In an earlier blog, we talked about adding an on-unit, whole-home humidifier to your HVAC system. There, we discussed the health benefits a humidifier can bring. We also took a brief look at the other ways a whole-home humidifier can help protect your home’s assets. Finally, we briefly mentioned whether your basement might need a dehumidifier.
Today, let’s unpack three reasons why you might want to consider adding one to your home.
What does a dehumidifier do exactly?
First, humidifiers and dehumidifiers control one thing: the level of humidity, or moisture, within a space. The difference is that while the latter will raise the humidity in a dry space, a dehumidifier helps to lower humidity. Some homes will have a dehumidifier that runs 24/7/365 in their basement. Primarily, their goal is to prevent one of the following three reasons why you should consider adding one to your basement as well.
Reason 1: Prevent mold growth
One of the top, if not the biggest, reasons to add a dehumidifier to your basement is to prevent mold growth. As we mentioned in our blog on humidifiers, moisture is to mold as what the Utes are to football. Yes, you can have the former without the latter.
However, it’s far more likely that they’ll go hand in hand. While there are always reasons for adding a humidifier to a dry room, one that has excessive moisture in the air will encourage mold spores to start growing. As basements are usually dark, damp, and cold, these three conditions are ripe for mold growth.
A dehumidifier will help to prevent this from happening in the first place.
Reason 2: Better air quality
Beyond mold, the second reason to consider installing a dehumidifier is that the air quality in your basement will greatly improve. While this might be less of a consideration for “cellar” basements, if you have a finished space it’s incredibly important that those who hang out in your basement have the highest possible air quality to breathe in.
And, as a quick side note, some furnaces will use air from the basement in their circulation. You don’t want to circulate musty air into your home.
Reason 3: Spring basement dampness
Finally, even the best-sealed basement will be prone to springtime thawing and dampness. If you have carpeted flooring or finished walls in your basement, a dehumidifier can help to prevent any problems associated with the change in seasons.
We’re here for all of your HVAC needs
Although a small part of an HVAC system, a dehumidifier in your basement can contribute to all of your furnace parts and components running smoothly. As it prevents mold growth and mitigates spring basement dampness, it will reduce condensation on your equipment. In addition, as some furnace systems pull in air from the basement instead of the outside via a duct, this will help to ensure your furnace air quality is as clean as can be.
Would you like to learn more? Then give us a call at (801) 980-0903 or send us a message here!