Commercial dehumidifiers can lower humidity levels in large commercial and industrial spaces. The best commercial dehumidifiers are also used in residential basements and crawl spaces to manage high humidity or to remove large amounts of water after flooding.
We will look at the best commercial dehumidifiers and share tips on choosing the right one for your needs.
Best Portable Commercial Dehumidifier for Basement
Below are the best commercial dehumidifiers for your basement or commercial buildings, which you can move around.
HomeLabs Commercial Grade 140 Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
The hOmeLabs Commercial Grade 140 Pint Dehumidifier has a 140 PPD (pints (of moisture) per day) within 265 CFM (Cubic feet per minute) capacity. It is more powerful than the standard residential dehumidifiers and capable of eliminating moisture in large spaces, even those with high humidity levels. You can use it to dry air in large areas, such as indoor pools, of up to 4,000 square feet.
So, if you need a dehumidifier for a gym, storage area with sensitive equipment, basement, construction sites, or laundry room, the hOmeLabs commercial dehumidifier is ideal. Also, it is the perfect choice for restoring any space affected by flood damage. Finally, you can use it to quicken the drying process, even after plastering or painting.
Furthermore, the dehumidifier can work for 24 hours straight. It also comes with a 16-foot drain hose, which is easy to attach, and a water pump, enhancing its usefulness in case of flooding.
There’s also a defrost feature. It prevents the buildup of ice that would otherwise interfere with its efficiency or damage some of its mechanical parts. And its mesh is reusable and easy to clean, enhancing its long-term ease of maintenance.
Also, the large dehumidifier from hOmeLabs weighs 82.3 pounds and comes with two rubber wheels and castors. In addition, it has a steel handle encased in protective foam and two built-in side handles.
So, these features enhance its portability, enabling you to move it around quickly to where it’s needed. And the locking mechanism in the castors will allow you to securely hold the portable dehumidifier in place, even on uneven surfaces.
COLZER 164 Pints Commercial Dehumidifiers with Continuous Drain Hose for Basements
The COLZER 164 Pints Commercial Dehumidifiers has a 90PPD AHAM rating, which means it is guaranteed to remove that many pounds of water within 24 hours.
However, Colzer commercial dehumidifier can remove as many as 164 pints of water within that same period. And due to its maximum capacity and 206 CFM rating, it can dry out large spaces of up to 7,000 square feet, including wine cellars, grow rooms, large basements, garages, or any other areas affected by natural disasters. Therefore, it will come in handy in emergencies, such as when a basement floods.
Furthermore, the powerful unit comes with a 6.56-foot drain hose that will effortlessly discharge condensation by gravity. But even if you cannot use its drain hose, a 1.3-gallon water tank will collect the condensate for a while.
In addition, the commercial portable dehumidifier offers several automated features to enhance your convenience. First, its auto shut-off feature will shut down the equipment when the water reservoir is full, so it doesn’t overflow and make your space wet again. Second, it has an auto defrost feature that prevents ice buildup and ensures high performance.
Also, the dehumidifier incorporates an automatic built-in humidistat, which will determine the room temperature and humidity level. And then, it will automatically go on or off if the setpoint has been achieved. Furthermore, the equipment’s auto-restart feature will cause it to start working again after a power outage. In addition, the 24-hour timer will enable you to delay the auto-on or auto-off feature by anywhere from one to 24 hours.
The COLZER dehumidifier consists of an outer metal casing, anti-corrosion, and anti-collision, enhancing its robustness and durability. Also, it includes a sturdy bar handle and semi-pneumatic wheels for easy transportation. So, you can quickly move it around regularly, and it can withstand movement up and down the stairs with minimal damage.
It is also worth noting that the dehumidifier has a reusable air filter, which is easy to clean and maintain.
COLZER Commercial Dehumidifier Includes Pump & Drain Hose
The COLZER Commercial Dehumidifier comprises a roto-molded anti-corrosion and anti-abrasion housing. As a result, it withstands impact very well over the long term. It also comes with a 5-year warranty and after-sales services, allowing you to quickly repair or replace any faulty component without incurring additional costs.
The dehumidifier has a 90PPD AHAM. However, its maximum capacity is 180PPD. In addition, it has a 324 CFM rating. For these reasons, this piece of equipment comes in handy when you have spaces as large as 7,000 square feet that require fast drying, such as leak areas, flooded basements, and construction sites, to safeguard everyone’s health.
In addition, the COLZER dehumidifier includes a powerful condensate pump with a 16-ft drain height and a 10-foot drain hose. These enable the pump to drain water more efficiently, enhancing the equipment’s ability to perform heavy-duty dehumidification tasks.
Also, there’s a large LCD unit at the top of the dehumidifier body, which you can plug into a power supply and use. And with a simple button press, you can set your preferred humidity levels and working hours. That way, even with minimal supervision, the dehumidifier can continue functioning even if you move to other job sites.
Furthermore, you can enhance the convenience by using the auto HGV defrost feature to prevent ice buildups, which may damage the dehumidifier parts and reduce efficiency.
You can use the auto-restart function to get the machine started after it has been off for a while, allowing you to save energy when it’s not needed.
If portability is a concern, the COLZER dehumidifier comes with two large semi-pneumatic wheels and a rigid handle that make it easier to maneuver. And while you are moving it around, you can put away the long drain hose and power cord at the back to prevent tripping
ALORAIR Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump and Drain Hose
The ALORAIR Commercial Dehumidifier has an 85PPD at AHAM rating. However, it can remove as much as 180 PPD of water at saturation. In addition, it has a 210 CFM rating. For these reasons, the equipment comes in handy for water-damaged and highly humid areas up to 2,300 square feet.
Also, the ALORAIR commercial dehumidifier is compact, making it the right dehumidifier for hard-to-reach areas like crawl spaces. And its two handles, located strategically at the top, further enhance its compactness.
For your convenience, the dehumidifier with pump automatically removes the condensate. In addition, its 14.7 drain height enhances its drainage efficiency. And the 19.6-foot drain hose creates a continuous drainage system aided by gravity.
In addition, you can quickly plug the appliance on, use the humidity controls to set your desired humidity levels, and it will be ready to go. The AUTO ON/OFF and memory starting features also increase its ease of use. And so does the auto-restart function that will get the machine working again after a power outage. And if the conditions are frosty, the auto-frost feature will prevent ice buildup.
If there’s an issue with the product, it would be best to take advantage of the five-year warranty to get it sorted quickly.
Best Commerical Dehumidifiers for Basement & Crawl Spaces
Below are the best commercial basement and crawl space dehumidifiers.
- For Basements & Crawl spaces up to 5500SF
- Smart Sensing Technology for Efficient Operation
- Energy Star Most Efficient Certified Dehumidifier
- 5-Year Warranty
Aprilaire E100C Pro 100 Pint Dehumidifier
The Aprilaire E100C Pro 100 Pint Dehumidifier has an airflow capacity of 280 CFM and a water removal capacity of 100 PPD, making it a good solution for the entire home, sealed, or hard-to-reach spaces up to 5,500 square feet. And the castors come in handy when you need to move it around to remove excess moisture.
The crawl space or basement dehumidifier has a compact design and can be connected to your existing HVAC system. Since its easy-access panel can be mounted at the top or front, it will be easy to use regardless of location. And you can use it to set the desired humidity level, after which its smart sensor will start the dehumidification process when the humidity levels go beyond the setpoint.
Since the Aprilaire E100C Pro dehumidifier has been designed for hard-to-reach areas, it incorporates corrosion-free aluminum coils and has no water tray. You can connect its incorporated drain hose to get rid of the water or place it on top of a floor drain. And you can clean its reusable air filters once a year.
It is worth noting that the dehumidifier has an energy star rating, indicating its energy efficiency. So, you will save some money when using this piece of equipment. And if there are faulty components, the five-year warranty will help you get the necessary solutions.
- For Basements & Crawl Spaces up to 2600SF
- Removes 70-Pints Per Day
- Freestanding or Ducting Installation Options
- Cleaner Air with MERV 13 Air Filtration
- Auto Restart After Power Outage
- Auto Defrost Function
- Energy Star Rating
- 6-Year Warranty
Santa Fe Compact 70 Pint Dehumidifier
The Santa Fe Compact 70 Pint Dehumidifier is a made-in-America product, assuring you of the highest quality standards. That quality s further enhanced by its steel body and durable, heavy-duty components.
Also, it weighs 65 pounds and has a compact horizontal design, enabling you to move it around easily within tight spaces. And it can even fit within floor joists, allowing you to hang it.
With a 70PPD and 150CFM rating, the Santa Fe dehumidifier is adequate relative to its size. And it can dry area within 2,600 square feet.
You can use the dehumidifier as a freestanding piece of equipment. In that case, you can take advantage of the 8-foot drain hose it comes with to drain the water away via gravity. Alternatively, you can duct it if you purchase a Santa Fe duct kit.
For your convenience, the Santa Fe compact dehumidifier has a control knob that can set humidity levels ranging from 20 to 80 percent. And you can also adjust the fan setting to make it run throughout or only when the dehumidifier is on. Also, it has an auto restart function that can switch the machine on again after a power outage.
Other attractive features of the dehumidifier include a pleated MERV 13 filter, which is effective at dehumidifying while protecting the machine components and removing the allergens in the air. Furthermore, the equipment produces noise levels of 58 to 63 dB from six feet away, which is relatively quiet.
- For Basements & Crawl Spaces up to 2600SF
- 198 PPD at Saturation
- 90 PPD at AHAM
- Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier
- 5-Year Warranty
AlorAir Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump and Drain Hose
The AlorAir Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifier has a 90PPD at AHAM and 198PPD at saturation rating and can dehumidify up to 2,600 square feet of space. So, it works well for large rooms, crawl spaces, basements, or garages that need drier.
Since it has an energy start certification and a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 2.69L/kWh, the AlorAir commercial dehumidifier will use less energy and reduce energy costs. Also, it includes an automatic defrost feature, which enables it to work at low temperatures, preventing frost buildup and enhancing its energy efficiency. That feature also improves the dehumidifier’s durability.
Thanks to its heavy-duty condensate pump and a 19.6-foot lifting distance, the dehumidifier can push out the water generated away from the space you want to dry. If it remains freestanding, you can connect the drain hose and let the water out via gravity. Alternatively, you can join the machine to a forced-air or separate duct system.
In addition, the AlorAir dehumidifier has adjustable feet, an average sound pressure of 58dB, and a functioning humidity range of 35 to 90 percent. And you can adjust many of its settings via remote control, enhancing your convenience., especially when remote sensing is required.
What to Consider When Buying a Commercial Dehumidifier
Here are some factors to consider to select the right commercial dehumidifier.
Dehumidifying Capacity
A dehumidifier’s ability to remove excess moisture from its space is essential. And there are several ways to measure that capability. Commercial dehumidifier manufacturers refer the PPD and AHA ratings.
It would help if you considered the Pints per Day (PPD) at saturation value and the Association of Home Manufacturers (AHA) rating. The PPD refers to the maximum amount of water a dehumidifier can remove in any 24 hours, while the AHA rating is usually based on tests done at 60% humidity and 80°F.
The higher the PPD, the more powerful the dehumidifying equipment is. That means it can more effectively dry air within a larger space than the standard equipment or dry areas with high moisture levels. But most models range from 30 to 70 PPD.
It would help if you also considered the cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating, which measures the airflow capacity of a dehumidifier. But first, you need to know the average number of air changes per hour (ACH) ideal for your space.
These may range from 3 to 6, depending on how much damp air is in an area. For example, rooms with less than 70% humidity levels should have three ACH, while those with more than 90% humidity should have 6 ACH.
So, you can calculate the volume of the space whose air you want to dry, multiply it by the ACH and divide it by 60 minutes to get the CFM rating. For example, a 3,000-square-foot home requiring five exchanges will need a 250CFM commercial-grade dehumidifier.
Small dehumidifiers do not have the capacity or features necessary to dehumidify the harsh environments for which commercial dehumidifiers are built.
Humidity and Temperature
How damp and hot your space is also affects the choice of a dehumidifier. Your goal is to keep your humidity levels at 50% or less. Anything above is a recipe for dust mites, mold, and mildew infestation, affecting your health negatively. So, if your rooms are very damp, you should opt for a bigger-sized dehumidifier with a higher airflow capacity.
Also, the matter of the temperatures – extreme temperatures can negatively affect your equipment. Generally, the warmer the air is, the more moisture it will hold, so you would require a more effective dehumidifier to dry it.
However, cold conditions may encourage frost buildup, damaging the machine’s components and making it less efficient. So, it would help if you found the right dehumidifier with a wide temperature range and, preferably, one with an auto-defrost feature.
Types of Commercial Dehumidifiers
Various types of commercial dehumidifiers exist. And they work in different ways when drying up the space they are in.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers usually cool air until it condenses. Then, the water that has been formed is drained away while the dry air is heated and returned to the internal space. These machines are popular for their reliability and ease of installation. And they work best in average room temperatures but perform poorly in cooler areas below 65°F/18°C.
In addition, we have low-grade refrigerant dehumidifiers. These are more effective versions of the standard refrigerant machines because they use a double cooling system to decrease the air temperature to its dew point. People who take on water damage restoration jobs prefer them because they work great in cold and high temperatures. Consider them for commercial applications, not residential ones.
On the other hand, desiccant dehumidifiers use desiccant wheels which work as a sponge to absorb moisture from the air. They are popular for their excellent performance even in extreme temperatures. And since they don’t have a compressor like their refrigerant counterparts, they are more silent and easier to maintain. However, they require more effort to install.
Portability
Powerful commercial units that will be used in different areas where they are needed must be portable. That means they should have a commercial-grade material that makes them sturdy and highly resistant to impact and wear and tear.
Also, they should be compact or light enough to carry, have a sturdy handle for enhanced maneuverability, and include a power cord that you can put away.
Drainage
The water a dehumidifier removes must go somewhere. For ease of use, prioritize equipment with a heavy-duty condensate pump, a plug-in power cord, a decent drain height, and an extended drain hose. That way, the water can get automatically pumped out when needed and moved away via gravity. Alternatively, consider a dehumidifier with a large water tank that you will drain less frequently.
You can also opt for commercial dehumidifiers with built-in duct attachment rings to connect them easily to separate or existing duct work should the necessity arise.
Commercial Dehumidifier FAQs
Here are some answers to your FAQs about commercial dehumidifier usage.
How Effective are Commercial Dehumidifiers?
Commercial dehumidifiers are highly effective in removing moisture from high-moisture spaces. Some are portable units meant for short-term use. Stationary crawl space or basement dehumidifiers are meant for year-round use. It would help if you chose the right sized equipment for the best results.
What is the Best Commercial Dehumidifier on the Market?
The best commercial dehumidifier depends on your needs and preferences. But some brands that produce high-quality appliances include Aprilaire, Santa Fe, AlorAir, Colzer, and hOmeLabs.
How Much Does a Commercial Dehumidifier Cost?
On Amazon, commercial dehumidifiers cost as low as $140 and as high as $3,000. Heavy-duty commercial dehumidifiers used to dry flooding or whole-house dehumidifiers that remove the most moisture will cost $600 or more.
