Garages often become damp, musty caverns - the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and rust. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right dehumidifier, you can transform your garage from a humid horror into a dry, fresh oasis that protects your vehicles, tools, and stored belongings.
Don't resign yourself to breathing in murky air or watching your prized possessions slowly degrade. Take control of your garage's environment with a dehumidifier built for the job. In this guide, we'll explore the top models for 2024 that can banish excess moisture and turn your garage into a clean, comfortable space once again.
Our Top Picks
1. AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier
2. AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme Dehumidifier
3. Frigidaire 35-pint Dehumidifier
4. HomeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier
5. Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier
Benefits of Using a Garage Dehumidifier
Having the right dehumidifier in your garage offers some serious perks. It's like a breath of fresh air for your workspace. Here are the top benefits:
Prevents Mold and Mildew Growth: Say goodbye to those funky smells and potential health hazards. A dehumidifier keeps humidity levels in check, making it tough for mold and mildew to take root.
Reduces Musty Odors: You know that damp, musty smell that seems to cling to everything in humid garages? A dehumidifier eliminates excess moisture, the source of those unpleasant odors.
Improves Air Quality: Excess moisture allows dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens to thrive. Dehumidifying the air makes it easier to breathe.
Protects Vehicles from Rust and Corrosion: If you store your car, truck, or motorcycle in the garage, a dehumidifier is a must. Dry air prevents moisture-related rust and corrosion, extending your vehicle's lifespan.
Prevents Rusting and Warping of Tools/Equipment: From power tools to sports gear, dehumidified air keeps your valuable equipment and possessions in top shape, safe from rust, warping, or degradation.
Energy Efficiency: Many modern dehumidifiers are designed for energy efficiency with features like ENERGY STAR certification and eco-modes. You can save on utility bills while protecting your garage.
How to Choose the Right Size Dehumidifier
With the benefits covered, let's dive into how to select the perfect dehumidifier for your garage space:
Measure Your Garage's Square Footage
Measure the length and width in feet, then multiply to get the total square footage.
This number determines the moisture removal capacity you need. For example:
1. Up to 500 sq ft: 25-30 pint dehumidifier
2. 500-1000 sq ft: 30-50 pint dehumidifier
3. 1000-1500 sq ft: 50-70 pint dehumidifier
4. 1500-2000 sq ft: 70+ pint dehumidifier
Assess Current Humidity Levels
Use a hygrometer to check the relative humidity (RH) percentage.
Higher humidity requires a larger capacity dehumidifier:
1. 30-50% RH: Moderately damp, go with the recommended size above
2. 50-70% RH: Very damp, increase capacity by 10–15 pints
3. Over 70% RH: Wet conditions, increase by 15–20 pints
Consider Additional Moisture Sources
Wet vehicles parking inside? Is laundry venting into the garage? Lack of airflow?
If so, increase the dehumidifier size by 5–10 pints to handle the extra moisture load.
Factor in Garage Temperature
1. Most units are rated for 65-90°F operation.
2. For colder garages below 65°F, look for low-temperature operation down to 40°F or below.
Look for Garage-Specific Features
1. Portability with caster wheels and handles for easy movement
2. Built-in pump or gravity drain for continuous operation
3. Energy efficiency with certifications like ENERGY STAR
4. Clear controls and displays for monitoring humidity levels
After covering the key factors to consider when choosing a dehumidifier for your garage, as well as the essential features to look for, let's take a closer look at the top dehumidifier models specifically designed and well-suited for garage use:
Top 5 Dehumidifiers for Garage
1. Alorair 120 Pints Crawlspace Dehumidifier:
This high-capacity dehumidifier can remove up to 120 pints of moisture per day, making it well-suited for large garages or commercial/industrial spaces. It features an easy-to-transport design, energy-saving auto-defrost mode, and internal corrosion protection for longevity in harsh environments.
2. Abestorm 235 Pints Crawl Space Dehumidifier:
This powerful unit can extract an impressive 235 pints of moisture per day, perfect for extremely large garages or spaces with severe dampness issues. Designed for heavy-duty commercial/industrial use, it offers continuous drain operation, rugged corrosion-resistant construction, and very high dehumidification capacity.
3. AlorAir Storm LGR Extreme Dehumidifier:
Designed for harsh environments, this dehumidifier can operate in temperatures as low as 15°F and as high as 115°F. It has a moisture removal capacity of 180 pints per day and comes with a built-in pump for easy drainage
4. HomeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Dehumidifier:
With a moisture removal capacity of 50 pints per day, this dehumidifier from hOmeLabs is suitable for large garages or spaces up to 4,500 square feet. It has a built-in pump for continuous drainage, a turbo mode for faster dehumidification, and an Energy Star rating for energy efficiency.
5. Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier:
This dehumidifier from Waykar is designed to cover spaces up to 2000 square feet, making it suitable for medium to large garages. It has a moisture removal capacity of 50 pints per day and features a built-in pump for continuous drainage. The Waykar dehumidifier also has an auto-restart function, which is handy in case of power outages, and a 24-hour timer for convenient operation.
Don't Let Moisture Ruin Your Garage - Invest in the Right Dehumidifier
There you have it—five top-rated dehumidifiers purpose-built to tackle excess moisture in your garage. From compact 35-pint units for smaller spaces to heavy-duty 198-pint powerhouses, there's an option to suit every garage size and humidity level.
Don't let dampness turn your garage into a musty, mold-infested mess. Invest in a quality dehumidifier from AlorairCrawlspace and gain peace of mind knowing your vehicles, tools, and stored belongings are protected. Be sure to check out our full lineup—we offer some of the most rugged and reliable dehumidifiers for garages, HEPA air scrubbers, and woodshop dust collectors.
