The high moisture and wetness level in your basement can be a major problem that may become the breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other unwanted pests. It is difficult to control such problems with home remedies. This calls for the need for a dehumidifier in your basement.
If you have no idea how to remove moisture from basements, this article will walk you through the realm of using dehumidifiers. Moreover, this article provides you how to dehumidify a basement and will help you to decide which one is best suited for you.
Ways to Dry a Wet Basement (Using a Dehumidifier)
There are many ways to remove wetness from basements but using a basement dehumidifier is probably the easiest and most efficient way of doing so. The following are some suggestions that will assist you in drying up your basement:
1. Install a Dehumidifier
Installing a dehumidifier in your basement is the best way to protect your basement from high moisture issues and wetness. The use of a dehumidifier can help you in controlling the said issue while allowing controlled airflow circulation.
To dry the basement, you should use one of the basement dehumidifiers that is capable of removing at least 50 pints of moisture in 24 hours.
2. Ventilate the Area
You should make it possible for the dehumidifier to have an air intake from outside and an outlet in the attic or higher floor where outside air can flow freely into your home. This will help keep humidity levels within limits that will eliminate the chance of mold growth, mildew, and pests.
3. Reseal Your Concrete
Your concrete floors are the main culprit of damage to your basement moisture problems. If you consider resealing it, ensure that you have a few inches of breathing space between your finished basement floor and the slab to help with air circulation. Doing so will prevent moisture and mold build-up on your floor.
4. Attend to Air Leaks
Even if you have installed a dehumidifier and resealed your concrete floor, air movements can continue to result in moisture build-up and cause moisture damage. Ensure that the windows around your basement are properly sealed to prevent unwanted drafts in your house.
You should also check for any cracks or holes through which wind may seep into your home. For areas that get direct exposure to wind, you can use foam insulation or caulk to seal them.
5. See to Downspouts and Grading Issues Outside
Downspouts that have improper drainage can lead to wetness and other humidity problems in your basement. So better check it and make sure that they are directed east to west and away from your house.
You should also check for fallen tree branches or debris on outside walls to ensure that they do not get into contact with water drainage lines and cause blockages. If there is any need for you to re-grade your yard, do it immediately.
6. Inspect Driveways and Other Outdoor Construction Features
Your basement may end up feeling the high basement humidity levels and be wet if your driveway has cracks or holes through which water leaks may seep into it. In this case, you should seal these holes with a concrete sealant or asphalt to ensure that they do not result in moisture accumulation in your house.
If you just moved into a new home, check your decks and patios for the presence of leaks. If you do find any cracks in them, contact a professional to fix them immediately or avoid moving items that may get damaged by moisture on those areas.
7. Air Out Wet Items Elsewhere
Your basement should only be used to store dry items. If you find yourself with wet items on the ground that may give out moisture and cause your basement to feel damp, you should air them out elsewhere before putting them in your basement.
8. Check Your Vents, Including Your Dryer Vent
If you have installed a dehumidifier in your basement, there is a likelihood that you may find yourself with moisture buildup issues even when the machine is functioning well. One of the reasons for this could be an obstructed dryer vent.
Visiting professional cleaners once at least twice a year can keep your home clean, safe, and pleasant to live in. The experts will eliminate the germs, allergens, and dust from different areas around your home including the basement.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Basement Dehumidifier
A basement dehumidifier is a necessary equipment in areas where dampness, moisture, and humidity in your basement are common. There are different types of dehumidifier products with varying features that you can choose from a dealer.
Before you decide on one, there are a few factors that you should consider such as size and weight. You will also need to determine the features you require and how much you can afford.
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a new unit of products:
1. Size of the Basement and the Right-size Dehumidifier
You can go ahead and determine the right-size dehumidifier that is suited to annihilate the great capacity of moisture by using the volume in square feet as a guide. The right-size dehumidifier will be able to absorb and remove all the moisture and the basement humidity without freezing or shutting down.
Ensure that it works with dampness levels in your home. Dehumidifiers are created for different types of humidity in your basement, and you should never use one for a different level.
It is important to choose one that will not occupy too many crawl spaces in the basement or will be too noisy. The right-size dehumidifier will also run efficiently and promote better air quality in your home.
2. Drainage
You should know whether your basement has a drainage system set up before buying one. It is important to choose a dehumidifier with efficient drainage capability. A model or unit with built-in water lines may be ideal for your needs if your basement has a drainage system.
Furthermore, you should consider the location of the drain system to where your dehumidifier will be placed in a room. You may want to choose one that is close to the drainage pipes if you have an available space nearby.
For basements without a drainage system, it would be advisable for you to buy a dehumidifier from a dealer with a drainage system that you can connect to your sink. This will allow you to dispose of the collected water yourself.
3. Features of the Basement Dehumidifier
Different features will make a dehumidifier more suitable for the needs of different people. Some of these include automatic shut-off, adjustable humidity control, a continuous drainage option, and a low moisture setting among others.
A basement with severe moisture and humidity problems may need an advanced model with built-in air filters for healthier indoor air quality as well as auto shut-off features. Also, check whether the unit comes with an automatic defrost to prevent excessive ice buildup on the coils during exceptionally cold seasons.
The bucket indicator found on some models can alert you that it is time to empty the collected water from the unit, while a hose and drain kit will make it easy for you to connect your dehumidifier to a sink or floor drain system. A humidistat allows you to set the desired humidity levels and control the level of humidity in the basement.
Related Article: What features matter when it comes to buying a dehumidifier?
The Ideal Dehumidifier for Your Basement
Do I Need a Dehumidifier in My Basement?
If you live in an area that experiences hot and humid conditions, then a basement dehumidifier can be helpful for your house. This is due to the humidity level that may increase during the monsoon season due to soaked soil and wet leaves from plants that collect water on your roof.
The humidity level may also increase during the rainy season due to wet soil and leaves. Even on a clear day, these places may get warmer because of the lack of movement by air that will hold in excess moisture from the surrounding area.
In areas where there is an excessive humidity problem in summer, a dehumidifier can remove excess moisture content from the basement in your house. It will also help prevent mold growth by removing excess water from the air.
Humidity control is important to promote better comfort for your people as it helps reduce stress brought about by poor ventilation and any mold damages.
Dehumidifier for Basement FAQ
Where to Put the Dehumidifier in the Basement?
The dehumidifier needs to be located in a crawl space that will not block the air circulation in the basement. You may want to consider placing it near windows where air can easily enter and leave through open windows or vents.
How Long to Dehumidify a Humid Basement?
It will depend as some may cost more to run while others may dry out humid basement walls faster. On average, expect it to take 2-3 days for your basement to become well ventilated after running the machine for 24 hours.
How to Make Sure the Basement Stays Dry? (Using a Dehumidifier)
After you get the dehumidifier, start using it regularly. It is best to set it on a timer so that it runs for at least 24 hours. After a week, check the humidity levels again and adjust accordingly if needed.
Will Using a Dehumidifier in a Basement with an AC Cause the Dehumidifier to Freeze Over and Break?
It is not uncommon for a dehumidifier to get frozen when used in areas with forced air systems. The temperature of the unit can be increased if it gets too cold by placing it near the other type of heat sources such as electric space heaters and furnaces.
Summary
A basement dehumidifier is useful in combating the humidity problem that may occur during adverse climate changes. This can be used as part of your preventive measures against mold infestation due to excessive moisture. Above all, you can make use of this to give your family a comfortable and healthy living space.
