Best Compact Dehumidifiers for Crawl Spaces 2021 Review

Dri-Eaz brand is one of the widely recognized names when it comes to dehumidifiers. One of the things the brand boasts is its advanced crossflow technology which ensures the maximum performance of each unit’s air processing abilities. The F412 LGR 7000XLi is one of the models that sport it, allowing it to have a 235-pint maximum saturation removal capacity each day.

This low-grain refrigerant dehumidifier is armed with a self-monitoring system that uses built-in sensors. This plays an important role that as it will adjust the speed of the fan automatically, depending on the condition.

It also has the essential features you need so you can be sure that it will work efficiently without the need to monitor it. With this, regardless of how long you want the unit to run, you can be sure that there is almost no chance for a problem to arise. It boasts an auto-defrost and a pump feature (uses a 40-foot hose). The maximum lift water height of the unit is at least 20’ which is beyond the ideal 15’ ability of most models.

It also uses a 25-foot power cord which is enough to reach the power outlets. The ‘Command Hub,’ on the other hand, is pure genius. It allows great versatility, control, and monitoring such as inlet and outlet temperature status, relative humidity, job hours. It even allows the setup of the humidistat, maintenance prompts, and more! What’s even better is that you can access all of them wirelessly using the HygroTrac Remote Monitoring System. This means convenience for you.

Though we really love this model from Dri-Eaz, there is one gripe we can’t ignore: the shape. This might be a problem for some people as most crawl spaces have limited vertical spaces. This is the reason why most models come horizontally. Nonetheless, if you are one of those folks who don’t have such a kind of crawl space, it won’t be a problem. It measures 20” L x 20” W x 33.5” H so it should fit a space with a considerable height measurement.

ALORAIR is another remarkable brand of a dehumidifier. Its model, the Sentinel HDi90, has a 198-pint saturation and a 90-pint AHAM capacity. It has dimensions of 23.2” x 15.2” x 17.7”. The right size to fit in narrow spaces. Nonetheless, despite its size, it is equipped with a great set of features that makes it work efficiently 24/7.

Just like the Dri-Eaz F412 LGR 7000XLi, it comes with an auto-defrosting feature and condensate pump (max lift of 5 meters). Some of the significant characteristics of heavy-duty dehumidifiers. That said, it can continuously manage and monitor and control the humidity of up to 2,600 square feet of space.

Moreover, at 210 CFM, despite being a compact unit, it can manage humidity levels within 12 hours of activation. The model also doesn’t have a problem with the frosting. The sensitivity of the auto-defrost is great. As soon as frost starts and is detected on the coils, the defrost cycle will start. 

To make things even more favorable for you, the model offers an optional remote. Though it is just optional, it is very pleasing to know that it is designed with such a sophisticated function as this. Having it would give you complete control over the unit anytime. No more frequent checking. No hassle.

Storm LGR is another dehumidifier from ALORAIR that is designed for medium-sized crawl spaces. With a 180 PPD capacity at saturation condition and 85 PPD capacity at AHAM, it can handle 2,300 square feet of space.

Just like its sibling, the Sentinel HDi90, it has a compact build measuring 22.8 x 13.7 x 17.3 inches. Really perfect for incredibly tight crawl spaces and basements. Despite that fact, the commercial unit has great consistency at 210 CFM using its continuous operation mode. Its performance really satisfying that within 12 hours of activation, it can clean musty odors caused by excessive moisture. Even when used to an area with a partition, its draw is really powerful. Under the specified space range, it managed to lower humidity levels from 68 to 55 percent humidity when we tested it. At 36 hours, it had collected at least 8 gallons of water.

Designed with a rare earth alloy tube evaporator like Sentinel HDi90, you can be sure that it can maintain the coil’s heat transferability. This gives the coil a tougher quality, allowing it to last years.

It also sports a digital humidistat control, timer, and condensate pump: things that make it very convenient. Just plug it and do the necessary settings you deem perfect and you let do its thing in the crawl space. Once the humidity above the target is sensed, it will automatically start dehumidification. Easy.

Now, here’s another great thing about it: durability. It has a waterproof design that allows it to tolerate the presence of water since the rubber strip makes the circuit board 100 percent sealed. With this, floods won’t be a problem at all. You can even use the unit right away on a damp basement, crawl space, and other surfaces!

Dri-Eaz is known for its portability: trolley-like designs with a handle and a set of semi-pneumatic wheels for mobility. The 1200 model is another proof of it. 

Though it has a great resemblance to Dri-Eaz F412 LGR 7000XLi, it has half its capacity at 145 pints per day at saturation and 64 pints per day under AHAM. Nonetheless, this is powerful enough with the help of its 227 CFM capacity that can handle up to 2,000 square feet of space and above.

In spite of its size, it is very rich in essential details that enable it to perform its function the right away. One of them is the hot-gas bypass that makes the defrost system work faster compared to cheaper brands.

Aprilaire 1830 Pro is another dehumidifier that will fit the tightest crawl spaces. With a height of 14.5 inches and a length of 33 inches, setting it up to your desired area won’t cause any problem. Moreover, despite its compact size, it offers 160 CFM and can cover 3800 square feet of space. Even at a 10’ distance, you can feel the flow of the air it draws that is slightly warm. 

It will not disappoint you as well when it comes to durability. Featuring corrosion-resistant aluminum coils, the unit can work with efficiency and consistency all day long. When it is used to complement the recommended area capacity and right conditions, it can produce 2 pints per hour. Also, it deals with the presence of unfavorable odor perfectly. Clear results within the first 3 to 4 hours.

It also offers easy removal of moisture. With its set-it-and-forget-it nature, you can just set your target humidity and after that, it will automatically monitor the humidity levels and dehumidify the area. Nonetheless, do mind the level of the unit to assure the effective flow of the liquid to the drain.