# The Best Aprilaire Dehumidifiers: E070, E080, E100 and E130

> Aprilaire builds whole-home machines with no bucket at all. Here’s which E-Series model fits your house — and the drain you’ll need first.

Canonical: https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-aprilaire-dehumidifier/
Last updated: 2026-11-05
Published: 2026-09-05
Category: Brands
Publisher: Enthusiast Review

An **Aprilaire dehumidifier** isn’t the kind you carry upstairs and empty into a sink. Aprilaire’s **E-Series** is HVAC equipment: bucketless, built to be ducted or parked permanently in a basement or sealed crawl space, and backed by a five-year warranty. That makes it a brilliant choice for the right house and an expensive mistake for the wrong one.

The lineup is refreshingly simple. The model number *is* the capacity — the E070, E080, E100 and E130 remove 70, 80, 100 and 130 pints a day — and a “W” on the end just means Wi-Fi. What trips people up is everything around the machine: drainage, installation, and the temptation to buy more capacity than a home will ever use.

Below, we rank the four core models plus the connected E070W, and include one non-Aprilaire alternative for buyers who want similar capacity for a lot less. If you’re only drying one room, skip ahead to our [best dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier/) roundup — a portable will serve you better.

## Our top picks

- **Best overall:** Aprilaire E100 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG3RJ1W5?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best for mid-sized homes:** Aprilaire E080 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQRYS6N1?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best for crawl spaces:** Aprilaire E070 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094PR3HQ1?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best for large or very wet homes:** Aprilaire E130 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094Q72F4B?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best connected model:** Aprilaire E070W — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPXRSGBQ?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best alternative for less:** AlorAir HDi90 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYSWHNGL?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

For most homes, the **Aprilaire E100** is the one to buy: 100 pints a day, coverage up to 5,500 sq ft and an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient rating.

## 1. Aprilaire E100 Whole-House Dehumidifier (100 Pints) — Best overall

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG3RJ1W5?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- 100 pints a day for homes up to 5,500 sq ft
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient
- Ducted or stand-alone installation
- Corrosion-resistant coils and washable filter
- Five-year warranty

**Cons**

- Needs a drain or a separate condensate pump
- Usually requires professional installation

**Why we picked it:** The E100 is the buy-once option. It sits in the middle of the range, but it carries the Most Efficient badge and covers more square footage than most households actually need, without the jump to the E130.

**Performance:** Aprilaire rates it at 100 pints (12.5 gallons) a day and up to 5,500 sq ft, enough for a whole home, a large basement or a sealed crawl space. ENERGY STAR credits Most Efficient dehumidifiers with roughly 23% lower annual energy use than conventional models, which matters for a machine that runs much of the humid season. It can tie into your existing ductwork or dry a dedicated zone on its own.

**Worth knowing:** Decide between ducted whole-home and a big portable before spending — our [whole-house dehumidifier guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-whole-house-dehumidifier/) lays out the trade-offs.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 100 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 5,500 sq ft |
| Type | Ducted or stand-alone |
| Drainage | Gravity hose or pump (bucketless) |
| Efficiency | ENERGY STAR Most Efficient |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## 2. Aprilaire E080 Pro Dehumidifier (80 Pints) — Best for mid-sized homes

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQRYS6N1?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- 80 pints a day for up to 4,400 sq ft
- Same Most Efficient rating as the E100
- Meaningfully cheaper than the E100
- Same warranty and drainage setup

**Cons**

- Less headroom for a very wet basement
- Still bucketless — drain required

**Why we picked it:** Oversizing costs you twice: once at checkout and again on every electric bill. For homes under roughly 2,500 finished square feet with ordinary dampness, the E080 does the job without paying for capacity you’ll never call on.

**Performance:** It’s rated at 80 pints (10 gallons) a day across up to 4,400 sq ft, and keeps the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient status of its bigger siblings. The exception to stepping down is a house sitting over an unsealed crawl space, which keeps feeding moisture upward; in that case either size up or seal the crawl space first.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 80 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 4,400 sq ft |
| Drainage | Gravity hose or pump (bucketless) |
| Efficiency | ENERGY STAR Most Efficient |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Best for | Homes under ~2,500 finished sq ft |

## 3. Aprilaire E070 Crawl Space Dehumidifier (70 Pints) — Best for crawl spaces

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094PR3HQ1?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Compact enough to pass through a crawl-space hatch
- 70 pints a day for sealed spaces up to 2,200 sq ft
- Bucketless design suits spaces you never visit
- Five-year warranty

**Cons**

- Not on the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient list
- Retail listings quote two different coverage figures

**Why we picked it:** A crawl space is where Aprilaire’s no-bucket design stops being a hassle and becomes the point. Encapsulate the space, run the drain to daylight or a pump, and the E070 quietly maintains it for years.

**Performance:** Aprilaire rates it at 70 pints (9 gallons) a day for encapsulated crawl spaces up to 2,200 sq ft; some bundle listings claim 2,800, so size on the lower figure. At about 56 lb with a 12.5-inch-square body, it physically fits where the larger E-Series units won’t. The one weakness is efficiency: it lacks the Most Efficient rating, and crawl-space units often run more hours a year than whole-home ones.

**Worth knowing:** See how it stacks up against AlorAir and Santa Fe in our [crawl space dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-crawl-space-dehumidifier/) picks.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 70 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 2,200 sq ft (manufacturer) |
| Drainage | Gravity hose or pump (bucketless) |
| Weight | About 56 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Best for | Encapsulated crawl spaces |

## 4. Aprilaire E130 Whole-House Dehumidifier (130 Pints) — Best for large or very wet homes

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094Q72F4B?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- 130 pints a day — Aprilaire’s largest residential unit
- Covers up to 7,400 sq ft
- Control mounts on top or inlet side
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient

**Cons**

- Overkill for most houses
- Biggest and costliest unit in the range

**Why we picked it:** Buy the E130 when the house is genuinely large or genuinely wet — not because it’s only a little more than the E100. It’s the right tool for big homes with heavy moisture loads.

**Performance:** Rated at 130 pints (16 gallons) a day over up to 7,400 sq ft, it ducts into the HVAC system or discharges into a dedicated zone. The flexible control placement is a real help in cramped mechanical rooms. Remember that dehumidifiers are sized on moisture load, not floor area: a big house on a sealed slab may need less than a smaller one over a damp dirt crawl space.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 130 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 7,400 sq ft |
| Type | Ducted or stand-alone |
| Drainage | Gravity hose or pump (bucketless) |
| Efficiency | ENERGY STAR Most Efficient |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## 5. Aprilaire E070W Wi-Fi Dehumidifier (70 Pints) — Best connected model

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPXRSGBQ?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Same hardware as the E070
- Wi-Fi controller with color display
- Remote setpoints and alerts in the Healthy Air app
- Cheapest entry into the connected E-Series

**Cons**

- Premium over the standard E070 for app features only
- Shares the E070’s efficiency gap

**Why we picked it:** You can’t see a crawl-space dehumidifier. If its drain clogs or it stops running, the first clue is usually a musty smell — an app alert is the only early warning you get, and that’s what the W adds.

**Performance:** Dehumidification is identical to the E070: 70 pints a day for sealed spaces up to 2,200 sq ft. The difference is the Wi-Fi controller, which pairs with Aprilaire’s Healthy Air app for status, remote humidity targets and alerts. The same upgrade exists across the range as the E080W, E100W and E130W.

**Worth knowing:** If your unit lives in a utility room you walk past every day, the standard model is fine. More connected options are in our [best Wi-Fi dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-wifi-dehumidifier/) guide.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 70 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 2,200 sq ft |
| Smart control | Wi-Fi, Healthy Air app |
| Drainage | Gravity hose or pump (bucketless) |
| Best for | Hard-to-reach crawl spaces |

## 6. AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Dehumidifier — Best alternative for less

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYSWHNGL?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Comparable working capacity to the E080
- Defrost down to 33.8°F
- Pump option available
- Much lower cost per pint

**Cons**

- Shorter warranty than Aprilaire
- Less polished controls

**Why we picked it:** A brand guide that pretends the brand always wins isn’t much use. On pints per dollar, AlorAir’s HDi90 beats every Aprilaire outright; what you give up is the long warranty, the Most Efficient badge and Aprilaire’s large installer network.

**Performance:** It’s rated at 90 pints a day under AHAM conditions (198 at saturation) for roughly 2,600 sq ft. It keeps defrosting down to 33.8°F, well below the low-40s point where ordinary compressor units start to ice. Like the Aprilaires, it’s bucketless and needs a drain or pump.

**Worth knowing:** For the full head-to-head, read [AlorAir vs. Aprilaire](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/compare/alorair-vs-aprilaire-dehumidifier/).

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 90 pints/day (AHAM) |
| Coverage | About 2,600 sq ft |
| Low-temp operation | Defrost to 33.8°F |
| Drainage | Gravity hose or optional pump |
| Best for | Crawl spaces on a budget |

## Aprilaire, by the numbers

- **0 pints** — Tank capacity on every E-Series model — they’re all bucketless
- **5 years** — Warranty on all four core models, versus one year on most portables
- **~23%** — Annual energy savings ENERGY STAR credits to Most Efficient units

| Model | Capacity | Coverage | Most Efficient | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| E070 | 70 pints/day | Up to 2,200 sq ft | No | Sealed crawl spaces |
| E080 | 80 pints/day | Up to 4,400 sq ft | Yes | Mid-sized homes |
| E100 | 100 pints/day | Up to 5,500 sq ft | Yes | Most whole-home jobs |
| E130 | 130 pints/day | Up to 7,400 sq ft | Yes | Large or very wet homes |

*Coverage figures are Aprilaire’s own ratings.*

Aprilaire’s whole-home units target 40–60% relative humidity. The EPA’s mold guidance is a little tighter at 30–50%, and mold can take hold on damp materials within 24 to 48 hours — a strong argument for a permanently drained machine over a bucket someone has to remember.

## How we pick Aprilaire dehumidifiers

We don’t lab-test whole-house dehumidifiers. Instead, we compare what’s published and comparable: Aprilaire’s capacity and coverage ratings, ENERGY STAR’s Most Efficient list, installation manuals, warranty terms and CPSC recall records. Then we read owner and installer reviews for recurring issues such as drain clogs, condensate-pump failures and controller faults.

We weighted the match between capacity and real-world moisture load highest, followed by efficiency, physical fit (crawl-space hatches are unforgiving) and how easy each model is to drain. We also included a cheaper competitor so you can see what Aprilaire’s premium actually buys.

## What to look for in an Aprilaire dehumidifier

- **Solve drainage first:** Gravity to a floor drain costs nothing. If the unit will sit below the nearest drain, add a condensate pump — Aprilaire’s low-profile 4856 fits the E070, E080, E100 and E130. Our [whole-house dehumidifier installation](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/whole-house-dehumidifier-installation/) guide covers the options.
- **Size on moisture, not square footage:** A damp dirt crawl space under a small house can demand more than a big house on a sealed slab. Our [dehumidifier size guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/dehumidifier-size-guide/) explains how to estimate load.
- **Choose Most Efficient where you can:** The E080, E100 and E130 carry the badge; the E070 does not.
- **Measure the access hatch:** The E070 is about 12.5 × 12.5 × 25 inches. The larger models won’t fit through a typical crawl-space opening.
- **Be honest about the job:** If you’re drying one room or one basement, a 50-pint portable does it without an install. Start with our [basement picks](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-basement/).

## How to decode an Aprilaire listing (Pro kits and Wi-Fi models)

Retail listings make the range look more complicated than it is. Once you know three rules, every SKU makes sense.

- **The number is the capacity.** E070, E080, E100 and E130 mean 70, 80, 100 and 130 pints a day.
- **“W” means Wi-Fi — nothing more.** The W versions add a connected controller and color display. Coils and capacity are identical.
- **“Pro” means accessories.** A Pro Bundle is the same unit packed with a drain hose, duct collars, a spare filter and risers. You’ll need most of those parts anyway, so the bundle is often the better deal, but it doesn’t dry any harder.
- **Coverage numbers can disagree.** When two listings quote different square footage for the same machine, plan around the manufacturer’s lower figure.

> **Is an Aprilaire worth it over a portable?:** Only when you need whole-home or permanent crawl-space coverage. An E-Series unit typically runs into four figures before installation, several times the cost of a good 50-pint portable. It earns that premium when the alternative is three portables, three buckets and three cords.

## The bottom line

The **Aprilaire E100** is the right Aprilaire for most homes, with Most Efficient running costs and room to spare. Step down to the **E080** for homes under roughly 2,500 finished square feet, reserve the **E130** for large or genuinely wet houses, and choose the **E070** (or the app-connected **E070W**) for crawl spaces. Whatever you pick, plan the drain before anything else — and if your real problem is one damp basement, the **AlorAir HDi90** or a good portable will do it for far less. Weighing a ventilating alternative? See [Aprilaire vs. Santa Fe](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/compare/aprilaire-vs-santa-fe-dehumidifier/).

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the best Aprilaire dehumidifier?

The E100 suits most homes: 100 pints a day, coverage up to 5,500 sq ft and ENERGY STAR Most Efficient. Choose the E080 for smaller homes, the E130 for very large or wet ones, and the E070 for sealed crawl spaces.

### Do Aprilaire dehumidifiers have a water tank?

No. Every E-Series model is bucketless. Water collects in an internal pan and drains through a hose to a floor drain or condensate pump, so you must have one or the other before the unit can run.

### What does the W mean on an Aprilaire E070W or E100W?

It means Wi-Fi. W models add a connected controller with a color display that works with Aprilaire’s Healthy Air app for alerts and remote setpoints. Dehumidifying hardware and capacity are unchanged.

### Is the Aprilaire E100 Pro dehumidifier kit worth it?

Usually, yes, if you’re installing it yourself or with a handyman. The Pro kit is the same E100 dehumidifier packaged with a drain hose, duct collars, risers and an extra filter — parts most installs need anyway. It doesn’t remove any more moisture than the standard E100.

### What is an Aprilaire Pro Bundle?

It’s the same dehumidifier sold with installation accessories — typically a drain hose, duct collars, a spare filter and risers. It doesn’t remove more moisture than the standard version.

### How long is the Aprilaire dehumidifier warranty?

Aprilaire offers five years on every E-Series model, far longer than the one-year coverage common on portables. That matters for a machine often installed somewhere awkward, like a sealed crawl space.

### What size Aprilaire dehumidifier do I need?

Match coverage to the space you’re actually conditioning: E070 for crawl spaces up to about 2,200 sq ft, E080 up to 4,400, E100 up to 5,500 and E130 up to 7,400. Size up only if the space has an unusually heavy moisture load.

### How do I troubleshoot or repair an Aprilaire dehumidifier?

Start with the simple causes: a clogged drain line or failed condensate pump, a dirty filter, or a setpoint that’s higher than the room’s humidity. The installation manual lists the controller’s fault indicators. For refrigerant or compressor problems, contact an Aprilaire dealer — work done by an authorized contractor keeps the five-year warranty intact.

## Related guides

- [AlorAir vs. Aprilaire Dehumidifiers: Which Crawl-Space Unit Is Worth It?](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/compare/alorair-vs-aprilaire-dehumidifier/)
- [Aprilaire vs. Santa Fe Dehumidifiers: E100 vs. Ultra V100](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/compare/aprilaire-vs-santa-fe-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best Whole-House Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-whole-house-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-crawl-space-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best Santa Fe Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-santa-fe-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best AlorAir Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-alorair-dehumidifier/)

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*Enthusiast Review researches products against DOE ratings, ENERGY STAR data, manuals, CPSC recalls and owner reviews; it does not run a test lab. Amazon links are affiliate links (tag sktiger-20).*