Using A Basement Dehumidifier

In theory, a decent dehumidifier can work hard enough for an average-sized house. But humidity levels can vary from room to room, and basements tend to be the most humid in the home. That’s why a basement dehumidifier is a good investment. In the summer, it keeps humidity levels low in homes with no air conditioning. In the winter, especially in unfinished or poorly insulated basements, it removes the moisture that accumulates as it evaporates into the air. If you dry clothes indoors during the winter, a dehumidifier also takes care of the water that evaporates into the air as your clothes dry.

Why dehumidify your basement?

Basements are partly below ground level, so they tend to be cooler than the rest of the house.  Cool air doesn’t hold as much water as warm air, so basements are usually damper than the upper floors.  Sometimes groundwater can also enter the basement, especially after heavy snow or rainfall.  This is what causes condensation on the windows in colder months, and what sometimes causes unpleasant odors in the basement even when the rest of the house is fine.

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Another reason to use a basement dehumidifier is to protect structures in the basement itself.  In a damp or wet room, pretty much any material can be damaged by moisture, even steel.  Some materials, such as ceramic and fabrics, can be a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and any number of allergens—which can then spread to other rooms as warm air rises from the basement to the upper floors.

Because the condensation process gives off heat, a dehumidifier in the basement can also act as a secondary heat source. This works especially well in spring and fall.  High-efficiency models generate less heat for the same amount of work, so opt for them if you want to be able to control temperatures as well.

What kind of dehumidifier do you need?

If you’re using a whole house dehumidifier, most experts recommend putting them in the basement. However, since basements tend to be isolated and have higher humidity levels, you may need a dedicated basement dehumidifier.  For this purpose, a portable unit is more ideal.  Portable dehumidifiers are small, usually knee-high, and have light plastic exteriors.  They can be moved from room to room, so you can just pack them up when humidity is down to the recommended 50 or 60 percent.

Some dehumidifiers are designed specifically for basements.  The main difference is that they can operate at much lower temperatures (below 65°F), something a less powerful unit cannot do.  If you live in a cold area or if your basement is large—or both—this might be a good choice.  These units usually come in 50-pint and 70-pint capacities; if you’re not sure, go for the larger model.

Can dehumidifiers correct moisture problems?

Dehumidifiers only take care of the immediate effects of indoor moisture.  If your basement floor and walls are constantly damp, you may have a bigger problem at hand.  Installing more energy-efficient windows or checking your basement and crawl space for leaks may offer a more long-term solution.  But in terms of everyday comfort, a basement dehumidifier is certainly a step in the right direction.