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Efficient basement dehumidification? (self.homeimprovement)

submitted 1 year ago by bbbbb to c/homeimprovement

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I have 2 standard freestanding units in my basement and crawlspace running 24/7. I want to get something more energy efficient, will last a while, and that's easy to maintain. I am considering an Aprileaire dehumidifier. Based on this https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-dehumidifiers/results it would appear they have a high efficiency rating. Does anyone have experience with these or recommendations on solutions?

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[–] serpentdrago 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The best way to be energy efficient. Is to fix whatever is constantly causing the humidity. Have you properly encapsulated the space? I've heard great things about Aprileaire. What unit's are you currently using?

[–] bbbbb 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

So, good question, the previous owner did install a vapor barrier covering the basement and crawlspace, so there is some other mitigation in place. The current unit came with the house - HOMELABS HME020031. It keeps humidity down fine, but the pump is broken, so I'd like to replace it with something that should last for a while and hopefully run a little lighter on electric cost.
It seems it has a rating of 1.9L/kwh, whereas the aprilaire is 2.3L/kwH, so I suppose about ~20% more efficient. My other thought was they seem to have a better warranty so if something fails then I don't need to replace the whole unit.

[–] nowwhatnapster 2 points 1 year ago

Sizing up is one way to get efficiency. Another is switching to 240volt from 120volt if your unit supports it.