Adding a basement to your home can be costly, especially in the UK. And if you already have one, it is necessary to protect it from dampness and mould, which can ruin the structure and aesthetics of your basement. A proven solution for keeping dampness and mould away is by investing in a high-quality basement dehumidifier.

 

Here are five important questions to answer before deciding which dehumidifier for basement is right for you.

1. Do I Need a Dehumidifier in My Basement?

Even if you spot white mould in basement, it may not be a sign to get a dehumidifier immediately. First, determine whether your basement needs a dehumidifier by checking for persistent moisture issues.

 

Moisture in your basement may stem from;

● Water seeping through walls

● Dampness evident on concrete walls

● Damage to wooden surfaces and fabric on carpet or upholstery

● Condensation on the floor and walls

● Deteriorating joists, columns and headers

● Blistering or staining on walls

● Damp or humid air

 

These are clear signs that your basement has a moisture problem. Next, find the source of the moisture in your basement. This will determine if you need to employ a few moisture-prevention tricks or if you need to install a basement dehumidifier to combat high humidity.

 

Since basements make up the bottom part of a house, they are most vulnerable to moisture. Here are the common inlets of water to your basement;

● Rainwater seeps through the ground and finds its way through crevices in basement walls.

● If your room above has cracks on the concrete floors, water can easily seep through and drip from the basement ceiling.

● Leaks from within the basement. They could be from damaged or deteriorated plumbing, a leaking faucet or a crack in the window ceiling.

● Defective gutters. If the gutters on your roof are damaged, they may not direct rainwater away properly. The dripping water accumulates in one spot and can find its way to your basement.

If the moisture problem is from the above sources, you need to get a plumber to fix them right away. As most homeowners have discovered, early detection and fixing of such issues put an end to the moisture problem in their basements.

 

However, if you still have a moisture problem and none of the mentioned sources is the cause, then you are likely dealing with high humidity.

Signs of high humidity in the basement:

● Damp and sticky air.

● The basement feels warmer than usual.

● White mould in basement floors, walls, and ceilings caused by condensation and dampness.

● A musty odour from mould and mildew.

● Foggy windows.

● Condensation on walls, floor and ceiling.

● Allergic whenever you spend time in the basement.

 

People living in highly humid places often experience the above signs often. If you notice these signs in your home as well, it is time to get a basement dehumidifier.

 

2. Are basement dehumidifiers worth it?

A basement dehumidifier UK can assist in preventing mould and mildew issues caused by excessive moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers for basements facilitate easier breathing by lowering excess moisture and water damage inside the cellar. Additionally, dehumidifying aids in preventing the spread of dust mites, mould, and mildew throughout your basement. When high humidity is regulated, mould and mildew cannot spread on wood, wood products, walls, ceiling tiles, or building materials stored in your basement.

3. What basement dehumidifier should you get?

Before buying the first dehumidifier you come across, it's important to consider crucial aspects of the product concerning your home. You need to determine;

● Size.

● Dehumidifier type

● Efficiency

● Noise

● Portability

 

Dehumidifier size

When determining the size of the dehumidifier, one thing to consider is the square footage of your basement. In addition, check the tank capacity of the dehumidifier to ensure it will effectively control humidity for several hours. Another thing to check is if the product is compact enough to fit your basement space without appearing too bulky.

 

Room space and tank capacity often go hand in hand. For instance, a 12L Portable Dehumidifier would benefit a basement that is no more than 20㎡. A basement that is attached to an underground garage could benefit from.

 

 

Dehumidifier type

Dehumidifiers are either desiccant or refrigerant models. Desiccant dehumidifiers work best in colder temperatures and would be perfect for a basement used as a cellar, a storage space, or a converted cold room.

 

Refrigerant dehumidifiers work best in warmer temperatures and are more efficient than desiccants. A refrigerant dehumidifier would be ideal for a basement converted into an extra bedroom or entertainment space.

 

Efficiency

Choose a basement dehumidifier that can run for hours without consuming a lot of electricity. For example, a portable 12L dehumidifier consuming only 185 watts per hour is more energy efficient than a central HVAC system that can consume 3500 watts. You can also leave the appliance running for hours before emptying the tank. Some portable dehumidifiers include a drainage hose, which is a plus.

 

To add to efficiency, choose a smart portable dehumidifier that lets you set its running time, sends alerts when to empty the tank, and regularly checks humidity levels in the basement while you are away.

 

Noise

Get a quiet dehumidifier if you'll be running it while enjoying a game or music in your basement. Aim for noise levels of 36dB and below, as this would be quiet enough even for a napping baby.

 

Portability

Get a basement dehumidifier that is lightweight and easily movable. You can place a portable dehumidifier in any spot in your basement where moisture is coming in. You can also use the unit as a garage dehumidifier or to reduce humidity in your loft.

4. Where to place basement dehumidifier?

Place your basement dehumidifier near the source of moisture in your basement. It could be near windows or doors letting in moist air from outside. You could also place dehumidifiers close to the entrance leading to the basement. When not using your basement, you can place the dehumidifier in the middle, where air circulation is more efficient.

 

 

5. At what temperature should you run a dehumidifier in the basement?

The ideal operating temperature for refrigerant dehumidifiers is between 25℃ and 30℃. If the temperature drops below normal levels, adding a heater in the basement will ensure the dehumidifier runs efficiently.

 

Avoid over-exposing the refrigerant dehumidifier to cold temperatures. This can cause condensation to freeze on the cooling coils and cause a malfunction.

 

Conclusion

These five quick questions should guide you in determining the best basement dehumidifier for your home. Find more tips on choosing a basement dehumidifier in our comprehensive guide, 13 Must-Know Answers Before Buying A Portable Small Dehumidifier.