The first thing you need to think about is how you are going to drain the water from the dehumidifier. In the basement, your best bet is to use the dehumidifier’s continuous water drain line to the sump pump or a drain. If those options are not available, you may need to empty the tank several times a day. The first time I put a dehumidifier in the basement, the tank filled in three hours. It’s about drainage. Also, know how to read a label. If a dehumidifier is listed as “50 pints,” that means the device can remove 50 pints of water from the air in a 24-hour period; is No the capacity of the internal tank. Also, look for maximum area coverage. For example, the Honeywell Smart 50 pint can remove 50 pints of water from a 4,000 square foot area in 24 hours.
If you, like me, also need a dehumidifier in your city apartment, consider purchasing one that is easy to transport with wheels and a handle. Some of these machines are heavy. Additionally, a small dehumidifier in the bathroom is a good idea to keep moisture at bay, especially if you have mold growing in the grout.
Lastly, do not drink the water collected in the dehumidifier tank. That water is not drinkable. Pour it down the drain. A dehumidifier does not produce distilled water; that is a different process and apparatus.