Hi,

As always - Energy Star compliant devices save BIG on your annual electric
bill - savings could actually pay for the unit in a few years...

Try to find a way to use gravity to drain the de-humidifier via a hose -
otherwise you will tire quickly of dumping the bucket (which on a 40 pint
dehumidifier might only be 15-20 pints (emptying twice a day would be a
pain, which would be required if area was very damp for some reason) -
remember, the machine only works when the bucket isn't full...

If you can't do that - in the past I've used a small "aquarium" type pump
($10.00 at the pet store) to pump the water up and out to a drain or
casement window. Put the pump in the bucket and forget it, it will pump
whenever the water gets a couple of inches deep...

Lastly, many de-humidifier models are sensitive to cold - they will freeze
up at temp's lower than about 60 degrees. Look for a model that is more
temperature flexible - I bought a whirlpool 45 pint that is rated to work in
much lower temps if necessary - works great.

Good luck,

Kevin O'


"Lamer" wrote in message
...

"Ketz" wrote in message
s.com...
Hi

I'm looking around for a good inexpensive dehumidifier for a finished
basement (25x25x7). The basement doesn't really have a big humidity
problem, but there's still enough moisture and dampness to sometimes
create a little mildew/mold in the kitchen and bathroom areas. There's
no moisture on the Walls and floors. I haven't measured the humidity
levels, but during the summer some dampness is noticeable only when
temp is in the 90s. I wish to keep these areas as dry as possible
during the house-heating/winter season too. Should I get something
bigger or smaller than a 20-30 pint? I don't know if I should worry
much about this, but I just want to play it safe.

I live in New Jersey.

Thanks in advance for your help.

It really depends on how much your basement leaks. Not only water from the
water table, but in terms of hot air from other areas.

I have a small dehumidifier that does fine for a larger basement than
yours.
I just bought the cheapest I could find at Wally World. I have it dump
water
directly into my floor drain, so capacity is no issue.

During the winter, humidity is generally not a problem (except too low
humidity). Check the shelves. The store sell humidifuiers in winter.
Dehumidifiers are hard to find.

I guess you need to explain what the problem is. Does your home have wood
construction? Wood has certain humidity levels inherently. Do you really
want to disrupt those? Is it mold, cement problems, cracking walls,
paranoia, what???

Are the kitchen and bathroom in the basement? (doubt it). If so, look at
air
leaks to the basement. If not, why blame the basement?