Dehumidification Can Make Your Basement More Comfortable and Prevent Mold Growth
Unless you live in a desert, chances are your basement has a tendency to feel damp and musty. Fight back and prevent larger problems& by bringing in a basement dehumidification expert.
Most basements are susceptible to dampness. Water can seep up through the floor or in from outside through the foundation, resulting in water damage, excessive humidity, and unhealthy and dangerous mold growth. However, moisture in your home's air can also condense in the cooler basement areas, creating water problems without any external intrusion. While there are a variety of steps you can take to waterproof your basement and remove existing mold, these don't address the condensation issue. One strategy that does is dehumidification. A basement waterproofing and mold remediation company can install an industrial, heavy-duty dehumidifier in your basement to collect excess moisture, making the area more comfortable for your building's occupants and less hospitable to mold.
How Dehumidifiers Work
Dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air using the principles of condensation. A fan draws the air in the room into the dehumidifier unit and across a cooled metal coil. When the air hits the coil, moisture condenses and collects on the coil. Then, the air is re-heated and expelled, and the moisture drops into a collection reservoir. Dehumidifier power is measured in cubic feet of air per minute, or CFM; the greater the CFM, the better job the unit can do removing moisture from the air in large spaces, such as a basement. That's why a small, portable dehumidifier that you might put in a bedroom isn't equipped to handle an entire damp basement.
Benefits of Dehumidification
In general, a damp, humid basement just isn't comfortable to spend time in. If you're hoping for a finished basement rec room or downstairs living area, you'll want to ensure that the space is comfortable both in terms of temperature and humidity. But dehumidification isn't only about comfort. Excess humidity can damage the walls, floor, ceiling, and foundation of your building, as well as any belongings stored in the basement. A humid environment can also be a health hazard, contributing to allergies and encouraging dangerous mold growth. By dehumidifying the area, you're keeping mold out, protecting the structural integrity of the building, and protecting your family's health.
Dehumidifier Features
Whole-house, high-CFM dehumidifiers are available with an array of high-tech features. Different models will be suited to different basement settings, depending on the relative humidity you want to achieve, your drainage possibilities, and other factors. Some basement dehumidifier units come with a pumping mechanism to remove water from the premises, while others either collect water in a reservoir that you must empty or utilize gravity to let water flow toward an external sump pump. Some models have a humidistat that allows you to set the desired humidity level; the dehumidifier will cycle on and off as the air in the room approaches and moves away from your desired humidity. Some dehumidifiers operate better than others at lower temperatures. Certain models double as air-filtration devices. Speak to your basement contractor about your dehumidifying needs and research features& and accompanying price points to make a decision.
Many basement waterproofing, mold remediation, and HVAC specialists can help you with basement dehumidification. Note that most air conditioning units dehumidify the space as they cool it, so you may be able to include dehumidification among your HVAC specifications. Whether you're completing new construction or retrofitting an existing space, and whether your basement is furnished or unfinished, large or small, there is a dehumidifying solution out there for you.
Most basements are susceptible to dampness. Water can seep up through the floor or in from outside through the foundation, resulting in water damage, excessive humidity, and unhealthy and dangerous mold growth. However, moisture in your home's air can also condense in the cooler basement areas, creating water problems without any external intrusion. While there are a variety of steps you can take to waterproof your basement and remove existing mold, these don't address the condensation issue. One strategy that does is dehumidification. A basement waterproofing and mold remediation company can install an industrial, heavy-duty dehumidifier in your basement to collect excess moisture, making the area more comfortable for your building's occupants and less hospitable to mold.
How Dehumidifiers Work
Dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air using the principles of condensation. A fan draws the air in the room into the dehumidifier unit and across a cooled metal coil. When the air hits the coil, moisture condenses and collects on the coil. Then, the air is re-heated and expelled, and the moisture drops into a collection reservoir. Dehumidifier power is measured in cubic feet of air per minute, or CFM; the greater the CFM, the better job the unit can do removing moisture from the air in large spaces, such as a basement. That's why a small, portable dehumidifier that you might put in a bedroom isn't equipped to handle an entire damp basement.
Benefits of Dehumidification
In general, a damp, humid basement just isn't comfortable to spend time in. If you're hoping for a finished basement rec room or downstairs living area, you'll want to ensure that the space is comfortable both in terms of temperature and humidity. But dehumidification isn't only about comfort. Excess humidity can damage the walls, floor, ceiling, and foundation of your building, as well as any belongings stored in the basement. A humid environment can also be a health hazard, contributing to allergies and encouraging dangerous mold growth. By dehumidifying the area, you're keeping mold out, protecting the structural integrity of the building, and protecting your family's health.
Dehumidifier Features
Whole-house, high-CFM dehumidifiers are available with an array of high-tech features. Different models will be suited to different basement settings, depending on the relative humidity you want to achieve, your drainage possibilities, and other factors. Some basement dehumidifier units come with a pumping mechanism to remove water from the premises, while others either collect water in a reservoir that you must empty or utilize gravity to let water flow toward an external sump pump. Some models have a humidistat that allows you to set the desired humidity level; the dehumidifier will cycle on and off as the air in the room approaches and moves away from your desired humidity. Some dehumidifiers operate better than others at lower temperatures. Certain models double as air-filtration devices. Speak to your basement contractor about your dehumidifying needs and research features& and accompanying price points to make a decision.
Many basement waterproofing, mold remediation, and HVAC specialists can help you with basement dehumidification. Note that most air conditioning units dehumidify the space as they cool it, so you may be able to include dehumidification among your HVAC specifications. Whether you're completing new construction or retrofitting an existing space, and whether your basement is furnished or unfinished, large or small, there is a dehumidifying solution out there for you.
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