7 Best Dehumidifiers for Water Damage (2023 Reviews)

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A standard residential dehumidifier won't be powerful enough to handle flood water damage, and you need a specific type of dehumidifier that can reduce the moisture content quickly.

In this guide, I'll share the best 7 dehumidifiers for flood damage, which I have tried and tested.

These will dry out your home and help you recover from flood damage faster and easier.

Editor’s Choice

AlorAir Storm Ultra

Ease of Use

5.0

Maintenance

5.0

Value For Money

5.0


Our Score

5.0

Best Budget

AlorAir Sentinel HD55

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

4.0


Our Score

4.0

Best For Basement

COLZER 232 PPD

Ease of Use

5.0

Maintenance

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Our Score

4.7

Quick Guide To Dehumidifiers For Flood Damage

1

My Top Pick

2

Best Budget Option

3

Quick Moisture Removal

4

Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

5

Largest Capacity Dehumidifier

6

Easy Set Up

7

Best Value Performer


7 Best Dehumidifiers For Flood Damage

The first thing I advise homeowners to do after a flood is to use a dehumidifier. This will lift the moisture from your floors, walls, carpets, and furniture and help your home recover.

It is my hope that you’re reading this list in preparation and that you haven’t already found yourself with home flooding.

Either way, I’ve got you covered with models prepared for every scenario.

1. AlorAir Storm Ultra - My Top Pick

Ease of Use

5.0

Maintenance

5.0

Value For Money

5.0


Overall Rating

5.0

Moisture Removal

190 pints per day

Coverage Area (square feet)

2600

Current Draw

5.6 amps

Operating Temperatures

33.8 - 105 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic

If you have suffered serious water damage, then I would recommend the AlorAir Storm Ultra.

This beast of a machine removes water extremely quickly, and during testing, it was able to reduce the high humidity in the air from 76% to under 50% in just 12 hours. This dehumidifier will help you quickly dry out your home and belongings and remove moisture you didn't even notice.

The AlorAir Storm Ultra is one of the easiest units to set up with a single connection to your outlet. It comes with a built-in pump, too, so it can drain water even if you don't have floor drainage. Plus, it's surprisingly quiet, so you can use it in living rooms without causing too much disruption.

This model does have a control panel on the front, but it also comes with an app.

I'm a big fan of using modern technology with appliances, so I couldn't resist trying out the app. It was a little difficult to connect to the dehumidifier at first, but once I had it set up, I was really impressed. It gives you full control over the operation and the humidity level, and you can even use it to empty the dehumidifier tank. Plus, it displays error codes if the appliance stops working. 

The design, features, and technology are what stood out for me about this dehumidifier, and it’s why I would recommend it for water damage restoration. It is more expensive than other dehumidifiers, but you get a lot for the price.

Pros

  • Removes a lot of moisture quickly
  • Easy to use with a handy App
  • Built-in pump so it can be used anywhere
  • Low maintenance and tough

Cons

  • Higher price tag
  • Heavier model
  • The app is slightly tricky to connect to at first

2. AlorAir Sentinel HD55 - Best Budget Option

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.0

Moisture Removal

113 pints per day

Coverage Area (square feet)

1200

Current Draw

5.4 amps

Operating Temperatures

33.8 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic

Water damage restoration dehumidifiers are generally quite expensive, but the AlorAir Sentinal HD55 is a more affordable choice. I usually see it listed at around $575, and often even lower.

However, despite the lower price tag, it doesn't underperform, and it's one of the most complete that I've tested.

It has a good capacity and can reliably remove around 90 pints a day from the affected areas. I did find that after 2-3 days of running, the capacity decreased very slightly, but not enough to worry me about the overall performance. It only has basic controls, but you can still set the target humidity and then leave it to manage the water damage.

What really stood out for me about this dehumidifier was how well it coped in extreme conditions. It works even in humidity levels above 80%, and the defrost feature means it will keep running in very cold conditions. This makes it perfect for basements, laundry rooms, crawl spaces, or more exposed parts of your home.

I also appreciated just how low maintenance this dehumidifier was. The built-in filter protects the internal components, and I don't think you'll need to check on this model more than once or twice a year.

The only real criticism I had of this dehumidifier is the weak outer casing. I managed to drop the dehumidifier, and it left a very noticeable dent. It didn't impact the performance, but it's an indicator of the overall quality, and I wouldn't expect this model to last more than 3-5 years.

However, given the competitive price tag, excellent features, and good capacity, this option still offers a lot of value. I would recommend it to any homeowners on a budget who need humidity protection year-round.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Low maintenance with protective filters
  • Works in very cold conditions
  • Can manage very high humidity levels

Cons

  • Lower build quality
  • Noisy

3. COLZER 232 PPD - Quick Moisture Removal

Ease of Use

5.0

Maintenance

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.7

Moisture Removal

232 pints per day

Coverage Area (square feet)

8000

Current Draw

5.8 amps

Operating Temperatures

34 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic

If you have a severely flooded basement, then the COLZER 232 is the right dehumidifier for you. It's got an extremely powerful fan, and it's one of the fastest-acting dehumidifiers I've ever used.

The features within the COLZER dehumidifier make it perfect for basement use. It has an internal humidistat, an auto restart feature, and auto defrost functionality. Basically, it will keep running no matter what, so your basement is continually defended.

This dehumidifier is one of the best air movers I've seen. With a CFM of 353, it draws in moist air quickly and pumps out dry air very quickly. This is exactly what you need after water damage, and during the testing, it was able to reduce the relative humidity in the air from 72% to 50% in just a few hours.

The whole appliance performs very well, but I found the size and weight slightly challenging with this dehumidifier. This is not a compact machine, and even with the swivel wheels, it can be a struggle to get it in the right place. The hose included with the machine is short, too, so you might be a bit limited in where you can place it.

I recommend this dehumidifier for any homeowners dealing with water damage in the colder parts of their homes. It's well made, extremely tough, and does the work of several dehumidifiers in one. It will work best in larger homes and can manage humidity levels across a wide area.

Pros

  • Covers a huge area
  • Removes humidity very quickly
  • Suitable for all environments
  • Simple controls

Cons

  • Large and heavy
  • Small drainage hose

4. Abestorm 120 PPD - Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

Ease of Use

4.5

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.3

Moisture Removal

232 pints per day

Coverage Area (square feet)

8000

Current Draw

5.8 amps

Operating Temperatures

34 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic

Energy bills are high right now, so I was keen to include an energy-saving model that's cheaper to run. The Abestorm 120 PPD offers cheaper water damage restoration, but it still gives commercial-grade performance. It's a good option for homeowners that are conscious about electricity bills but still want protection in their basement, garage, crawl spaces, or other spaces in their home.

This unit is designed for constant use in homes with large amounts of water. I've found that it's most effective in smaller spaces with less air, but even in a medium-sized room, it should easily maintain a humidity of around 50%. If you push the fan speed and settings, it should be able to reach as low as 36% too.

The whole unit is easy to use with clear and basic controls, but what I like most about the Abestorm is just how low maintenance it is. It has continuous drainage, auto-restart, and defrost functionality. It even has a specific alloy tube evaporator that protects against corrosion. All of this means that it can run continuously without any manual input.

My only criticism of this dehumidifier is the casing. It seemed to be fairly fragile, and it can dent quite easily. This shouldn't impact the operation, but overall, I wouldn't expect the Abestorm 120 PPD to last as long as the others on this list.

However, at this price point and with the low running cost, it still offers good value for money, and it's the right dehumidifier for homeowners who want to set it up and forget about it. It will dehumidify floors, furniture, and surfaces and leave you with drier conditions in just a few hours.

Pros

  • Covers a huge area
  • Removes humidity very quickly
  • Suitable for all environments
  • Simple controls

Cons

  • Large and heavy
  • Small drainage hose

5. RINKMO 296 PPD - Largest Capacity Dehumidifier

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.2

Moisture Removal

296 pints per day

Coverage Area (square feet)

8000

Current Draw

5.8 amps

Operating Temperatures

41 - 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic

If you suffer from severe flooding, then you need the RINKMO dehumidifier. It has a huge capacity, which means it can remove gallons of water quickly from the air. This eliminates mold and mildew spores as they try to spread, helping to preserve your home and belongings.

Aside from the capacity, I was also impressed by the quality of this unit. The RINKMO dehumidifier is built to last, and all of the components are premium. It is heavy, but the wheels on the bottom of the appliance make it reasonably easy to move.

Sometimes, industrial-grade models can be a bit rough around the edges, but what surprised me most about this dehumidifier was how accurate it was. The humidistat and control panel on the device are extremely precise, and you can choose the exact level of dehumidifying in an area. The appliance will then cycle in 10-minute bursts until that exact humidity is reached.

While I did value the precision, what I value most about this dehumidifier is the power. It’s like having 3 separate dehumidifiers in one, with all the benefits that come with that. The only slightly frustrating thing is that there’s no built-in pump, so you have to rely on gravity draining to get rid of all the water it gathers.

One other thing to be aware of with this RINKMO dehumidifier is that it is loud. It's not too surprising, given the power, but it could cause a lot of noise throughout your house. I would recommend only using this particular model away from bedrooms and living areas.

This dehumidifier is industrial-grade and probably overkill for most homeowners. However, if you have a serious water problem in a larger home, this is the unit for you.

Pros

  • Removes a LOT of moisture
  • Accurate gauges for precision humidity control
  • Big and durable
  • Fast acting with powerful fan

Cons

  • Relies on gravity drainage
  • Noisy

6. Moiswell 232 PPD - Easy Set Up

Ease of Use

4.5

Maintenance

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.5

Moisture Removal

232 pints per day

Coverage Area (square feet)

2500

Current Draw

6.2 amps

Operating Temperatures

41 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic

Want a dehumidifier that just works? You need the Moiswell 232 PPD. It’s a plug-and-play dehumidifier with one of the simplest setups I’ve ever seen. It’s the easy way to get effective dehumidification without the fuss and start drying out the air in your home quickly.

Moiswell is a sub-brand of COLZER, a humidifier and dehumidifier specialist brand founded in 2015. COLZER is considered one of the best home appliance brands (and a COLZER model already features on this list), so you know it's a company you can trust.

With an impressive capacity and powerful fan, it can absorb moisture very quickly. It can protect your home from very high humidity, and it's built for prolonged, intense use. It's quiet too, much quieter than I expected, given the high capacity, so it should be suitable for use in any part of your home. 

What I really liked about this dehumidifier was how simple everything was. Even though it's commercial-grade, it feels like it's been designed for your average homeowner. The setup is straightforward, it's portable for easy moving or storage, and the drain line is simple to attach.

Even when it's running, it's low maintenance. You can program it using a timer or a humidistat (I prefer a humidistat after a water leak) and keep it running until the air reaches the target humidity level.

This model is best for homeowners with limited experience with residential or commercial dehumidifiers. It doesn't require any knowledge of the appliances, and it will get to work instantly, giving you an easy way to protect your home from water, mold, and mildew.

Pros

  • Plug-and-play setup
  • Quiet operation
  • Low maintenance - just keeps running
  • Solid outer frame

Cons

  • Short drainage hose
  • Not very energy efficient

7. AlorAir Sentinel HD55 - Best Value Performer

Ease of Use

4.0

Maintenance

4.0

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.0

Moisture Removal

180 pints per day

Coverage Area (square feet)

2300

Current Draw

5.6 amps

Operating Temperatures

33.8 - 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Drainage System

Automatic

If you suffer from severe water damage, flooding, or high humidity regularly, you will benefit from the AlorAir 180 PPD. It doesn't just perform well; it stands up to heavy use and can be used in all kinds of environments. All of this adds up to great long-term value.

The AlorAir 180 PPD is designed to operate continuously in high humidities. It can reduce moisture levels quickly and should be able to keep any room at an ambient humidity below 40%.

It works quickly too, and when I tested it, it reduced the humidity from 62% to 43% in just 2 hours. It may take more time to work in a room with water damage, but it will start to dry out your home very quickly.

This portable model comes with a longer drain hose than most dehumidifiers and has a built-in pump. This makes it easier to move it between rooms, and it’s particularly useful for homeowners without floor drains.

What I really like about this AlorAir model is that it's been designed for the long haul. The parts are all high quality, with a tough outer shell and a unique coating on the coils, which prevents freezing. All of this prevents the dehumidifier from becoming damaged and increases the lifespan (and value) of the entire dehumidifier.

The design and operation are both impressive, and my only real criticism of the dehumidifier is that it’s not as compact as you might think. It should still fit in most rooms, but it might not squeeze into very tight crawlspaces.

The AlorAir 180 PPD is competitively priced and long-lasting. It offers some great value for money and is best for homeowners who need to use powerful dehumidifiers frequently.

Pros

  • Extremely durable
  • Works in any environment
  • Easy drainage, with a long hose
  • Lowers humidity quickly

Cons

  • Surprisingly large
  • Only has basic features

Comparing Dehumidifiers For Water Damage

Image
AlorAir Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump...
ALORAIR Commercial Dehumidifier 113 Pint,...
COLZER 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier,...
Abestorm Crawl Space Dehumidifier 120Pint...
RINKMO 296 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier 37...
Moiswell 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier,...
Model
AlorAir Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump...
ALORAIR Commercial Dehumidifier 113 Pint,...
COLZER 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier,...
Abestorm Crawl Space Dehumidifier 120Pint...
RINKMO 296 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier 37...
Moiswell 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier,...
Moisture Removal
190 pints per day
113 pints per day
232 pints per day
232 pints per day
296 pints per day
232 pints per day
Coverage Area
2600
1200
8000
8000
8000
2500
Current Draw
5.6 amps
5.4 amps
5.8 amps
5.8 amps
5.8 amps
6.2 amps
Image
AlorAir Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump...
Model
AlorAir Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump...
Moisture Removal
190 pints per day
Coverage Area
2600
Current Draw
5.6 amps
Price
Image
ALORAIR Commercial Dehumidifier 113 Pint,...
Model
ALORAIR Commercial Dehumidifier 113 Pint,...
Moisture Removal
113 pints per day
Coverage Area
1200
Current Draw
5.4 amps
Price
Image
COLZER 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier,...
Model
COLZER 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier,...
Moisture Removal
232 pints per day
Coverage Area
8000
Current Draw
5.8 amps
Price
Image
Abestorm Crawl Space Dehumidifier 120Pint...
Model
Abestorm Crawl Space Dehumidifier 120Pint...
Moisture Removal
232 pints per day
Coverage Area
8000
Current Draw
5.8 amps
Price
Image
RINKMO 296 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier 37...
Model
RINKMO 296 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier 37...
Moisture Removal
296 pints per day
Coverage Area
8000
Current Draw
5.8 amps
Price
Image
Moiswell 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier,...
Model
Moiswell 232 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier,...
Moisture Removal
232 pints per day
Coverage Area
2500
Current Draw
6.2 amps
Price

Finding The Right Dehumidifier To Help Fix Water Damage

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the USA and causes severe damage to your home and belongings. [1] However, you can limit the long-term damage by drying out the space in the first 24-48 hours.

You need to have the right dehumidifier to get the job done when it comes to water damage. Below are the most important aspects buyers should look at before purchasing.

CFM

Dehumidifiers work by pulling humid air into the machine and pushing dry air back out. The amount of air a dehumidifier can pull in is measured in CFM or cubic feet per minute.

The higher the CFM rating, the faster the dehumidifier can pull in the air. This makes higher CFM dehumidifiers best for larger or more humid rooms.

Water damage restoration dehumidifiers need to act fast, and I would recommend getting a unit with a high CFM. This will allow it to draw air from any surface, wood, or carpet and reduce the water levels in the air.

Look for at least 200 CFM units so there's enough air movement.

Capacity

The capacity of a dehumidifier is how much water it can remove in 24 hours; this is usually measured in Pints Per Day (PPD). The higher the PPD, the more moisture it can remove from the air.

A water-damage dehumidifier needs to have a higher capacity, and you should look for a model with at least 120 PPD.

Low Grain Dehumidifiers (LGR dehumidifiers)

LGR dehumidifiers work slightly differently from conventional models because they pre-cool the intake air.

This cooler temperature makes the dehumidification more efficient and reduces the relative humidity more quickly.

All of the models on the list above are LGR dehumidifiers, and I would recommend looking for an LGR appliance to help with faster water restoration.

Coverage Area

The coverage of your dehumidifier will determine what size of room it can handle.

This is closely linked to PPD, but the coverage area is usually displayed in square feet on the dehumidifier packaging.

Make sure you measure the room accurately and look for an appropriate unit. Trust me on this one. 

If you must use a smaller unit, you'll need to move it around the room often.

Drainage Options

Dehumidifiers collect moisture from the cool air, and this needs to be removed from your home. There are two main options:

  • Manual drainage
    This is where the water drains into a tank and needs to be manually emptied. These are easier to install but must be monitored because the device shuts off when the tank is full.
  • Automatic drainage
    A drain hose or drainage pump can be attached to some dehumidifiers so water is automatically drained. The setup is more complicated, but it means the dehumidifier can run continuously. Automatic drainage is best for dealing with water damage as it will help you remove more moisture.

If you’ve been reading closely, you’ll see that all of the models I chose for this list have automatic drainage. The extra effort up front in setup is well worth it, in my opinion.

Operation Temperature Requirements

A desiccant dehumidifier can operate at any temperature, but refrigerant dehumidifiers can freeze over if there's not enough heat.

Most refrigerant dehumidifiers can't operate in temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so you need to be aware of the heat levels.

If you are dehumidifying in your basement, garage, or other rooms with cooler rooms, I recommend you purchase a dehumidifier with an automatic defrost feature that can withstand those temperatures.

You can heat the room separately with a space heater (or other equipment), but the electricity cost can be high to heat a large space.

Noise Levels

The average residential dehumidifier will produce 50-60 decibels. This isn't enough to damage your hearing, but much louder than that can be disruptive in your home. [2]

Water-damage dehumidifiers are usually more powerful and can be a lot louder. This can be a real issue in a compact home.

If you are concerned about noise levels, then I would recommend looking for quiet dehumidifiers which are under 50 decibels.

Durability

A dehumidifier should last 5-10 years, but only if you have well-made and durable equipment.

I would suggest looking for reputable brands like AlorAir, Colzer, and RIMKO, which have a good range of products.

Size

The physical dimensions of your dehumidifier will determine where you can use it. Measure the space in your home carefully and select equipment that can fit within it.

I recommend looking for a unit under 75 pounds, so it's easier to move and install , especially if you'll be maneuvering it into smaller spaces like crawlspaces.

Ease of Use and Additional Features

Choose a modern, programmable model with an internal humidity sensor. This allows you to choose the target relative humidity so it will cycle on and off as needed.

Other useful features include:

  • Automatic restart and shut off - this means the appliance will keep running even after a power outage.
  • Different fan speeds and settings.
  • WiFi controls so it can be monitored remotely.
  • Filter - an air filter will help to improve the air quality in your home. This has been shown to improve your overall health. [3]

Pricing

A dehumidifier can cost anywhere from $150-$5000, depending on the size of the unit.

For flood damage dehumidifiers, you need a powerful model, and you should expect to spend $700-$1500.


Tips for Using Your New Dehumidifier

Once you’ve selected your new dehumidifier, here’s how you can get it to work quickly for you:

Set The Right Humidity Level

After flooding, the humidity level in your home could spike to over 70%.

You need to try and get this excess moisture below 50% to reach ambient conditions and limit any dust, mold, and mildew building up. 

Start by setting your dehumidifier to 50% relative humidity and then adjust as needed.

Choose The Right Place

You should try to position your dehumidifier on stable surfaces as close to the moisture as possible.

Humidity can rise, so elevating your dehumidifier will mean it can reduce the moisture levels more quickly too.

Use Heaters And Fans

Heaters and fans will help to dry out the room following flooding and encourage humid air into the dehumidifier.

The heat will limit condensation and help to dry out the room much more quickly.

Seal The Space

Dehumidifiers work best in a closed environment without fresh air flowing.

By closing the windows and doors, you create a smaller space for the dehumidifier to work in, limiting the evaporation and condensation forming.

This will allow the appliance to reduce the relative humidity more quickly.


People Also Ask (FAQs)

Will a dehumidifier help with existing water damage?

Yes, a dehumidifier will help to limit the damage done by water damage. Regulating the humidity levels can prevent water damage to floors, walls, and furniture.

How long does it take to dry out a house after a flood?

A flooded house can take several hours or several days to dry out; it all depends on the extent of the damage. A dehumidifier will start to have an impact and remove moisture immediately once it's switched on.

Can I use a household dehumidifier for flood damage?

Yes, a household dehumidifier can be used to help deal with damage after flooding. However, depending on the extent of the damage, a regular household dehumidifier may not be powerful enough to manage that much moisture, and you might need a different model.


Conclusion

I have tried and tested all the dehumidifiers on the list, and I know they are all up to the task. However, I recommend the AlorAir Storm Ultra to most homeowners. 

It's powerful, fast acting, and the app makes it very easy to monitor. It offers good value for money and should help to protect your floors, walls, furniture, and belongings from water damage.

Our #1 Flood Damage Dehumidifier

Ease of Use

5.0

Maintenance

5.0

Value For Money

5.0


Overall Rating

5.0

References: 

1.https://www.ready.gov/floods
2.https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html
3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4587002/ 

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Josh Mitchell

Founder

Josh Mitchell
My name is Josh and I am obsessed with home appliances. From portable AC units to heaters and air purifiers, I enjoy testing, learning and using these devices to improve the air quality inside my family home.

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