Learning when to use dehumidifier in basement or any other room in your house is vital. Not keeping humidity in check can cause all sorts of problems.
To keep things comfortable in your basement, you need to ensure that the humidity levels stay between 30 and 50%.
If it goes beyond this range, this is when to use a dehumidifier in the basement. But there are other telltale signs of high humidity in the basement.
It is time to use a dehumidifier if you have a cold feeling in the basement with condensation showing on stuff and stains developing on walls with visible mold and mildew.
Keeping Your Basement in Perfect Conditions
Most of us rely on our air conditioners to cool us down as the temperature outside rises.
But, your air conditioner will not always help, especially when dealing with high humidity in the basement.
Using a tool to gauge the humidity levels is certainly a great way and decide if it is time to use a dehumidifier in your basement.
Also, paying attention to minor repair tasks and keeping your basement well-maintained can go a long way in keeping it in perfect condition.
When to Use Dehumidifier in Basement?
Many households rely on their basements for essential tasks including storage, laundry, and even living quarters.
However, humidity levels tend to be high in basements and are often damp.
Mold development, musty odors, damaged furniture or valuables, and even health hazards are just some of the problems resulting from excessive humidity.
If you want to keep your basement dry, clean, and healthy, you must know the warning signals suggesting you need a dehumidifier.
You Notice Bugs in the Basement
Any signs of those bugs in your basement may indicate you have a problem related to high humidity.
You need to know that insects and other creepy crawlies like it when it is dark and moist.
The crawl space or basement of many houses makes it perfect for those bugs to survive, especially when the humidity is on the higher side.
If you have a problem with bugs, installing a dehumidifier in your basement or crawlspace may help.
Your Basement Smells Weird
Do you feel a weird smell when you set foot in your basement? What exactly is that and where is it coming from?
A musty odor that would not go away is a telltale sign of high humidity in a basement. Mold and mildew thrive in moist places, which is why they contribute to the stench.
It is especially true when you continue to feel that musty odor even after you have cleaned and ventilated the basement.
If nothing else works, it is time to switch to a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier is an excellent way to enhance the quality of the air in your basement by lowering the relative humidity there.
There are Visible Signs of Mold and Mildew
That musty smell tells you that your basement has mold growth, even though it may not be visible to the naked eye.
But, know that you have to do something when you can actually see mold and mildew grow in front of your eyes.
The presence of mold or mildew is an indication of too much humidity in the basement.
Look around the interior and exterior of your home for mold. Mold can quickly spread and weaken your home’s framework if you do nothing to stop it.
Mold spores are not only unsightly, but can cause a variety of health problems if inhaled.
By lowering humidity levels and making conditions unsuitable for mold and mildew growth, a dehumidifier can be an effective tool in mold prevention.
Fact: Mold often manifests as fuzzy growth, discolored patches, or even black areas.
You Notice Rust in the Basement
One of many signs you have humidity issues in your basement is the presence of rust on certain things.
The presence of moisture could be to blame if, upon retrieving the old ten speed from the basement, you discovered that it was rusty.
Again, it is time to use your dehumidifier in the basement.
You Feel Cold and Clammy in the Basement
Your basement may generally be slightly cooler than the rest of your home, but know something is amiss if it feels significantly cold and clammy.
A basement dehumidifier is more effective at reducing humidity than central air conditioning.
Fact: Many people in the wintertime keep their air conditioning at lower settings than they would like, resulting in a cold but moist home, because humidity makes us feel warmer.
You Notice Condensation on Surfaces
Condensation forming on cold surfaces is an additional sign of a damp basement.
Look for signs of water, such as drops on the glass, pipes, walls, and even the furniture.
When warm, humid air comes into touch with colder surfaces, a process known as condensation takes place.
Condensation is a sign that the relative humidity in the basement is too high if it occurs frequently.
Condensation and related issues (water damage, material deterioration, etc.) can be avoided with the help of a dehumidifier, which removes excess moisture from the air.
You Find Stains on the Walls
Stains and discoloration on basement walls may be the result of high humidity.
Check for discoloration in the form of streaks or spots; these can be signs of water damage.
These discolorations might be of any shade from yellow to brown to black.
Because of the potential for water damage and mold growth, keeping your basement dry and preventing moisture seepage is important.
You can lower the humidity and prevent further damage to your walls by installing a dehumidifier.
You Notice Paint Peeling Quickly
The peeling or blistering paint you see on your basement walls is probably due to moisture problems.
Paint can lose its hold on a surface and begin to bubble or peel if the humidity is too high.
The appearance of your basement will suffer from peeling paint, and it will also act as a visual warning that there is too much moisture in the air.
Fact: Your basement will stay dry and the paint will last longer if you use a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture level.
You Find Warping Furniture in the Basement
Do you feel like your furniture and wooden stuff do not seem to last very long in your basement?
It could be something to do with the humidity levels in your basement.
Damage to furniture stored things, or valuables is possible if the basement is damp.
Wooden furniture, paper, books, and electronics are all susceptible to damage from excessive dampness.
Signs of moisture damage on your furniture or other possessions are a strong indicator that a dehumidifier is required.
Protect and extend the life of your precious belongings by keeping the humidity levels where they should be.
You have Sweaty Floors
Signs of high humidity in a basement include damp or sweaty flooring.
Your relative humidity is probably too high if your basement floor feels damp or seems like it has moisture on its surface all the time.
If you have carpeting or rugs in the basement, this can be especially troublesome since moisture can penetrate the fibers and encourage the formation of mold or mildew.
You can keep your basement floor from getting too damp by using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
You Develop Allergic Reactions
If you think high humidity is only harmful to your furniture and walls, you are wrong.
Humidity levels in the basement might have serious consequences for your health.
Humidity encourages the growth of mold spores and dust mites, both of which can trigger allergic reactions such as:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Respiratory problems
Remember, an allergen can survive and thrive in high humidity.
Fact: If you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, installing a dehumidifier can help lower the humidity, prevent mold and dust mite growth, and improve your quality of life.
Takeaway
If you want to keep your basement dry, clean, and healthy, you need to learn when to use dehumidifier in basement.
Signs of high moisture and humidity in a basement include a musty odor that will not go away, the presence of mold or mildew, condensation on surfaces, and damp or sweaty floors.
Moreover, you may also develop allergic reactions or respiratory issues.
Your basement will be a lot more livable, healthy, and comfortable if you install a dehumidifier to control the humidity, minimize mold development and musty odors, and safeguard your possessions.
