Is a $400 dehumidifier worth it for a basement or just a money pit?

I dropped $400 on a nice dehumidifier for my damp basement last spring... figured it would stop the musty smell and protect my tools. First few months it pulled out gallons of water daily, and the air felt way drier. But now the electricity bill is up like $30 a month and I'm wondering if I should've just painted with waterproof sealer instead. Anyone else find these things actually pay off long term or are they a waste?

2 comments

2 Comments

angela89019d ago

Did you also get the feeling of being a proud new parent watching it chug through all that water at first? I swear mine was like a little moisture hog... but the honeymoon phase ended when the power bill showed up, and now I feel like I'm paying for a glorified bucket that makes noise. Between the electricity and the filters you gotta buy, I'm starting to think my basement's just playing a long game against my wallet. But honestly, it did stop my tools from rusting, so maybe I'm just bad at math and excuses.

the_sandra18d ago

Watching that thing fill up like a thirsty monster is strangely satisfying, until the bill hits. The electricity cost is real, but you have to weigh that against replacing rusty tools or dealing with mold down the road. A good dehumidifier usually pays off if you run it smartly, like only when humidity kicks up high or using a timer.

-1