Dehumidifier for the basement

Generally, it's always good to have a dehumidifier in the basement, especially if the basement is entirely underground. It's difficult to build a basement that won't be affected by moisture problems in one way or another. A good way to keep track of your particular basement is to measure the humidity in the space with a so-called hygrometer.

Perform measurements over several days and under different weather conditions, so you can get an understanding of how your basement is affected on warm or rainy days.

A reading below and around 50% is good, but if it exceeds 50%, you might have a problematic moisture environment. Readings above 75% are a clear indication that you have significant moisture problems that need to be addressed immediately.

The type of dehumidifier you should choose for your basement depends somewhat on the conditions of the basement and the extent of the moisture. The extent determines, for example, how large a capacity the dehumidifier needs, i.e., how much moisture (water) it can collect per day.

Other things to consider are the dehumidifier's noise level, especially if the basement is a space where you spend time daily. Some machines can have a relatively high noise level and can easily be perceived as disturbing if you also plan to, for example, watch a movie in the same space.

There are also different technologies in how the dehumidifier itself works that will play a role in your choice. Some dehumidifiers work by cooling down the air they collect to drain the air of moisture, known as a condensate dehumidifier/refrigerant dehumidifier. This type of dehumidifier is best suited for heated spaces, while a dehumidifier that works through absorption, a so-called desiccant dehumidifier, also works at low temperatures.

Do you need a solution that can run sporadically, or do you need a more permanent solution, intended to run continuously?

For example, if you have a basement with significant moisture problems, a desiccant dehumidifier may be the best choice, as it has a greater capacity to handle serious moisture problems than a condensate dehumidifier. If, on the other hand, you only want to keep moisture levels down and create a dry and heated basement environment, a condensate dehumidifier should be sufficient.

Another thing to consider in your planning is how the collected water will be drained. Can you manage to empty the tank manually, or would you prefer to be able to run a drainage hose directly into the floor drain? Plan and investigate your conditions before deciding.

The placement of the dehumidifier itself plays a big part in how effectively it will be able to do its job. It is also not certain that your conditions in the basement will work with only one (1) dehumidifier, this is especially true for basements with several different rooms. By measuring the humidity in the basement's different rooms, you can get a good idea of how many dehumidifiers you may need.

Generally, the dehumidifier should be placed in the area where the humidity is highest, and preferably in the largest area, so that you can drain as large a volume as possible.

If you have your laundry room in the basement, you might use the basement for drying laundry. Drying laundry indoors is generally a poor choice, as it contributes to increased humidity in the space. However, it is possible to use a dehumidifier specifically for drying laundry, but it is then important to consider placement and conditions.

To be able to dry laundry with a dehumidifier, you should use a separate room and a dedicated dehumidifier specifically for drying laundry. It is also important that the space is heated and that there is exhaust ventilation with a good fan. Also, make sure you have a dehumidifier with sufficient capacity to extract moisture from the clothes.

If you want to make a first spot effort to remedy high moisture levels in your basement, you can start by inspecting the walls and floor. If you have items placed against the walls, move them so that you get a good overview of the wall behind. Check that you do not already have such large problems that there are dark moisture stains on the wall.

• Wipe walls and floors with a dry cloth
• If possible, empty the space of items so that you get large open areas in the room
• Use one or more dehumidifiers and aim to reduce the humidity to around 50%
• Isolate the space when the dehumidifier is working. Close doors and windows
• Let the dehumidifier run for at least 3 weeks before re-measuring the humidity
• To avoid new moisture – keep the temperature in the basement at a minimum of +15 °C, but below +30 °C

It's difficult to completely avoid moisture in the basement, but with a good dehumidifier – adapted to the basement's conditions – you can keep moisture levels down, preventing damage to your house.

The dehumidifier will also ensure a better indoor environment, with fewer pests and harmful particles that can negatively affect you and your family. Best of all, you will experience the basement as a significantly more pleasant space to be in.