The basement is one place where a homeowner does not want humidity to exist. Excess humidity in the basement creates a number of problems, including:

• Wall damage
• Mold, mildew and fungus growth
• Floor damage
• Ceiling damage
• Paint damage

Fortunately, basement humidity is not something that a homeowner simply has to accept. It is possible to can bring the basement humidity down to reasonable levels with the help of a sump pump and a dehumidifier. This is how these two actions can help to defeat basement humidity:

Install a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is an inexpensive way to draw moisture out of the air before it does harm to the interior of the home. Though humidity can be an issue during all seasons, it is especially dangerous in the summer months when moist air can enter the home through windows and doors. This moist air settles in the home, and the excess moisture collects on the walls and windowsills which eventually creates mold and mildew. It can be difficult to tell when it’s too humid inside, especially when it’s excessively humid outside.

When you install a dehumidifier, you are able to control the level of humidity within the house. The machine cycles air and removes moisture that’s within it, leaving the room at a comfortable humidity level that is safe for both your lungs and the drywall. Most dehumidifiers have the option of manually entering the preferred humidity level for the home. This is also helpful as the air is in constant motion, keeping the interior cooler and more refreshed. But if you leave the dehumidifier running while away for a weekend or on vacation, it can possibly hit its water capacity and stop running, forcing the house to become humid again.

Installing a Sump Pump and Connecting the Dehumidifier

Many modern homes already have a sump pump installed in their homes, but homes built before the 1980’s were not constructed with the same regulations and may not have one. It is important to ensure you have a properly working sump pump before connecting it to your dehumidifier, as the device removes water from your drain basin and you do not want it to be overworked. If you do not have one, installing a sump pump should be an immediate task.

When the sump pump does work correctly, connecting your dehumidifier to it is the best way to permanently remove moisture from the air. Because the dehumidifier collects water in its storage basin, it needs to be emptied regularly to make sure it stays running. This process can be messy and inconvenient for a homeowner, and can easily be avoided.

By installing a sump pump and connecting it to your dehumidifier, basement humidity will be defeated. Depending on the model of the dehumidifier, the drainage portion of the machine can be connected to the sump pump with either a small tube or preinstalled item. This allows the dehumidifier to constantly empty into the sump pump, meaning homeowners would not have to empty it at all. This means the machine can constantly run if need be, and keep basements dry and mildew free.

Don’t allow basement humidity to harm your home

Basement humidity can damage your home and make it unlivable. Prevent this from happening by installing a sump pump, and connecting your dehumidifier to it. For more information about this process, and to have a professional help you defeat basement humidity, contact us today.