Basement Dehumidifiers - A Smart Choice
There are several criteria that should be taken into consideration prior to the purchase of a basement dehumidifier. The size of the basement, as well as the noise output of the dehumidifier will play a role in determining which model suits your needs and best supports your basement ideas for remodeling, finishing and waterproofing. Dehumidifiers for home basement use are primarily purchased in order to reduce the possibility of fungus, mold or bacterial growth, both of which have extremely serious consequences for people suffering from allergies, asthma, respiratory tract infections or other health issues relating to breathing.
However prior to the purchase of a dehumidifier, the whole basement should be inspected to check for the reason behind excessive dampness. If the dampness is caused by an external source a dehumidifier will not make any noticeable difference until the source of the excessive dampness is identified and corrected. An example of an underlying cause may be the fact that the basement is colder than the rest of the house, thus causing condensation. In cases like this a remedy could be insulation around windows and doors.
The purchase of a basement dehumidifier should be carefully considered. There are several types on the market, for example whole house dehumidifiers, and each is suitable for a particular application. The homeowner should firstly measure the whole basement area and work out the exact cubic footage of basement space in order to ensure that the dehumidifier will operate with sufficient efficiency to reduce the water load of the air. Choices also have to be made between a permanent installation and a portable dehumidifier. Also noise can be an issue, make sure that the dehumidifier can be insulated in some way to reduce noise levels.
A whole basement dehumidifier can be especially useful when the basement is being used for recreational purposes. Many homeowners have turned the basement area in a playroom for the kids or a media room for adults. Traditionally basements have always been places where teenagers can go to achieve some freedom from the prying eyes of their parents or to enjoy the company of their friends without disrupting the smooth functioning of the household. However when the moisture levels in the basement go above 50% the result will not only be discomfort but can also lead to furniture being ruined, not only by mold and mildew but also by causing warping of wooden components. A high moisture content will also lead to the disintegration of any product made of particle or molded board.
When choosing the best dehumidifier for home basement use it would be best to first go online to read reviews of the many dehumidifiers available. These reviews give detailed comments on the suitability of dehumidifiers in terms of their output and water collection mechanisms. The water collection mechanism is of interest because, as with all mechanical appliances dehumidifiers need maintenance, for the most part they cannot sit in a basement completely unattended. Basement dehumidifiers work by passing water laden air over coils which cool the air and thus remove moisture. This moisture is then collected in a pan or in some models can be piped away from the dehumidifier. In the case of the dehumidifier’s that collect the water this pan has to be emptied from time to time.
