Some places of the home can just become damp and musty. One of the worst offenders is the basement. Homeowners might find that heading down to the basement is like entering a damp and sticky cave.

How can homeowners remove the moisture from the air? A dehumidifier can ensure that space doesn’t become cave-like, and the best energy-efficient dehumidifiers can remove moisture without raining on the budget!

What Makes a Home Muggy and Humid?

While the basement might be one of the most prone areas of the home for moisture, any room might feel too damp. Those who live in warm or muggy climates also might battle indoor humidity. The bathroom, crawl space or laundry room also might need a dehumidifier.

What can make the home feel humid or muggy, though? According to HVAC SEER, the following conditions could create a humid environment:

• Houseplants
• Water from the shower
• Lack of ventilation
• Poorly sealed or insulated windows
• Water leaks

Homeowners could notice that their bathroom feels really humid and muggy. During a hot shower or bath, the mirror or windows may fog up with condensation. If there are no windows, the bathroom could feel even more humid. However, windows that are improperly sealed or insulated also could lead to any room feeling more humid.

A lack of ventilation could lead to high humidity in the basement, crawl space and bathroom. The crawl space and basement can just naturally feel more humid and muggy.

Even the bedrooms can get humid, though, especially if there are a lot of houseplants. Yes, houseplants can increase the humidity in the space. While this greenery can be a lovely decorative touch, those plants could end up making the room a bit stickier.

The worst culprit for humidity is a water leak. If a pipe bursts or there is a leak in the basement, the water will lead to a damper and more humid environment. Even when the homeowner makes the necessary repairs, a dehumidifier might be necessary to remove the excess moisture from the air.

Why Choose an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier?

Homeowners can buy a dehumidifier to remove that excess moisture from the air, but a standard model might suck more energy as it zaps the moisture. Energy-efficient dehumidifiers certified for the ENERGY STAR label feature “…more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans to remove the same amount of moisture as a similarly sized conventional unit but uses nearly 15% less energy.”

For homeowners, these energy-efficient options could lead to savings each month. Some homeowners might utilize their dehumidifier year-round, and the savings could add up.

How Much is an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier?

Depending on the size of the appliance, an energy-efficient portable dehumidifier can range from less than $100 to more than a thousand dollars. Some of these models, though, are designed to be used for an entire crawl space, while others might just be designed for one room.

There are even industrial-type dehumidifiers that can be used in crawl spaces or for a warehouse; these models can be more than $3,000. Whole home energy-efficient dehumidifiers can cost between $1,600 to $2,800.

ENERGY STAR explains that some dehumidifiers that work for the whole home are often permanently installed. These appliances can work for multiple rooms and spaces. Smaller models can be moved from room to room. Some smaller dehumidifiers can fit on a countertop; these might be ideal for bathrooms.

What is the Best Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier?

ENERGY STAR ranked the most energy-efficient dehumidifiers for 2022. The best model was the Healthy Climate whole-home dehumidifier. The most energy efficient portable dehumidifiers were Pohl +Schmitt models.

Homeowners who are investing in an energy-efficient dehumidifier also can use ENERGY STAR’s website to find any applicable energy-efficiency rebates. In some areas, these energy-efficient appliances could qualify for rebates that could add a little money back into the homeowner’s pocket.

Is an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier Worth the Price?

Energy-efficient dehumidifiers come in different price ranges. Portable options might not be a major investment, but the costs could add up for whole-home options. For homeowners that need a more permanent solution, opting for an energy-efficient model could save money over time.

Plus, some models could qualify for rebates. While rebates won’t save homeowners money on the initial purchase, they can allow homeowners to get money back from that investment.

Are There Other Ways to Dehumidify?

Homeowners might need to invest in a portable energy-efficient dehumidifier if a room or space is becoming too muggy. Those who need a more permanent solution might opt for a whole-home model.

There are a few ways to ensure that you take some control of humidity levels, however. Homeowners can use ventilation fans in the bathroom to help take the moisture out of the air. On nicer days, they also could open a window. In addition, keeping up with plumbing issues can help ensure that leaks don’t become a messy and humid problem. Homeowners also could check windows for insulation issues, too. In some cases, though, using a dehumidifier is the best solution for removing excess moisture from the air to keep the home feeling more comfortable.