Where to place a dehumidifier in basements?
A dehumidifier is a unit that is used to remove moisture from a room or area. These types of machines can be used in basements to reduce the chances of a mold problem and can also be used in your home to help reduce humidity and prevent associated problems.
Of course, these dehumidifiers are essential in spaces where humidity is constantly an issue–such as in your basement, crawl spaces, and garages. And truth to be told, having a dehumidifier can surely save you from unwanted expenses due to health issues and structural problems.
Your basement can be one of the most humid spots in your house. Because of that, it is always justifiable that this part of your home has a dedicated dehumidifier that operates whenever it is needed.
Why Is My Basement Humid?
This is a question that many people ask, and it is worth noting that such a problem should be solved.
You see, a basement should never have humidity problems, especially if it has been constructed properly. But sometimes, external factors do come into play, causing the area’s humidity to spike up.
Basements are some of the most humid rooms in a home, with humidity levels typically reaching 65 to 100 percent. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, including poor ventilation, a lack of insulation, excessive moisture in the ground surrounding the house, and condensation. Specifically, the following can cause your basement to get a little bit wet.
- Water leaks – Many times, this humidity is the result of a water leak in the basement. You should inspect if this is actually the issue since you might need professional help to deal with it. Water leaks in the bathroom, kitchen, and other plumbing parts can increase the humidity level of enclosed spaces such as basements.
- Groundwater and rain – Your basement can be susceptible to high relative humidity due to incorrect grading. Ideally, the ground of your house should lead the water away from you, not toward you. If the water drains in the direction of your property, flooding and humidity problems can occur.
- Malfunctioning downspouts and gutters – These utilities work by directing rainwater away from the ground of your house. If they are damaged or not working properly, rainwater will eventually accumulate in your property’s foundation. The more water there is in the foundation, the bigger the chance that your basement will experience humidity issues.
- Foundation cracks – If the foundation of your basement has cracks, groundwater will eventually find its way inside your home. Sometimes, it is the water that causes these cracks. This is especially true if the floor joists are not attached to your basement’s walls properly.
Condensation – Basement condensation can be a problem in any environment, although the cold and dampness of winter make it especially likely. The condensation that forms on the walls and ceilings of a basement can be unsightly, and it can also damage the materials used to build the basement walls. And if excessive water makes its way into the air ducts and other components of a house, it can also cause significant damage to the structure of the house.
Where To Place A Dehumidifier In Basement?
Just like any other living space, basements have humidity. The low air circulation in the basement can lead to high humidity levels, which can help the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungi. Some basements are naturally humid and don’t have any ventilation. If you’re thinking about buying a dehumidifier, where should you place it in your basement?
Dehumidifiers can be placed in different areas of your basement, and you can decide whether you want to place them in the basement or keep it in another room. As we mentioned, most basements are naturally humid, and they don’t have any ventilation. This means that it’s not practical to place a dehumidifier in an area where it doesn’t get enough room for it to absorb and circulate air.
The basement is an ample, open space that requires a steady flow of air. The dehumidifier needs to be in a place where it can get that flow of air. Ideally, it should be placed along a wall that faces an open window or door. That way, when the dehumidifier is on, the air will flow through the dehumidifier and into the basement.
It’s best to keep the dehumidifier in a place where it can be easily accessed. The dehumidifier will need cleaning at least once a season, so it’s best to make it accessible from a doorway or window.
Of course, you need to place the dehumidifier in a spot where it has direct access to a power outlet. In this way, it can operate seamlessly and continuously. If your dehumidifier has an automatic draining feature, it is better that it is also within reach of a drainage outlet.
Signs Of Humidity Problems In The Basement
Basements are damp places, and that’s not just because of the humidity that comes from the outside. The air in your basement is naturally humid, and that humidity is what makes your basement smell musty and feel cold.
If you’re looking for signs that your basement is highly humid, look for distinct dampness in the air and the walls, as well as poor air circulation in the room. Look also for mold stains on the walls and a layer of dust that seems to cling to the floor and the surfaces of furniture.
Here are some of the specific signs that you need a dehumidifier in your basement:
- Visible water on the floor
- Moist and clammy air
- Condensation in floors and walls during summer
- Wood and carpet damages
- Mildew, mold, and odor
- Decaying wooden columns, sill plates, and joists
- Stains on wall covers
- Spalling of concrete parts
A foolproof method to know if there’s a humidity problem in your basement is the use of a hygrometer. A hygrometer is used to measure the humidity in a room. It provides an accurate measurement of the relative humidity of a space. Some dehumidifiers have built-in humidity sensors. But if your unit doesn’t have it, then buying an inexpensive hygrometer can solve the problem.
Conclusion
Excess moisture can cause major damage to your home, so when you feel the dampness in the basement, you need to take action fast before mold starts to grow. Luckily, a dehumidifier can help you mitigate the effects of high relative humidity. And knowing where to place a dehumidifier in basements can undoubtedly improve the dehumidification results.
Do you have any questions related to dehumidifiers? Feel free to ask me in the comment section below.