance the excess humidity levels indoors and improve the indoor air quality. In that case, this dehumidifier model from hOmeLabs is indeed the right choice.
Being equipped with the capacity to cover an area of up to 4,500 square feet, this is one of the best large-capacity dehumidifiers. The water tank capacity of this dehumidifier model is 1.6 gallons. The unit can extract excess moisture from the air at the rate of up to 50 pints per day. Like most dehumidifiers that come with a large capacity, this unit also has the ability to cover an entire home.
Being a modern dehumidifier, the hOmeLabs 4500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier has an attractive design. Despite being one of the most trusted large-capacity dehumidifiers, it does not appear to be an eyesore. It has a sleek build and compact body. It is easily portable with its built-in wheels and handle. The user-friendly LED display is another advantage of understanding how hOmeLabs dehumidifiers work. It is user-friendly to operate and the owner’s manual is simple.
The built-in pump compressor helps to remove moisture from the air. Another impressive feature in this unit, that makes it one of the best dehumidifiers to rely on is the adjustable fan speed settings. The Turbo Mode and the Normal Mode help to extract excess moisture from the air depending on the existing requirement of the room. If the room’s air is extremely humid and the air quality is poor, the dehumidifier is required to work harder. The highest fan speed setting of CFM 188 is adequate in the Turbo Mode and the regular fan speed setting of CFM 165 is set for the Normal Mode. Extract as much moisture from the air as necessary to meet the requirements only.
Water tanks with large capacity can be difficult to drain. However, that is not the case with this hOmeLabs Energy Star-certified dehumidifier. The built-in water tank is designed for manual and continuous drainage. You can pull out the drawer and simply remove the water bucket manually and empty the collected water within it into the sink. If this is not convenient, you can opt for continuous drainage options. By gravity drain feature, you can install a ⅝” diameter garden hose to the water bucket to continuously drain the collected water. Remember, the drainage hose is not included in the product and must be purchased separately. Continuous draining is best suitable for a 24-hour cycle.
The other features in this unit that make it the best 50-pint dehumidifier and an affordable dehumidifier to invest in are; Auto Shut Off, Auto Restart, Auto Defrost, Timer, Removable air filter, Energy Star certified design, and more. This best dehumidifier comes with indicator lights to denote when the water bucket is full. When the full tank capacity has been reached it will automatically shut down to prevent spills and damage to the unit. The Auto Restart comes in handy to restore operation with the previously saved settings before a power outage. The frost control sensor and Auto Defrost function are effective in protecting the coils from freezing.
Keeping the unit clean and maintaining the effectiveness of the air dehumidification process is simple. The removable air filter can be cleaned easily. In order to ensure that the air quality is good and free from allergens, dust mites, mold spores, microbes, etc., it is necessary to engage in frequent emptying of the water bucket and to clean the air filter once every 30 days. The Energy Star certification ensures that the unit will help you save money and energy.
Does the hOmeLabs 4500 sq ft meet the expectations that you have for the best dehumidifiers available on a budget? If yes, bring home this best dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air effectively.
Pros and Cons of hOmeLabs 4500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
- Rated as the best overall budget dehumidifier that is available in the market.
- Comes with the tank capacity and ability to cover an area of up to 4500 sq ft area.
- The best 50-pint dehumidifier that has a tank capacity of 1.6 gallons.
- The water bucket is designed to support frequent emptying. Can empty the water bucket manually and water removal can be done with a continuous drainage feature.
- The air filter is removable and washable to ensure perfect indoor air quality.
- Equipped with adjustable fan speed settings for removing moisture from the air as essential.
- One of the best Energy Star-certified high-capacity units available in the market.
2. Frigidaire 35 Pint Dehumidifier- Best budget dehumidifier for moderate rooms
The next unit that we have on the list is one of the best Frigidaire dehumidifiers that is suitable for small spaces and larger rooms as well. The Frigidaire 35-Pint Dehumidifier comes with a 35-pint moisture removal capacity. Despite being set aside as a small dehumidifier that seems to work only for smaller spaces, this unit, unlike the other dehumidifiers has the ability to cover an area of up to 4500 sq ft.
The water tank capacity of 2.11 gallons is sufficient to support 35 pints of moisture removal per day. The compact size and sleek design of this 35-pint dehumidifier make it portable and suitable for smaller spaces. In order to ensure that apart from maintaining the desired humidity levels of the area, and keeping the air free from allergens, mold spores, and dust mites, this unit also comes with a high-quality air filter. The air filter can be removed and cleaned to keep the unit filtering humid and warm air.
If you are looking for a unit that comes with custom humidity level control, this model among Frigidaire dehumidifiers is the best. You can set the desired humidity level with customizable settings to control how much moisture removal the unit must undertake. Frigidaire dehumidifiers work with high efficiency to maintain the humidity level of the area effortlessly.
Like water tanks in the other dehumidifier models, this Frigidaire dehumidifier also supports continuous drainage options. You can either empty the water bucket manually, or you can opt to continuously drain the unit by fixing a drain hose. With a continuous draining feature, set aside all worries about operating your 35-pint dehumidifier. Moreover, this unit is also designed to automatically shut down once the full tank capacity has been reached. This will prevent overflows or damage to the unit’s internal parts as well. The user-friendly handle and splash guard are other features that prevent spills while emptying the water tank. The multiple fan settings also help you control how much moisture removal is necessary.
If you are on the lookout for a small to medium-capacity dehumidifier to carry out energy-efficient moisture removal, bring home this Frigidaire dehumidifier which does not disappoint its users.
Pros and Cons of Frigidaire 35 Pint Dehumidifier
- One of the best small-capacity dehumidifiers to fulfill moisture removal in an area.
- A well-built medium-capacity dehumidifier that is suitable for small spaces and medium spaces.
- Equipped to maintain the desired humidity level of the room with its customizable controls.
- An affordable dehumidifier that has a continuous drainage feature and manual drainage support.
- Comes with a splash guard and the ability to automatically shut off to prevent spills.
- Equipped with 3 fan settings to dehumidify the space depending on how much moisture removal is required.
3. Waykar 2000 sq ft- Best smart budget dehumidifier
Waykar 2000 sq ft has been recognized as the best smart dehumidifier available in the market. Its smart features and performance make it an affordable dehumidifier to balance a healthy humidity level at home. Keep damp air away and improve indoor air quality by investing in the Waykar 2000 sq ft smart dehumidifier.
This smart dehumidifier is able to extract up to 34 pints of moisture from the room’s air. This makes it one of the most suitable small-capacity dehumidifiers for small spaces that have smart features as an additional benefit. This water removal capacity from humid and warm air makes this unit an ideal choice for bedrooms, kitchens, cellars, crawl spaces, etc. The ability to cover an area of up to 2000 sq ft requires water tank capacity to meet the needs, and this Waykar small dehumidifier achieves the same. The 0.66-gallon water tank capacity is adequate to support 34 pints of moisture removal per day.
You can rest assured that water removal from the water bucket can also be carried out seamlessly. Frequent emptying of the water tank can be done manually or with a drain hose that leads to a suitable outlet using the continuous drainage option. The unit is also equipped to Automatically shut down once the full tank capacity has been reached. Even if you fail to respond to the full tank indicator light, you can be confident that your unit will not overflow.
The 24-hour timer is an impressive function to enjoy present operation with heightened energy efficiency. One of the most appreciated smart features in this Waykar unit is the Intelligent Control. With this feature, this 34-pint dehumidifier will be able to sense the humidity levels in the surroundings and adjust moisture removal accordingly. The dehumidifier will automatically stop removing moisture once the set humidity level has been reached, and will also auto restart when moisture extraction is required if the humidity levels are high. The adjustable fan settings will help you to achieve dehumidification only to the required amount.
Auto Restart after a power outage to restore operation with the previously saved settings, washable air filters to ensure optimal performance, energy efficient dehumidification, 360 degrees rotating wheels for enhanced portability, user-friendly display screen, etc., are the specifications that make this unit one of the best small capacity dehumidifiers with smart features when compared to any other dehumidifier in the market.
Are you interested in the features built into the Waykar 2000 sq ft dehumidifier? If yes, invest in the dehumidifier immediately to have seamless and efficient dehumidification at any area.
Pros and Cons of Waykar 2000 sq ft Dehumidifier
- One of the best small dehumidifiers with 34-pint moisture removal capacity that is equipped with smart advanced features.
- Excellent choice to balance the ideal and healthy humidity levels within a room with quiet operation.
- Supports frequent emptying of the water tank. It comes continuous draining option and a manual draining option.
- Removing moisture from the air is carried out effortlessly with the help of the Intelligent Control feature and adjustable fan settings.
- Excess water removal from a humid environment is performed with energy efficiency.
4. Santa Fe Compact 70
The next unit that we have on the list is one designed especially for highly effective moisture removal from crawl spaces. The Santa Fe Compact 70 is a compact unit and rated as one of the best dehumidifiers available on a budget, that is designed for crawl spaces. If you are looking to carry out high-demand dehumidification in large crawl spaces, this unit is for you.
Santa Fe Compact 70 is one of the large capacity dehumidifiers that can seamlessly dehumidify basements and crawl spaces with an area of up to 2,200 sq ft. It is designed with a minimum performance of 5 pints/kWh and an Energy Factor of 2.4 L/kWh. Despite being able to deliver more dehumidification for less, Santa Fe Compact 70 ensures that the features built into it are also beneficial for the process.
Leave aside all worries about maintaining humidity in an area. With Santa Fe Compact 70, it is possible to set the desired humidity level from 20% to 80% by simply adjusting a knob. Draining the collected water from the environment can be done by using the external condensate pump. You can be confident that the two-stage filtration method present in Santa Fe Compact 70, which includes a foam pre-filter and a pleated MERV 13 filter, ensures that the air is kept free from allergens as well.
With Santa Fe Compact 70, you can control the level of excess water removal from the air. The fan operation can be set to either run continuously or only when the compressor runs. This feature is helpful in handling excess humidity levels in the space as required alone. Despite this power-packed dehumidification, the unit still delivers quiet operation. A sound level of 58 to 63 dB is generated from this dehumidifier, which is equivalent to a quiet conversation.
Auto Restart and Auto Defrost are two other impressive features that are built into this Santa Fe dehumidifier. Auto restart helps the dehumidifier to restore and continue the dehumidification process with the already saved settings after a power outage. Auto defrost will automatically shut off the unit and melt the ice build-up to protect the unit from damage.
Does the Santa Fe Compact 70 have the features you expect from a crawl space dehumidifier? Bring home this highly effective crawl space and basement dehumidifier to keep away excess humidity.
Pros and Cons of Santa Fe Compact 70
- One of the best dehumidifiers for any crawl space and finished basement that is in need of energy-efficient powerful dehumidification.
- User-friendly humidity and fan control settings.
- Equipped to cover an area of up to 2,200 sq ft with a minimum performance of 5 pints/kWh and an Energy Factor of 2.4 L/kWh.
- Provides two-stage air filtration to effectively keep the air clean from allergens and excess humidity.
- Water removal from the unit is supported by an external condensate pump that is available as an alternative to gravity draining.
- Comes with a durable power cord and an 8-foot drain hose.
- Auto restart and Auto defrost features ensure the smooth operation of the unit post a power outage and cold temperature dehumidification.
5. Pro Breeze 2200 Cubic Ft
Are you looking for the best small dehumidifiers available in the market to enjoy dehumidification on the go? The Pro Breeze 2200 Cubic Feet electric dehumidifier might be the right choice for you. The features and compact, yet durable build of this small dehumidifier make it an ideal choice for effortless portability. Despite being one of the small capacity dehumidifiers, this unit has highly effective features that can support the extraction of excess moisture from small to medium spaces.
Being one of the best small dehumidifiers, the unit is designed with features to support the function. The Pro Breeze small dehumidifier can remove moisture as much as 18 ounces per day. The 52-ounce water tank capacity is sufficient to hold the extracted moisture from the air. This capacity of dehumidification is adequate to cover small spaces up to 250 sq ft.
Bringing down the high humidity levels in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, RVs, garages, or closets, and maintaining the desired humidity level in these areas can be performed effortlessly with this small dehumidifier unit. In order to support its operation, this unit is one of the best small dehumidifiers that comes with auto shut-off. The dehumidifier can automatically shut off once the full tank capacity has been reached. The dehumidifier does have LED indicator lights to warn the user that the tank is reaching its full capacity. Emptying the water tank manually is also simple.
It goes without saying that for a portable dehumidifier as such, quiet operation is an expectation. It is good news that the built-in Thermo-Electric Cooling Peltier Technology operates without a compressor. It is a guarantee that the Pro Breeze 2200 Cubic Feet electric dehumidifier will deliver whisper-quiet operation, making this one of the best dehumidifiers to be used in a nursery or bedroom. However, you must remember, similar to the other dehumidifiers of this capacity, the Pro Breeze 2200 Cubic Feet electric dehumidifier is not equipped to work below 41°F. It does have an optimal operating temperature of 59 to 86°F.
Do you find the features built into the Pro Breeze 2200 Cubic Feet dehumidifier impressive? If your room is going to benefit from this unit, invest in it right away to protect your space from the dangers of high humidity.
Pros and Cons of Pro Breeze 2200 Cubic Ft
- Rated as one of the best small dehumidifiers available in the market.
- Comes with a compact and small build that can be used conveniently in any small home, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, RV, garage, or closet.
- Equipped to dehumidify small spaces up to 250 sq ft. The water tank capacity of 1.5L is adequate to support the excess water removal from the humid climate.
- Has built-in Thermo-Electric Cooling Peltier Technology that ensures whisper-quiet operation.
- Delivers energy-efficient and seamless operation.
- LED light full tank indicator, Auto shut off, optimal operating temperature range of 59-86°F, etc., are the other positives in this small dehumidifier.
6. Vremi 4500 Sq Ft 50 Pint Dehumidifier
The last dehumidifier that we have on the list is from Vremi. The Vremi 4500 sq ft 50-pint dehumidifier is one of the best large-capacity dehumidifiers that is available on a budget. If you are on the hunt for an ideal solution to keep your home free from humid air, mold growth, mildew, dampness, and the other side effects of high humidity levels, the Vremi 4500 sq ft might be the suitable pick. Let us take a look at the features that make this dehumidifier one of the best dehumidifiers on a budget.
With a large to medium capacity, this unit comes with a water tank to meet the required exactly. The 1.8-gallon water tank supports the excess water removal from the humid environment adequately. Emptying the water tank can be done either manually or by using a drain hose. The visible water level on the water tank helps to stay on top of the water removal process and avoid spills. Nevertheless, the ability of the unit to automatically shut down once the water tank is full is convenient. The 24-hour dehumidification process can be carried out without any interruption with the continuous drainage options.
The other features in the Vremi 4500 sq ft that deserve appreciation are; energy-efficient dehumidification with its Energy Star certification, removable and washable air filter to ensure the purity of air humidity-free cool air that is circulated within the room, Turbo mode to carry out powerful moisture extraction, Timer settings for unmonitored operation, Auto defrost that melts the ice build up in the coils to support uninterrupted dehumidification and protect the coils, Auto restart to resume dehumidification process with the previously saved settings after a power outage, enhanced portability, etc.
Are these the features you are looking to have in a 50-pint dehumidifier? If yes, bring home the Vremi 50-pint dehumidifier to keep your home safe and comfortable from the side effects of excessive humidity levels.
Pros and Cons of Vremi 50 Pint Dehumidifier
- One of the best dehumidifiers that can carry out excess water removal from a humid environment effortlessly.
- Equipped with a 50-pint capacity and a water tank that can hold 1.8 gallons of water removed.
- Comes with a sturdy yet compact body.
- Built-in features that make dehumidification easy include; a washable air filter, continuous dehumidification with continuous draining via the drain hose, Turbo mode for maximum excessive moisture or water removal from the air, Timer, Auto shut down, Auto restart, Auto defrost, etc.
FAQ Section
1. What is the cheapest way to dehumidify a room?
Desiccant dehumidifiers are more affordable and inexpensive when compared to electric units. The cheapest way to dehumidify a room is to use natural dehumidifiers. Although they might not be as effective as electric models or store-bought desiccant dehumidifiers, you can certainly find them effective for areas with mild humidity. A few examples of readily available dehumidifiers are:
- Baking soda
- Rock salt
- Silica gel
- Milk whitener
- Plants like Boston ferns
You can also concentrate on other issues that lead to moisture growth indoors, such as fixing leaks, clearing the gutters, opting to dry laundry outdoors, making use of exhaust fans while cooking, etc.
2. Is it expensive to run a dehumidifier all day?
Running an electrical device all day long could turn out to be expensive. However, investing in devices that adhere to the energy regulations and hold an Energy Star certification will cancel the concern of high energy bills.
3. Is it cheaper to run a dehumidifier or central air?
Yes, dehumidifiers are cheaper to run when compared to central air conditioners. The cost of drawing out humid air and replacing it with cool air consumes more energy. Central air conditioners are certainly more expensive to operate than dehumidifiers.
4. What is the best time of year to buy a dehumidifier?
The ideal time to buy a dehumidifier is Spring. One can easily find attractive deals, and offers, and even watch out for newer models released during Spring.
5. Will a dehumidifier lower my air conditioning bill?
Yes. A dehumidifier is capable of reducing not just the air conditioning bill but also the electricity consumption of other devices. When the humidity is high, the air conditioner has to increase and exert more energy into its operation to remove the excess moisture before the cool air is circulated. When there is a dehumidifier available to handle the humidity fluctuations in the environment, the workload for the air conditioner is significantly reduced.
Wrapping Up
With this, we have reached the end of the article. We trust you were able to find a suitable unit from the list of best dehumidifiers on a budget available here. We recommend that you consult with a professional to investigate the humidity levels and their impact on your home, regardless of its size, before you invest in a dehumidifier.
About The Author
Charles Allen is an enthusiast of HVAC/indoor air. He has been fascinated by the way HVAC systems work since he was a child. He enjoys learning about new technologies and finding ways to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems. He is always looking for new ways to help people save money on their energy bills.