How we made this guide: picks, prices and specs come from our catalog and the makers' published specs, owner quotes come from customer reviews on our product pages and every guide is checked and edited by Trevor Hall.
For a sealed crawl space up to about 1,800 sq ft, the best crawl space dehumidifier in our range is the AlorAir Galaxy 60P at $797.11: 60 pints a day at AHAM conditions (80°F, 60% RH), a built-in pump that lifts water up to 19.6 ft and a cabinet 14.1 in tall. The lower-priced pick is the Helios MP35 at $466.11 for about 1,000 sq ft, and low spaces suit the Sentinel HDi65S from $755.66. Large ones need a 90 to 120 pint unit such as the Sentinel HDi90 or HDi120.
Quick answer
Up to 1,800 sq ft: Galaxy 60P. Very low space: HDi65S. Budget near 1,000 sq ft: Helios MP35. Over 1,800 sq ft: HDi90 or HDi120. Browse every crawl space dehumidifier we carry, the AlorAir dehumidifiers, the Ebac dehumidifiers or only the ductable dehumidifiers.
Quick picks table
Pints per day are shown with the condition the maker gives. Coverage is the maker's claim.
| Pick | Best for | Pints per day as listed | Coverage claimed | Height | Duct | Drain | Amp draw | Noise | Lowest temp | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlorAir Helios MP35 | Entry price | 35 AHAM / 70 saturation | 1,000 sq ft | Pump to 19.6 ft or gravity | Dedicated 15 A circuit | 55 dBA | 35.6°F | AlorAir limited, tiered per its manual | $466.11 | ||
| AlorAir Sentinel HDi65S | Low spaces | 55 AHAM / 120 saturation | 1,300 sq ft | 13.3 in | 6 in supply, 6 ft max | Pump to 19.6 ft or gravity | 4.1 A | 52 dBA or less | 33.8°F | AlorAir limited, tiered per its manual | from $755.66 |
| AlorAir Galaxy 60P | Best overall | 60 AHAM / 145 saturation | 1,800 sq ft | 14.1 in | Pump to 19.6 ft or gravity | 4.5 A | 49 dBA or less | 37.4°F | AlorAir limited, tiered per its manual | $797.11 | |
| AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 | Large spaces | 90 AHAM / 198 saturation | 2,600 sq ft | 17.7 in | 6 in supply plus optional 12 in return | Built-in pump | 5.56 A | 58 dBA or less | 33.8°F | AlorAir limited, tiered per its manual | from $1,147.11 |
| AlorAir Sentinel HDi120 | Largest spaces | 120 AHAM | 3,300 sq ft | 17.9 in | 10 in, 10 ft max run | Pump with 19.6 ft hose | 7.8 A | 60 dBA or less | 33.8°F | AlorAir limited, tiered per its manual | $1,599 |
| Ebac CS90 | Long drain runs | 70 (condition not stated) | 1,500 sq ft | Not ductable | Internal pump, 25.6 ft hose | 7 A | 57 dB | 33°F | One year | from $2,254 | |
| XPOWER Viking BD-65 | Stainless | 60 AHAM / 120 saturation | 1,300 sq ft | 14.0 in | Optional intake duct | Pump or gravity, 20 ft hose | 4.2 A | 33°F | 1 year limited | $879 |
What matters when you choose a crawl space dehumidifier
Crawl spaces are cold, low and awkward to reach, so four things decide the choice: floor area, cabinet height, the drain path and the lowest temperature the unit will run at. Capacity gets the attention, but a machine that cannot fit under the joists or cannot get its water out is the wrong machine at any price.
Check the operating range and the drainage of any unit before you buy it, because a basement or living room model often stops short of crawl space conditions. The picks here list running down to between 33 and 37.4°F, and most have a built-in pump.
Size by floor area
The International Residential Code (section R408.3) lists dehumidification as one way to condition an unvented crawl space, but the sizing rule differs between editions and local amendments, so ask your building department which edition it has adopted before you size to it. Our guide to venting a crawl space covers the code options. For a plain comparison, here is the coverage each maker claims:
| Pick | Coverage claimed by the maker | Rating beside it |
|---|---|---|
| AlorAir Helios MP35 | 1,000 sq ft | 35 pints, AHAM |
| AlorAir Sentinel HDi65S | 1,300 sq ft | 55 pints, AHAM |
| XPOWER Viking BD-65 | 1,300 sq ft | 60 pints, AHAM |
| Ebac CS90 | 1,500 sq ft (suggested room size on our listing) | 70 pints, condition not stated |
| AlorAir Galaxy 60P | 1,800 sq ft | 60 pints, AHAM |
| AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 | 2,600 sq ft | 90 pints, AHAM |
| AlorAir Sentinel HDi120 | 3,300 sq ft | 120 pints, AHAM |
A maker's coverage figure is the maker's own claim. If an inspector or a code official has to sign off on the unit, ask which sizing rule and rating they accept before you buy. Our dehumidifier sizing guide explains AHAM against saturation in full.
Height and access
Crawl spaces are often tight, and the hatch can be smaller than the cabinet you want, so measure the clearance under the joists and the hatch opening before you choose. Cabinet height is the first filter: the HDi65S is 13.3 in tall, the XPOWER BD-65 is 14.0 in, the Galaxy 60P is 14.1 in, and the HDi90 and HDi120 are 17.7 and 17.9 in. AlorAir's photos on our product pages show the Helios MP35, HDi65S and HDi90 hung from the joists as well as standing on their feet.
Pump or gravity drainage
A crawl space floor is usually the lowest point, so gravity drainage only works if the ground slopes to a sump, a floor drain or an exit. A built-in pump lifts the water to a window, sink or sump above the unit. Every AlorAir pick here lists a pump, and the Helios, HDi65S and Galaxy 60P list a lift up to 19.6 ft with a gravity option. We cover hoses, placement and the setup steps in our crawl space dehumidifier installation guide, and the wider pump question in our guide to dehumidifiers with a built-in pump.
Ducting into the house
Some units take a duct to spread air across a long crawl space. The HDi65S has a 6 in supply collar with a 6 ft maximum duct. The HDi90 has a 6 in supply adapter and an optional 12 in return collar. The HDi120 takes 10 in flex duct on the inlet and supply with a 10 ft maximum total run. XPOWER's manual shows an optional intake duct of 6.5 in or larger on the BD-65. The Ebac CS90 is listed as not ductable. See all ductable dehumidifiers if long runs are your problem.
Cold temperatures
A cold crawl space limits what a compressor dehumidifier can do. The lowest operating temperatures listed are 33°F for the Ebac and the XPOWER BD-65 (its manual), 33.8°F for the HDi units, 35.6°F for the Helios and 37.4°F for the Galaxy. If your crawl space drops below those figures in winter, read our desiccant vs refrigerant dehumidifier guide.
AHAM ratings are measured at 80°F and 60% RH, warmer than most crawl spaces. XPOWER's manual gives the BD-65 36.8 pints at 65°F/60% RH against 60 at AHAM, and AlorAir lists the HDi120 at 93 pints at 73°F/60% RH against 120 AHAM. In a cool space expect less than the AHAM figure, and size up.
Best overall: AlorAir Galaxy 60P
Best overall
AlorAir Galaxy 60P 60-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump
$797.11
The sealed crawl space up to 1,800 sq ft that needs a pump and a low cabinet.
The Galaxy 60P lists 60 pints a day at AHAM and 145 at saturation, 165 CFM, 4.5 A and 49 dBA or less. The cabinet is 21.3 x 11.7 x 14.1 in and weighs 47.5 lb. The pump lifts water up to 19.6 ft, and holding the Drain key for three seconds switches to gravity. AlorAir's limited warranty applies; its manuals list 1 year parts and labor with longer cover on the refrigeration system.
Pros
- 60 AHAM pints from a 14.1 in cabinet
- Pump to 19.6 ft with a gravity option
- 49 dBA or less
Cons
- Lowest operating temperature is 37.4°F, the highest of this group
- MERV-1 filter only
- No duct connection is listed
Skip it if the space is below 37°F in winter, or if you need to duct air across a long run.
Best for low and small spaces: AlorAir Sentinel HDi65S
Best for low spaces
AlorAir Sentinel HDi65S 55-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump
$755.66
Low headroom, up to 1,300 sq ft, with a supply duct if needed.
At 13.3 in tall, the HDi65S has the lowest listed cabinet height in this guide. It lists 55 pints at AHAM and 120 at saturation, 130 CFM and 4.1 A, and its operating range starts at 33.8°F. It has a 6 in supply collar (6 ft maximum duct) and an Energy Star listing. The WiFi variant is priced higher at $793.66.
Pros
- Lowest listed height here at 13.3 in
- Colder operating floor than the Galaxy at 33.8°F
- 6 in duct collar
Cons
- 1,300 sq ft claimed coverage
- Duct run capped at 6 ft
Skip it if the space is over about 1,300 sq ft or the duct has to run farther than 6 ft.
Best entry price: AlorAir Helios MP35
Best entry price
AlorAir Helios MP35 35-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump
$466.11
Small crawl spaces near 1,000 sq ft where price matters most.
The Helios MP35 is the lower-priced pick with a pump. It lists 35 pints at AHAM and 70 at saturation, 126 CFM and 55 dBA, with a claimed coverage of 1,000 sq ft. It comes with a 19.6 ft pump hose and a 6.5 ft gravity hose. AlorAir specifies a dedicated 15 A circuit, and the unit runs from 35.6°F up to 102.2°F.
Its 1,000 sq ft coverage is AlorAir's claim at a 35-pint AHAM rating, the smallest here, so treat it as a unit for small, already-dry sealed spaces. AlorAir's Helios MP35/MP55 manual lists tiered warranty terms from the date of purchase: 6 months parts and labor including shipping, 1 year parts and labor, 3 years parts and labor on the refrigeration system only, and 5 years parts on the refrigeration system only.
Pros
- Entry price with a built-in pump
- Two hoses included
- GPP mode and a continuous mode
Cons
- 35 AHAM pints is the smallest capacity here
- Highest low-temperature limit after the Galaxy at 35.6°F
Skip it if the floor area is above 1,000 sq ft or the space is damp enough to need steady pull-down.
Best for large spaces: AlorAir Sentinel HDi90
Best for large spaces
AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 90-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump
$1,147.11
Crawl spaces up to 2,600 sq ft, with ducting and a built-in pump.
The HDi90 lists 90 pints at AHAM and 198 at saturation, 210 CFM and 5.56 A, for spaces up to 2,600 sq ft as AlorAir claims. It has a washable pre-filter and a pump with a manual drain button. Ducting is a 6 in supply adapter plus an optional 12 in return collar. The cabinet is 23.2 x 15.2 x 17.7 in and weighs 70.5 lb. The WiFi variant is $1,279.11.
Pros
- 90 AHAM pints for 2,600 sq ft claimed
- Supply and optional return ducting
- Operates down to 33.8°F
Cons
- 17.7 in tall, a tight fit in a low crawl space
- 70.5 lb to move through a hatch
Skip it if headroom is under about 20 inches or the floor area is under 1,500 sq ft.
Best for the largest spaces: AlorAir Sentinel HDi120
Best for the largest spaces
AlorAir Sentinel HDi120 120-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump
$1,599
Up to 3,300 sq ft claimed, with 10 in ducting.
The HDi120 lists 120 pints at AHAM and 93 at DOE (73°F, 60% RH), 290 CFM and 7.8 A. AlorAir lists it for spaces up to 3,300 sq ft. It has a MERV-1 pre-filter, a MERV-10 filter and a pump with a 19.6 ft drain hose. Ducting is 10 in flex on the inlet and supply, with a 10 ft maximum total run. It weighs 88 lb.
Pros
- Largest capacity of the group
- MERV-10 filter
- 10 in ducting
Cons
- 88 lb and 17.9 in tall
- Highest amp draw here at 7.8 A
Skip it if the crawl space is small, because the extra capacity just costs more to buy and to run. Our running cost guide has the watts-to-dollars math.
Best for long drain runs: Ebac CS90
Ebac pick
Ebac CS90 Series Industrial Dehumidifier
$2,254
A single-speed industrial unit with an internal pump and a 25.6 ft drain hose.
The Ebac CS90 lists 70 pints a day, 230 CFM, 7 A and 880 W maximum, with an internal condensate pump and a 25.6 ft drain hose. Our listing gives a suggested room size of 1,500 sq ft and a lowest operating temperature of 33°F. The unit weighs 83.7 lb and has a 25 ft power cord. The CS90-E adds Bluetooth, at $2,367. Ebac backs it with a one-year warranty. See all Ebac dehumidifiers for the rest of the line.
Pros
- Longest drain hose in this guide
- Operates to 33°F
- 25 ft power cord
Cons
- Not ductable
- Highest price in this list
- 83.7 lb
Skip it if you want a duct connection or a smaller cabinet.
Best stainless option: XPOWER Viking BD-65
Stainless pick
XPOWER VIKING Commercial Grade Dehumidifier for Crawlspace, Basement, Attic, Garage BD-65
$879
A stainless steel cabinet at 14.0 in tall, with pump or gravity drainage.
The XPOWER BD-65 lists 60 pints a day at AHAM and 120 at full saturation, 180 CFM, 520 W and a coverage of 1,300 sq ft. The housing is stainless steel. It drains by gravity or through a built-in pump with a drain hose. XPOWER's owner's manual lists the unit at 17.8 x 13.1 x 14.0 in (L x W x H). It weighs 55.1 lb and has an 18.4 ft cord. XPOWER backs it with a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Stainless steel housing
- 14.0 in cabinet
- Pump or gravity drainage
Cons
- 1,300 sq ft claimed coverage
- At 55.1 lb, heavier than the HDi65S
Skip it if you want the lowest cabinet (the HDi65S is 13.3 in) or a long supply duct run.
How to choose by crawl space
- Under 1,000 sq ft: the Helios MP35, or the HDi65S if you want a supply duct and more capacity in reserve.
- 1,000 to 1,800 sq ft: the Galaxy 60P, or the HDi65S or XPOWER BD-65 for a very low space up to 1,300 sq ft.
- 1,800 to 2,600 sq ft: the HDi90.
- 2,600 to 3,300 sq ft: the HDi120.
- Stainless housing: the XPOWER BD-65.
Coverage is the makers' claim, and a wet space, a tall space or a leaky one needs more than the claim says. Dehumidifiers work best in a sealed space, so see our guides to crawl space encapsulation and venting a crawl space first. If mold is already present, read our crawl space mold remediation guide. For a basement, see the best basement dehumidifiers.
Price bands in our range
Crawl space dehumidifiers in our range start under $500 and run to about $2,600 for the largest Ebac industrial units. For the seven picks above:
| Band | Picks |
|---|---|
| Under $500 | Helios MP35 |
| $500 to $1,000 | Sentinel HDi65S, Galaxy 60P, XPOWER Viking BD-65 |
| $1,000 to $2,000 | Sentinel HDi90, Sentinel HDi120 |
| Over $2,000 | Ebac CS90 |
We compare the makers' listed specs and do not test machines. For other uses, see our best commercial dehumidifiers.
Frequently asked questions
Does every crawl space need a dehumidifier?
It depends on what a hygrometer reads in the space. Measured humidity decides, not the season or the smell. When the hygrometer still reads high once the space is sealed, that leftover moisture is the job a dehumidifier is for. Our guide to what a dehumidifier can and cannot do for mold explains the limits.
What humidity should a crawl space dehumidifier be set to?
Set it below 60 percent relative humidity: the EPA advises keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent. Check the reading with a separate hygrometer. The Galaxy 60P sets from 35% to 90% in 1% steps, the HDi65S from 25% to 80% (standard) and the Helios MP35 from 20% to 80% in 5% steps, and the Galaxy and Helios add a GPP mode. Our installation guide covers setup.
What size dehumidifier do I need for 2,000 sq ft?
In our range, the Sentinel HDi90 is the nearest claimed fit. AlorAir lists it for up to 2,600 sq ft at 90 pints a day at AHAM (80°F, 60% RH) while the Galaxy 60P stops at 1,800 sq ft. A wet, tall or leaky space needs more capacity than the claim, so step up to the HDi120 (3,300 sq ft claimed) there. If an inspector signs off on the unit, ask which sizing rule they apply. See our dehumidifier sizing guide.
Does a crawl space dehumidifier work if the space is not sealed?
Not well. A vented or open crawl space keeps pulling in outside air that the unit has to keep drying. Sealing the space comes first. See our guides to venting a crawl space and crawl space encapsulation.
Do I need a pump or gravity drain?
If the space has a sump, a floor drain or a slope to daylight below the unit, gravity works. Otherwise use a pump. The Helios, HDi65S and Galaxy 60P list a 19.6 ft lift. See the pump dehumidifier guide.
How do you dry out a wet crawl space fast?
Remove standing water first, then run air movers with a restoration dehumidifier. A crawl space unit holds humidity down and is not built for flood pull-down. See our guides to dehumidifiers for water damage and flooded basement cleanup.
How often should it run?
It runs as the built-in humidistat calls for it. Expect long run times at first and in humid months; a unit that still runs nonstop after the space has dried down is likely undersized or fighting outside air. Running cost depends on watts and hours, which our running cost guide works out. Clean the filter and pump on a schedule using our dehumidifier maintenance guide.
Size it to the crawl space
Related guides
- Crawl Space Dehumidifier Installation: Placement, Drainage and Setup Step by Step
- How to Encapsulate a Crawl Space: Steps, Materials and the Dehumidifier You Need
- Venting a Crawl Space: Open, Closed or Sealed? What to Use Instead of Vents
- Crawl Space Mold Remediation: Steps, Equipment and Keeping It Dry
