TL;DR: Read our honest AlorAir 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifier review. See key features, pros, cons, and how it compares to competitors before you buy.
AlorAir 70 PPD Crawl Space Dehumidifier Review: Is This the Right Choice for Your Home?
Read our honest AlorAir 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifier review. See key features, pros, cons, and how it compares to competitors before you buy.
If you’re battling moisture in your crawl space, you've probably come across the AlorAir 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifier. It’s one of the most popular models on the market, promising powerful performance at a mid-range price. But does it actually deliver? In this review, we’ll break down the features, real-world pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the competition. By the end, you’ll know if this unit is the right fit for your home.
Watch on YouTubeWhat Is the AlorAir 70 PPD Crawl Space Dehumidifier?
The AlorAir 70 PPD (pints per day) is a compact dehumidifier designed specifically for crawl spaces and basements. It’s part of AlorAir’s Sentinel series, known for rugged build and energy efficiency. Unlike many portable dehumidifiers, this unit is meant to be mounted or placed on a level surface in tight spaces. It removes up to 70 pints of moisture per day under standard conditions (80°F, 60% humidity), making it suitable for areas up to 2,200 square feet.
It features built-in drainage, automatic defrost, and a user-friendly digital display. The unit also connects to a standard garden hose for continuous draining, so you don’t have to empty a bucket. It’s often purchased by homeowners who need to keep relative humidity below 50% to prevent mold, rot, and pest issues.
Key Features and How It Works
- 70 PPD Extraction: Removes up to 70 pints of moisture per day (at 80°F, 60% RH).
- Compact Design: Measures 13.5 x 11.5 x 20 inches – fits in tight crawl spaces.
- Built-in Condensate Pump: Pumps water up to 15 feet vertically, allowing drainage to an overhead sink or outdoors.
- Digital Humidistat: Set your desired humidity level (30–80%). The unit automatically runs to maintain it.
- Continuous Drainage: Standard ¾-inch garden hose connection for non-stop operation.
- Auto Defrost: Prevents ice buildup in cooler temperatures (down to 41°F).
- Energy Star Rated: Uses about 5.1 amps at 115V, making it efficient for long-term use.
How it works: The fan pulls moist air over cold evaporator coils, condensing the water into a collection tray or draining it away. The dry air is then reheated slightly and expelled. The internal pump pushes water upward if needed, giving you flexibility in where to drain.
Pros: What Makes It Worth Considering
Excellent moisture removal for the price. At a typical street price under $400, the AlorAir 70 PPD competes with units costing $500+. It consistently pulls out 70+ pints per day in real-world conditions.
Built-in pump is a game-changer. Most dehumidifiers rely on gravity drainage. The pump lets you route water to a floor drain, utility sink, or even outside through a wall. This makes installation much easier.
Compact and easy to place. It’s smaller than many 50-pint units, so it slides into tight crawl space openings. The integrated carrying handles help.
Low power consumption. Energy Star rated, it draws around 550 watts. Running 24/7 adds only about $40–$50 per month on average electricity bill – reasonable for crawl space protection.
Digital controls with auto mode. Set it and forget it. The humidistat reads accurately, and the unit cycles on/off to maintain your target. The display is bright and easy to read.
Cons: Honest Drawbacks to Know
Noise level could be lower. At 56 dB, it’s not whisper-quiet. In a finished basement, you’ll hear it hum. In a crawl space, it’s less noticeable, but still present.
Pump can be finicky. Some users report the pump occasionally fails to prime or gets air-locked. Priming instructions are in the manual, but it’s an extra step. The pump is also not serviceable; if it fails, the unit may need replacement.
Not ideal for very cold spaces. The auto defrost works down to 41°F, but if your crawl space dips below that in winter, efficiency drops. It’s not designed for freezing environments.
Filter cleaning is frequent. The washable filter needs monthly cleaning in dusty crawl spaces. If neglected, airflow drops and performance suffers.
Customer support experiences vary. AlorAir is not known for stellar phone support. Warranty claims can be slow. However, Amazon and other retailers often handle returns.
Who Is the AlorAir 70 PPD Best For?
The AlorAir 70 PPD is ideal for DIY homeowners who want a reliable, efficient dehumidifier without spending a fortune. It’s perfect for crawl spaces up to 2,200 square feet with moderate to high humidity (60–80% RH). If you have a drain nearby (floor drain, sump pump, or utility sink), the pump makes installation a breeze.
It’s also a good fit for rental properties or vacation homes where you need a set-and-forget solution. The digital humidistat and auto restart after power failure provide peace of mind.
However, if you need a unit that operates in near-freezing temperatures or you must have silent operation, look elsewhere. Also, if you prefer a serviceable pump or local support, consider a brand like Santa Fe or AprilAire.
Alternatives: How It Compares to Other Dehumidifiers
AlorAir 50 PPD vs. 70 PPD: The 50 PPD version is cheaper (~$300) but lacks the built-in pump. If you need the pump, go with the 70 PPD. The 50 PPD also covers only 1,600 sq. ft.
hOmeLabs 70 PPD Dehumidifier: A popular basement model with similar specs. It has no pump, so drainage must be gravity-fed or manual. But it’s quieter (52 dB) and costs around $250. Better for finished basements where you can drain into a sink.
AprilAire 1820: A professional-grade crawl space dehumidifier. Removes 95 pints/day, built-in pump, super durable, but costs $1,200+. It’s overkill for most homes. The AlorAir is the budget-friendly alternative.
Vremi 70 PPD: Another no-pump unit, similar to hOmeLabs. Cheaper but less suited for crawl spaces without a floor drain.
The bottom line: AlorAir 70 PPD offers the best value for a pump-equipped crawl space dehumidifier. If you don’t need the pump, hOmeLabs saves you money.
FAQ
Can the AlorAir 70 PPD be used in a basement?
Yes, it works well in basements. The built-in pump lets you drain water to an overhead sink or outside. Just make sure the temperature stays above 41°F.
Does the AlorAir 70 PPD require a drain?
It can be used with a gravity drain (hose) or the built-in pump. You don't have to empty a bucket – continuous drainage is the norm.
How loud is the AlorAir 70 PPD dehumidifier?
It runs at about 56 dB – similar to a window air conditioner. It's not silent but acceptable for a crawl space or basement.
What is the warranty on the AlorAir 70 PPD?
AlorAir offers a 1-year limited warranty. You must register the product within 30 days of purchase to activate it.
Our Verdict
The AlorAir 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifier is a solid, reliable choice for most homeowners. It offers powerful moisture removal, a convenient built-in pump, and energy-star efficiency at a price that won't break the bank. While it's not perfect – noise and occasional pump issues are real complaints – the pros far outweigh the cons for the money.
We give it a 4.2 out of 5 stars. It's the best value pump-equipped dehumidifier in its class. For crawl spaces that need constant humidity control, this unit will protect your home from mold and structural damage. If you're on a tighter budget and don't need the pump, consider the hOmeLabs 70 PPD. But for most people, the AlorAir is the right call.
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the AlorAir 70 PPD be used in a basement?
Yes, it works well in basements. The built-in pump lets you drain water to an overhead sink or outside. Just make sure the temperature stays above 41°F.
Does the AlorAir 70 PPD require a drain?
It can be used with a gravity drain (hose) or the built-in pump. You don't have to empty a bucket – continuous drainage is the norm.
How loud is the AlorAir 70 PPD dehumidifier?
It runs at about 56 dB – similar to a window air conditioner. It's not silent but acceptable for a crawl space or basement.
What is the warranty on the AlorAir 70 PPD?
AlorAir offers a 1-year limited warranty. You must register the product within 30 days of purchase to activate it.
Our Verdict
The AlorAir 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifier is a solid, reliable choice for most homeowners. It offers powerful moisture removal, a convenient built-in pump, and energy-star efficiency at a price that won't break the bank. While it's not perfect – noise and occasional pump issues are real complaints – the pros far outweigh the cons for the money.
We give it a 4.2 out of 5 stars. It's the best value pump-equipped dehumidifier in its class. For crawl spaces that need constant humidity control, this unit will protect your home from mold and structural damage. If you're on a tighter budget and don't need the pump, consider the hOmeLabs 70 PPD. But for most people, the AlorAir is the right call.
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon