Where To Place Dehumidifiers – 2022 Guide

| Last Updated: June 12, 2021

We’re sure many of you know that dehumidifiers help remove excess water vapor in high humidity regions.

This can prevent health problems and mildew formation while drying out the damp areas of your home.

One of the most significant aspects that are overlooked is where to place humidifiers. 

Where is the Best Place to Put a Dehumidifier in a House?

Various factors will help you determine where to place a dehumidifier in your home. For one, it should be near the source of humidity or the highest concentration of damp spots. Room sizes and blockages also play roles, as open circulation is vital to aid the unit in drawing in the air.

It also helps if you place the dehumidifier a few feet off the ground, either mounted on a wall or resting on a table. When warm air rises or cold air sinks, the device will be in the midst of the movement. This is a great example of ways to help your dehumidifier perform efficiently.

Best Place to Put a Dehumidifier in a 2-Story House

A 2-story building offers a lot of possibilities for placement. Firstly, you should always keep a dehumidifier on the floor with the coldest temperature. This is the floor that will be the dampest. However, you also need to assess which has the highest humidity, as it may not be the same.

Remember to put it where you find the best air circulation. Ensure that it’s also as far away from dust and airborne particles as possible, as they may damage the dehumidifier. Finally, find the closest electrical socket that meets your needs with a low risk of electrocution.

Where to Place a Dehumidifier in the Basement?

Basements are highly susceptible to water seepage, dampness, mildew, and mold. The primary reason for this is constant darkness and the lack of adequate ventilation. Furthermore, appliances that use water are the top causes of moisture, such as water heaters and washers. These items usually reside in the basement.

You’ll want to place the dehumidifier as close to any damp surfaces as possible. If there’s more than one, try to zero in on the center of the damp areas and prevent any obstacles from blocking air circulation. You can also put it by a basement drain to help empty the tank, depending on the hose length.

Where to Place a Dehumidifier in a Gun Safe?

You might think this is an odd place to put a dehumidifier, but it’s more common than you know. Gun safes have no air circulation and can be a nesting place for mold and mildew. Water can sink in here without you realizing it. High moisture content also facilitates rust, something you really can’t afford in a space that’s filled with metal.

The best solution you can implement here is a dehumidifier rod. If you have pre-drilled holes in your safe, you can place the unit through there. Otherwise, you can put the rod on the safe floor. You can also use desiccant dehumidifiers for shelves or on the back wall panel. 

Photo credit: homegearx.com

Where Should a Dehumidifier Be Placed in a Crawl Space?

In the winter months, the outside temperature is colder than inside. While you’re warming your home, cold air reaches into the attic or other crawl spaces. Condensation forms, leading to problems in the long run.

While placing a dehumidifier in a central location is vital, you need to ensure that nothing is blocking the air circulation. If you can also set a fan in the space to help move the air around, it will help your unit remove moisture and prevent dampness. 

Where Should I Put a Dehumidifier in a Bathroom?

The steam from hot showers or baths is the most significant cause of high humidity in the bathroom. You may notice water droplets forming on the walls, indicating 100% humidity. The air has become so dense that it can’t contain the amount of moisture present.

Finding the right location can be challenging. If you have a small bathroom, putting the dehumidifier on the floor isn’t an option. However, you may be able to use a small shelf unit or attach one to the wall.

Conclusion

Dehumidifiers are excellent for removing excess moisture in the air that if left alone can cause dampness and rot. However, it doesn’t make sense to buy one if you don’t put it in the right location. We hope our article has helped you discover the best spots to place your dehumidifier in your own house.

People Also Ask

Have we left you with a few questions? Here’s a quick look at FAQs regarding where to place dehumidifiers.

Why Can’t You Place a Dehumidifier Near a Clothes Dryer?

A clothes dryer takes wet clothing and employs internal heat to dry the clothes, while the machine pumps out humid air. Using a dehumidifier could cause your unit to overheat as it tries to keep up with the dampness in the room. You’re overworking your dehumidifier, and you could cause massive damage. Dryers also create lint, which is a fire hazard and can clog your dehumidifier, creating a hazardous situation. If you want a dehumidifier in your laundry room,  consider obtaining a desiccant unit to absorb moisture without causing further issues. 

Do I Need a Dehumidifier on Each Level of My House?

Not necessarily. If you have a dehumidifier covering a massive area, you can place it in a central location to service more than one floor. Of course, you’ll need to ensure that there are adequate open spaces and air circulation.





My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.