Do I really need a dehumidifier in my basement?
Moisture in the basement can lead to mold growth and cause rot. High humidity in the basement can also cause hidden damage in the basement and upper floors of the home. A dehumidifier, when combined with proper drainage, can prevent moisture damage and improve indoor air quality and comfort.
How often should you run dehumidifier in basement?
12 hours a daySo to recap, run your dehumidifier unit for at least 12 hours a day. This is a good rule of thumb. Again, it's okay if you don't stick to this schedule every day, but be aware that the more your family runs your dehumidifier unit the fresher and cleaner it will be all year long.
When should I turn on dehumidifier in basement?
For now, we leave you with this simple one: use a dehumidifier during the spring, summer and early fall to keep moisture at bay, but unplug and stow it away during the winter to prevent damage to your unit.
Do I need to run my basement dehumidifier in the winter?
During cold winter months, the air in your home is usually dry, which means a dehumidifier is not necessary. In fact, dehumidifiers actually work most efficiently in warm temperatures and decrease in efficiency as the temperature cools.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Yes. While the wattage (483.24W is average) and the hourly electricity usage (0.427 kWh is average) are not substantial, the long duration of use results in dehumidifiers consuming a considerable amount of electricity. At up to 23.6 kWh per day, older dehumidifiers can use a substantial amount of electricity.
Can you dehumidify too much?
Using the Dehumidifier Too Often By leaving all the windows closed, the air will be unable to flow freely, and will start to become damp again. This will affect your health, as you may start sneezing and sniffling. This could be due to mold growth in the home.
What are the disadvantages of a dehumidifier?
Disadvantages of dehumidifiersthey can make quite some noise.might not work in low temperatures.needs regular maintenance.can be quite large and heavy.uses electricity constantly, therefore;increases energy bill.purchase costs are around $200.windows and doors need to be closed.
Should I 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.
Will a dehumidifier in the basement help the whole house?
If moisture is a constant problem throughout your home, your best bet is to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier that, when installed in the basement, will help keep humidity at bay in the entire home.
How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry basement?
Unless you have a brand-new humidifier, it can dry your basement for a maximum of 12 hours in order to achieve the ideal humidity level your basement needs. But how long the dehumidifier can dry your basement is dependent on several considerations: Dehumidifier capacity. Moisture level and floor area of your basement.
How can I get humidity out of my basement without a dehumidifier?
Set Houseplants Near Windows.Hang Baking Soda In Plastic Bags.Use Fans in the Room.Purchase Carpeting Mats.Place Damp Rid in Your Basement.Install a Vent Fan.Add Extra Drainage and Waterproofing.
What should a dehumidifier be set at in a basement in winter?
Basement Dehumidifier Settings For Winter If it's necessary to run your dehumidifier, keep the setting at 30% to 50%. Take note, avoid operating your dehumidifier when outside temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit during cold weather.
How long should you run your dehumidifier for a basement?
around 12 hours a dayRunning a dehumidifier for around 12 hours a day will enable you to manage indoor moisture while ensuring your energy costs aren't too high.
Should my dehumidifier run 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.
What should my dehumidifier be set at in my basement?
Most HVAC engineers, however, agree that the most appropriate basement dehumidifier setting is 40%. It might be that 50% would be enough. However, at higher temperatures such as 80°F or 90°F, the likelihood of mold growth is significantly increased.
How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry basement?
Unless you have a brand-new humidifier, it can dry your basement for a maximum of 12 hours in order to achieve the ideal humidity level your basement needs. But how long the dehumidifier can dry your basement is dependent on several considerations: Dehumidifier capacity. Moisture level and floor area of your basement.
How to tell when to run a dehumidifier in basement?
The best thing you can do is to understand the indoor relative humidity level, this will give you the signal when to run a dehumidifier in the basement. Using a stand-alone hygrometer is more effective in giving you accurate humidity readings rather than rely on dehumidifiers with humidistat included.
Where in the Basement Should You Place Your Dehumidifier?
The quickest solution in combatting extra moisture is having a dehumidifier in the basement. High humidity does not only have negative health impacts but may also damage your home’s structure.
Why is it hard to move in the basement?
Nasal irritations and constant allergies - People with nasal irritations and allergies will find it uncomfortable to move inside the basement when it is too humid. You might find yourself scratching your skin more and it might cause further sensitivity because humidity levels above 50% make you feel hotter, making your body difficult to sweat.
How far away should a dehumidifier be from walls?
Your dehumidifier will be more effective when you put it close to the center of the basement and at least a foot away from walls and furniture. Dehumidifiers work best when there is enough airflow around the unit.
What happens if your basement is moist?
If your basement has excess moisture, molds and mildew will thrive and cause more havoc than you expected.
What causes moisture in basement?
Science says that there are three sources of moisture at home that can affect your basement: 1 Groundwater or water from rain 2 Outside humid air that goes through the basement and condenses 3 Interior moisture sources
Why do people use basements?
Basements add home value since they can be used for extra living space, bedroom, and recreational use. However, basements are pretty challenging to maintain especially if you live in cities with high humidity. Fortunately, the issue with high humidity in the basement is easily remedied by the dehumidifier.
What is a humidifier, and when do you need to use it?
A humidifier is an electronic device that, using a fan, puts moisture into the air. This is used during winter because of dryness; it helps avoid skin crack and increases sleep quality.
What is a dehumidifier, and when do you need to use it?
A dehumidifier is an electrical appliance used to reduce the humidity of the air surrounding it. Using dehumidifiers can improve many environmental conditions like cigar storage, wine storage, safe gun storage, basement storage, and even bedroom closets. Dehumidifiers reduce the moisture in the air and prevent things from rusting.
Humidifier or Dehumidifier for Your Basement
From the descriptions above, a humidifier is a humidity-increasing device mainly used in bedrooms and living areas to prevent problems like cold, sinus problems, sore throat, and other respiratory issues caused by dry air.
What You Can Do To Deal with Basement Dampness
Humidity won’t solve itself; it’s up to you to deal with excess moisture properly if you want your house to be healthy and free of mold and mildew.
What are the signs you need a dehumidifier in your basement?
If you do not dehumidify your basement, you may experience damp floors and walls (which can lead to mold), rusting on metal appliances (refrigerators, furnaces) that are left in moist conditions for too long. Here are six signs you need to dehumidify your basement:
Why is humidity important in a basement?
Besides, mildew infestation in your basement can easily spread into the rest of your home because the mold spores become airborne and float easily around your indoor air.
What to do if your basement is damp?
If you suspect your basement is overly damp, inspect the room for signs indicating mold growth, including dark spots on the walls, furniture, and fabrics. Upon confirming your fears, engage mold remediation experts to remove the affected materials lest the mildew spreads beyond manageable levels.
Why does my basement smell musty?
Stale smells are often indicative of mold infestation, boiling down to high moisture levels.
What causes condensation in basement?
Condensation occurs when your home’s ventilation is inadequate, leading to moisture retention after such activities as taking a hot shower or drying cloths. While condensation might appear like an insignificant problem, it could lead to major issues when the moisture drips and gets soaked into porous materials like wallpapers, drywall, clothes, upholstery, and wooden materials.
How to tell if your basement is rotting?
Some of the common signs of rot in your basement include shrunken and dark areas on wooden items like windows, floors, support beams, and furniture. You may also witness pancake-like growth on wooden surfaces.
Is humidity bad for wood?
Excess humidity is very dangerous for homes with wooden structures as it adversely affects their integrity. After prolonged exposure to excess humidity, items like upholstery, ceilings, and drywall start to decay. These materials are highly absorbent but take time to dry out. As a result, they can rot severely and end up with cosmetic and structural damage.
Can a dehumidifier be used in a basement?
Excess humidity in a basement isn’t just unhealthy or uncomfortable, but it can also lead to serious health issues and structural damage on your property if it goes unchecked. One of the best ways to curb excess indoor moisture involves using a basement dehumidifier.
What temperature should a basement dehumidifier be set at?
Most dehumidifiers have settings that permit you to set the temperature and relative humidity that you prefer the unit to be operating upon. Setting the dehumidifier to a basement humidity of 60% or below might be comfortable. However, it is widely agreed upon that 45% to 50% is comfortable and good settings to maintain the room at.
How to keep humidity level in basement?
Next time you notice humidity building up and want some quick relief in your basement when you cannot or do not use a dehumidifier at that moment, just turn up the thermostat by a little bit.
Can you run a dehumidifier in a crawl space?
When you run a dehumidifier in crawl spaces or basements (or even other rooms), you can be assured that these devices will monitor the fluctuating humidity levels. The unit will draw air that is moisture-filled from your basement’s environment and property. It will absorb the excess water and send back drier air. Since most basements struggle at maintaining humidity levels, dehumidifiers are the ideal choice to achieve the need.
Does a basement dehumidifier work?
The right basement dehumidifier works for your benefit. The powerful water extraction that a basement dehumidifier can give you is going to balance the humidity levels in your place like nothing else.
Can a dehumidifier be used in a basement?
Yes . Basements are areas that are naturally damp and filled with moisture, which leads to high humidity. The rise in humidity levels is the main reason for fungal activities and drop-in indoor air quality. Preventing mold growth, mildew, structural damage, and one of the best resorts to improve indoor air quality (with an air filter) in your basement is by investing in a good and suitable basement dehumidifier.
Can a dehumidifier help with mold?
Yes! You can study thorough research on how dehumidifiers work and their impact on the existing humidity levels in a space before you purchase a unit. Your basement dehumidifier is equipped to not just dry out the basement and get rid of the dampness, rather it comes with several benefits. You can remove mold growth, ensure that mold spores are dormant, improve indoor air quality with the help of the air filters within the unit, prevent structural damage, etc., when you use a dehumidifier.
What should the humidity be in a basement?
I expect my basement’s relative humidity will frequently be above 50 percent. Otherwise, my builder would not have recommended a dehumidifier.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
Now that I’m convinced that I would benefit from putting a dehumidifier in my basement, I want to know how they work at a high level.
How to Prevent Humidity and Moisture in a Basement?
Adding a dehumidifier to my basement is just one line of defense against humidity. Even though my house is brand new, there are things I need to keep in mind to prevent humidity in the future.
Why is my basement so humid?
The main reason for this is that moisture can get into the foundation through water leaks, landscaping, and gutters. Using a dehumidifier will ensure the humidity level of your basement is adequate.
How to keep moisture from seeping through concrete?
The first simple and easy way to help prevent moisture from seeping through, especially if you have concrete walls or concrete blocks, is to use waterproofing paint. If you have a crawlspace under your house, you can put a barrier of plastic over it.
What is the humidity on the second floor of a house?
65% humidity on the second floor. The first floor is under 60%.
What is the main goal of a dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers’ main goal is to reduce the humidity level in your home.
Basement Dehumidifiers
The purpose behind basement dehumidifiers is to control high humidity levels in subterranean spaces like basements.
Why Don't Ordinary Dehumidifiers Work for the Basement?
When it comes to basements, ordinary dehumidifiers won’t work. You need a special purpose-built basement dehumidifier that is designed for such challenging environments. Common dehumidifiers used for homes won’t get the job done.
Where to put dehumidifier in finished basement?
Finished basements add much value and space to your home. You can use the basement space as a living area if you remove excess moisture from your basement. A good idea is to use vinyl floors and tiles and to run fans or air conditioners. But this alone will not suffice.
What is a whole house dehumidifier?
Unlike portable dehumidifiers, whole house dehumidifiers are fixed, robust units that work best when installed in the basement’s HVAC system. They come in compressor, desiccant, and dehumidifier ventilator types. The compressor-based dehumidifier units may be a bit expensive, less portable, and high on energy consumption than other basement ...
What is the best humidity level for a dehumidifier?
3. What is a good setting for a dehumidifier in the basement? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the ideal humidity levels of any house must be between 30% and 50%. Experts suggest that the dehumidifier settings need to be between 40 % to 45% for best dehumidification, mold removal, and saving.
What is the best way to remove humidity from the air in a basement?
Investing in the best whole house or basement dehumidifier is the best way to ensure your family’s health and well-being. When ducted with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, the basement dehumidifier can remove humidity from the indoor air in a jiffy.
What is the dampest part of a house?
Basements are the dampest spaces in any home. Groundwater seepage, pipe leakage, and water stagnation increase this space’s relative humidity much more than any other floor at home. Even if you have used a sump pump to get rid of the puddles, the moisture remains a massive problem in basements.
What happens if you have a humid basement?
Excess moisture causes cracks and ghosting on walls, wood rot, rusting, condensation, and water stagnation on the floor. These hazards threaten the health of every single room in your living space.
Can a dehumidifier remove moisture from a house?
Yes, one robust and durable dehumidifier is enough to remove excess moisture from an entire home. While some dehumidifiers are big full house units built to decrease moisture levels in the entire house, the others are portable compact dehumidifiers for specific spaces such as the basement, attic, garage, laundry room, grow room, crawl space, etc.
Places to Drain Dehumidifier in Basement
Dehumidifiers are designed to keep the indoor air dry by taking away the extra humidity. As it does work, the moisture stripped of the air has to be collected somewhere, and that is why these units come with a condensate bucket. It’s the default place to drain the water condensed out of air moisture.
Dehumidifier Draining in Basement – Placement, Operation, and Safety
For proper gravity drain, you must place the dehumidifier on a raised, level surface. It can be on a cement block or a shelf unit.
