Dehumidifiers work by circulating warm air in spaces by using coils and fans. These appliances collect condensed vapor, reducing the risks of water damage in rooms. Now you’re thinking about putting a dehumidifier in your basement. But where’s the best place for it? We researched for you and here’s what we found.
A dehumidifier placed on the basement floor often does a good job at convection air circulation. In turn, the appliance can capture more water vapor in the immediate space as opposed to placing it on a shelf. Also, avoid placing the dehumidifier next to objects as the air produced by the product can dry other materials significantly.
But the correct location is only one factor that can help you make the most out of your basement dehumidifier. You should also be wary about its settings to prevent issues like mold growth. Keep reading as we talk about the location and settings of your dehumidifier in greater detail.
Should A Dehumidifier Be Placed High Or Low?
Place the dehumidifier on your basement floor to make the most out of it. In turn, the product can collect the most airborne vapor as hot air rises from the ground. Placing the dehumidifier high above the ground might not be ideal as the device may not gather as much water vapor as compared to the floor.
Getting The Most From A Basement Dehumidifier
It’s ideal to use a high-quality dehumidifier to remove relative humidity below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Aside from choosing the right model, proper placement and the correct settings can help enhance the experience of the product.
The Best Place To Place A Dehumidifier In The Basement
Place your dehumidifier on the floor, regardless of its size and capabilities. If you place the device on an elevated surface, its location reduces its ability to supply proper convection air circulation. Placing the dehumidifier relatively close to or at ground level promotes better vapor gathering and the release of warm air.
Be wary as you shouldn’t place dehumidifiers close to other materials and surfaces. Warm air released from these products can cause certain items like concrete and wood to dry quicker than average. Therefore, place the device at the center of the space and without other objects nearby.
Check out this portable dehumidifier on Amazon.
The Best Settings For A Dehumidifier In The Basement
Many inexpensive dehumidifiers, especially the small variants, often only have one unchangeable setting. Higher-quality models generally have buttons and dials to promote better flexibility during use. But also ponder upon your location when setting up your basement dehumidifier.
An article from the Portland State University mentions that dehumidifiers set to create humidity levels below 65% are appropriate to prevent mold growth. On the other hand, Aspen Environmental Services LLC, a mold testing and removal company, says in one of its articles that basement humidity between 30% and 60% should help inhibit mold development.
Therefore, there are no best settings for basement dehumidifiers. Aim to maintain humidity levels at about 40% in the space for reasonable comfort and the deterrence of mold.
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What Are The Best Dehumidifiers For Basements?
Certain dehumidifiers have features and traits that do better than others in reducing relative wetness in basements. Some of these products are:
1. ALORAIR Basement Dehumidifier
With the ability to remove 90 pints (13.5 gallons), which can go up to 120 pints (18 gallons) of humidity per day, this basement dehumidifier can help keep spaces of up to 2,600 square feet comfortable. However, its price is higher than many other variants, which might make the purchase challenging for potential buyers following strict budgets.
Check out this product on Amazon.
2. Keystone KSTAD504D
This basement dehumidifier can capture up to 50 pints (7.5 gallons) of wetness in the immediate space. But it can eliminate excess moisture from rooms of up to 4,500 square feet. Budget-conscious individuals may want to purchase this model over others, thanks to its reasonably inexpensive costs for its features.
Check out this product on Amazon.
3. Ivation Dehumidifier
Homeowners that want additional convenience-focused features for their dehumidifiers may want to look into this product. With this model, it has an easy-to-empty reservoir, which reduces water removal time significantly. The filter is also washable, preventing a carbon footprint increase.
Check out this product on Amazon.
Will A Dehumidifier In The Basement Help The Whole House?
A potent and rugged whole-house dehumidifier should have enough power to remove excess moisture from a reasonably sized home. However, compact and portable units may not have enough dehumidifying prowess to eliminate excess dampness from the premises.
You can also read our guide on getting a dehumidifier with an appropriate size for your basement to help with your purchasing decision.
Check out this dehumidifier for whole homes on Amazon.
Should You Run A Dehumidifier In The Basement All The Time?
You don’t need to keep the power on a dehumidifier in the basement constantly. Generally, you should only use this product when the relative humidity in the space goes over 50%. Think about getting a hygrometer or a thermometer that can also read humidity to keep a close eye on the wetness levels of your basement. In turn, you’ll know the right times when to turn on your dehumidifier.
Check out this Bluetooth hygrometer on Amazon.
Also, running a dehumidifier for 24 hours can increase electricity costs. Expect to pay about $0.03 to $0.16 per hour while this device is operating. If you keep it running non-stop for an entire month, you may have to pay an extra $21.60 to $115.20 in your utility bill.
How Long Should You Run A Dehumidifier After A Flood?
The running time for your dehumidifier after a flood or water leak depends on factors like the size of the damaged space and the number of items to dry. But expect to run the dehumidifier at least 12 hours after a flood.
The relative humidity of the space can also help produce adverse or favorable results. Opening doors and windows may also help increase the speed at which the wet space dries.
What Should The Humidity Level be In Your Basement?
Relative humidity of about 45% to 50% should suffice for many basements. Humidity levels above 50% can invite problems, such as insects, molds, and dust mites. Additionally, a significant reduction in humidity, particularly if it goes below 30%, can also be harmful to the space. If so, the basement can feel dry, promoting risks of cold and flu viruses to thrive.
You should also take note of your location when thinking about the correct humidity level in your basement. Some lot owners in certain regions can still do well with their basements’ humidity is relatively higher than average.
If your basement feels more humid than usual, you can read our post on airing out the space to help reduce the area’s dampness.
Final Words
Placing a dehumidifier on the basement floor is often a better choice than placing the appliance on a high surface. With it near ground level, the product can circulate air and capture water vapor as efficiently as possible. Exercising correct dehumidifier use can reduce the risks of issues, such as the significant drying of concrete and wood.
