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Dehumidifiers
Basement
Dehumidifiers -
Control Air Moisture, But Not A Wet Basement
A
basement dehumidifier
will help remove moisture from the air in your basement. There
are many deumidifiers available on the market today. This guide
help you find the proper product for your individual needs.
Do I need
a deumidifier?
Typically, maintaining a relative humidify level (percentage
of water in the air) 30-50 percent is optimal. There are variations
that affect this. For example, if condensation develops on your
windows durning the cold months, you'll want a lower relative
humidity level, usually around the 30% range. If members of your
family are asthmatic, 40% or less is the recommended percentage.
Overall, mainitaing a humidty level below 50% will help prevent
mold grwoth, dust mites, musty odors, and all the unplesants we
associate with a basement.
A Hygrometer
is an electronic device that tests the relative humidity levels.
They are relativly inexpensive ($35-50 typically), an give you
the ability to monitor your levels.
Choosing
a Deumidifier
There are several
basic checkpoints to review when deciding on a dehumidifer for
your basement. First, determine the size you will need based on
your home. Most manufacturers have sizing charts which tell you
which product fits your needs.
Secondly, cost
factors. A quality basement dehumidifer typically will costs between
$200-350. More expreme products such as the Santa-Fe Deumidifer
cost more, but have added benefits.
The Efficiency
Factor (EF) is the amount of water, in litres, a dehumidifier
removes at 27°C (80.6°F) and 60 per cent relative humidity for
each kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity. Because condensation
gives off heat a dehumidifier acts as a heat source. This can
be useful in spring or fall, when basements tend to be cool. In
mid-summer, the heat added by a dehumidifier is counterproductive.
Finally, consider
these preferential variables for your basement dehumidifiers.
Do you have to manually empty the condensation tub, or is the
unit self draining? Does the product have an automatic defrost
feature (Which it should). Finally, test the noise of the deumifier
at both low and high speeds.
KEEP
IN MIND!
A
deumidifier will not stop water problems in your basement. It
will simply control moisture in the air.
Need
more than just a dehumidifier for your basement water problems?
CLICK
HERE to see how you can get our evaluation free of charge.
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