Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Justin Williams
Basements are sometimes a deal clincher for most families. They like the indoor space as it gives them more square footage and more room to work or play when the weather turns bad.
Because basements are built below ground level, most people do not think the room needs help with controlling the humidity level.
But it does
In fact, a lot of excessive moisture in your basement can cause a lot of damage to your home. Especially if you have exposed beams or joists.
High Humidity Levels in the Basement are not Safe
Even in the basement high humidity levels are not safe to have around for very long. Not only does the excess humidity damage the wood construction materials, costing you a lot in repairs. Musty odor, mold stains in basement walls are the first signs indicating that your basement is affected by mold growth. This can be bad for your family’s health.
If your children like to play in your basement for hours on end, they are at risk to different health issues as they breathe in the bad air. Having a good basement dehumidifier to control humidity levels, clean that air and keep your children’s and your environment a healthy place to be.
What Humidity Should My Basement be
The ideal humidity level for basement should be between 30 to 50 percent to help prevent mold spores, fungus, dust mites from growing and spreading.
Using a Basement Dehumidifier System
To solve your basement humidity problem, you need a good basement dehumidifier. These units are specially designed for large open spaces and can remove the excess moisture quickly and very efficiently.
Also, a good basement dehumidifier can protect your tools and other important household items. In the long run that will save you a lot of money. All you have to do is select the dehumidifier rated for basements and set it in a spot where the air flow is not obstructed.
Why Do You Need a Dehumidifier in the Basement
You may not want to spend the money for a new dehumidifier. But the reasons for purchasing one outweigh the initial expense and can save you a lot of money over the years.
The money you save by not repairing any damage to your home and the money you save by not spending on replacement costs makes investing in the best basement dehumidifier worthwhile.
Here are a few good reasons why you should invest in a basement dehumidifier
- It keeps the humidity levels at constant low levels
- It protects your wood frame and other parts of the house
- It removes dust, pollen and other allergy and asthma triggers
- It protects all the furniture and other items you have stored in your basement
- It keeps the air at a comfortable level you and your family can enjoy
How Big of a Dehumidifier Do I Need for My Basement
When it comes to the question “what size dehumidifier for basement?“, we recommend a portable refrigerant 50 to 70-pint dehumidifier (that means the dehumidifier can absorb 50 to 70 pints of moisture from the air within a 24-hour period) and comes with an automatic draining function.
It meets the two standards making the best dehumidifier and the automatic draining function helps in minimizing your efforts in emptying the water tank manually.
You can check out this sizing guide here for further information.
Will a Dehumidifier in the Basement Help the Whole House?
The answer to this question is a “depends” answer. If you extend the HVAC system to your basement, then you can run your fans, exhaust fans while keeping the basement dehumidifier running. It can actually help in circulating air around the house and should help reduce humidity levels of the whole house.
Even so, you should install a whole house dehumidifier for the best results.
Some Final Words
The basement can be a forgotten room in the battle against humidity. That is because the air is generally cooler than the upstairs part of your home. Despite the difference in temperature, excess moisture will harm your home through the basement.
That is if you do not take the right steps and get a basement dehumidifier that is rated to handle your large basement area. A good basement dehumidifier makes sure your home is completely protected from excess moisture and high humidity levels.
