Your crawl space needs a real dehumidifier, not the portable unit you’d use in a basement. These specialized units are built to handle the unique challenges of crawl spaces: cold temperatures, constant operation, and difficult drainage situations.
We recommend the AprilAire E070 Pro for most homes. It’s expensive at $1,289, but it’s built specifically for crawl spaces and comes with a 5-year warranty that covers both parts and labor.
Top pick
Best overall crawl space dehumidifier
AprilAire E070 Pro
Professional-grade construction with 70-pint capacity covering 2,200 square feet. Energy Star certified with 5-year comprehensive warranty.
$1,289-$1,399
Runner-up
Best value for most homes
AlorAir Sentinel HD55
Solid 55-pint performance at nearly half the price of our top pick. Covers up to 1,300 square feet with Energy Star certification.
$509-$587
Best for…
Best for large crawl spaces
AlorAir Sentinel HDi90
High-capacity 90-pint unit with built-in condensate pump. Covers up to 2,600 square feet with 210 CFM airflow.
$1,032-$1,147
Best for…
Best for HVAC integration
Santa Fe Ultra98
Premium 98-pint unit with highest energy efficiency (2.95 L/kWh) and MERV-13 filtration. Operates quietly at 47.5 dB.
$1,800-$2,000
Best for…
Best for small spaces
AlorAir Sentinel HD55S
Compact 55-pint unit perfect for crawl spaces under 800 square feet. Includes MERV-8 filtration and 5-year warranty.
$450-$500
Budget pick
Gets the job done
Frigidaire FFAP5034W1
Basic 50-pint unit with built-in pump and Energy Star certification. Limited to smaller spaces but includes essential features.
$279-$299
The AprilAire E070 Pro is the best crawl space dehumidifier for most homes, combining professional-grade construction with reasonable pricing and excellent warranty coverage. This 70-pint unit handles up to 2,200 square feet and features corrosion-resistant aluminum coils, digital controls, and automatic operation with memory restart.
What makes it special: Unlike consumer-grade units, the E070 Pro is built specifically for crawl space applications. It operates effectively in temperatures down to 40°F, has Energy Star certification, and comes with a comprehensive 5-year warranty covering both parts and labor. The unit is made in the USA and designed for continuous operation.
Installation considerations: Requires professional installation for optimal performance and warranty protection. The unit needs a dedicated GFCI outlet and proper drainage setup. Professional installation typically costs $500-$1,200 additional.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The price is significantly higher than consumer units, and the installation process requires professional help. The unit is also larger than some alternatives, requiring adequate clearance space.
The AlorAir Sentinel HD55 offers excellent value at $509-$587, delivering solid 55-pint performance for spaces up to 1,300 square feet. This Energy Star certified unit includes automatic defrost capability and operates effectively in challenging conditions.
Why it’s a good alternative: At nearly half the price of our top pick, the HD55 provides reliable performance with a 5-year warranty. The metal construction and automatic defrost make it suitable for year-round operation in unheated crawl spaces.
Where it falls short: Slower moisture removal as humidity approaches target levels compared to premium units. The warranty coverage is less comprehensive than AprilAire’s offering.
For crawl spaces over 1,500 square feet, the AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 provides 90-pint capacity with built-in condensate pump. The 210 CFM airflow and 2,600 square foot coverage make it ideal for challenging moisture conditions.
Built-in pump advantage: The integrated condensate pump provides 15-17 foot vertical lift capacity, eliminating drainage challenges in most installations. This saves the cost and complexity of external pump systems.
Small crawl spaces (under 800 sq ft): 30-55 pint capacity
Medium crawl spaces (800-1500 sq ft): 55-80 pint capacity
Large crawl spaces (1500+ sq ft): 80-130+ pint capacity
Important: These calculations assume properly encapsulated crawl spaces. Unsealed spaces require larger capacity units or proper encapsulation first.
Built-in pump vs. gravity drain: Most crawl spaces need pumps for proper drainage. Gravity drain requires minimum 3/4-inch drop over the drain run length.
Operating temperature range: Quality units operate from 40-95°F. Cheap units shut down around 60°F, making them unsuitable for unheated crawl spaces.
Energy efficiency: Look for Energy Star certification minimum. “Energy Star Most Efficient” units consume 15% less energy than standard certified models.
Warranty coverage: Professional brands offer 5-6 year warranties. Consumer brands typically provide 1-2 years with limited coverage.
Professional installation recommended: Complex electrical (dedicated GFCI circuit), drainage, and sizing requirements make professional installation worthwhile. Costs range $500-$1,200.
Total ownership costs:
DIY considerations: Electrical work requires licensed electrician. Units draw 500-700 watts and need dedicated circuits. Drainage setup requires proper slope calculations and pump placement.
AprilAire: Industry leader with 70 years experience. Made in USA with 5-year comprehensive warranties. Premium pricing but excellent reliability.
Santa Fe: Specializes in crawl space applications. Longest warranties (6 years) and excellent cold-weather performance.
AlorAir: Commercial-grade construction at competitive prices. Good middle ground between premium and budget options.
Avoid: Consumer Reports shows higher failure rates for DeLonghi, Hisense, and Whirlpool in crawl space applications.
Most homeowners should buy the AprilAire E070 Pro and have it professionally installed. The combination of reliable performance, comprehensive warranty, and professional support justifies the higher upfront cost.
Budget-conscious buyers can choose the AlorAir Sentinel HD55, but should still invest in professional installation for optimal performance and warranty protection.
Avoid consumer-grade units from big box stores - they’re not designed for continuous crawl space operation and typically fail within 2-3 years.