In spaces that are naturally more damp, such as basements and crawl spaces, a dehumidifier will help dry the air, reducing musty odors and preventing mold growth and other issues caused by excess moisture. A basement dehumidifier helps maintain an ideal indoor relative humidity (RH) level in the space.
When should you run a dehumidifier in basement?
Regardless of the season, if the relative humidity is higher than the recommended level of 60%, you should run a dehumidifier. 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.
How do you know when you need a dehumidifier?
- Moist or wet stains are present on walls or ceiling.
- Room feels unpleasantly stuffy.
- Windows are covered with condensation.
- Musty odors exist.
- Mold is visible.
- Excess moisture.
Do I need to run dehumidifier in basement in winter?
During cold winter months, the air in your home is usually dry, which means a dehumidifier is not necessary. Most dehumidifiers should not be operated in temperatures below 60° F, since the moisture removed from the indoor air can freeze when it condenses on the cooling coils, which can damage the unit.
When should you use a dehumidifier in the basement?
May said that, as a guide, it's best to use a dehumidifier when your basement feels humid or when you've spotted some of the signs outlined above. Running a dehumidifier for around 12 hours a day will enable you to manage indoor moisture while ensuring your energy costs aren't too high.Nov 9, 2021
How long should you run a dehumidifier in the basement?
So to recap, run your dehumidifier unit for at least 12 hours a day. This is a good rule of thumb. Again, it's okay if you don't stick to this schedule every day, but be aware that the more your family runs your dehumidifier unit the fresher and cleaner it will be all year long.
Do you need to run a dehumidifier in a basement?
You should only run a dehumidifier in your basement in the wintertime if the room maintains a high relative humidity. Some dehumidifiers contain a built-in humidistat. If the humidity exceeds 50 percent, you would benefit from running a dehumidifier. Humidity levels above 50 percent carry a higher risk of mold growth.
Are dehumidifiers bad for basements?
In fact, if a dehumidifier is used in a basement with moisture problems, it may cause greater damage. By drying out the basement air, moisture is drawn into the basement more rapidly causing efflorescence and spalling of concrete and further damage to interior finishes.
Should I run a basement dehumidifier in the winter?
You should only run a dehumidifier in your basement in the wintertime if the room maintains a high relative humidity. To monitor the relative humidity in your basement, hang a humidistat (sometimes called a hygrometer) on the wall. It works like a thermometer, constantly measuring the relative humidity in the room.
Should I turn off my basement dehumidifier in the winter?
If the temperature or humidity drops below the ideal level, you will want to turn the dehumidifier off. You never want the coils or water to freeze because it can cause lasting damage to the device.
What should I set my dehumidifier at in winter?
Reduce use in winter as humidity will drop with cold or when heat is in use. Set to 60% or below. 45-50% are good settings to use.Feb 4, 2019
What can I use instead of a dehumidifier?
What else can you use to dehumidify your home instead of a dehumidifier? Some of the things you can use include rock salt, DampRid, Dri-Z-Air, baking soda, and silica gel desiccants. You can also use other things such as a fan, air conditioner, and space heater.