O.T.: Dehumidifier Recommendations

nolan8v

I am helping an elderly couple (neighbors) and am in need of a dehumidifier to control their basement's humidity. 

The size of this basement is roughly 3,000 square feet. There are electronic devices in this basement, if that makes any difference (television, computer, etc.).

There is also a drain in the slab of this basement that we can snake a hose from the dehumidifier to for continuous draining.

Any recommendations (make/model #) will be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks in advance.

Little Steven

Where do you live that humidity is a problem at this time of year? I have a couple of units that work well. I'll check the make and post back. Never mind, I see you are in NOLA

Hub

I recently needed one for my basement and did a ton of research.  By and large the model with the best reviews was the Frigidaire FAD70DWD. It is the 70 pint model.  I bought one last week on ebay for $184.99.  It was supposedly refurbished but looked 100% brand new to me.  It was a very easy install and I've had it up and running in my finished basement for five days.  I'd estimate it has pulled out about 12 gallons of water in five days.  The basement smells much better and is more comfortable.  I'm very happy with my purchase.

nolan8v

@Little Steven 

I'm from New Orleans. However, I live outside of Atlanta, GA.

nolan8v

Thanks @Hub & @Little Steven 

Do you think it is worth getting an extended warranty?

GregW

I recommend a whole house dehumidifier.
I have one by this company:
http://www.ultra-aire.com/
I have the XT155H
It will do 155 pints per day and it is energy efficient.
It is rated for 3500 sq/ft
Before I installed it my house would hit close to 70% RH.
Now I can maintain 50 % if I want.
These units are not in the same category as the dehumidifiers sold at the home centers. They are more on the commercial end.
It is on the expensive side, however it works well.

nolan8v

Thanks @GregW

That dehumidifier looks like a real workhorse. Unfortunately, we are helping an elderly couple and do not have the funds to give them something like that.

We have a (roughly) $500.00 budget to help them with.

GregW

Yes the Ultra Air is expensive. Probably over $2000
The units like you are looking for do a pretty good job. I have a friend who had installed one in a family members basement. They seem to last for many years.

Humpy_Dumpty

I have this one for a 1500 sq ft basement. Works great. Cheaper at Costco when they have them, but this isn't bad.  It has the pump and Hose and will drain constantly. Pulls a ton of water out of the air.

DeLonghi DD70PE Dehumidifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEZ7QQA/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_umRKwbKR0ZGMT

stompbox

I need 2 as well, I had one that could not keep up.  It actually almost caught on fire back in September.  So glad I went downstairs that day to smell smoke.  Unreal.

4Runner

GregW said:

I recommend a whole house dehumidifier.
I have one by this company:
http://www.ultra-aire.com/
I have the XT155H
It will do 155 pints per day and it is energy efficient.
It is rated for 3500 sq/ft
Before I installed it my house would hit close to 70% RH.
Now I can maintain 50 % if I want.
These units are not in the same category as the dehumidifiers sold at the home centers. They are more on the commercial end.
It is on the expensive side, however it works well.

Heck of a unit.  I guess we are lucky...even in high humidity environment like Columbia, SC, our house rarely gets over 62%.   Sitting at 50 right now and running a humidifier to add moisture back in my house.  Lol.   Anyway, thanks for sharing that link.  Interesting.