Contents
Why does my basement have so much humidity?
Humidity is caused by evaporation of water into the air. When the soil around your basement gets oversaturated with water, the water will start making its way into the basement through the porous concrete walls. Because you have a dryer or other appliance venting inside your basement.
Do I need to run dehumidifier in basement in summer?
Many basements in warm humid climates need dehumidification during the summer months to keep mold growth at bay. If you notice a musty smell or odor in a room, it will probably benefit from a dehumidifier, as drier air is not only healthier for you but will also be less likely to smell or have a stale, musty odor.
What can I put in my basement to get rid of humidity?
The Peace Lily removes moisture from the air through its leaves and is ideal for a basement, because it requires very little sunlight to survive. Palms originated in the more humid areas of the world and are well suited to damp areas. They absorb the moisture from the air and Reed Palms also do well in low light conditions.
What should the humidity level be in the basement?
A hygrometer is a device that measures moisture in the air. You can buy them at most home and hardware stores. The ideal humidity level for a basement is below 50 percent. Anything over 80 percent is problematic, because that’s when mold and mildew will flourish.
How can I tell if there is excess moisture in my basement?
The quickest way to tell if there is excess moisture in the air is to use a Humidistat. These are devices that measure the humidity in the air and are available readily in many different stores. If you have a humidistat, then you will want to check what the humidity reading as a percentage is in your basement.
Can a dehumidifier be used in a damp basement?
A dehumidifier isn’t a permanent solution to moisture in the basement, but it will remove excess humidity while you fix the cause of the problem. Place the dehumidifier in the dampest part of the basement and turn it on. Depending on the size of your basement and the capacity of the appliance, you may need 2 dehumidifiers.