Finding a balance speed for running the dehumidifier is therefore important, along with a hygrometer to monitor relative humidity. Some products come with one that helps them work smart. However, these units are built to be used at home rather than in the basement. We, therefore, recommend that you purchase a hygrometer to help accurately measure the relative humidity in the basement.
Nevertheless, some seasons have more dry air than others, and humidity might be lower than some other seasons. In a better perspective, winter generally has colder and drier air than in summer. As a result of this, there would come a time when you do not need to run a dehumidifier during winter.
However, this does not mean that humidity cannot be higher than recommended during the winter period, so keep watch. Summer seasons, on the other hand, have high humidity, and you would need to run the dehumidifier more often to compensate for this. Read Also: Do humidifiers use a lot of electricity? The level of humidity in a basement should perform just enough to keep humidity at a safe level. Basements are more exposed to a constant source of moisture from the external environment; therefore, your dehumidifier should run very frequently.
This can be easily done with units that have a humidistat, which allows you to set precise relative humidity levels that it should maintain, after which it turns off. As soon as there is a spike in humidity again, the humidifier starts to run. Also, there is a chance that the dehumidifier never shuts off, and if you encounter this, it means that there is possibly air leakage that allows more moisture into the basement. When this happens, your dehumidifier has to run much longer and also harder than it normally would, and as a result, cost you more in electric bills.
Ensure you find and seal such leakages. If you use a portable dehumidifier in your basement with moderate moisture issues , then the right position is to place it on the floor. If placed on an elevated surface, it could reduce the convection circulation of air. When the tank is full, an indicator lights up and the dehumidifier shuts off.
Or you can connect a hose to any of the tested dehumidifiers to divert the water to a drain nearby. Some dehumidifiers have a built-in pump that pushes water horizontally or vertically through the hose and into a sink or even outside through a basement window, for example. There aren't any pump models in our current dehumidifier ratings , but we'll be testing more models soon.
Keep it clean. Many models in our ratings have an indicator light to tell you when it is time to clean the filter. When the grill is dirty, air movement is slowed.
Run the exhaust fan. No fan? Open a window. Clean your dryer duct. A clean duct vents the warm exhaust air to the outside. And clearing the duct of lint maintains airflow, allowing your laundry to dry faster, and helps prevent dryer fires. Check plumbing for leaks. Check plumbing that you can access in your basement, under sinks, at the outside spigot for leaks or condensation.
Clear gutters. Direct rainwater away from your house by preventing any clogs in your gutters, and extend downspouts so that the water flows away from your foundation. Inspect your foundation. Water can seep into even the smallest cracks. Basements are commonly poorly insulated, which allows outside conditions, hot or cold, to have more of an effect on interior temperatures and humidity levels. If you notice that your basement walls are damp or the air seems thicker than usual, check it thoroughly to see if moisture has easy access to your basement.
Dehumidifiers come in many shapes and sizes. Refrigerant dehumidifiers work by condensing moisture in the air into water with the help of cold evaporator coils. This type is considered the industry standard for homeowners because it works well at room temperature. Another option is a desiccant dehumidifier, which draws air through a chamber that contains water-absorbing gel packs.
These are usually quieter than the other option and draw less power to get the job done. Another way to reduce moisture downstairs is to install basement fans to control humidity. Similar in function to a bathroom fan, these high-capacity vents push moist air away from the basement and into the outside air. If used sparingly, you can also run your bathroom fans to reduce humidity in the house.
Putting a dehumidifier in the dampest part of your basement can dramatically reduce its humidity levels. A dehumidifier has a fan that draws in air — that air then runs into cooled coils that remove its moisture and deposit it in an attached tank or down a drain.
Make sure to check and empty the reservoir regularly, or talk to a plumber about having your dehumidifier attached to a floor drain. If your basement has windows, consider cracking them open when temperatures are cooler outside than inside to help get rid of some of the humidity.
Basement bathrooms can produce a lot of humidity, too. Consider making your house a smart home by installing a smart hygrometer, thermostat and other home appliances that can help you keep your home safe and comfortable with just a couple taps on your phone.
Plus, you might even qualify for an American Family Insurance smart home discount!
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