Review

AprilAire E100 Dehumidifier Review: Worth It? (October 2026)

Updated on · By the Top 10s List team

The AprilAire E100 suits large basements, crawl spaces, or ducted whole-home moisture control when you can plan for drainage and installation. Its 100-pint capacity, Wi-Fi controls, and included pump make it a high-capacity option, while its 64 lb weight and duct connections call for a suitable setup.

AprilAire 5879 Dehumidifier Riser Kit for AprilAire, the AprilAire E100 whole-house dehumidifier

In this review

AprilAire 5879 Dehumidifier Riser Kit for AprilAire

Best for raised drainage9.6/10

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On this page (8 sections)
  1. What do AprilAire E100 dehumidifier reviews suggest?
  2. What stands out about the E100W?
  3. Is the E100 a good fit for a basement or crawl space?
  4. Can the E100 connect to home ductwork?
  5. How do Wi-Fi controls and the pump affect daily use?
  6. What maintenance does the AprilAire E100 need?
  7. What should you compare before buying?
  8. Is the AprilAire E100 worth considering?

The AprilAire E100 is a high-capacity choice for whole-home, basement, and crawl-space moisture control when you can accommodate a planned drainage and duct setup. The E100W version adds Wi-Fi control and comes bundled with a condensate pump, drain hose, hanging kit, and filters.

This is a substantial unit, not a portable room dehumidifier. Its 64 lb weight, 14 x 26 x 15 in body, and duct collars make installation planning part of the buying decision.

What do AprilAire E100 dehumidifier reviews suggest?

AprilAire E100 dehumidifier reviews should be weighed against the setup you need: it offers 100 pints per day capacity and connected controls, but requires a suitable location, drainage plan, and installation. The E100W bundle includes a pump, drain hose, hanging kit, MERV 8 washable filter, and MERV 11 filter.

The E100W is listed with a 100-pint capacity, Wi-Fi interface, automatic humidity control, and continuous draining. AprilAire says the Connect app lets you adjust settings and monitor humidity remotely.

Treat the square-foot coverage claims as a starting point rather than a sizing guarantee. The E100W title gives up to 4,400 sq ft, while its product details describe homes up to 5,500 sq ft, so match the unit to the moisture load and layout with an HVAC professional if sizing is uncertain.

This model makes more sense for a large basement, crawl space, sealed attic, or a ducted whole-home plan than a single bedroom. For other high-capacity options, compare our Best High Capacity Dehumidifier guide.

What stands out about the E100W?

The E100W combines automatic humidity control, app access, a pump, and filtration in a single whole-house system. That bundle can be useful where you want moisture control to run without emptying a bucket.

DetailAprilAire E100W
Moisture removalUp to 100 pints per day
Dimensions14 x 26 x 15 in
Weight64 lb
ControlsWi-Fi interface with app control, adjustable humidity control
DrainageContinuous drain; condensate pump and drain hose included in bundle
FiltersWashable MERV 8 and MERV 11 included
Installation partsDuct collars, hanging kit, leveling feet
OperationAutomatic on/off based on humidity set point

The dimensions and weight matter before you commit to a basement corner, crawl space, or mechanical area. Allow access for filter care and ensure the planned drain route can be reached and maintained.

The bundle includes both washable and replacement filter options. The washable MERV 8 filter can be rinsed and reinstalled, while the supplied MERV 11 filter is described for replacement every 6 months.

Is the E100 a good fit for a basement or crawl space?

The E100 can fit basement or crawl-space moisture control when the installation location has room for the unit and a reliable condensate route. The included pump and hose give more flexibility where gravity drainage to a floor drain is not available.

Measure access openings and clearances before delivery. The unit weighs 64 lb, so also plan how it will be moved into its final position.

Think through the water path from the start. Identify where the pump can send condensate and whether the hose run avoids kinks, trip hazards, or areas where a leak could go unnoticed.

Compare its capacity with less powerful options if the space is smaller or the moisture load is modest. Our best 70 pint dehumidifier and best 80-pint dehumidifier roundups help put the E100's rated capacity in context.

Can the E100 connect to home ductwork?

The E100W includes 8-inch inlet and outlet duct collars, so it can be part of a ducted whole-home plan. The installation needs a compatible layout and enough access to route ductwork without blocking service points.

Ducted use can distribute dehumidified air beyond the room holding the unit. But it depends on the home’s duct design and installation details, so have a qualified HVAC installer confirm the right configuration.

For a basement-only setup, direct room air circulation may be enough if the unit is placed and installed correctly. Decide whether you want moisture control in one area or across the home before choosing duct connections.

How do Wi-Fi controls and the pump affect daily use?

Wi-Fi control lets you adjust the humidity setting and monitor the unit through the AprilAire Connect app. The E100W also operates automatically based on its humidity set point, which supports ongoing moisture control without manual bucket checks.

For guidance on models that can work at low humidity, see dehumidifiers for very low humidity.

A condensate pump and drain hose are included with this bundle. Confirm the discharge point before installation and inspect the route periodically so a loose fitting or blocked line does not go unnoticed.

Remote access is most useful when you want to check settings while away or manage a unit in a crawl space. The app does not remove the need to confirm installation, drainage, and filter condition.

What maintenance does the AprilAire E100 need?

The E100 needs regular filter checks and an unobstructed drain path. AprilAire recommends checking and cleaning or replacing the filter every 6 months, or when the Clean Filter reminder appears.

The AprilAire 5881 washable MERV 8 filter fits the E100 and can be cleaned with water and mild detergent. Match its length and width to the retention rails when reinstalling it.

2

AprilAire 5881 Washable MERV 8 Dehumidifier Filter: Best for washable upkeep

AprilAire 5881 Washable MERV 8 Dehumidifier Filter, the AprilAire E100 whole-house dehumidifier
9.5/10Our score
  • Washable MERV 8 filter
  • Fits E100
  • Reversible installation

A washable replacement filter for the E100 that can simplify routine upkeep. AprilAire recommends checking and cleaning or replacing the filter every 6 months.

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Pros

  • Made for the E100
  • Washable with water and mild detergent
  • Can be installed facing either way

Cons

  • Needs regular cleaning or replacement
  • Must be aligned with the retention rails

A raised installation may help when the drain trap or pump needs extra clearance. The AprilAire 5879 set adds 6 inches of height and includes four risers designed for the E100.

1

AprilAire 5879 Dehumidifier Riser Kit for AprilAire: Best for raised drainage

AprilAire 5879 Dehumidifier Riser Kit for AprilAire, the AprilAire E100 whole-house dehumidifier
9.6/10Our score
  • Adds 6 inches of height
  • Four risers
  • Supports up to 2,000 lb

A compatible riser set for installations that need more clearance for drainage or a condensate pump. It also provides a stable, level platform for the dehumidifier.

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Pros

  • Adds clearance beneath the unit
  • Four risers support a level installation
  • Designed for the E100

Cons

  • Adds height that must fit the installation space
  • Only useful when the setup calls for risers

Keep the unit level and follow the installation instructions for drainage. Check the filter on schedule, look over the drain tubing, and confirm the pump can move water to its intended discharge point.

What should you compare before buying?

Compare installation needs, capacity, and controls before deciding the E100 is the right fit. Its high capacity is useful only if the home’s moisture load and installation plan call for it.

Consider these points:

  • Space and access: The 14 x 26 x 15 in cabinet and 64 lb weight need a clear route and service access.
  • Drainage: The included pump and hose need a practical discharge location.
  • Ducting: Whole-home distribution requires a compatible duct plan.
  • Controls: Wi-Fi and app access are useful if remote adjustment matters to you.
  • Filter care: Plan for the 6-month inspection cycle and choose washable or replacement filter upkeep.

If you want a different whole-house system, compare our Santa Fe dehumidifier reviews. For broader model selection, see Best Dehumidifier Reviews.

Is the AprilAire E100 worth considering?

The AprilAire E100 is worth considering when you need high-capacity moisture removal and can support a fixed installation. For a lower capacity class, compare 35-pint dehumidifiers.

Its 100-pint rating, Wi-Fi controls, included pump, and filter options make it a versatile bundle for a basement, crawl space, or ducted home plan.

Choose it if you want an installed system with automatic humidity control and a clear route for condensate. Compare a smaller capacity model if your moisture problem is limited to one modest room, and use Do I Really Need a Dehumidifier? to check whether dehumidification matches the symptoms in your space.

The E100W bundle is the relevant choice here for connected control and included installation accessories. For broader buying criteria, read how to choose a dehumidifier.

If you are comparing the AprilAire E100 dehumidifier with other whole-house options, start with the room or home coverage you need, then confirm the drainage and duct plan before buying.

Frequently asked questions

Is the AprilAire E100 a whole-house dehumidifier?

Yes. The E100 is a whole-house dehumidifier designed for residential and commercial use, and it can be used for a ducted HVAC setup, basement, or crawl space.

Plan for its duct connections, drainage route, and power access before choosing a location.

How much moisture can the AprilAire E100 remove?

The E100W is rated to remove up to 100 pints of moisture per day. Actual moisture removal depends on operating conditions, so use the capacity as a model rating rather than a promise of identical results in every basement or home.

Does the AprilAire E100 include a condensate pump?

The E100W bundle includes a condensate pump, bracket, tubing, and drain hose. Check that the planned drain route and pump placement work for your space, especially if there is no floor-level drain nearby.

What filter does the AprilAire E100 use?

The E100 can use the AprilAire 5881 washable MERV 8 filter, which is nominally 12 x 13.5 x 1 inches. The E100W bundle also includes a MERV 11 filter; follow the care schedule for the filter you install.