Basements come with many issues, but if there’s one thing that no homeowner wants to find in the lowest level of their home, it’s definitely mold. Dehumidifiers are your first line of defense for preventing mold and mildew from growing in your basement. Even if you have already waterproofed your basement, you should still consider purchasing a dehumidifier, because they provide you with the comfort of knowing that your family’s belongings are protected from mold and mildew all year round.
When searching for a dehumidifier, though, it’s likely that the many available options and styles could cause some confusion. Here are some tips for helping you find the right one:
How do I know what kind of dehumidifier to buy?
There are two main types of dehumidifiers, portable and whole-home. Whole-home humidifiers are included in your home’s HVAC system, and portable dehumidifiers are freestanding units that tackle an individual area of the home.
Because whole-home dehumidifiers work in conjunction with your HVAC system, they tend to provide you with better control. They can also save you money on energy costs. On the other hand, if you have a moisture problem in only one small area of the home, a portable dehumidifier could be sufficient.
Which type of dehumidifier should I purchase?
We usually suggest that homeowners have a whole-home dehumidifier installed in their HVAC system. This type of dehumidifier addresses the moisture in your entire house, removing excess moisture from every room, even those rooms that you might not realize have a moisture problem. If you choose to purchase a portable unit, you may find yourself needing to return to the store to purchase more than one.
But, I only want to dehumidify my basement. Do I still need a whole-home dehumidifer?
While we can’t make that decision for you, we do believe that whole-home units tend to be the better choice. If not cleaned regularly, one-room dehumidifiers can grow mold and can blow those mold spores into the air. This can be extremely dangerous for you and your family.
How do I know if my dehumidifier I bought is working correctly?
When working properly, your dehumidifier should keep the moisture level of your home around or under 50 percent. This is the ideal moisture level because it enables you and your family to live comfortably, while the air is too dry to permit mold growth.
Do I need to keep my dehumidifier running at all times?
In most instances, there’s no reason to keep your unit running at all times. Most dehumidifiers allow you to input the air moisture level, at which point the unit will turn on and begin removing moisture from the air.
Remember to check your dehumidifier in the winter, as pipe leaks and water from melting snow can still cause moisture to permeate your home.
What about maintenance?
As with any appliance, regular maintenance is an important part of keeping your dehumidifier working properly. HVAC professionals can perform annual checkups on your dehumidifier to inspect the unit for damage, replace clogged filters, and repair broken coils.
Ameri-Dry Waterproofing
With over 30 years of basement waterproofing experience, Ameri-Dry offers patented, permanently dry systems that are backed by a full lifetime warranty. For more information about Ameri-Dry and Ameri-Dry Guy, visit the website at ameri-dry.com.
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