Do You Need a Dehumidifier in Your Basement?
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from rooms and areas such as a basement, and they are essential for people with breathing and health problems. They are available in various sizes and types including ones that have a drip pan for water collection and ones that have a drainpipe connected so the water is routed into a sewer system or outside of the home. Dehumidifiers leave the room or area at a warmer temperature after the moisture has been removed. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Dehumidifiers and Basements
-
Yes, you need a dehumidifier in your basement if you plan on using the space for anything---storage, living space, even as a laundry room. Since basements are below ground level, the space is constantly in contact with moisture from the outside and the ground. A dehumidifier will remove this moisture, especially if the basement is only partially finished or no water barrier has been installed.
Mold and Mildew
-
Leaving moisture in your basement will cause mold and mildew to form, and these fungi will damage anything present in the space. Mold and mildew are also a health concern. A dehumidifier will help eliminate the risk of mold and mildew forming in your basement.
-
Dehumidifier Sizes
-
Dehumidifiers come in various sizes. If your basement is divided into rooms, consider purchasing a large unit and leaving the doors to the various rooms open so the unit can pull moisture from those areas. If cost is an issue, a smaller unit is recommended if you only use one room in your basement since larger dehumidifiers do cost more. Note: Smaller units may not be able to remove a lot of moisture from a large area.
Installation and Use
-
If your dehumidifier is large and has to be connected to a drainpipe, consider hiring someone to install the unit for you if you don't want to or can't tackle the task. Small dehumidifiers generally come with a water-collection pan and are easy to install. Do not run a dehumidifier off of an electrical extension cord; always use a wall outlet. When using a dehumidifier, keep in mind that most units will not function well below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. So in areas where the temperature is cold, you don't need to run the dehumidifier. Doing so can freeze the coils and damage the unit. In areas where the temperature is warm year-round, you may have to use the dehumidifier. Also, if you heat your basement or the heating unit is located in the basement, you may want to run the unit to remove moisture from the air.
Testing
-
One way to tell if your dehumidifier is removing moisture is to look at the amount of water in the collection pan. If it is always full, the unit is removing a lot of moisture. If the pan is empty most of the time and the room is damp, check to see if the dehumidifier is on. If it is on, consider buying a larger unit.
-
