What is a good dehumidifier for my damp basement?

1. 95

   Outbound Danposted 11 years ago

   What is a good dehumidifier for my damp basement?
   
   This is the first summer in my new house and I've realized how damp the basement is.  As all my backpacking gear is stored down there (and I don't want it to become ruined) this is especially distressing.
   I used some of the disposable damp-rid  bags, but they fill up with water in a matter of only a couple weeks; it is time to put a dehumidifier down there.  I am looking for something energy efficient, reliable, portable, and affordable.  The area I need to keep dry is about 800 sq ft.

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2. 90

   bankscottageposted 11 years ago

   I just went to Lowes and bought the best one they had.  I run it most of the year.  Try to set it up so that it drains into a drain or sump.  You don't want to keep emptying it if you don't have to.

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3. 56

   truparad0xposted 11 years ago

   I lived in a basement apartment for about two years and a dehumidifier was a must for me during the summer months.  I didn't really do a lot of research and just bought one at Home Depot.  Since I lived there, I never run it during the night.  Just ran it when I was at work, then shut off and emptied when I got home.  There was a LOT of water everyday.  I tried the damp-rid bags, too.  Not really made for a really damp environment. 
   
   I agree with the other answerer.  Try to hook it up to a drain so you don't always have to pour out the water yourself.

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4. 61

   royalblkroseposted 11 years ago

   there's a great product available at most home improvement stores and Wal-Mart, called "damp rid"
   I'm not exactly sure what it is, besides inexpensive and effective!
   It comes in small bags that can hang in your closet, and incrementally larger tubs and containers....

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