A basement dehumidifier is a must if you have moisture problems in your home. Moisture in basements can cause a wide range of problems including rot, mold, mildew, and water damage to furniture, carpeting, and stored items. The resulting damp air can also promote asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Dehumidifiers work by drawing the moist air out of your basement and into a drain, so that it is not drawn back in through your house. They are available in a wide range of sizes, capacities, and features to suit your needs.
The best dehumidifier for basement will have a built in drainage system, so that the collected moisture can be directed to an outside drain or sump pump. It is important that this function works well to prevent the basement from becoming flooded and damaged by groundwater, which can lead to structural damage and mold problems. Another option is to install a perimeter drain that is covered by gravel, to keep groundwater from seeping through the foundation walls and into the basement. A good drain should be protected by a sump pump that will remove the water, so that it does not back up into your basement.
In addition to drainage systems, the best dehumidifier for basement will be able to operate effectively in a completely enclosed area. This means that the basement door must be closed and all windows should be closed when the dehumidifier is operating. It is a good idea to have a dehumidifier on hand when you are having problems with condensation in your basement, or when there are significant changes in humidity throughout the year.
A basic mechanical/refrigerant dehumidifier is a great choice for many situations because it is easy to use and provides an excellent value. These models do not have digital controls or a timer, but they will automatically shut off when the tank is full and there is a full tank indicator light that illuminates. Many of these units weigh less than 20 pounds and have a carrying handle or casters to make them easy to move from one room to the next.
If you are looking for a more sophisticated dehumidifier that offers a higher level of customization, you may want to consider a model that allows you to set a specific humidity level by percentage. These models will shut off when the humidity reaches that point, and will turn on again as the weather changes. Some models even have a timer that will automatically turn the dehumidifier on at a specified time.
Dehumidifiers not only reduce the amount of mold and mildew in the basement, but they will stop them from spreading to other areas of the house through air ducts and vents. This can help to reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses that are triggered by exposure to mold spores. If you have children, they are particularly susceptible to the effects of long term exposure to these spores.