This has been an ongoing problem ever since the EPA forced switch to 410A which operates at a higher pressure and is less efficient than the prior refrigerant R -22. Another example of government inefficiency in its well-intentioned, but mis-applied solutions to environmental problems. There is nothing wrong with
Dan's solutions, but they don't deal with the real basement problems caused by lower basement temperatures and high outside humidity. Older R-22 dehumidifiers lasted longer. We had a Westinghouse that lasted 20 years, which we unfortunately gave away because it was too noisy. Current ones last about a year, so it is worthwhile to get a contract on them as it will always payoff.