It certainly has been humid this summer in Nebraska. It can be tough to get away from it. With all that humidity, that can lead to basement water problems if you’re not careful. That’s why BDB Foundation Repair recommends that you install a dehumidifier in your basement or crawl space.
Because they remove moisture from the air, dehumidifiers can make your air conditioning run more efficiently, and keep your house cooler over the summer. Here are four more good reasons for running a dehumidifier in your home.
Help eliminate dust mites
Household dust mites can also cause allergy-related symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. They grow best in warm, humid areas. By running dehumidifiers, you will lower the overall humidity in your house, which helps to eliminate the environment which helps dust mites thrive.
Improve air quality
Humidity levels play a part in determining the quality of air in your home, as do the amount of toxins that you may or may not be breathing in, according to AllergyAndAir.com.
“While there’s no denying that an air purifier is the most effective way to cleanse the air of potentially harmful substances, a dehumidifier does indeed play an important role in improving your indoor air quality,” they said.
Prevent mold
Mold flourishes in moist, damp air where the humidity is 50%-65%, according to AllergyAndAir.com. It. If it grows to large quantities, mold can become a health risk, and can contribute to asthma attacks. It can also break down materials. Eye and throat irritation, skin rashes, sneezing, itchy throat and/or coughing are symptoms of mold allergies.
Keep pests out
Certain pests love humid environments, according to Karl Rowell, Quality Assurance and Safety Manager at Batzner Pest Control. “These include silverfish, millipedes, centipedes and cockroaches,” he says. “In extremely humid cases, mosquitoes and fleas could also start to breed. ” A dehumidifier can help keep these pests outdoors where the belong.
BDB Foundation Repair installs Santa Fe dehumidifiers for BDB Foundation Repair. They are energy-efficient, and some models serve as air filters, too. They can be set up to empty collected water down an existing drain, or into the sub-floor drainage system. Either way, there’s no need to empty a pan.
How to cut excess humidity
To help keep the humidity down in your home, State Farm Insurance offers these tips :
- Cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic vapor barrier. BDB Foundation Repair can assist with crawl space encapsulation, too.
- Keep air-conditioning drip pans and drain lines clean and unobstructed.
- Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors.
- Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Seal air and duct leaks.
- Avoid activities that add moisture to the air on humid days, such as taking hot showers and boiling water on the stove.
For more information about Santa Fe dehumidifiers and installing them in your basement, call BDB Foundation Repair at 402-779-3165, or use the form on this page to contact us online for a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do basements in Nebraska need dehumidifiers?
Nebraska basements often trap excess moisture because of humidity, rainfall, and underground conditions. A dehumidifier helps reduce damp air, musty odors, and mold growth.
What humidity level should a basement stay at?
A basement should ideally stay between 40% and 50% humidity. This helps prevent condensation, mold, mildew, and damage to walls, flooring, and stored items.
Can a dehumidifier stop mold in a basement?
Yes, a dehumidifier helps control moisture that can lead to mold growth. However, if there are leaks or water intrusion issues, waterproofing repairs may also be needed.
Where should a basement dehumidifier be placed?
A basement dehumidifier works best in a central open area with good airflow. It should be placed away from walls, corners, and storage piles for better performance.
Is a dehumidifier enough to fix a damp basement?
Not always. A dehumidifier controls humidity, but standing water, foundation cracks, or drainage problems usually require professional basement waterproofing solutions.