Too much humidity in the air can make hot weather feel even hotter. This is why dehumidifiers are typically used in hot and humid climates. However, cold climates can also feel too clammy and lead to mold and mildew issues when the air is saturated with too much moisture.
While most dehumidifiers work best in warm temperatures, new technologies enable the efficient operation of specialized low temperature dehumidifiers in colder weather.
To find the best low-temperature dehumidifier for your home, you will need to consider some important factors. This includes the dehumidifier capacity, room size, tank capacity, energy efficiency, defrosting system, and other features.
We picked seven units that are each ideal for different purposes and included all the essential features above. Below is a quick comparison of the best dehumidifiers for very low temperatures.
Top 7 Best Low-Temperature Dehumidifiers
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Best Low-Temperature Dehumidifier Reviews
Best Low-Temperature Dehumidifier: Frigidaire FFAD5033W1
Frigidaire is a well-known name in the home appliance industry. This unit is the standard 50-pint model. It can operate continuously even when the temperature drops as low as 41°F so you can keep your home mold and moisture-free throughout the seasons. Unlike other compressor-based dehumidifiers, Frigidaire works efficiently in cold areas without going into an auto defrost mode that turns off the unit to melt the ice.
Frigidaire is not only popular for its reliable performance, but its sleek and stylish design also stands out from the cheaper plastic body you’ll see in other brands. There is no manufacturer-indicated coverage area for this unit, but it can handle most rooms from medium to large size. To top it off, it is also Energy Star certified to ensure energy efficiency. This 50-pint dehumidifier features simple controls including a digital display, indicator lights, and a built-in humidistat for automatic humidity control. Set your desired humidity level from 35% to 85% RH and the unit will cycle on and off to maintain your setting. The onboard timer allows you to delay start or stop operation after one to 24 hours. For maximum moisture and odor removal, you can choose from three powerful fan speeds: Low at 167 CFM, Med at 194 CFM, and High at 229 CFM. Designed with a top exhaust, this dehumidifier is effective yet quiet, with minimum noise levels from 49 to 51 decibels.
The Frigidaire 50-pint has a 16.9-pint (2 gallons) water bucket, which is bigger than the average 14-pint tank capacity for this size. It is equipped with the standard auto shutoff to automatically stop operation when the tank is full, as well as a bucket full alert to notify you when this happens. Manual draining is more convenient with the front-loading bucket with handle and splash guard. Frigidaire’s SpaceWise design includes four caster wheels and a top handle for added portability. The unit also comes with a washable filter and an indicator light that will remind you to check the filter after some hours of use.
It excels in almost any aspect, but one downside is that Frigidaire comes with a one-year warranty. Frigidaire is also at the high end in terms of cost, but its quality and reliability are well worth the price.
Pros
• Quick and efficient moisture removal
• Works well in low temperatures
• High Energy efficiency
• Custom humidity control
• SpaceWise portable design
Cons
• Higher price
• One-year warranty
Best Value: hOmeLabs HME020031N
One of the best-selling portable dehumidifiers in the market today is this hOmeLabs unit. This 50-pint model offers almost anything you need in a dehumidifier at a very competitive price. It’s good for large spaces from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet and it is also Energy Star rated so you can minimize your energy waste. hOmeLabs operates in temperatures as low as 41°F, then the auto defrost feature shuts off the unit to prevent damage from frost.
The hOmeLabs unit also features a digital display and automatic humidistat that allows you to set the humidity level from 35% to 90% RH. You can program the timer to automatically turn off or turn on the unit in 0.5-hour increments up to 10 hours, then in one-hour increments up to 24 hours. You can also choose from Comfort, Turbo, and Continuous modes. Comfort mode sets the humidity level automatically based on the ambient temperature: 55% RH when the temperature is below 65°F; 50% RH when the temperature is between 65°F and 77°F; or 45% RH when the temperature is higher than 77°F. It automatically senses the room temperature but does not display readings. When Continuous mode is selected, the dehumidifier will run on high settings for a full 24-hour cycle or until the timer is up or the tank is full. Meanwhile, Turbo mode increases the fan speed from 165 CFM to 188 CFM airflow.
This 50-pint unit features a smaller water tank, with 1.8 gallons or 12.8 pints capacity. The unit will shut off automatically when the tank is full and the indicator light will illuminate. To enable continuous gravity drainage, attach a standard garden hose (not included) to the drain outlet at the back of the unit. Built with four wheels and a recessed handle on each side, the unit can be moved across the house with ease.
Overall, hOmeLabs offers all the necessary features and functionality for a great price value. On the downside, it is made of light and flimsy plastic which could break easily with repeated use. Furthermore, if you get really cold winters in your area, then the unit may spend longer periods on defrost instead of dehumidifying. Otherwise, the efficiency and affordability of the hOmeLabs dehumidifier are truly attractive. hOmeLabs also comes with a longer warranty of two years.
Pros
• High energy efficiency
• High moisture removal rate
• Custom humidity control
• Continuous draining option
• Budget price
• 2-year warranty
Cons
• Lower quality materials
• Not the best for cold areas
Large Coverage: Vremi VRM010184N
Vremi’s flagship “Moisture Maniac” 50-pint dehumidifier is another good option for large spaces from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet. It is Energy Star rated like the rest of our picks and comes with standard features like the adjustable humidistat, 24-hour timer, and multiple operation modes you can choose on the control panel. In fact, it has almost the exact same design as hOmeLabs, from the buttons on the panel to the side exhaust and recessed handles.
Vremi features Comfort, Continuous, and Turbo modes that work similarly to the hOmeLabs unit. It also operates down to 41°F with an auto defrost function to ensure efficiency in lower temperatures. This 50-pint dehumidifier comes with a 1.8-gallon water tank, auto shutoff, and a bucket full alert. If you don’t want to empty the water by hand, attach a standard garden hose (not included) to the outlet port and direct the other end to a low-level drain or sink. It also comes with rolling wheels for easy movement. This high-capacity dehumidifier is great for a damp basement, garage, attic, or living room.
Similar to hOmeLabs, this Vremi unit is relatively quiet for a dehumidifier with side exhaust. If you’re only using it in the basement or any space far from the bedroom or office, the noise will not be noticeable. Also similar to hOmeLabs is the build quality of this unit, so if you want something fancy then these two may not be for you. But if you just need an efficient dehumidifier for a cold basement, then this 50-pint Vremi is a great choice next to our top two.
PROS
• Energy Star certified
• Large coverage area
• High moisture removal rate
• Easy-to-use controls
• Continuous draining option
CONS
• Has to purchase drain hose separately
• Not suitable for small spaces
Largest Water Tank: Ivation IVADH50PW
Ivation is a rising brand of home appliances. It offers a range of dehumidifiers in different types and sizes. This 50-pint unit is only one of its best-sellers today. It is Energy Star rated for spaces up to 4,500 square feet. It’s not too different from our other picks but what we really like about this Ivation dehumidifier is the temperature sensor and display you can view in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. This allows you to monitor both the humidity and temperature in one device.
This unit does not complicate operation with its built-in humidistat and control buttons. While the control panel doesn’t have any text labels for the buttons and indicator lights, the icons can be easily understood by most homeowners. You can set the humidity level from 30% to 90% and the dehumidifier will automatically work to maintain this level. You can also set the timer to turn off or turn on the unit after 0.5 to 24 hours. You have two fan speeds with indicator lights as well as a Defrost light and Bucket full indicator.
This Ivation dehumidifier is as compact and portable as any standard 50-pint dehumidifier but it comes with a large 2.25-gallon (18-pint) water tank. When the tank is full, the unit will shut off automatically and the Full Tank indicator will light up. Additionally, this model comes with a drain hose you can use to divert water out of the unit into a low-level drain. One common issue that users have is the length of the hose. However, you can’t replace it with a standard garden hose due to the size of the drain outlet.
The unit operates efficiently down to 41°F with an auto-defrost mode in place to prevent damages in case of frost buildup. The unit also comes with a washable filter you can access by removing the tank and pulling it down from behind the front intake grille. One common issue with Ivation dehumidifiers is the noise output. This 50-pint unit, in particular, can be louder than most other 50-pint dehumidifiers.
PROS
• Energy Star certified
• High moisture removal rate
• Custom humidity control
• Large water tank
• Continuous draining with hose included
• Temperature display
CONS
• Average quality and durability
• Loud operation
Best for Small Spaces: Waykar PD160B
Waykar is another appliance brand gaining recognition for its range of dehumidifiers. This Waykar unit can remove up to 34 pints of moisture per day in areas up to 2,000 square feet, but some stores may call this unit a 40-pint. Although it has a more compact footprint than most, it has the same structure as standard dehumidifiers with the air intake at the back and air outlet on top.
The panel includes four control buttons (power, humidity setting, timer, and fan speed) and an easy-to-understand digital display. You can adjust humidity from 30% to 80% in 5% increments and if you set the humidity to 30%, the unit will operate in Continuous mode. The Timer allows you to delay start or delay stop between one and 24 hours. The digital display also shows the current humidity and temperature, the remaining time, as well as other indicators to determine the working status.
Waykar has compact dehumidifiers with compact size water tanks. This unit, in particular, has a 0.66 gallon/2.5 L water tank with a transparent water level window on the front. When the tank is full, the unit will shut off automatically and the “Full” indicator light will illuminate. If you want to run your dehumidifier continuously, attach the 6.56-ft long drain hose included to the drain outlet on the back of the unit. Like most compressor dehumidifiers, Waykar operates in temperatures between 41°F and 95°F and goes on defrost mode to prevent frost buildup that may damage the machine. Additionally, this unit comes with a washable filter you can easily access on the back of the unit.
This portable dehumidifier is ideal for a small basement, garage, laundry room, bathroom, and even a bedroom due to its low noise levels. It has an extendable top handle and four smooth-gliding wheels for easy movement. The air outlet on top can be adjusted to direct the airflow. While it’s not Energy Star certified, this unit has low energy consumption, taking a maximum of 230 Watts when operating.
PROS
• Energy Star certified
• High moisture removal rate
• Custom humidity control
• Large water tank
• Continuous draining with hose included
• Temperature display
CONS
• Average quality and durability
• Loud operation
Best Desiccant Option: Ivation 13-pint Desiccant Dehumidifier
For extremely cold basements or other small spaces in your home, Ivation brand also offers desiccant dehumidifiers for continuous operation in a wider range of temperatures. Unlike its compressor counterparts, this desiccant dehumidifier removes 13 pints of moisture in temperatures as low as 33°F and as high as 104°F in any space up to 270 square feet.
This portable dehumidifier has an LCD display with touch buttons for easy control. You can adjust the humidity level from 35% to 85% RH or run the unit continuously below 35% RH. The timer allows you to schedule shut off between one and 12 hours. This model also features Sleep mode with low fan speed and a dim screen. The display also shows the temperature which you can view in Fahrenheit or Celsius. This is a versatile dehumidifier with built-in safety features that make it a perfect companion when traveling in RVs and boats. The auto stop function prevents damage by automatically shutting off the unit during a threat of tilt or water overflow while auto restart resumes operation in your last settings in case of a power outage.
Additionally, if you need to dry laundry indoors, you can change the fan speed and adjust the air vents to help speed up drying. The unit also comes with a washable air filter and a 3.8-pint tank. For continuous drainage, attach the included drain hose to the outlet port.
If you need an efficient dehumidifier that will not fail you when it’s cold, the Ivation 13-pint desiccant is a great choice. However, note that since it uses desiccant technology, it draws more power than a compressor unit of the same capacity. Although, this may not be a big deal if your humidity issues aren’t that severe.
Pros
• Quiet desiccant operation
• Custom humidity control
• Works in a wide range of temperatures
• Small and portable
Cons
• Small capacity and coverage
• Higher consumption
Best for Crawl Space: AlorAir Sentinel HD55 Dehumidifier
For basements and crawl spaces in serious need of humidity control throughout the seasons, the AlorAir Sentinel HD55 is a good commercial-grade dehumidifier that is still compact and affordable. As the model name suggests, this basement dehumidifier extracts up to 55 pints of moisture in 24 hours under AHAM conditions (80°F and 60% RH), and a maximum of 120 pints at saturation (90°F, 90% humidity). With an airflow rate of 130 CFM, the unit can cover up to 1,300 square feet.
This unit is Energy Star certified like the rest of the AlorAir crawl space dehumidifiers. It features an onboard humidistat that allows you to set the humidity level from 35% to 90% RH. The HD55 is equipped with hot gas to defrost system so it can operate efficiently in temperatures as low as 36°F. If it detects frost on the coils, the unit will go into auto defrost mode to prevent any damage as a result of frost buildup. AlorAir also uses coils coated with epoxy to protect the device against leaking freon and corrosion.
You also have the option to use this remote humidistat (which works with six AlorAir models) to control humidity levels. This makes the HD55 perfect for narrow crawl spaces or basements. One downside is it doesn’t come with an automatic drain pump, which means you need to attach a pipe and place the unit above a drain. To guarantee its quality, the unit comes with up to a five-year warranty.
Pros
• Quiet desiccant operation
• Custom humidity control
• Works in a wide range of temperatures
• Small and portable
Cons
• Small capacity and coverage
• Higher consumption
What is a Low-Temperature Dehumidifier and How Does it Work?
Dehumidifiers have two main types depending on the method they use to extract moisture, namely a compressor and desiccant. The most common type is the compressor dehumidifier, which uses cold coils to cool the moist air until the moisture condenses into water. The moisture accumulated is pumped out or collected in a tank while warm, dry air is released to the room. This method works best in highly humid and warm climates.
Most refrigerant dehumidifiers can only operate in temperatures as low as 41°F while their efficiency starts to decrease at 55°F. When the air temperature is too low, the air cannot be further cooled by the coils. It can also cause moisture to freeze inside the unit. To avoid frost buildup, these dehumidifiers feature auto-defrost that automatically stops operation to melt the ice when it starts to form. Our top choice Frigidaire is engineered to operate in low temperatures without having to defrost periodically.
On the other hand, a desiccant dehumidifier uses a chemical where moisture clings as they come into contact. Since it doesn’t use refrigerant coils, a desiccant dehumidifier doesn’t need to cool the air and continues to operate in lower temperatures. The desiccant wheel rotates so that one portion will absorb as much moisture as the desiccant can hold, while the other is heated to remove moisture. Now, this warm moist air passes through the condenser and forms water droplets. Since the air is heated beforehand, there are fewer risks of frost buildup even in temperatures as low as 33°F.
Benefits of Using Low-Temperature Dehumidifiers
Reduces Allergies
Allergies are particularly prevalent in colder seasons, while excess humidity, especially in cold areas, promotes an environment susceptible to mold growth. Touching mold or inhaling mold spores may cause allergic reactions, allergy-induced asthma attacks, and other respiratory conditions. Using a dehumidifier helps maintain optimal humidity for you and an inhospitable environment for allergens like mold.
Provides Comfort
A dehumidifier removes excess moisture and unpleasant odors. While humidity is usually less of a problem in lower temperatures, excessive moisture can still bring a lot of discomfort to you and your family. Even though it’s cold, the air feels sticky or clammy because it’s saturated with moisture. Using a low-temperature dehumidifier keeps out excess moisture as well as unpleasant odors, thus improving the indoor environment for everyone’s health and comfort.
Saves Energy
When it’s cold, an air conditioner may not even be necessary, but you keep it running to help lower humidity as it cools down the air. What you don’t know is that excessive moisture will make the job even tougher, so while your AC cycles on and off repeatedly, you’re consuming more energy but you’re not achieving optimal humidity and temperature.
Preserves Hardwood Floors and Other House Structures
Basements and other colder parts of your house are often damp due to condensation in the winter. When exposed to dampness for extended periods, mold will start to grow and spread rapidly, eating away your house structure. Using a dehumidifier helps prevent damages caused by condensation, mold and mildew growth, rust, corrosion, or pest infestation, and saves money on house repairs.
How to Pick the Best Low-Temperature Dehumidifier
Moisture Removal Capacity
This is the amount of moisture the dehumidifier can remove from the air in a day. Following current guidelines by the Department of Energy, dehumidifier performance is rated under conditions based on basement temperature and humidity: 65°F and 60% RH. For compressor units, the lowest capacity rating is usually 20-pint or 22-pint depending on the brand. The next bigger size would be 30-pint or 35-pint, and the highest capacity is 50 pints. Desiccant units have a much lower capacity but similar efficiency. The actual amount of moisture each unit will collect in a day depends mainly on the size of the space, the relative humidity, and the air temperature.
Coverage Area
You want to get a dehumidifier that can cover as much ground as needed. Obviously, a dehumidifier can work faster in a smaller area than a larger one, but again it will also depend on other factors such as the current humidity and temperature. Standard 50-pint units have recommended coverage areas between 3,000 to 4,500 square feet, 30 to 35-pint units are good for spaces between 1,500 to 3,000 square feet, and so on.
Water Tank Capacity
Dehumidifiers collect moisture in an internal tank, which you will need to remove from the unit to empty manually. Depending on the dehumidifier capacity and tank size, you may have to do this at least once up to a couple of times a day. Most dehumidifiers also offer a continuous draining option through a hose (may not be included with the unit).
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient dehumidifiers can help you save energy and money. This is an important factor especially in lower temperatures where your unit may cycle on and off periodically to defrost. Look for the Energy Star label to make sure you’re getting an energy-efficient unit per the EPA’s requirements. These units are up to 20% more energy efficient than other models. You can find the energy efficiency information in the manual, on the unit itself, or on the Energy Star.
Automatic Defrost
Compressor-based dehumidifiers are equipped with an automatic defrosting system to ensure the unit’s efficiency in low ambient temperatures. When the unit detects frost on the coils, the compressor will stop running while the fan continues to melt the ice. Desiccant dehumidifiers do not need to defrost. They will simply stop running when the air is too cold to hold enough moisture.
Portability
If you want to use your dehumidifier in multiple rooms, you must look for something compact and light that you can move by yourself. Most dehumidifiers come with handles, caster wheels, and cord storage for easy movement from room to room or storage after one season’s use.
Extra Features
Dehumidifiers usually include the standard auto-shutoff feature and indicator lights for easy operation and monitoring. They also feature a built-in humidistat as well as an on/off timer, multiple fan speeds, and different operation modes depending on your needs. Some of the units we listed above also include a temperature display. However, more features don’t always mean a better dehumidifier. Consider all the functions and whether you’ll have use for them.
How to Maintain Your Dehumidifier in Low Temperatures
Even the best low-temperature dehumidifiers will see natural wear and tear over time. To help your dehumidifier last longer, it’s important to observe proper usage and maintenance. Most importantly, you need to be sure you use the correct dehumidifier size for your space.
When installing your dehumidifier, find the best location in the room to maximize its coverage. Make sure that the air isn’t blocked on its way in and out of the unit. It is recommended to maintain about 12 inches distance from walls, furniture, or any obstruction.
When operating your dehumidifier, select the right humidity settings, ideally around 30% to 50% RH. Most dehumidifiers feature a humidistat to automatically adjust the room humidity to your setting, while some models have pre-set modes depending on the ambient temperature. It’s important that you pick the correct settings for the space.
Your dehumidifier needs frequent cleaning to maintain its proper functioning and prolong its life. A dehumidifier collects impurities in the air and these may accumulate inside the unit and affect operation. To ensure your dehumidifier is in excellent condition, clean the unit at least every few weeks.
If you’re using the tank, remember to empty it as soon as possible to prevent mold growth inside the unit. Don’t forget to rinse the tank every time you dump the water and disinfect the tank with mild soap or a vinegar solution at least every two weeks.
Clean or replace the filter when needed. Dust and dirt may collect in the filter and eventually get in the air. Most filters are easily washable and each dehumidifier has a recommended period in which you need to change out the filters. Some units also have a filter indicator on the control panel to remind you to check the filter after a set amount of time. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on filter cleaning and replacement to be sure.
Lastly, when operating in low temperatures, frequently check the coils for frost. Even if your unit has a defrost mode, doing this often can prevent permanent damage to internal components due to ice buildup. If using in cold areas exclusively, then you may be better off with a desiccant unit instead. These are only some general tips you can follow to get the most from your dehumidifier.
Conclusion
Even in cold areas, it’s important to maintain optimal humidity levels between 30% and 50% RH. Although most dehumidifiers work effectively in warm climates, some units are designed to be more efficient in colder conditions. Our list above details the seven best dehumidifiers for different types of space. You can choose from our picks or use our guide to find your own dehumidifier. In any case, some of the most important factors you need to look at are the dehumidifier capacity, coverage, and operating temperature range.
