Dehumidifiers are great appliances for removing excess moisture from the air in your home or basement. However, most dehumidifiers collect water in a bucket or tank that needs to be manually emptied frequently. This can be inconvenient, especially if you want to run your dehumidifier continuously. So is there a dehumidifier option that doesn’t require regular emptying?
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Types of dehumidifiers
There are three main types of dehumidifiers:
- Refrigerant dehumidifiers
- Desiccant dehumidifiers
- Thermo-electric dehumidifiers
Refrigerant dehumidifiers, the most common type, cool air to condense water vapor which collects in a bucket or tank. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a material that absorbs moisture, which needs to be periodically heated to remove the collected water. Thermo-electric dehumidifiers use Peltier modules for condensation and collection.
Refrigerant dehumidifier
A refrigerant dehumidifier works by drawing moist air over chilled coils. The moisture condenses as water, dripping into a collection tank. The dehumidified air is then reheated and circulated back into the room. Because the condensate needs to be captured, refrigerant dehumidifiers require regular manual emptying of the tank.
Desiccant dehumidifier
Instead of cooled coils, desiccant dehumidifiers use a material called a desiccant, such as silica gel, to absorb moisture from the air. A heater periodically dries out or regenerates the desiccant to remove the moisture it has absorbed. This moisture then condensate into a collection tank. Desiccant dehumidifiers may allow for longer intervals between emptying the tank, but manual emptying is still required.
Thermo-electric dehumidifier
Thermo-electric or Peltier dehumidifiers use Peltier modules for condensation and moisture removal. These modules create a cold surface when powered, causing moisture to condense. The condensate is collected in a tank. Like refrigerant dehumidifiers, the tank needs regular manual draining.
Self-emptying tank options
So if the standard bucket-filling designs all require frequent manual emptying, are there any dehumidifier models that can empty themselves? There are a few options on the market for self-emptying or continuous draining to reduce the need for constant tank maintenance:
Built-in pump
Some higher-end refrigerant dehumidifiers come with a built-in pump that can automatically empty the tank’s condensate. This allows the unit to run unattended for longer. The pump sends water through a hose to drain downhill or into a sink or floor drain. Just note that pumps can fail over time.
Gravity drain
Many refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers allow for gravity drainage by attaching a hose to an outlet on the collection tank. This allows continuous draining downward into a floor drain without need for a pump. Proper hose positioning is important for gravity drainage to work properly.
Condensate removal technologies
Some specialized dehumidifiers feature new condensate removal technologies to minimize tank maintenance:
- Ultrasonic atomizing – Uses ultrasonic vibration to atomize condensate into a mist that returns to the air.
- Compressor re-evaporation – Condensate gets evaporated back into the air by the unit’s compressor heat.
- Solar evaporation panels – Condensate gets evaporated from solar heated panels on the unit exterior.
However, these technologies may be less energy efficient overall. And a small tank may still be needed as backup in case condensate generation exceeds dissipation rate.
Considerations for self-emptying options
Here are some key factors to consider if looking for a dehumidifier with self-emptying capabilities:
Installation requirements
Dehumidifier models with pumps or gravity drains will require access to a suitable drainage location. This may limit installation locations or require extra work routing drainage lines.
Energy efficiency
Look for Energy Star rated, high efficiency models. Self-emptying features like pumps can consume extra energy versus standard models.
Noise levels
Pumps and compressors for condensate removal can add noise. Look for quieter models if installing in living spaces.
Backup tank
Even self-emptying models may still need a small backup collection tank in case the drainage system gets overwhelmed or fails.
Maintenance
Pumps, hoses, and drainage systems will still require periodic inspection and maintenance.
Cost
Expect self-emptying or continuous draining dehumidifiers to cost $200-300+ more than standard models.
Top self-emptying dehumidifier models
Based on key specs and user reviews, here are top recommended dehumidifier models that offer self-emptying or continuous drainage:
Friedrich D70BP
- 70 pint capacity
- Built-in pump for automatic drainage
- Energy Star certified
- Optional gravity drain outlet
- Auto-defrosting coils
Aprilaire 1850F
- High 90 pint capacity
- Drainage outlet for gravity draining
- Merv 11 filtration
- Great for large basements
Ivation 70 Pint
- Top rated mid-size capacity
- Pump included for self-emptying
- Additional gravity drain option
- LCD display and controls
Frigidaire FFAD7033R1
- Energy Star 70 pint model
- Built-in pump removes condensate
- Continuous operation
- Quieter operation
Honeywell TP70WK
- Dual drainage options: pump and gravity
- Washable air filter
- Adjustable humidistat
- 24-hour on/off timer
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few self-draining or continuous drain dehumidifier models available from reputable brands like Friedrich, Aprilaire, Frigidaire, and Honeywell. Built-in condensate pumps allow for automatic drainage without having to empty the tank. Gravity drainage is another maintenance-free option if there is access to a suitable drain location. These self-emptying models are more expensive but can be worth it for the convenience of continuous operation without daily manual emptying. Be sure to look at capacity, efficiency ratings, and noise levels when selecting the best self-draining dehumidifier for your needs.