Where is the best place to put a dehumidifier in your house?

Having a dehumidifier in your home can help control humidity levels and prevent issues like mold growth, musty odors, and window condensation. But where you place the dehumidifier can impact how effective it is. Here’s a look at the best places to put a dehumidifier in your house.

Table of Contents

Basement

The basement is often one of the best places for a dehumidifier. Here are some of the key reasons why:

Basements tend to be damp and humid places naturally. Ground moisture can seep in through concrete walls and floors. Having a dehumidifier running in the basement helps offset this incoming moisture.
Cooler temperatures in the basement allow a dehumidifier to work more efficiently at condensing water from the air.
The contained space of a basement makes it easier for a dehumidifier to control humidity levels for that area.

Dehumidifiers can help prevent musty basement smells that occur from excess moisture.
Controlling basement humidity can reduce chances for mold growth on walls, stored items, and furnishings.
A dehumidifier protects against moisture damage to basement contents like storage boxes, clothing, and furniture.

Aim to place the dehumidifier centrally in the basement space you want to control humidity in. Leave adequate space around the unit for airflow.

Basement Dehumidifier Placement Tips

Pick a level, sturdy surface that can support the unit’s weight and vibration.
Allow space around the dehumidifier for air circulation.

Keep the unit away from direct sunlight which could impact performance.
Place away from interior basement walls which tend to be cooler and condense moisture.
Set up near a suitable drain or condensate pump if the unit lacks a built-in pump.

Position away from frequently opened doors leading outside which introduces moisture.

Crawl Space

Crawl spaces can be notoriously damp, making them another good place for a dehumidifier. Here’s why it’s often an ideal spot:

Like basements, crawl spaces have exposed earth that allows moisture and humidity to enter from the ground.

Limited airflow and ventilation allows that moisture to get trapped.
Cooler temperatures help the dehumidifier work more effectively.
The enclosed space contains the moisture-removal for efficiency.

Helps prevent musty smells, wood rot, and potential mold issues under the house.
Can help wood flooring above the crawl space avoid warping or cupping from excess moisture.

For crawl space installation, look for a unit with good drainage and condensate pumping abilities since you likely won’t have an easy way to drain collected water manually. Place the dehumidifier centrally on a secure, flat surface and allow for ample airflow around the unit.

Crawl Space Dehumidifier Placement Tips

Elevate the unit off the floor or ground on blocks or bricks if the space is prone to flooding.
Make sure the dehumidifier doesn’t draw in dusty air that could clog the filters.
Pick a central location away from vents, openings or gaps in insulation.

Allow enough clearance for air circulation and maintenance access.
Secure wires and tubing neatly so they’re not hazards or obstructing airflow.
Check that the unit will fit before carrying it into an enclosed crawl space.

Living Spaces

While basements and crawl spaces tend to need dehumidifiers the most, you can also place portable units in living spaces like bedrooms, offices, and common rooms. Reasons to use them in living areas include:

Controlling humidity to avoid window condensation and dampness.
Helping eliminate mold risks in commonly occupied rooms.

Protecting furnishings and valuables from humidity damage.
Making indoor air feel fresher and less stuffy.
Easing allergies and respiratory issues which can worsen with humidity.

Preventing mustiness in rarely used rooms like guest bedrooms.

For living areas, compact portable dehumidifiers are easiest to situate in an out-of-the-way spot. Larger units can go in utility rooms, closets, or storage areas and duct into the main rooms if needed.

Living Space Dehumidifier Placement Tips

Pick a level surface in a central, open area for airflow.

Allow adequate clearance around the unit.
Keep out of direct sunlight which could impact performance.
Place where noise from the unit is least bothersome.

Position so condensate hose can drain easily to sink, floor drain, or bucket.
Avoid locations where chairs or traffic could bump or disturb the unit.
Keep out of reach of children and pets who could tamper with controls.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms deserve special mention when picking dehumidifier placement. Humidity from hot showers can quickly build up in these compact spaces. But bathrooms also have unique factors to weigh:

Avoid placements directly next to showers or tubs where the dehumidifier could get splashed.
Watch out for condensate hoses dripping near bath or sink areas which could pose a slip hazard.

Keep dehumidifiers away from toilets or vanities with risk of leak damage.
Don’t position directly above tile floors which could get dripped on from condensate.
Consider mini-dehumidifiers which take up less space for small bathrooms.

The best bathroom spots are typically in a corner, closet or vanity cabinet. This gets the unit out of the main living area but still circulating air to control humidity.

Bathroom Dehumidifier Placement Tips

Choose a stable surface to prevent tipping from normal opening and closing of doors.
Allow adequate clearance for airflow and to prevent condensation from collecting.

Keep away from mirrors and medicine cabinets which could get dripped on.
Put up high to deter tampering and improve circulation.
Listen to operation noise levels to find an acceptable spot.

Pay attention to cord and hose positioning to avoid tripping dangers.

Laundry Rooms

Like bathrooms, laundry rooms generate a lot of moisture from steam and vapors when washing and drying clothes. A dehumidifier is useful here to:

Control humidity levels from large water loads and frequent appliance use.

Help dry air more efficiently by removing moisture.
Reduce musty lingering odors.
Prevent moisture damage to cabinets, walls and furnishings.

Lessen chances for mold growth on surfaces.

In laundry rooms, keep the dehumidifier away from areas that get wet or have leak risks. And don’t position it right next to appliances that blow out hot air.

Laundry Room Dehumidifier Placement Tips

Pick a stable, elevated surface that avoids flood risks.

Allow ample clearance around the unit.
Keep away from steam and moisture sources like sinks, washers and dryers.
Position away from appliance air vents.

Place where tubing and wiring run safely away from foot traffic.
Consider utility closers or tall shelves to get units up off the floor.

Garages and Attics

Like basements and crawl spaces, garages and attics are prime problem areas for excess moisture. Here are some benefits to using dehumidifiers in these spaces:

Helps prevent condensation on cool surfaces like car windshields and metal tools.
Reduces musty smells from dampness lingering in stored items.
Lessens chances for mold development on walls, boxes, insulation, etc.

Prevents moisture damage to furnishings, equipment, and stored possessions.
Improves comfort when working in hot, humid attic spaces.

For garages, pick a central spot away from vehicle traffic and dripping cars. In attics, find a stable horizontal location, safely away from ducts, wiring and roof vents.

Garage & Attic Dehumidifier Placement Tips

Allow ample clearance for airflow around the dehumidifier.
Protect the unit from dust and debris which can clog intake filters.
Place up high on shelving or rafters to deter tampering.

Keep away from leaks,condensation drips, and roof runoff areas.
Face the control panel away from storage items for easier access.
Allow enough working room to easily access condensate hose and controls.

Conclusion

Finding the optimal dehumidifier placement comes down to picking spots where excess humidity is an issue and the unit can run safely and effectively. Basements, crawlspaces, and damp garages or attics are prime locations to control moisture issues. But portable units can also be beneficial in living areas like bedrooms and common rooms to improve comfort and air quality. Just be sure to allow adequate clearance, follow electrical safety practices, and position the dehumidifier and condensate hose in an appropriate, protected spot. With smart placement and routine maintenance, a dehumidifier can run reliably to banish excess moisture from your home.