Maintaining a healthy humidity level is about more than just comfort. Excess moisture indoors can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and structural damage over time. Most experts recommend aiming for a relative humidity of 40 to 50 percent to protect your home and family's well-being, which may require installing a whole-home dehumidifier or a portable dehumidifier.
But how do you know whether you only need a portable dehumidifier to clear up basic high humidity, or if the effort and costs of installing a whole-home unit are worth it? In this guide, we'll weigh the pros and cons of each dehumidifier type by looking at one of our most popular brands, AprilAire, with added input from real Sylvane customers.
- Value of Proper Humidity Control
- Portable vs. Whole House Dehumidifiers
- The Advantages of a Whole House System
- Cost and ROI
- AprilAire Model Highlights
- Installation and Maintenance
- Do I Need a Portable or Whole-Home Dehumidifier?
The Value of Proper Humidity Control
High humidity is almost always the cause of mustiness in basements, warped wood floors, or an uptick in dust mites and mold spores. When the air humidity is too high, crawlspaces, bathrooms, and basements can become hotspots for mold and mildew. These factors can significantly impact your home's structural integrity and exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues.
Dehumidifiers are a proven solution for addressing these issues, especially in humid climates or areas with consistently high humidity. You can use a portable dehumidifier in a specific room or a whole-house dehumidifier system that integrates with your home ductwork. The former is a flexible, fast, and easy solution for humidity control in a single space. But the latter can regulate humidity throughout all your living spaces at once, making it less likely that moisture will accumulate in tricky corners.
Portable vs. Whole-House Dehumidifiers
Portable units are popular because they're easy to buy, plug in, and move. For apartments and small homes, these devices are incredibly effective at addressing isolated issues and controlling humidity in single-zone areas.
However, they also require more work and care than larger integrated systems. If your home has multiple rooms with moisture concerns, you might need more than one portable unit. Each portable dehumidifier typically has a condensate bucket with a limited capacity or a drain hose that must be emptied or managed daily. Also, having multiple machines operating simultaneously can increase your energy bill while cluttering your floor space.
Whole-house dehumidifiers, on the other hand, are often installed in a basement, utility room, or crawl space. These dehumidifiers tap into your home's ducting system to control humidity in multiple rooms and zones, allowing you to avoid the noise and daily tank-emptying chores associated with portable units. But with this option, you have significantly increased upfront costs for the device and installation. Read more about the ins and outs of installing a whole home dehumidifier with Sylvane's guide: How to Size a Whole House Dehumidifier.
One Sylvane reviewer who switched from a portable dehumidifier was thrilled with the AprilAire E080's simplicity after going through three standard portable dehumidifiers, noting how well it works in high-humidity situations. “Truly a life-changing product!” they wrote, adding that this dehumidifier is much more efficient, quiet, and “Totally worry-free.”
Whole-House Dehumidifier System Advantages
Complete Coverage
When connected to a ducting system, a whole-house dehumidifier can protect multiple zones in the home simultaneously, including bedrooms, bathrooms, basements, and areas like crawl spaces. AprilAire Whole Home Dehumidifiers automatically measure and adjust the real-time humidity levels, preventing pockets of dampness from developing.
Reduced Maintenance
While they offer more flexibility and are typically cheaper than whole-home systems, portable dehumidifiers often require frequent care without a drain hose or pump. Also, their small tanks can overflow or grow mold if neglected.
But a whole-house dehumidifier like the AprilAire E050 or E100 drains automatically into a nearby sink or floor drain. Typically, these models require no more maintenance than a filter change every six months or a drain cleanout if there is an issue.
Lower Energy Use Over Time
Using one larger machine over several smaller devices to be more efficient may sound counterintuitive at first. But when you consider the electricity used by multiple portable units, often running simultaneously in different rooms, a single, well-designed system usually costs less in the long run. Additionally, the AprilAire E080, E100, E100V, and E130 each carry an Energy Star certification for efficiency and energy use.
Another reviewer found that, once installed in their two-story home, the AprilAire E100 brought humidity down from 80 percent to the recommended 40 to 50 percent range, and described it as a “breeze” to set up. They added that they were surprised at how much less this dehumidifier runs compared to portable models, which gave them the added benefit of lower energy costs.
Longevity of Portable and Whole Home Dehumidifiers
Portable dehumidifiers commonly last only a few years under hard, constant use, but can last longer under different conditions. Whole-house dehumidifiers, on the other hand, are built to handle heavier workloads. With proper maintenance, models like the AprilAire E100 and E130 can keep your home comfortable for a decade or more. In the unlikely event of a malfunction or error, their rock-solid 5-year warranty will cover you with a replacement or repair.
Costs, Savings, and ROI
Initial Purchase vs. Long-Term Savings
A typical portable dehumidifier costs a few hundred dollars but can be as little as $100 for basic and simple models. A whole-house system, on the other hand, can be much more expensive up front, typically a few thousand dollars for the machine itself and a bit more for professional installation.
Yet, if you're constantly replacing smaller devices or struggling with high electricity bills from running multiple units, that initial sticker shock may even out quickly. Also, the common saying, “You get what you pay for,” is especially applicable with devices like these. A cheap, portable dehumidifier might seem nice for your wallet, but if it's not sized right for your space, your moisture issues will linger while the appliance runs continuously to try and compensate.
Protecting Your Home's Value
Mold remediation and repairs to moisture-damaged structures can be pricey. But having a reliable system in place prevents these headaches before they escalate. Another Sylvane user replaced their old, underperforming portable dehumidifier in a 3,200-square-foot basement with an AprilAire E100 and praised its “versatility,” pointing out how the control panel can be moved from the top to the side and that ducting collars are included for seamless connections.
Like this customer, replacing an outdated model that isn't performing well or adding a new humidity control solution before moisture becomes problematic is the best way to protect your home's value.
Highlights of AprilAire Models
AprilAire E050 Crawlspace Dehumidifier
Designed for tight areas like crawlspaces, the E050 helps protect against rising dampness that can seep into the main floors. Its compact footprint makes it easy to install without sacrificing performance. The AprilAire E050 can be used as a ducted or standalone model and features the eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant and MERV-8 filtration, which aren't typical for smaller dehumidifier models.
AprilAire E080 Energy Star Whole House Dehumidifier
A versatile 80-pint system, the AprilAire E080 is an excellent fit for mid-sized homes. According to a recent 5-star review, it's notably quiet. The customer installed it in a “barndo-style” tiny house with its own dedicated return and supply, praising its ability to maintain stable humidity without being too loud.
Another Sylvane customer, who also gave the AprilAire E080 a 5-star rating, praised its quick installation and quiet performance, saying: “We plan to build a forever home, and we are going to stick with AprilAire for our needs.
AprilAire E100 or E100V Energy Star Whole House Dehumidifier
Both AprilAire E100 models remove up to 100 pints of moisture per day. The E100 has appeared in numerous reviews from users who appreciate its flexibility and quiet efficiency. One user deliberately replaced a failing brand with the E100, pointing out that it uses “quality components,” is “extremely quiet,” and comes with excellent tech support. Another user in the Southeast reported that their E100 dropped the humidity in a two-story home to around 45 to 50 percent, describing the difference in comfort as “night and day.”
This model was also recognized with Energy Star's Most Efficient 2024 rating for its low energy consumption and eco-friendliness.
AprilAire E130 Energy Star Whole House Dehumidifier
If you're dealing with an oversized basement or a larger-than-average home, the E130's higher capacity can be essential. One longtime AprilAire customer noted that the drain system and quiet operation of the E130 were a significant improvement over a 10-year-old 1770a model. Another Sylvane customer who needed a heavy-duty solution for their cellar and crawlspace called their AprilAire units “BEASTS,” citing exceptional performance and whisper-quiet operation.
Installation and Maintenance
Professional vs. DIY
Portable models are easy; you simply place them where needed and move them around if a different issue arises. But whole-home models are typically installed with ducting, which is much more complex.
Some handy homeowners might feel like they can tackle installing a whole-home dehumidifier, but many prefer to hire an HVAC professional. That's what we recommend for most situations, because unless you're a professional, you might not be able to spot everything needed to size your dehumidifier correctly, like ducting and drainage, which are particularly important for larger models like the E130.
Proper sizing and installation by a qualified professional ensure you won't waste energy or prematurely wear out the unit, and that your dehumidifier runs safely and effectively. Also, your warranty might be invalidated by improper installation.
Routine Upkeep
Because whole home systems drain automatically, day-to-day responsibilities for them are minimal. Regularly replacing the filter and occasionally verifying the drain line is clear is usually all that's needed. One customer found that even in challenging conditions, like a dirt-floor basement, the AprilAire unit handled humidity gracefully. They noted that routine checks ensured it ran smoothly even during cold spells.
Wi-Fi Compatible?
In today's world, it feels a bit prehistoric when a device in the home doesn't connect to Wi-Fi or isn't controllable with an app. For portable dehumidifiers, it's a toss-up whether Wi-Fi connectivity is available; some models have it, while others don't, so it ultimately depends on the model. But for AprilAire's lineup of whole-home dehumidifiers, you're in luck, as they recently released a new series of models with integrated Wi-Fi monitoring and controls.
With AprilAire's E070 Crawlspace Dehumidifier, the E080, and the E100, you get an upgraded unit that is easier to set up, pair, and monitor through the AprilAire HealthyAire App.
Comparisons to Portables
With a portable dehumidifier, you may need to empty the water tank daily or weekly, especially during humid seasons. Filters also require cleaning or replacement. Overflows and moldy reservoirs are common if you forget. By contrast, an AprilAire whole-house system mainly runs hands-free in the background, freeing you from daily water-disposal chores.
Do I Need A Portable or Whole-Home Dehumidifier?
Choosing between a portable dehumidifier and a whole-house system depends on factors like budget, square footage, and the severity of your moisture problems. For modest spaces, occasional humidity, or an emergency situation, a portable device can be helpful. But if you need comprehensive, long-lasting protection across multiple rooms or floors, a whole-house dehumidifier is often the better choice.
AprilAire's lineup of whole-home dehumidifiers stands out for its efficiency, durability, and strong customer feedback. Homeowners praise the straightforward installations, automated drainage, and near-silent operation. Whether you're trying to protect a tiny home or a large multi-story home, these models can manage moisture effectively for years.
If you're ready to reduce indoor humidity more permanently, an AprilAire whole-house dehumidifier may be precisely what your home needs. But if you need more advice on what device to select, contact our experts at 1-800-934-9194.
