Dehumidifier Basics For Your Home Basement

When constructed correctly and by means of the appropriate air conditioning and ventilation, a basement should be dry. But many basements are prone to dampness because of their poor design and ventilation. flat rock Wetness like this is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially in basements where old books, magazines, clothing, and suitcases are stored. When the humidity level goes over 50%, the water vapor in the air can cause furniture to warp, humidity to reduce on walls and floors and promote growth of fungus. west bloomfield It will also accelerate wood rot. For those family members with allergies, a basement dehumidifier is essential to lessen the health risks linked to toxic mold and fungus. rod hole repair

But before you purchase a basement dehumidifier, consider taking some time to examine the reason behind the high humidity, and then repairing the underlying problems.

Your basement should ideally be the same temperature as the rest of your house, and not an exceptional cool temperature zone. Try adding weather-stripping to any basement doors and windows. If the basement is uninsulated, you’ll have to evaluate the costs of adding insulation against that of running a basement dehumidifier. Buying a basement dehumidifier will require a little planning. Know the cubic footage of the basement space that it will be going into. In addition you will need to decide on getting a permanently installed unit versus a portable dehumidifier. Another shopping point to consider is the size of the unit- will it fit in the space you are planning for? Also be aware that some models are noisier than others, so inquire about a demonstration before you buy.

A dehumidifier works on the same principle that refrigerators and air conditioners do. They distribute the humid air over a bank of cold coils and in the process extract a good portion of the dampness via condensation. This condensation drips off the coils into collection pockets inside the dehumidifier. Meanwhile the dry air flow, heated somewhat by the extraction of humidity, is directed out of the unit back into the room. Since the dehumidifier is in the basement and out of the way, a lot of people forget that it requires some maintenance. It is important to empty and wash the collection container inside the unit periodically, otherwise it could be prone to bacterial growth. Some companies manufacture basement dehumidifiers which have no inner collection container, but minimally a hose that can be run to a floor drain, and these are an absolute solution to the problem.

Also, be careful to keep an eye on your sump pump. These culprits are by far the biggest problem.