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Basements often serve a wide variety of purposes. You may have a fully finished basement that serves as an entertainment space or you may have a completely unfinished basement that you use only for storage. One of the biggest challenges of basements, regardless of their use, is dealing with humidity. Basements are often damp and humid and, as a result, run the risk of developing mold and mildew. Additionally, high humidity can cause items that are stored in your basement to be destroyed more quickly than in a dry basement. If you notice a musty smell in your basement, it may be time to consider dehumidification in Minneapolis, MN. Utilizing a dehumidifier can help to reduce moisture in the air and prevent mold, mildew, and a whole host of other issues. Why Are Basements Damp? A great way to think of a basement is that it is similar to a cave. It is below ground level and is generally cool and damp. Ground moisture will actually flow into the basement through the slab floor, steadily raising the humidity in the basement. Basements are also usually cooler than the rest of the house. This lower temperature means that the air in the basement can hold less water than the rest of the house, meaning it will feel more humid in the basement. Water vapor is heavier than air and often sinks, again ending up in the basement. The end result is that an untreated basement will end up more humid than the rest of the home. What is the Danger of a Damp Basement? Basements with unchecked humidity are at a greater risk of developing mold and mildew. Mildew can destroy any fabrics you have stored in the basement. It can also produce unsightly stains on your possessions that are very difficult to remove. Mold, on the other hand, can be hazardous to your health. Mold releases spores into the air that can cause myriad health problems even if you don’t spend much time in the basement. Humidity can also damage sensitive items stored in the basement, such as electronics and tools. These items will often develop rust much more quickly than they would in a low humidity environment. How Do You Reduce the Humidity? Fortunately there are several ways to correct humidity issues in your basement. One way is to purchase a humidifier and set it up in the basement. Every day or so, depending on its size, you will need to empty the water collection bucket to keep it functioning. Some dehumidifiers have the option to connect a hose to them to drain the water, but this requires a suitable drain to place the hose in. Another option is a sub floor dehumidifier. This system is placed below the concrete slab in the basement and dries out the ground directly below the basement, preventing unwanted moisture from seeping in through the floor. These systems work well, but may be best installed during construction. Another option is a whole house ventilation system, such as the E-Z Breathe. This system works by pulling air out of the basement and venting it to the outside of the home. As the air is drawn out of the basement, it takes humidity and air contaminants with it. Fresh air is pulled into the upper levels of the home and provides a continuous supply of fresh air to the home. Regardless of the option you choose, making sure that the humidity in your basement is at a safe level is important for your family’s health and protects your belongings from being destroyed. If your basement smells musty or has an odor, it is probably time to consider dehumidification in Minneapolis, MN.
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