If you live in a high humidity region, finding the best high-capacity dehumidifier can make all the difference in your indoor air quality. A dehumidifier works to remove excess moisture as well as unpleasant odors in the air, making your home more comfortable for you and less hospitable for mold and mildew.
Important note: I apologize for getting a bit technical, but want to make sure our readers are clear on changes in the past few years that not everyone is aware of. Portable dehumidifiers come in a range of capacities, typically from 20 to 50 pints under the revised 2019-2021 DOE standards (previously 30 to 70 pints under 2012 DOE). Although, some smaller brands still offer portable “70-pint” dehumidifiers, these are actually similar to the current 50-pint Energy Star models under the new guidelines. If you came here looking for those older 70-pint models (roughly equivalent to 50-pint on the market based on the new guidelines), here is our recommended guide for best 50-pint dehumidifiers.
Currently the best 70-pint dehumidifier for large home spaces is the Kesnos PD253D dehumidifier. It’s controls are easy to use, it removes moisture fast, and it also has a fairly modern profile, so it won’t stand out in a room.
Another type of dehumidifier that comes in 70-pint capacity is the crawl space or whole-home dehumidifier. These units have a much larger maximum capacity, but the smallest models typically have a 70-pint AHAM capacity. Even if you’re considering a 70-pint model for commercial use, the units listed below should be very effective.
You’ll learn all about these different capacities and more in our guide below. To help you choose the right unit, some of the important factors you’ll also need to consider are the drainage capabilities and energy efficiency of the dehumidifier. In the meantime, the chart below compares our top seven picks for the best 70-pint dehumidifiers.
Comparison of the Best 70 Pint Dehumidifiers
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70-pint Dehumidifier Reviews
Kesnos PD253D
First on our list is the Kesnos dehumidifier which can remove up to 70 pints of moisture from the air under 95°F and 90% RH conditions. Although in most cases, it will remove a much lesser amount of water. This high-capacity dehumidifier can cover large rooms up to 4,500 square feet, including basem*nts, living rooms, or even a whole apartment.
Unlike the more common design of portable compressor dehumidifiers, this model is built slimmer and taller with a top panel and exhaust. You can see the huge two-digit display of the current humidity level and set your preferred humidity from 30% to 85% on the touchscreen panel. The unit will automatically stop when it detects humidity lower than your setting and starts dehumidifying when humidity rises above your setting.
The control panel also includes a 24-hour On/Off timer and the fan speed button to choose between fast and slow speed. You can also pick between dehumidifying and drying modes. If your unit is in the bedroom, you can turn off the lights to minimize light pollution when you sleep.
This unit also has a Lock button to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings. In case of a power outage, the unit will resume operation in your last settings.
The Kesnos 70-pint is incredibly light and compact and this is evident in its small water tank. With a 4.5-liter/1.18-gallon tank capacity, you may need to empty it multiple times a day. This unit has an audible and visible alert as well as the auto shut-off feature when the tank is full. If you cannot drain it manually, you have the option to use the included 6.56-ft (2 meters) hose to enable automatic drainage via gravity.
Like most compressor dehumidifiers, this Kesnos unit has the standard auto defrost mode to ensure efficient operation in colder environments. It also comes with a washable filter at the back of the air intake. While it is not Energy Star certified, this unit consumes very little power, a maximum of 400 Watts.
Pros
• High moisture removal rate
• Compact and portable design
• Easy-to-use intelligent controls
• Continuous drain option with hose included
Cons
• Small tank capacity for its size
• Not Energy Star rated
Waykar PD253B
Waykar is a relatively new brand offering a range of dehumidifiers for different residential or commercial spaces. One of its best-selling dehumidifiers is this portable unit which removes a maximum of 70 pints of moisture per day under the condition of 95°F and 90% RH. It can cover large rooms or basem*nts up to 4,500 square feet. It is built similar to the Kesnos unit except for a few minor differences in design.
For one, it has the touchscreen control panel on top where you can set the humidity level from 30% to 80% RH in 5% increments. Five seconds after setting, the digital display will show the room humidity. Just below the control panel is the four-direction air outlet which exhausts air in all directions for quick and whisper-quiet moisture removal and odor reduction.
Additionally, the top display includes a 24-hour timer, fan speed button, and the corresponding indicator lights to determine whether the timer is set and which mode you are currently operating in. If using the unit overnight, press the Light button to turn off the LED panel except for the Power ON light. When shut off, the dehumidifier will resume operation in your last settings. In case of a power outage, the unit will also restart operation in your last selected settings.
Likewise, this Waykar 70-pint unit has a small 4.5-liter or 1.18-gallon water tank that will need to be emptied up to five times on continuous operation. It’s also equipped with the automatic shut-off function and an indicator light to notify you when the tank is full. While it’s easy enough to drain and replace the tank into the unit, most people will prefer to utilize the continuous draining option with the included 6.56-ft (2 meters) drain hose. Unlike many other portable dehumidifiers, a standard garden hose will not fit into the drain outlet.
Waykar also has an auto defrost mode to keep the unit operating down to 41°F. The compressor will stop and the fan will run at high speed to melt any frost buildup inside the machine. This unit also comes with a washable filter as well as side handles and rolling casters. With an integrated energy factor of 1.3L/kWh, it’s not very high in energy efficiency. However, the compact structure, quiet operation, and affordable price are some of its selling points.
Pros
• High moisture removal rate
• Compact and portable design
• Easy-to-use control panel
• Quiet operation
• Continuous draining option with hose included
Cons
• Small tank capacity for its size
• Not Energy Star rated
Colzer PD223A
Another 70-pint dehumidifier similarly designed to the other two above is this Colzer unit. It collects up to 70 pints under 95°F and 90% RH in spaces up to 4500 square feet. Although these models are advertised as a 70-pint dehumidifier, they will not actually collect more than 50 pints in a typical home setting. One noticeable difference of this Colzer from the first two is the front display that shows the room humidity level.
You can also see and adjust the humidity level on the top display with simple controls. The dehumidifier stops automatically when the ambient humidity is at least 10% lower than your setting and starts again when it detects humidity levels 10% higher. You can also find the 24-hour On/Off timer, adjustable fan speed, two operation modes (dehumidifying and drying laundry), as well as the light button.
Also similar is the size of the water tank. The small 4.5-liter tank can fill up fast on a particularly humid day, so you may opt to use the included 6.56-ft drain hose. Like most modern units, this Colzer dehumidifier has auto shut-off, auto restart, and auto defrost features. It also comes with a washable filter that you need to clean once or twice every month. While it is not Energy Star certified, users attest to its reliable performance in most conditions.
Pros
• High dehumidifying capacity
• Easy-to-use intelligent controls
• Compact and portable design
• With front humidity display
• Continuous drain option with hose included
Cons
• Small tank capacity for its size
• Not Energy Star rated
Aprilaire E070
Portable dehumidifiers are great for room-to-room use, but the crawl space can be just as susceptible (if not more) to excess moisture and mold. A good crawl space dehumidifier helps maintain humidity in your crawl space, keeping it from coming up to your living areas.
Aprilaire is a well-known American brand of whole-home air quality products including dehumidifiers and air purifiers. If you need a quick and efficient solution to crawl space moisture, Aprilaire is a popular choice among homeowners. While the 70-pint E070 model is not Energy Star certified, the rest of the Aprilaire E Series is considered more energy efficient compared to the 1800 Series. With an airflow rate of 200 cubic feet per minute (CFM), the Aprilaire E070 can cover crawl spaces up to 2,200 square feet.
Aprilaire features an interactive display that is easy to set up and mount on the top of the unit. It has an adjustable humidistat and simple electronic controls along with a digital display that shows the current humidity and working status. You can set the humidity level for your crawl space from 40% to 80% RH and the humidity sensors will sample the air every hour. If the current humidity is higher than your setting, the unit will start dehumidifying until the relative humidity is 3% below your target. Built with the latest technologies, Aprilaire operates efficiently in temperatures between 41°F and 104°F, equipped with automatic defrost to protect the coils from ice buildup.
Like other Aprilaire dehumidifiers, the E100 offers a continuous drainage option. Attach the included drainage adapter and hose to the outlet on the side of the unit, then place the dehumidifier on a level surface above the drain. The unit also comes with a washable filter that you will need to clean or replace at least once a year. The CLEAN FILTER reminder will display on the control panel after six months.
Aprilaire is USA-made and built to last with corrosion-resistant aluminum coils and a reliable five-year warranty. However, one downside is Aprilaire dehumidifiers do not come with a built-in pump. If you really need the drain pump functionality, Aprilaire offers an external condensate pump. Install it into the unit and the collected condensate will be pumped out automatically up to 15 feet above or into your sump pump.
Noise levels shouldn’t be a big deal when talking about a crawl space dehumidifier, but a loud unit can still be a bother if it’s operating near living or sleeping spaces. We learned from customer reviews that Aprilaire tends to make loud vibrations when operating, so hanging it from a floor joist may not be best. Additionally, it is recommended to hire a licensed contractor for installation or the warranty will be void.
Pros
• High energy efficiency
• Excellent quality built to last
• Powerful moisture removal
• Low temperature operation
• Continuous draining option
• Made in the USA
• With five-year warranty
Cons
• May be bulky and noisy
• No built-in pump
Colzer CD70P
Another 70-pint crawl space dehumidifier we recommend is the Colzer CD70P. It’s the biggest and heaviest among our list of 70-pint dehumidifiers and it can actually remove up to 145 pints of moisture from the air per day at saturation (90°F and 90% RH). The 70 pints per day capacity is under AHAM conditions (80°F and 60% RH). With an airflow rate of 206 cubic feet per minute, it can cover large crawl spaces or whole homes with up to 6,000 square feet total area.
You can easily adjust the humidity level from 30% to 80% RH on the LCD panel and monitor the current humidity and temperature in your crawl space. The timer function allows you to program the dehumidifier to automatically turn on or off after one to 24 hours, or run the unit for a specified time to save energy. Alternatively, the remote control (sold separately) allows you to adjust the settings and monitor working status without getting into your crawl space.
This Colzer crawl space dehumidifier comes equipped with a condensate pump and drain hose to automatically push out the collected moisture without the mess of a tank or tray. It can pump the water out up to 16 feet vertically so you can position the hose up and out through a window or a hole in your door, or direct it into your sump pump. The condensate pump features a float switch that signals the motor to run only when the water in the internal reservoir is at a certain level.
The unit is built with a heavy-duty steel exterior to protect the components in harsh conditions present in a crawl space. However, it’s recommended to operate this unit in temperatures above 41°F. Like all other compressor-based dehumidifiers, the system will activate the automatic defrost function to prevent frost buildup and any of its potential damage. Prolonged use of the dehumidifier in low temperatures means it will defrost more frequently, thus operating less efficiently. In fact, the Colzer CD70P has a rated energy factor of 1.8 L/kWh, so it’s not very energy efficient in the first place.
Although, if temperatures and relative humidity levels aren’t extreme in your area, then this Colzer dehumidifier is the best deal you’ll find for smaller homes and crawl spaces.
Pros
• High moisture removal rate
• Remote control option
• Affordable price
• With built-in pump
Cons
• Low energy efficiency
• Heavy for its size
Santa Fe Compact70
Santa Fe belongs in a group of companies based in Madison, Wisconsin. Santa Fe dehumidifiers are particularly known for providing powerful yet compact solutions to crawl space or basem*nt humidity. Their smallest unit, the Santa Fe Compact70 is Energy Star certified with an impressive energy factor of 2.4L/kWh, and a coverage area of up to 2,600 square feet in tightly sealed crawl spaces, or 2,200 square feet in basem*nts.
Santa Fe offers custom humidity control, continuous drainage, and flexible installation in tight crawl spaces or low-clearance basem*nts. You can adjust the humidity level from 20% to 80% RH using the control knob, and set the fan to run continuously to circulate air or only when the dehumidifier is on. This unit processes air at a rate of 150 CFM and dehumidifies efficiently in low temperatures down to 49°F. To clean the air and protect the internal components, it features a pre-filter and a MERV-13 filter. Although not as effective, you may use a MERV-11 filter as a replacement.
This 70-pint crawl space dehumidifier comes with a drain hose for continuous drainage. Just make sure to place the dehumidifier higher than the drain. The Santa Fe Compact70 doesn’t have an internal condensate pump, but you have an optional condensate pump (sold separately) with a 20-ft drain hose. You can also add a ducting kit, remote control, hanging kit, and other accessories depending on your needs.
Pros
• High energy efficiency with Energy Star certification
• High moisture removal rate
• Perfect for crawl space
• Light and compact
Cons
• No built-in pump
Santa Fe Ultra70
Now under the Santa Fe brand is the former Ultra Aire line of ductable dehumidifiers for whole-house applications. The Ultra line offers a range of dehumidifiers with horizontal, vertical, and designs, most of which have an Energy Star rating. The smallest of these is the Ultra70, which can remove up to 70 pints of water per day under AHAM conditions in a 1,800 square feet space. It can operate independently or be connected to your HVAC system to control humidity throughout the house.
You can easily adjust the humidity levels with the control knob on the unit or use the Ultra-Aire digital controller (sold separately) for more precise control. The airflow rate is 150 CFM and the fan runs only when the dehumidifier is on. With the digital controller, you can also keep the fan running continuously. The unit comes with a MERV 13 filter you’ll need to replace every three months. You can also add a MERV 14 filter for better air filtration. Although it doesn’t have a condensate pump built in, you have an option to get the Santa Fe external pump kit and other additional accessories.
Santa Fe dehumidifiers are guaranteed with a six-year warranty on parts and two years on labor. It is highly recommended to hire an HVAC professional to install and set up these dehumidifiers properly.
Pros
• High energy efficiency with Energy Star certification
• High moisture removal rate
• Perfect for crawl space and whole-house
• Light and compact
Cons
• No built-in pump
50 Pint vs 70 Pint Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier’s performance rating is up to the Department of Energy’s standards. It is determined by the capacity (in pints per day) and energy efficiency of the unit. In 2012, the DOE set testing conditions for dehumidifiers at 80°F temperature and 60% humidity, which is what a few dehumidifier brands are still using to make the unit’s capacity seem larger than it actually is compared to other similar models.
In 2019, the DOE devised a new standard for dehumidifiers designed to give a more accurate representation of the dehumidifier’s actual performance in a basem*nt setting, at 65°F and 60% humidity. Because of this new condition, 15°F lower than from 2012, the current pint ratings appear lower than the older ones. Thus, a previously 30-pint, 50-pint, and 70-pint dehumidifier should now be labeled as 20 or 22-pint, 30 or 35-pint, and 50-pint, respectively. In short, following government requirements, these “70-pint” portable dehumidifiers are technically 50-pint. The best 50-pint dehumidifiers today include models from name brands like Frigidaire, hOmeLabs, Honeywell, and LG.
On the other hand, crawl space or whole-home dehumidifiers typically measure capacities using two sets of conditions. The most common is at 80°F and 60% humidity as recommended by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). This is more important since it reflects a more realistic expectation of the dehumidifier’s performance. The other capacity is at saturation or 90°F and 90% humidity. This type of dehumidifier typically starts at 70-pint capacity, such as the Aprilaire and Santa Fe units. For a deeper understanding of this type of dehumidifier, we have these guides for the crawl space or whole house.
Do I Need a 70 Pint Dehumidifier?
Excess moisture inside your home can lead to mold infestation, respiratory conditions, and permanent damage to furniture and structures. To prevent any of these problems, it’s essential to find the sources of humidity and remove them as soon as possible. If you cannot find the source inside your house, it is most likely in your crawl space.
A strong, musty odor is a common indication of mold or mildew growth. You may also notice condensation on windows and damp spots or stains on walls. If your humidity problem is isolated in a specific area of your home, like the basem*nt, garage, living room, laundry room, or kitchen, then it may be best to invest in a portable dehumidifier like the Kesnos, Waykar, or Colzer units. If you have a crawl space or a low basem*nt, it is vital to maintain humidity levels in this area to keep the rest of your house mold-free. On the other hand, if you have multiple rooms you need to dehumidify, then a whole-house dehumidifier will save you a lot more on initial costs as well as monthly electricity costs.
As you can see, there is no one answer for everyone. The type of 70-pint dehumidifier you need depends on the purpose it’s going to serve in your home. It’s best to evaluate the condition of the space before you make decisions.
Benefits of Using a 70-pint Dehumidifier
Using a high-capacity dehumidifier benefits your entire home and family. For one, it can cover a much larger area and remove moisture at a faster rate. Lowering the humidity in your home improves the air quality. This removes mold spores, dust, and other airborne allergens that trigger respiratory problems.
Reduced dampness also lowers the risk of mold and mildew growth. This preserves the structural integrity of your house. Drywalls and wood floors are especially susceptible to high humidity. Lower humidity also protects your furniture and other belongings from mold and pests.
Using a larger dehumidifier instead of multiple smaller ones also gives you more control over the humidity level and temperature in your entire home. Also, instead of turning up your air conditioner to cool down hot, humid air, a dehumidifier will solve humidity problems efficiently.
Investing in a 70-pint dehumidifier ultimately helps save money by maintaining healthy humidity levels throughout your home while minimizing operating costs.
Finding the Best 70-Pint Dehumidifier
Water Tank Capacity
Portable dehumidifiers collect the moisture in an internal tank. Once the tank is full, you will need to remove it from the unit and empty the water manually. These 70-pint models have a smaller tank compared to other popular brands. This means you may have to empty the tank by hand at least once up to a couple of times a day depending on the size and condition of the room.
Coverage Area
You want to look for a dehumidifier that can cover as much space as you have. The efficiency of the unit will also depend on the size of the room that it has to cover. As you may expect, a dehumidifier can accomplish its task faster in a smaller area than a larger one, although the dampness level is still an important factor. These portable 70-pint units have recommended coverage areas up to 4,500 square feet, while crawl space models vary depending on the brand.
Drainage Options
Most compressor dehumidifiers have the option for continuous draining through a drain hose (usually included). Simply attach the hose onto the outlet and let gravity do the work for you. Some dehumidifiers for crawl space also come with a condensate pump that allows for automatic drainage in any orientation. Just observe the height limit indicated if you need to position the hose vertically. Established brands like Aprilaire and Santa Fe do not offer built-in pumps but rather external pumps.
Energy Use
Some dehumidifiers use energy more efficiently than others. Portable dehumidifiers can end up wasting energy if not used properly. Look for the Energy Star label to make sure you’re getting an energy efficient unit. They are about 20% more energy efficient than a non-Energy Star model. You can find the energy efficiency information in the manual, on the unit itself, or on the Energy Star website.
Noise Levels
Dehumidifiers are considered quiet if they produce around 56 decibels or lower. This is important to consider if you want to use your dehumidifier near living or sleeping areas. You may expect larger dehumidifiers to be louder, but these units are actually pretty quiet due to their design.
Extra Features
Dehumidifiers usually include the standard auto shut-off, auto defrost, and auto restart functions as well as indicator lights for easy operation and monitoring. They also feature a built-in humidistat along with an on/off timer and different operation modes you can choose depending on your needs. Crawl space units also work with remote controllers.
Maintaining a 70-Pint Dehumidifier
Getting the best 70-pint dehumidifier is not all there is to maintaining humidity levels in your home. It’s also important to observe proper usage and maintenance for optimum performance. The easiest way to do this is to simply follow the manual where the manufacturer gives you all the specifications and instructions you need for installing, using, and maintaining the unit.
Firstly, find the best location to operate your dehumidifier. Keep it a few inches away from any blockage and ensure that the space is as tightly enclosed as you can make it. The more outside air is getting into the area, the harder the unit has to work. Also note that most dehumidifiers work best at room temperature unless it’s specifically designed for colder conditions.
A dehumidifier is just like any appliance that needs frequent cleaning for proper functioning and long life. It collects all sorts of impurities in the air and these may accumulate inside the unit over time. To ensure your health and comfort and keep your dehumidifier in excellent condition, clean the unit as needed. Wipe down the exterior and clean the tank or hose if you’re using one.
Dehumidifiers also clean the air through filters to protect the machine and its components from dust, bacteria, and other allergens present in the air. For every model, there is a recommended period after which the filter(s) must be cleaned or replaced. More information and detailed instructions can be found in the manual.
When the temperature drops to a nearly freezing level, check the coils for frost. Operating your dehumidifier in cool conditions may sometimes cause ice to build up inside the machine. This can compromise the unit’s performance and even cause permanent damage. Most compressor dehumidifiers feature auto defrost mode.
When your dehumidifier is not in use, place it in designated storage until it is needed. Before anything else, turn it off, unplug it, and allow it to dry completely. Ensure that the power cord and drain hose are wrapped neatly in place. Finally, store the unit in a clean and dry space.
Conclusion
Maintaining optimal humidity levels throughout your home is a must. If you notice moisture issues in a specific room, then a portable dehumidifier is an ideal solution. If you get a unit big enough, it can even cover multiple rooms at once. Home dehumidifiers typically range from 20 to 50 pints. In this article, we offer some higher capacity 70-pint dehumidifier options you can use for different purposes. Take another look at our detailed reviews to identify which one is best for your home or use our guides to help you choose your own dehumidifier.
