Best Dehumidifier For Garage

​Providing an area free of moisture, dehumidifiers for garage help to keep your cars, workshop, and storage space safe from mold, mildew, and high levels of humidity. Crucial for any garage, a dehumidifier helps to prevent rusting in metals and the saturation of wood that makes it unreliable, soft, and flimsy.

It can also help to prevent pests from coming into your garage and nest since the area is so dry. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best dehumidifier for garage.

Our Top Rated Dehumidifier For Garage

#1st Rated
Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier

Ivation Dehumidifier

#2nd Rated
Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier

#3rd Rated
Frigidaire FAD301NWD Energy Star

Frigidaire FAD301NWD

1. Ivation Dehumidifier

With a coverage area of up to 4500 square feet, the Ivation Dehumidifier comes with a pump and a water tank capacity of 2.25 gallons. Featuring continuous drainage, the Energy Star rated dehumidifier comes with two fan speeds, an LCD interface, and an air filter that you can wash. This is a great option for those that like high tech devices that also need to remove the moisture from a large area.

Using a filtration system that works within, the Ivation Dehumidifier will efficiently remove mold and mildew as well as any allergens. You will also boost the air quality in the room at the same time making breathing easier and also helping to protect your belongings. This dehumidifier works well in any type of weather condition and also features an auto defrost in case it gets cold during the night.

Removing up to 70 pints of moisture each day, this dehumidifier will work in a garage up to 4500 square feet. The pump allows you to continuously drain moisture out of a window or into a discharge pipe or sink. If you choose not to use the continuous drainage feature, the 2.25-gallon reservoir still gives you a large tank that won’t need to be emptied frequently.


The LED display along with the high-tech features allows you to easily control humidity, fan speed, and an indicator that tells you when the filter should be changed. This is an economical and practical choice that uses a lot less electricity than older models.


Pros

  • It comes with a filtration system that is built-in
  • This unit covers a really large area
  • You get a pump that let you drain vertically all the time

Cons

  • The power cord needs to be longer

2. Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier 

Providing coverage up to 220 square feet, the Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier comes with a continuous drainage option and a 52-ounce water tank capacity. This is the perfect unit for a small garage as well as a workshop or RV. It works best at an operating temperature between 59- and 86-degrees Fahrenheit.

A mini dehumidifier is not meant for a large area, but it can put out over one pint of moisture every day. Instead of using a compressor, the ProBreeze operates using a thermo-electric cooling system which helps make it super quiet. Plus, this energy-efficient unit does not use a ton of power thanks to its small size.


Since it does not have a continuous draining option, you will have to empty the water tank yourself. But it does come with a shut-off feature that is automatic once it senses that the tank is full. This will prevent leaking and overfilling.

Pros

  • It is a nice little energy-efficient machine
  • The unit will shut off automatically
  • It is super quiet when it runs

Cons

  • It doesn’t drain very well
  • The unit isn’t really good for a large garage

3. Frigidaire FAD301NWD 

Including a continuous drainage option, the Frigidaire FAD301NWD comes with a 1 ½ gallon water tank capacity and works best at colder temperatures. Removing 30 pints of moisture each day, this small unit gives you a lot of power, so you can use it in larger spaces.

Featuring a built-in setting that allows it to work at low temperatures the Frigidaire FAD301NWD also comes with a filter that can remove bacteria and mold as well as many smells. This is a washable filter, which will save you money from having to buy a lot of replacement filters.

It also features a ‘SpaceWise’ design, which means it is compact and comes with handles and wheels, so you can maneuver it easily inside the garage. And, if you can find a drain that is suitable, placing the unit next to it will allow you to drain the water continuously, so you don’t have to remove the water yourself when it accumulates.


Pros

  • It comes with a five-year warranty 
  • The unit will drain continuously
  • It works really well when the temperature is low

Cons

  • The unit is pretty awkward and bulky
  • It doesn’t show the humidity level

4. Eurgeen Mid-Sized Dehumidifier

Covering areas up to 220 square feet, the Eurgeen Mid-Sized Dehumidifier includes a continuous drainage option and a 0.4-gallon water tank capacity. This quiet dehumidifier has a noise level of less than 50 dB. It also comes with casters and top handle for easy maneuverability.

Including a three-minute delay start, this compact model is perfect for a small garage or basement as well as cabinets. The Eurgeen Dehumidifier has tons of power and features that you would normally see in a large dehumidifier. With the ability to remove 20 pints of moisture each day, you can connect it to a hose providing continuous drainage so you don’t have to empty it yourself.


Featuring two fan speeds, you can run the machine at whatever level your garage needs. The convenient display provides the humidity level in your garage while the 24-hour timer lets you choose how long you want to leave it on.


The washable filter not only saves you money, but it removes smells as well as harmful mold and bacteria from your garage.


Pros

  • This lightweight unit comes with tons of power  
  • It is very easy to maneuver around the garage
  • It comes with a timer that will turn it on and off automatically

Cons

  • It only works well in a small garage

5. Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier 

Requiring no batteries, the Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier can run up to 30 days before you need to renew it. Unlike other dehumidifiers, this unit uses crystals to indicate when it has reached its maximum capacity. This is a great dehumidifier for a small area due to its compact size.

With proper maintenance, the Eva-dry E-333 can last you up to ten years and comes with a five-year limited warranty. With its small size, you can actually put this dehumidifier in a cabinet in your garage or even your toolbox. Since all of its parts are renewable, it does not need batteries and it is never an environmental concern.


Even though this is a compact unit, it can cover a large area, up to 333 cubic feet. While it may not work on the entire garage, it is perfect for small spaces or just to put near a vehicle in order to keep the humidity level low.

Pros

  • This is a very compact unit
  • You don’t need batteries to operate it
  • It can last up to ten years

Cons

  • It doesn’t have great coverage in larger garages


How to Choose the Best Dehumidifier for a Garage


Will High Humidity Affect Your Garage?


High humidity levels in a garage can cause mildew to grow, rusting, and corrosion at an alarming rate. Specifically, high humidity can cause the following issues:

• Paint can crack from moisture that settles on it
• The metal parts on your car can be affected by high humidity causing them to wear out
• Snow and rain can cause a sogginess that can damage tires


Where Can You Remove Moisture from Your Garage?

Here are a few possible sources of moisture that can occur in your garage:
• Pipeline and drains leakage can cause a lot of dampness
• Appliances can cause moisture and heat issues in your garage if they are run regularly and lack ventilation
• Melting snow and rainwater condensation


Why Should You Use A Garage Dehumidifier?

Usually, most people will not know they are having a humidity problem until they start to see problems. A lot of things can be affected by removing moisture that is in the air including:
• A good dehumidifier helps to keep the air fresh in your garage
• Dehumidifies will help you maintain your vehicles and keep them in shape
• Metal parts will no longer suffer from rust and moisture exposure
• Mildew and mold find high humidity environments the perfect breeding ground, which can affect your family’s health or anyone that works in the garage on a daily basis


Tips When Choosing a Garage Dehumidifier

Types


You will be able to choose from two types of dehumidifiers that are suitable for use in the garage. The first type is a desiccant dehumidifier that is a great option thanks to their use of desiccant wheels when extracting moisture from the air. Operating quietly, these are nice dehumidifiers for those that prefer less noise. They are also perfect for use in garages since they do not use coils that could freeze if the temperature in the garage reaches a low level.

The second type is called a compressor dehumidifier, which is really a good choice for a large garage space. Typically, more powerful when it comes to pulling moisture out of the air, these dehumidifiers also conserve energy thanks to their speed and efficiency when they operate.


Since both dehumidifiers work well in a garage setting, you should choose the one that fits your needs and goals best.

Size


You are probably asking yourself, how big of a dehumidifier do I need? The first thing you need to do is measure the space you will be using it in. With a large garage, you will probably have more several dampness than a small area, so you will need a dehumidifier with a larger capacity. Typically, a dehumidifier that has a capacity of 70 pints of water or more is a good choice for a large space that has a bigger problem with humidity.

Safety


Anything that you have running all day needs to be a safe machine to use. Always look for a dehumidifier that comes with an automatic shut off that will stop it once it reaches its full capacity. The best choice is a dehumidifier that will connect to a drain hose, which will allow the water to drain continuously. This will save you from having to empty the water tank constantly. Otherwise, look for a dehumidifier that has an alert when the tank becomes full and that comes with an automatic restart feature in the event of a power outage.

Noise


Depending on your preferences, you will probably want to check reviews to see how noisy the dehumidifier you want to buy is. This will help you find one that isn’t very noisy, so you won’t’ be distracted by the unit running all day long.

Low-temperature Settings


Most garages are not heated, so they can reach some pretty low temperatures in the winter causing the dehumidifier to not work correctly. And, if you have chosen a dehumidifier with a compressor, you will also have to worry about the coils freezing. Look for a dehumidifier that has an anti-frost feature that will let it operate well in a garage when cold weather sets in.

Humidity Levels


Another consideration is the humidity level in your garage. If you have a particularly high level of humidity, you will need to avoid those devices that do not work as efficiently when removing a large amount of moisture from the air.

Drainage


Typically, you will see one of two types of drainage systems on a dehumidifier. Both remove water from the air, but they use different approaches. One uses a tank where it collects water that is then manually taken away to be drained. The second type of drainage system uses a drain hose that empties the water continuously empties into a drain.

 When choosing which drainage system is best for your garage to make sure to consider if you have an available drain or will be able to constantly empty the tank before making a choice.


FAQs


What’s the best place for your dehumidifier?

You need to find a location leaving six inches between any obstructions and intake on the dehumidifier. Here are a few other key guidelines that will allow for the best distribution of dry air:

• Place the unit close to the return air vent as you run the AC system in your home. This allows for better distribution of dry air through your entire home.
• If you are placing it in a large space, but the dehumidifier in a central location.
• If necessary, you can use a fan to move the air between the rooms better


What is the best fan speed to use?

Typically, a dehumidifier will have both a high and low fan speed. You will want to use the low fan when running the dehumidifier allowing the machine to be quiet for most of the time and then use the high speed when you need to quickly remove moisture.

Will the fan in the dehumidifier run after it reaches the desired humidity level?
This will depend on the model that you buy. Some units will turn off when the reach the humidity level that you prefer. Others can run intermittently when the sample the air to see if the humidity is still at the desired level although they won’t run all the time like it does when it is actively dehumidifying. Keep in mind that it only draws a little energy when the dehumidifier’s fan is running.


Do you need to replace the filter?

Usually, a dehumidifier includes an air filter. It is the filter’s job to filter large particles out of the air and keep them from getting inside the unit where it can damage the evaporator or compressor. You do not need to replace the filter, but you will need to vacuum or rinse it periodically, especially if you are running it all day. You can do this less often if you are not running the machine all the time.


Can I use an extension cord?

Typically, a dehumidifier will have a six-foot-long cord that comes with it. It is not advised to use an extension cord at any time by the manufacturer. This may prevent you from placing farther than six feet from an outlet, so you will need to plan accordingly.

After the power goes out, will the dehumidifier restart automatically?
In most cases, the dehumidifier will restart automatically at the previously saved settings.


Should I buy a hygrometer for my dehumidifier?

A built-in hygrometer is found in almost every dehumidifier on the market today. With this feature, it will display on the control panel what the ambient humidity is in the room. While some hygrometers are better than others, most will be able to give you a decent reading for most uses.


However, if you are using your dehumidifier in a really large space, you may want to consider having a separate hygrometer. In this instance, you will want the hygrometer to help determine the humidity level of various locations away from where the dehumidifier sits.


What is the lowest humidity setting for a dehumidifier?

Typically, most dehumidifiers will be able to get the relative humidity of a room down to around 35%. Most dehumidifiers will have a panel where you can choose your preferred humidity level, and it usually goes down to only 35% RH. Most dehumidifiers should be able to accomplish this humidity level without a problem.


If my dehumidifier drains with a hose, will it make a difference in what capacity the dehumidifier has?

Yes, the capacity still makes a difference since the capacity is not referring to the water collection bucket capacity but the amount of water that the machine can pull out of the air during a 24-hour period. If you have a machine with a 70-pint capacity, that means it removes 70-pints of water from the air over 24 hours no matter if it is draining into a drain or bucket. Typically, a dehumidifier will have a water collection bucket capacity that is smaller than what the machine’s overall capacity is.

Now you know that having a dehumidifier in your garage is pretty much a necessity. Keeping all your belongings in your garage safe from too much humidity and mold growth, a dehumidifier can also help create a better breathing environment for you and your family. Always consider the size of your garage and your humidity levels before you make your final decision so you can find the best dehumidifier garage for your needs.

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