The basement is the place where we would usually keep our unwanted furniture, Christmas decors, appliances that are either busted or old, boxes full of old clothes, toys and many more. And, there are those who would use the basement as a laundry room. With not enough ventilation, it is easy for the relative humidity to rise beyond the normal needed level especially if it is also where you do your laundry or if you live in a country where the humidity levels are beyond the norm.
Excessive moisture that is present in this area can result to a number of problems for you, your family, your belongings, and your house. This not only promotes the growth of molds and mildew, which practically damages everything it grows on, but it also provides the perfect environment for microorganisms and pests to live in. This can be detrimental to your health and the health of your loved ones. In addition, this contributes to the ongoing damage that it creates.
There are so many things that you can do to lessen the accumulation of moisture in the area such as allowing good air circulation by leaving the doors open or storing firewood outside. However, for those who do not have time to do this or who are always on the go, it is better that you think of an alternative in making your basement healthier and more comfortable.
This is where a basement dehumidifier comes in handy. This home appliance will help in absorbing the excess moisture in the air. It will also greatly help in creating a healthy environment for your family by stopping the growth and/or getting rid of the molds and mildew, bacteria and infestations not to mention halting the ongoing damages that high humidity has likely caused on your walls and/or furniture.
What do you need to consider when choosing a basement dehumidifier?
Choosing the best machine that works for your damp and musty basement is not as difficult as you have imagined. You only have to take note of a few things to purchase the right dehumidifier for your own home.
What is the size of the space in square feet?
The first thing that you have to think about is its size. This will help you narrow down your choices significantly. The size of the area determines how many pints of water the device can remove from the air in a 24 hour period. Some machines can remove as much as 50 to 70 pints of water. Therefore, before buying, make sure you measure your basement in square feet.
What is the condition of your basement?
You have to check how humid the space is. Check your hygrometer or humidistat and take note of the relative humidity of the area. You can also inspect the area for any damage and try to fix it or get to its source before you decide to purchase the device. Sometimes, it’s simply caused by a leak in the bathroom, laundry room or a busted pipe. Zeroing out other problems will help the machine to work at its optimum.
How much are you willing to spend?
Some dehumidifiers are not as expensive as you imagined. There are products that are available that will help you get rid of that unwanted excess moisture and save money in the process and there are some that are quite expensive. However, if you want to be sure that the machine does its job, then you need to invest for something that is of good quality. The price would usually depend on the capacity of the product and the need to install it using a professional’s help.
What to keep in mind when purchasing a basement dehumidifier
Basements differ in sizes and conditions. And, with the number of choices in the market today, it’s best to check out the various basement dehumidifier reviews made by consumers to ensure that you’re not making a bad and decision.
You may also opt to seek the advice of a professional if you want to ensure that you are getting the right appliance for your need especially if you’re unsure about the condition of your space.
Keep in mind that it is always best to buy a basement dehumidifier that can cater more than what your space needs for those extra humid days and make sure to look for an Energy Star qualified product.