Basements usually have some moisture issues. Many times this is due to water seeping in or condensation. If you have a basement, you may ask if you can use a dehumidifier in the basement.
The answer is yes. Dehumidifiers can be run on basements and help lessen or even eliminate some moisture.
Read the whole article if you want to learn more.
Basement Dehumidifiers
Basements are exposed to challenging environmental circumstances and experience more humidity problems—water leaks through cracks in the foundation and basement walls. If the humidity levels go up, mold and dampness will start to form.
The best dehumidifiers for basements can lower this level of humidity. The use of this device will preserve indoor air quality and ward off the growth of mold and mildew.
Moisture Challenges in Basements
Basements are a breeding ground for mold and dampness, damaging a building's structure and health. It may help prevent decay from developing by keeping the basement at 50 degrees or below with a dehumidifier.
The Basement Health Association warns that excessive relative humidity results in the spread of mold in the basement and leads to other health issues.
Related Article: Moisture in Basement
Basement Humidity and the Need for Accurate Setting
A basement dehumidifier should be set at a level that can take out as much water from the air as possible. The room's humidity, temperature, and wind speed must all be considered to get an accurate reading.
To combat the humidity of a subdivided crawl space, the dehumidifiers should be set at proper levels. The hygrometers measure relative humidity to calculate the floor humidity.
Related: Using Crawl Space for Storage
What To Set Your Dehumidifier in a Basement?
A cellar is an area in which moisture issues readily accumulate. If the dehumidifier does not operate at the proper speed, this will not affect the humidity level.
There are several issues to consider if selecting the correct level to install your dehumidifier within a basement. The basement of homes serves many vital uses like storage or workspace.
One thing all homes have in common is poor indoor air quality and humid weather. This makes it a problem for inadequate humidity and air quality in the basement.
Accurate Dehumidifier Settings for Basement
Basements are more prone to humidity from another source. When the relative humidity level exceeds 60%, molds tend to develop. To maintain your basement dehumidifier below 40% and 60% humidity, you must keep it running.
Air leakage indicates that there is more dampness in your basement as a result of air leakage. Set your dehumidifier's humidity level to 60% or above using a humidistat. When the humidity level rises, so does the humidity level.
Related Article: Does a Dehumidifier Lower Humidity
A Whole House Dehumidifier Addresses Humidity Levels
A whole-home dehumidifier is recommended as a solution to manage high air humidity within your whole house. Ensure the appliance has automatic draining for best results.
If you prefer that the system be installed in your basement, consider choosing a low-temperature basement dehumidifier that can operate at temperatures under 65 degrees.
What Type of Dehumidifier Can Work for the Entire House?
The basement is the most frequent area of your house with the highest moisture levels. Some homeowners use dehumidifiers that connect with an HVAC system and require professional installation.
For convenience and easier maintenance, it is preferred to use a single unit stored in the basement and off sight. Most dehumidifiers used to reduce wet basements are portable.
As its name implies, this model can be quickly transported and stored. Some owners prefer installing portable units attached to the air conditioner system.
Related Article: Dehumidifier Types
Will a Dehumidifier in the Basement Help the Whole House?
A basement-contained environment is especially susceptible to humidity. A dehumidifier may be used in the basement, which has an airflow path back to the main house.
It is also designed to work at low temperatures and can work throughout any home. Dehumidifiers can be attached to a house HVAC system to ensure they maintain humidity in any room.
Do I Need a Dehumidifier in My Basement?
A basement dehumidifier is designed to keep the room's ideal relative humidity ratio. The EPA recommends keeping the indoor temperature between 30 and 60% to prevent growing mold.
If relative humidity exceeds 50%, a home can also become a breeding ground for pests or woodworm.
What Kind of Dehumidifier Do I Need for My Basement?
1. Mechanical or Refrigerant (Compressor) Dehumidifier
Your basement might be too humid if you notice a lot of condensation on the windows. A mechanical or refrigerant dehumidifier can help fix this problem.
If the unit gets frost all over it, it will turn on and off without getting all the moisture out.
Some models have a hose attachment. Connecting the hose to a floor drain or sump pump can keep working without you needing to empty the bucket.
Related Article: What Is a Refrigerant Dehumidifier?
2. Desiccant for Small Enclosed Spaces (Basement)
A desiccant dehumidifier has little setup required. These are great for small spaces like the basement, where you don't need to remove humidity from the air before it gets inside your home.
Desiccant dehumidifiers are also great because they are reticent and energy-efficient. This makes them perfect for a basement or any other room in your home.
Related Article: Desiccant Dehumidifiers
When Should I Use a Dehumidifier in the Basement?
If you notice mold or rot on the floor, walls, or other parts of your basement, you should probably get a dehumidifier. Even if there is no mold and your basement is dry, consider using one as a preventative measure.
It's best to ask an expert what the right humidity level for your home is. For most homes, the recommended humidity level is 30%-50%.
Should I Run a Dehumidifier for the Basement During the Winter?
When mold grows throughout winter, the basement often becomes a significant problem room. Cellars hold excessive moisture and are a fertile breeding ground for mold and mildew.
A dehumidifier can regulate humidity in areas like the basement or other shutoff areas of the house.
When Should I Run a Basement Dehumidifier in Winter?
If you have a basement, then you should have a dehumidifier. You need to know whether or not your area is cold. If it's not, then you don't need one. But if it is hard, then your basement may get wet and dirty without one.
The key is moisture control. You can't destroy the toxins produced by mold growth if you do not maintain an optimal temperature and humidity level in the room.
Should I Use a Dehumidifier Year-Round?
You can use a dehumidifier all year. The reason is that mold and mildew thrive in moisture, which can be found in your HVAC system if it's not working correctly.
A dehumidifier will help you control the humidity around your home throughout the year. In spring and summer, humidity levels tend to be higher.
If I Don't Use a Dehumidifier
You may not realize that mold is growing throughout your home. Without a dehumidifier, you could end up with toxic mold that can cause serious health problems for you and your family.
If the humidity level in your home increases, insects are likely to enter through cracks in walls or windows because it will become an ideal place for them.
Many people living in these conditions, with high humidity levels or damp basements, are prone to allergies and respiratory problems. They have a chronic cough which can lead to asthma in some cases.
How Do I Run a Dehumidifier in a Home?
It will help if you run a dehumidifier whenever the temperature exceeds 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It would help if you didn't worry about running your dehumidifiers while going away on vacation.
If you have a drain attached to the unit, it can continue working without you. If not, then empty the bucket every day.
Related Article: How Does Dehumidifier Work?
Where Should I Put a Dehumidifier in My Basement?
It is best to position the portable water dehumidifier on the ground and keep it at room temperature when it is hardly needed or used as needed.
Also, keep the dehumidification device away from surfaces such as concrete or wood. This is because items closest to the dryer tend to dry more rapidly and, like concrete, could develop crackling or become too dry.
If it doesn't have a 360-degree air outlet, face the side where the air enters the air with the most humidity concentration. It should be in a central basement where it draws air all over.
Dehumidifier in a Basement FAQ
How Long to Dehumidify a Humid Basement?
This depends on the area's humidity and how long it takes for a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. Depending on climate conditions, the process can take as little as twelve hours or even several days.
Do Newer Homes Typically Not Need a Dehumidifier in the Basement?
Yes, a new home may not need a dehumidifier once it's been built and tested for the first year, but this is only if the foundation was built correctly.
Will a Basement Dehumidifier Reduce Humidity Upstairs?
Yes, the dehumidifier will reduce humidity in the entire home. While it may be less effective when used in a large area with poor ventilation, humidity should definitely decrease throughout the house.
Is the Basement Dehumidifier Useless if Upstairs Windows are Open All Summer?
No, the dehumidifier will still remove moisture in the basement when windows are open or closed. Using a good dehumidifier for your home is essential to maintain a healthy environment.
Is It Counterproductive To Have a Dehumidifier in the Basement and a Humidifier Upstairs?
Yes, it's counterproductive to simultaneously have a dehumidifier and humidifier in the home. A humidifier should only be used when there is dry air in the house, not moisture.
What Is the Best Way to Dehumidify a Basement Without a Dehumidifier?
The best way to dehumidify a basement without a dehumidifier is by improving ventilation and increasing airflow. Create cross-ventilation in the home by opening windows on opposite sides of the house, preferably at different levels, for an hour at a time.
