Knowledge Builders

are dehumidifiers good for basements

by Nella Gerlach Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Whether you're dealing with a muggy basement, a humid laundry room, or another damp area in your home, a dehumidifier can help guard against mold and mildew. It can also make the space more comfortable.

What is the best type of humidifier for a basement?

How to select the best dehumidifier for basement?

  1. Energy Efficiency. Energy-Star certification is a common criterion many homeowners need to look at when purchasing a dehumidifier.
  2. Draining Method. Most dehumidifiers available in the market come with a couple of different draining options. ...
  3. Type Of Basement Finishing. ...
  4. Noise Level. ...
  5. Local Weather. ...

What to set your dehumidifier at in a basement?

How to set a dehumidifier

  • Read the user guide. Read through the manufacturer’s manual so you familiarize yourself with the workings of your dehumidifier.
  • Measure the relative humidity. ...
  • Check the dehumidifier power source. ...
  • Increase or decrease the humidity level or dryness setting. ...
  • Set the speed. ...
  • Optional – set the timer. ...
  • Monitor the operation. ...

How to dehumidify a basement naturally?

What natural dehumidifiers can be used in the basement?

  • Silica Gel. Silica Gel is composed from sodium silicate. ...
  • Baking Soda. Baking soda absorbs moisture as well. ...
  • Container Desiccant. Like silica gel dehumidifier boxes, container desiccant has the same function – only on a much larger scale.
  • Calcium-Chlorid e. Calcium chloride is another type of salt that works well as a dehumidifier. ...
  • Non-Diary Coffee creamer. ...

How does a dehumidifier work in a basement?

Refrigeration: –

  • The warm, moist air is sucked in through a grille on one side of the machine with the help of a fan.
  • This hot air passes over the cold freezing pipes in which coolant circulates. ...
  • The moisture free air then passes over the heating element and get back to the original temperature.
  • This warm and dry air blows back to the room by another grille.

What humidity level do dehumidifiers have?

How much does a dehumidifier cost?

How powerful is the Ivation 70 pint dehumidifier?

How effective is a Frigidaire 70 pint dehumidifier?

Why do basements get damp?

What is a GE 70 pint dehumidifier?

How many gallons does a dehumidifier hold?

See more

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When should you use a dehumidifier in the basement?

Your Relative Humidity If your relative humidity levels stay high, it might be a good idea to run your device. In fact, if your humidity levels remain above 50 percent, your room will benefit from a basement dehumidifier.

Are dehumidifiers worth it for basement?

They can be important tool to help reduce humidity in your house, prevent moisture-related problems and improve your air quality. Similar to how a humidifier helps to add moisture, a dehumidifier can be especially useful in the basement, crawl space or bathroom–areas of your home that tend to have excessive moisture.

Are dehumidifiers bad for basements?

Dehumidification can be used as a means of reducing the symptoms of humidity and odor in a basement, but it is not a permanent or complete solution. In fact, if a dehumidifier is used in a basement with moisture problems, it may cause greater damage.

Where should dehumidifier be placed in basement?

Placing your dehumidifier near the source of moisture will be more efficient. Your dehumidifier will capture humidity before it has a chance to infiltrate other areas.

What are the disadvantages of a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifier ConsDehumidifiers can be loud and sometimes warm—in the summer, this could be annoying.Dehumidifiers are work—you must dump, clean, and refill the water-collection tank and also (some models) clean the air filter regularly. ... Constantly running a dehumidifier will increase your energy bill.More items...•

Should you leave a dehumidifier on all the time?

Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly? No, there is no need to keep the dehumidifier running constantly. It's generally enough to run the unit when the humidity level is 50% or higher. A good rule of thumb to remember is to maintain a comfortable 30-50% humidity level for most homes.

Should you run a dehumidifier in your basement in the winter?

You should only run a dehumidifier in your basement in the wintertime if the room maintains a high relative humidity. To monitor the relative humidity in your basement, hang a humidistat (sometimes called a hygrometer) on the wall. It works like a thermometer, constantly measuring the relative humidity in the room.

Why do people run dehumidifiers in basements?

Running a dehumidifier for around 12 hours a day will enable you to manage indoor moisture while ensuring your energy costs aren't too high. Similarly, you might also find that using a dehumidifier alongside your HVAC allows it to operate more efficiently and make your home feel cooler.

Should I run dehumidifier in basement in summer?

Many basements in warm humid climates need dehumidification during the summer months to keep mold growth at bay. If you notice a musty smell or odor in a room, it will probably benefit from a dehumidifier, as drier air is not only healthier for you but will also be less likely to smell or have a stale, musty odor.

How long does it take a dehumidifier to dehumidify a basement?

6. How long will it take to get the moisture under control? As long as the dehumidifier you choose is large enough for the area it is working in, and there are no specific damp problems, then a dehumidifier will normally reduce the humidity to the chosen level within a few days to a week.

How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry a basement?

The key to drying a basement fast is using high-volume fans and dehumidifiers. The fans help water evaporate, while the dehumidifiers pull it out of the air. When used properly, they can dry a wet basement in as little as 12 hours.

Can a dehumidifier stop mold?

If the humidity in a room increases, mold will start growing in patches on walls, clothes, and more. So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold, but they do prevent it by reducing humidity. If you have a mold problem in your home, don't wait. Mold spreads as long as it has a water source.

Best Dehumidifiers for Basements and Crawl Spaces

Tobie Stanger. I cover the money side of home-related purchases and improvements: avoiding scams, making sense of warranties and insurance, finding the best financing, and getting the most value ...

Top 7 Best Dehumidifier for Basement (2022 Reviews Updated)

Check our guide on the best dehumidifier for basements: #1 hOmeLabs #2 Vremi 70 #3 Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 #4 AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 #5 Inofia #6 Keystone KSTAD50B #7 Ivation IVALDH70PW - The Best Dehumidifiers for Basements in 2022 - Best Dehumidifiers - Need to remove excess moisture in your lower level? Choose the best dehumidifier for basement spaces from these top-performing models.

1. Prevention of Water Damage by Keeping the Basement Dry

One of the main benefits of installing a basement dehumidifier is that it helps prevent water damage. This includes not only surface damage but also structural damage. Trust me; you don’t want to find out your foundation has started to crack because you were too late on taking corrective measures on your humidity levels in your basement.

2. Promotes a Healthier Living Environment

Reduces Dust and Odors You probably already know that high humidity levels in a basement lead to dust mites and mold growth, which can be hazardous for anyone with allergies or asthma. What’s more, the room might start to develop a musty smell when the mold is growing, making the environment less hospitable.

4. Reduced Energy Costs

By installing a basement dehumidifier, you will be reducing the workload of your AC, and in return, this will work in your favor. Dehumidifiers don’t consume a lot energy as air conditioners do.

1. Air Feels Damp

If you enter the basement, turn on the lights, and feel a dampness in the air, you need to invest in a dehumidifier. Even if you have other high humidity spaces, the basement is particularly prone to mold growth because of its proximity to the soil and groundwater.

2. Damp and Muddy Flooring

If you start to notice water spots on the flooring, it means your humidity levels are too high. While this can happen during rainy seasons or after heavy showers, it’s time to get a basement dehumidifier installed if these spots have been around for a while.

3. Condensation Formations

When there is excessive dampness in the air, condensation forms on surfaces where the wet air has accumulated; these formations include walls and windowsills because they are closer to the moist area and include other items that absorb moisture present in the environment such as furniture and electrical appliances.

4. White or Greenish Patches On Wood

You might not be able to see this with your naked eye without proper lighting, but you will see those “white patches” on wood surfaces such as the walls and beams of your basement. If it worries you, inspect the spots with a magnifying glass and check if they’re mold or just dirt.

What humidity level do dehumidifiers have?

• Digital controls that allow you to select the desired humidity level by percentages, such as 35 percent or 45 percent humidity.

How much does a dehumidifier cost?

It costs an average of $15 to $50 per month to operate a large capacity dehumidifier, depending on your utility rates, the size of your basement, and the humidity levels. While today’s dehumidifiers are more energy efficient than those of a decade ago, it’s wise to look for the Energy Star label when shopping.

How powerful is the Ivation 70 pint dehumidifier?

With a 70-pint capacity, it’s powerful enough to dry out even the dampest basements. Consumers can monitor the current humidity level and program the unit to come on at preset times. The Ivation features an easy-empty 1.3-gallon tank and an optional hose connection (hose sold separately). It also has an automatic shutoff and a restart sensor that detects frost buildup and turns the unit off to allow the frost to melt before turning back on. Available on Amazon.

How effective is a Frigidaire 70 pint dehumidifier?

The Frigidaire 70-Pint Dehumidifier is highly effective, easy to use, and pleasantly quiet. In tests conducted in a century-old stone basement, the unit reduced humidity by 20 percent and maintained a consistent level. The Frigidaire’s 1.6-gallon collection tank is easy to detach, and it comes with a hose outlet (hose sold separately) for drainage into a floor drain. It features a digital readout, a 24-hour on/off timer, and you can preset the desired humidity level while monitoring the current humidity level. The Frigidaire is Energy Star certified and weighs 47 pounds. Available on Amazon.

Why do basements get damp?

Photo: istockphoto.com. Because they’re located below ground level, basements tend to absorb moisture from surrounding soil, making them damp and musty, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. You probably know that inhaling mold spores can incite respiratory and allergic disorders, but you might not know that high humidity can also damage ...

What is a GE 70 pint dehumidifier?

The GE 70-Pint Dehumidifier is an excellent choice for dependability, efficiency, and relatively quiet operation. The GE dehumidifier comes with pocket handles and hidden wheels that make it a cinch to move. There’s a drainage hose connection (hose sold separately) and an easy-to-program LED panel that lets you select one of three fan speeds and desired humidity level. The unit also features a frost sensor and an automatic shutoff in addition to a “full bucket” indicator. The two-gallon tank features an easy-carry handle, and happy customers cite the GE’s ability to quickly remove excess humidity, resulting in fresher-smelling basement air. Available from Home Depot.

How many gallons does a dehumidifier hold?

Collection tanks hold between one to three gallons, and as a general rule, the more powerful the dehumidifier, the greater its capacity. To remove the high level of humidity present in many basements, a large-capacity dehumidifier is necessary.

Do basements need a dehumidifier?

There are several indicators that might suggest your basement needs a dehumidifier, according to building consultant and Certified Indoor Air Quality Professional (CIAQP) Jeffrey C May, who outlines some of the signs in his book My House is Killing Me! .

Do basements need a dehumidifier at certain times of the year?

By removing excess moisture from the air, dehumidifiers can prevent mold from forming. But when is the best time to use them? Depending on where you live, you might only need to plug in your dehumidifier during late spring, summer and early autumn, when temperatures are warmer and outdoor humidity levels are higher.

Do basements need a dehumidifier depending on where you live?

The climate where you live will be a key factor when it comes to addressing moisture problems, but generally, the more humid the climate, the more likely it is that you will find dampness and condensation forming in your basement.

What humidity level do dehumidifiers have?

• Digital controls that allow you to select the desired humidity level by percentages, such as 35 percent or 45 percent humidity.

How much does a dehumidifier cost?

It costs an average of $15 to $50 per month to operate a large capacity dehumidifier, depending on your utility rates, the size of your basement, and the humidity levels. While today’s dehumidifiers are more energy efficient than those of a decade ago, it’s wise to look for the Energy Star label when shopping.

How powerful is the Ivation 70 pint dehumidifier?

With a 70-pint capacity, it’s powerful enough to dry out even the dampest basements. Consumers can monitor the current humidity level and program the unit to come on at preset times. The Ivation features an easy-empty 1.3-gallon tank and an optional hose connection (hose sold separately). It also has an automatic shutoff and a restart sensor that detects frost buildup and turns the unit off to allow the frost to melt before turning back on. Available on Amazon.

How effective is a Frigidaire 70 pint dehumidifier?

The Frigidaire 70-Pint Dehumidifier is highly effective, easy to use, and pleasantly quiet. In tests conducted in a century-old stone basement, the unit reduced humidity by 20 percent and maintained a consistent level. The Frigidaire’s 1.6-gallon collection tank is easy to detach, and it comes with a hose outlet (hose sold separately) for drainage into a floor drain. It features a digital readout, a 24-hour on/off timer, and you can preset the desired humidity level while monitoring the current humidity level. The Frigidaire is Energy Star certified and weighs 47 pounds. Available on Amazon.

Why do basements get damp?

Photo: istockphoto.com. Because they’re located below ground level, basements tend to absorb moisture from surrounding soil, making them damp and musty, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. You probably know that inhaling mold spores can incite respiratory and allergic disorders, but you might not know that high humidity can also damage ...

What is a GE 70 pint dehumidifier?

The GE 70-Pint Dehumidifier is an excellent choice for dependability, efficiency, and relatively quiet operation. The GE dehumidifier comes with pocket handles and hidden wheels that make it a cinch to move. There’s a drainage hose connection (hose sold separately) and an easy-to-program LED panel that lets you select one of three fan speeds and desired humidity level. The unit also features a frost sensor and an automatic shutoff in addition to a “full bucket” indicator. The two-gallon tank features an easy-carry handle, and happy customers cite the GE’s ability to quickly remove excess humidity, resulting in fresher-smelling basement air. Available from Home Depot.

How many gallons does a dehumidifier hold?

Collection tanks hold between one to three gallons, and as a general rule, the more powerful the dehumidifier, the greater its capacity. To remove the high level of humidity present in many basements, a large-capacity dehumidifier is necessary.

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Url:https://thespruceair.com/benefits-of-a-basement-dehumidifier/

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