(I may earn a small commission on the products linked to in this post.)
Today we’re discussing the best dehumidifier for allergies in 2023 (dust mites and mold). We’ll even mention the best crawl space dehumidifier for allergies!
Humidity, we’ve all experienced it. Some people hate the feeling of moist air and others welcome it. Humidity can help keep our skin supple and moist, but when there’s too much it can be uncomfortable.
When it rains there is an increase in humidity and we also experience humidity during hot, muggy summers. In the East, South, and Mid-West of the U.S. humidity is something we have to live with.
However, protecting our homes from humidity by using dehumidifiers might be a smart decision to reduce allergies from dust mites and mold. In this article, I’ll share the best humidifiers for dust mite and mold allergies.
These should put you on the right track to improve your indoor air humidity.
Best Dehumidifier For Allergies
| Ranking | Brand / Model | Size | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frigidair | 70 pint | $$ | ||
| 2 | Pro Breeze (for bathrooms ) | Small 2.4 pounds | $ | ||
| 3 | Keystone Energy Star | 50 pint | $ | ||
| 4 | hOmelabs | 70 pint | $ | ||
| 5 | Frigidair | 50 pint | $$ | ||
| 6 | Dry-Ease for Crawl Space | 80 pint | $$$ | ||
| 7 | AlorAir for Crawl Space | 70, 90, 125 | $$$ |
Why Is Indoor Humidity A Problem
Indoor humidity isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, without humidity the air would be extremely dry. The dry air would also affect our skin moisture.
When humidity increases inside our home it can cause all kinds of problems, especially if ventilation is poor. High humidity can cause:
- Mold
- Food to become soggy and ruined
- Problems with electronics (short-circuiting etc.)
- Increase health issues by promoting bacteria and virus growth as well as mites that rely on humidity to survive
There is a recommended relative humidity level that is perfect for indoors and it is 40-60%.
Related: The Best Air Purifiers for Dust Mites and Pet Allergy
How Do Dehumidifiers Work
Dehumidifiers work by effectively sucking in air, removing the moisture, then redistributing the air into the room. It’s really not much different than an air conditioner except there is a container where water is held once the moisture has been removed.
Because a dehumidifier collects water, it will need to be emptied occasionally, and sometimes daily on humid days. Some dehumidifiers use hoses that connect directly to a drain. On really humid days, some dehumidifiers can remove liters of water from the air.
Good quality dehumidifiers also filter the air, so you get lower humidity and freshly filtered air….perfect for people like me who suffer from allergies.
Related: The Best Dust Mite Mattress Covers
Why Is Humidity Bad For Allergies
Not all cases of allergy become worse with humidity. Some people who suffer from asthma often find that humidity helps relax their lungs. Problems emerge however when people are allergic to dust mites and mold.
Dust mites rely on moisture but interestingly they don’t drink water. They absorb all their moisture needs from the air through their skin. In low humidity environments, they slowly die off or become less active. In high humidity environments, they reproduce quickly!
The same is true for mold, which is a fungus. More moisture allows fungi to thrive, while lower humidity can dry out fungi.
I experienced an increase in dust mite allergy when I lived in Washington D.C. and it coincided with the humid summer season. My symptoms were:
- Red itchy eyes
- Congested nose
- Itchy mouth and eczema skin
- Itchy ears
Basically, my respiratory system, especially my sinus were getting the worst of it. The indoor air was thick and the couches located in the basement were a little damp. Since I was living in the basement I started to experience allergy symptoms and I wasn’t sure what it was.
Come to find out later, it was likely a combination of dust mites and mold. Shortly after my experience, my family purchased a dehumidifier for the whole house and placed it in the basement.
I was astonished at the amount of water it collected in one day. I also felt the difference in the entire house. The air felt more crisp, fresh, and definitely didn’t feel like I wasn’t living in the South.
The list below consolidates the best dehumidifiers on the market for people suffering from dust mite and mold allergy. We recommend these because of their popularity, ease of use, and function (room or whole house). We also consider the reviews on amazon.com which detail positive and negative experiences.
You will notice a “pint-size” listed with each dehumidifier. Keep in mind that the pint-size is based on the amount of water that be collected per day.
A 70-pint dehumidifier will remove 70 pints per day (approximately .5 liters). A higher pint-size basically means the dehumidifier is larger and more efficient. Smaller pint size is fine for smaller spaces.
Related: Best Vacuums for Dust Mite and Pet Allergies
What Dehumidifier Do I Need
Before looking at the selections of dehumidifier you might ask yourself “what type of dehumidifier do I need”. The answer to that question depends on a number of factors.
- Severity of humidity
Most people purchase a dehumidifier because they are looking to reduce the amount of moisture throughout their home. It might be seasonal – during warm summers, or the humidity can be a problem year-round if in a more tropical area. If the humidity stronger in a particular room, a small dehumidifier might be useful.
If the humidity is spread throughout the house, a larger, 70-pint dehumidifier will be helpful and can be placed in a basement or laundry room.
- Is it just a problem with humidity in the bathroom
It’s understandable if the humidity is only in the bathroom. Warm showers and baths can create steam, which makes a bathroom moist – the perfect environment for mold growth. Humidity in a bathroom becomes a problem when there is inadequate ventilation.
The first thing you can do is to open a window in the bathroom while bathing to let hot air escape. In the winter, this may sound like a bad idea, but it will help with ventilation.
If ventilation can’t be improved, a bathroom dehumidifier will work great and help reduce moisture damage to walls and discourage mold growth. Small dehumidifiers also work great for bedrooms and offices that have poor ventilation.
- Do you have a humid basement
In the Western U.S. most homeowners don’t have a basement. But in many homes across the Mid-West, East, and South basements are common.
Because they are built into soil, there are often problems with moisture. If there is a high water table, or if there are frequent rains, the moisture can seep into the basement (hence, the need for sump pumps and drainage.
If you have a humid basement a dehumidifier will help significantly. The great thing about a dehumidifier in the basement is you’ll likely be able to feel results in the upper levels of the house.
A large dehumidifier in the basement can be attached to a sink with a hose and run around the clock. Frigidair and Keystone make dependable options that are big enough for the whole basement.
- Do you have excess moisture in your crawl space
A crawl space dehumidifier might be your best bet if you have a moist crawl space under the house. If a crawl space is wet and damp, it can be the perfect place for mold growth and it could slowly start to rot your house foundation.
The great thing about a crawl space dehumidifier is it tucked under the house, unseen, and quiet enough that it won’t bother people while running all night.
Remember, a crawl space dehumidifier will reduce moisture from the area and stop mold growth in its tracks, however it won’t totally kill the mold. You may have to go down there with a spray bottle of water/bleach to zap the existing mold.
Too much moisture in the crawl space is often an allergy-causing problem that homeowners don’t realize. If you own a house with a crawl space, it’s wise to occasionally look under the house (or attic area) to see the conditions.
- What is your budget
Lastly, what is your budget? For their important purpose, the cost of buying a dehumidifier is reasonable – especially if they help improve dust mite and mold allergies.
Understandably, small rooms or bathroom dehumidifiers are the cheapest. Larger room or basement dehumidifiers can run a few hundred dollars. They are great quality from reliable brands, many with energy star ratings.
A crawlspace dehumidifier cost is considerably more expensive, however the best brands offer up to 6 year warranties, are energy star efficient, can be mounted to floorboards or other foundation, and can have hoses up to 20 feet away to drain water.
The 5 Best Dehumidifiers For Indoor Allergies
No. 1 Frigidair FFAD7033R1 70-Pint Dehumidifier
“I’ve got to admit, it works great. My other dehumidifier stopped working so this purchase was needed. I remove the bucket and empty it in the sink daily which is fine by me because there is a convenient handle. My basement is super humid so this Frigidair has its work cut out for it. I leave it on 24 hours a day and I like how it works.” – Frigidair customer
Highlights:
Highlights:- One color: white
- 70-pints removed from air per day
- 115V outlet
- Mold, mildew protection, and will help discourage populations of dust mites
- Helps eliminate bacteria that may be harmful
- Low temp output (41 degrees) saves energy and money
- Digital temperature readout and 24 hour on/off timer
- Energy Certified!
The Frigidair 70-pint is our top dehumidifier for its functionality, coverage area, price, and reviews.
The size of this humidifier is 11.6 x 15 x 24.4 inches and weighs 47 pounds. As advertised, it will protect your home from mold and mildew caused by moisture. It also eliminates bacteria in the air that can make breathing/asthma difficult
>> check Frigidair options, reviews on Amazon
With a 70-pint per day output, it can work continuously in relatively large spaces such as a basement. If placed by a drain, a hose can be attached, thereby reducing the need for emptying a container.
The Frigidair 70-pint has a digital humidity display, a 24 hour on/off timer and a control lock. Its design includes a handle and caster wheels to make moving easy.
No. 2 Pro Breeze PB-02-US Electric Mini Dehumidifier 1100 Cubic Feet
“My expectations were tempered when buying this product because its the first time I’ve tried a dehumidifier. This one is smaller so it works great for smaller rooms. I use it in my bathroom and it helps reduce humidity and water in the bathroom. Water from the shower actually dries up faster which is nice, and it prevents mold growth.” – Pro Breeze customer
Highlights:
Highlights:- High efficiency, lightweight and perfect for moving around the house
- Quiet “whisper” technology
- Thermo-electric cooling (no compressor)
- Removes up to 9 oz. of moisture/day with 16 oz tank capacity
- Auto shut-off with indicator light (for capacity)
- Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, garage, closets
Best dehumidifier for bathrooms and small spaces. We ranked the Pro Breeze PB-02 as one of our top dehumidifiers because it is lightweight and compact. It weighs 2.4 lbs. The “mini” size is perfect for a bedroom, where dust mites and mold can irritate our respiratory system will we sleep.
In fact, dust mites cause the most problems while we sleep because their populations are highest in our pillows and beds. This device can easily sit on a countertop or desk without taking up much space and it can easily be moved to various locations throughout the day
>> check Pro Breeze reviews on Amazon
The Pro Breeze comes in one color scheme (white with blue), and included 1 DC adapter and instruction manual. The voltage is DC9V and powers by 20w.
At an affordable price point, Pro Breeze is a great option for smaller areas within the home and these reasons make it one of the best dehumidifiers for dust mites and mold.
No. 3 Keystone KSTAD50B Energy Star Dehumidifier, 50 Pint
“Well-designed and sturdy dehumidifier works great for me. This is my first experience using one and I’m happy with my purchase. The reviews gave me confidence that this would work well for a decent size area in my home. I can adjust the settings based on the humidity level (it measures humidity and tells you). It works quietly so that’s also a plus.” – Keystone customer
Highlights:
- Energy star compliant
- 50 pint per day for 3000 square feet
- Multiple setting control: Normal, Turbo, and Auto-Defrost
- Removable and cleanable filter (with alert notification)
- Continuous draining option for hose (hose not included)
The Keystone dehumidifier has a classic, industrial look that garners superb reviews on amazon.com. In addition to the above-mentioned features, Keystone included electronic controls with LED display, and 24-hour timer, and a capacity alert when full.
>> check Keystone options, reviews on Amazon
It gives an accurate display of ambient humidity so you’re aware of the level inside your home. The filter is helpful for people suffering from dust mite allergy and it can easily be removed and cleaned. The Keystone humidifier also has wheels that make moving the dehumidifier an easier task.
The product dimensions are 10.8 x 15.4 x 23.2 inches and weighs 36.3 pounds. Positive reviews state that it maintains the humidity setting, runs quietly, and even reduces those musty smells in basements due to mold and mildew.
Related: Best Mission Allergy Products for Allergy Bedding
No. 4 hOmeLabs 9 Gallon (70 Pint) Dehumidifier Energy Star Safe Mid Size Portable Dehumidifiers
“Two words, Quiet and Dry. We needed a large dehumidifier for our basement and hOmeLabs has exceeded our expectations. Seriously, you don’t understand how humid and damp your house is until you try it. This dehumidifier is easy to use, runs quietly and stops when full. Doesn’t look bad either.” – hOmeLabs customer
Highlights:
- Perfect for large rooms (4000 square feet)
- Wheels for easier movement
- Comes with drain hose for continuous use
- Auto shut off with 9 gallon (70 pint) tank
- Nice, modern design
- Reduces odor and bacteria
You might not be familiar with the HomeLab company, but we sure are. Home makes indoor electric products ranging from cookers to ac units, to humidifiers. Most of their products are energy efficient including this one.
We like Home’s dehumidifier because it makes a great first impression (appearance) and runs quietly. Because it’s energy efficient it won’t surprise you on your electricity bill either. The control panel is digital with push-button controls.
>> check HomeLabs reviews on Amazon
The two-year limited warranty is enough time to give me confidence the company backs its product. Other dehumidifiers don’t provide a hose for drainage, however, this one does and gives you the option for manual water removal or hose (direct) to the sink.
Homelabs gives our No. 1 option (Frigidair 70 pint) some tough competition. Especially with an excellent average review!
No. 5 Frigidair FAD504DWD Energy Star 50-Pint Dehumidifier
“Frigidair is a great brand with plenty of power. I’ve had this 50-pint for over a year and it still works like it is brand new. We have humidity year-round and also use the a/c constantly (yes we’re in Florida). This helps keep our home cool and dry, otherwise, we’d probably have mold and dampness everywhere. Thanks Frigidair.” – Frigidair customer
Highlights:
Highlights:- Protects from mold and mildew caused by excessive moisture
- Helps to eliminate bacteria from air
- Humidity control and monitoring
- Continuous operation while near a drain
- Full tank alert system + automatic shut-off
Yes, we’ve listed Frigidaire 2x in this review. However, this dehumidifier is a 50 pint and slightly smaller than our No. 1 recommended dehumidifier. The 50 pin is still a great choice for large or small rooms.
It’s slightly smaller than the 70 pint and measures 19.8 x 11.54 x 14.57 inches and weighs 37 pounds. Similar to its larger version, Frigidaire offers a 1 year, limited warranty. The 50 pint Frigidaire has a 2-speed control for the fan.
Frigidaire’s 50 pint has the same look to the larger and smaller models, equipped with a top handle and caster wheels to make moving an easier task.
>> check Frigidaire reviews on Amazon
Note: This device cannot be used with an extension cord. If connecting to a drain via a hose, the dehumidifier is gravity-fed and the device should be higher than the drain.
Reviews also say that once delivered, let the dehumidifier stand upright in the box for an extended amount of time before turning on. This will ensure the compressor works properly.
Related: Best HVAC Filters for Dust Mite Allergies
No. 6 Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution LGR Dehumidifier (Crawl Space Dehumidifier for allergies)
The Dri-Eaz company is based out of Burlington, Washington and make a range of products ranging from filtration, air moving, and dehumidifiers. This product is top-of-the-line and looks great as well. It also packs a punch and can dry areas up to 7,000 square feet. Don’t forget a 6 year warranty!
Highlights:
Highlights:- 6 year warranty!
- 7,000 square feet
- Measures humidity and temperature
- Long cords for electricity and drainage
- Measures 12.5 x 21.5 x 12.5 inches
- 61 lbs
- Uses regular outlet and stacks away for easy storage
- Great for crawlspace and issues with flooding
It has a build in humidistat so it can turn on and off automatically. It displays the temperature and humidity levels.
The product can be moved around easily by a hand-truck and multiple products can be stacked on top of each other.
>> check Dri-Eaz reviews and size on Amazon
These work great for home, offices, and commercial property. They are also perfect for drying out homes after flooding. They can fit under stairs and in bathrooms and basements.
This dehumidifier is commercial grade. It can filter out up to 17 gallons of water per day (80 pints). It measures 12.5 x 21.5 x 12.5 inches and weighs a hefty 61 pounds.
It has a 40 foot hose for drainage anywhere. It operates at 60 decibels so not too loud either with a regular outlet (15 amps / 120 volts).
No. 7 AlorAir Commercial Portable Dehumidifier for Water Damage (Crawl Space dehumidifier for allergies)
AlorAir has offices on the East and West coast of the U.S. as well as Europe and Asia. They also make air systems to dry out basements and reduce humidity levels. This product is one of their best crawlspace dehumidifiers.
Highlights:
Highlights:- Available in 70, 90, and 125 pint
- 4,000 square feet (70 pint)
- Cable/hose connector and HEPA filters
- Handle and wheels for easy transport
We like the fact it has a handle and wheels so it’s easy to move around. It has a 70 pint capacity per day and their instructions say it works great on carpet damage. These are commercial size, however, it comes in 70, 90, and 125 pint sizes.
The 70 pint is fine for a crawlspace dehumidifier. It is effective for an area 4,000 square feet or smaller and will reduce mold and bacteria growth.
>> check AlorAir reviews, and sizes on Amazon
It also features an automatic digital humidistat control and a timer. It measures 19.3 x 21.5 x 31.5 inches and weighs 84 pounds.
Of note, it will ship from China so don’t let this be a surprise. If you’re looking to support an American company go with the product above or take a look at other available options!
Our Choice for Best Dehumidifier for Dust Mite Allergy
For these reviews, we considered size, price, energy efficiency, reviews, and my personal use. Each of the dehumidifiers would work well depending on your individual needs, however, 2 stuck out from the others.
For a large area, it’s hard to look past Frigidair. They’ve been making quality dehumidifiers to tackle mold and dampness for decades and do-so with solid engineering and craftsmanship. For a basement, the Frigidair 70 would provide enough power to quietly thin out the air of humidity.
Although the Frigidair 70 pint is not designed to be a whole house dehumidifier, a dehumidifier running in the basement would have positive effects on the rest of the house. In other words, it will help the humidity in the entire house (unless a window or door is open).
Large Room and Basement Dehumidifier:
Frigidair FFAD7033R1 70-Pint Dehumidifier with Effortless Humidity Control
The Pro Breeze works great as well but on a small scale. Consider this option for bedrooms and bathrooms.
For allergic individuals who don’t want a large dehumidifier or live in a smaller apartment, this dehumidifier can likely keep dust mite, asthma, or mold allergies at bay while you sleep. Based on the solid reviews and affordability, we can recommend this small-space dehumidifier for allergies.
Bathroom Dehumidifier:
Pro Breeze PB-02-US Electric Mini Dehumidifier 1100 Cubic Feet
Crawl Space Dehumidifier:
Dri-Eaz F413 Revolution LGR Dehumidifier
Related: My Personal Experience with Allergy Shots (review)
Conclusion
So there you have it. If you’re looking for a dehumidifier to help with reducing dust mite or mold allergies, then this review should help your search. Dehumidifiers work well inside the home, especially in basements and bedrooms where allergies can affect us the worst.
They come in various sizes, using “pints”, which collect the amount of water per day. Whether you’re looking for a large whole-house dehumidifier or smaller room-size dehumidifier we’ve provided the information to get you started.
Visit our Dust Mite Solutions blog to learn more information on dust mite and allergy control.