If you live in a humid climate, your basement may be one of the most difficult areas to keep dry. This is because the ground that surrounds it can absorb moisture and release it into your basement through its foundation. As if this weren’t bad enough, high humidity levels also affect your health by causing sore throats and other respiratory problems. So before we go any further, let’s talk about where to place a dehumidifier in your basement!
In order for you to get rid of excess humidity in the air quickly, there are two things that need to happen: First, you need a dehumidifier with an adequate capacity; Second, you need it placed strategically so that as much surface area as possible is covered . You need to put the dehumidifier in a place where it can extract moisture from as much of your basement floor space as possible.
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Why do we need a dehumidifier in our basement?
We need a dehumidifier in our basement to help with moisture levels. In the event of water damage, we want to make sure that there is not too much humidity in the air because this can lead to mold growth and other issues. Moisture also leads us to have higher electric bills as it requires extra heat from your home’s heating system or boiler. A dehumidifier will remove some of this excess moisture so you don’t have to deal with these problems!
A dehumidifier also removes the dust mites that can cause respiratory problems. Dust mites are a common problem in basements because they thrive on moisture and since our basement is one of the wetter rooms in our home, it’s more susceptible to these pests!
Signs that a dehumidifier is needed
There are some tell-tale signs that you need a dehumidifier.
– You also may notice musty or stale smells when you walk into the room which means that excess humidity has created an environment where germs can thrive! These bacteria will then be transmitted throughout your home due to airflow patterns from forced air systems.
– If you have been noticing any black marks on the floor or walls, this is an indication that mold and mildew are present. These organisms need high humidity levels to grow which is why a dehumidifier may be necessary!
– You might also notice condensation underneath windows where it seems like there was never before. This can lead to water damage in your home if not dealt with promptly because now moisture will make its way into more areas of our home rather than just one area (ex: basement)
What is the best place to put a dehumidifier in your basement?
There is no single answer that will work for everyone. Your basement needs to be evaluated as a whole, and you need to take into consideration the following factors:
-The size of your home/basement
-Your humidity levels in the house (i.e., where do you sweat most?)
-What type of flooring is on the ground? What are its materials? Is it carpet or tile? How high off the ground does this flooring sit?
-How much energy efficiency does your HVAC system have for cooling down when it’s hot outside? Does your AC require additional power outlets nearby like an air handler unit might need more than just a window fan would want from central heating?
-How often do you use your basement? Is it just a storage closet, or is it where you play games with the kids and watch TV too? Do people sleep in this room when they’re crashing at your home for the night?
-What type of creatures are living down there (i.e., spiders, rodents)? How well do these critters deal with high humidity levels?
There is no single answer that will work for everyone. Your basement needs to be evaluated as a whole, and you need to take into consideration the following factors:
-The size of your home/basement
-Your humidity levels in the house (i.e., where do you sweat most?)
-What type of flooring is on the ground? What are its materials? Is it carpet or tile? How high off the ground does this flooring sit?
-How much energy efficiency does your HVAC system have for cooling down when it’s hot outside? Does your AC require additional power outlets nearby like an air handler unit might need more than just a window fan would want from central heating?
-How often do you use your basement? Is it just a storage closet, or is it where you play games with the kids and watch TV too? Do people sleep in this room when they’re crashing at your home for the night?
-What type of creatures are living down there (i.e., spiders, rodents)? How well do these critters deal with high humidity levels?
Here are some of the best places to place your dehumidifier in your basement:
– In front of an external wall where it can suck up air from outside and cool down the temperature inside. This is a great option for those who use their basements as living spaces or work areas, but don’t want hot humid air blowing into them!
– In front of the furnace or boiler. This is a good option for those who use their basement as storage spaces since these appliances are creating humidity by heating up water and releasing it into the air.
– Close to where you’re sweating most in your home (i.e., if it’s primarily upstairs, put it downstairs!). If there’s no particular place that you sweat more than any other then just keep it somewhere central but not too close to an external wall because this can cause hot humid air coming from outside to blowback inside!
How does a dehumidifier work and why do you need one in your basement?
An air dehumidifier draws in the moist air from inside and passes it over a cold metal coil, which cools down the moisture. The cooled water vapor condenses on the coils and falls to an internal reservoir where you can collect it for use or just let it drain out into a sink.
Temperature Requirements
A dehumidifier needs to be able to cool down the air inside your basement. How much power it requires depends on how many degrees you want to lower the temperature and how fast you need that cooling process completed.
The best place for a dehumidifier in an unfinished basement is close to where its moisture levels are higher so it can suck up extra water vapor as well, like near the furnace or boiler! If there’s not one of those appliances then put it centrally but don’t leave it too close to an external wall because hot humid air coming from outside will blowback inside when they’re cooled by this appliance.
Energy Concerns
A dehumidifier will need to be plugged in near an outlet. It may not even matter where you plug it in because the power cord can typically stretch up to nine feet, but if your basement has a spot that’s centrally located with access to more outlets then consider putting it there!
Drainage System
Do not forget to purchase a liquid dehumidifier with an internal drainage system so you can collect the water that’s evaporating and being condensed. This is absolutely necessary for anyone who has pets, kids or just wants to use this appliance in their basement!
Cleaning
Whether you have pets, kids, or not, it’s important to clean your dehumidifier regularly. Check the reservoir and coils for any clogs that may be restricting airflow so water can’t get inside!
You can have a basement that is dry and free of moisture for the best possible storage conditions. When it comes to how you should place your dehumidifier, there are many opinions about where they work best in relation to the wetness present. The truth is that some locations will be better than others depending on whether or not there’s an area with higher humidity levels nearby and if people live nearby who may complain about noise from the machine. We recommend looking into these factors before deciding which location to use for your dehumidifier because we want you to get all of the benefits without any negative consequences!
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