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Basements are the lowest parts of your house. Since these are normally located below the ground level, it is very simple for water to find its way inside your basement. Once water accumulates inside your basement, it tends to make the air inside the room highly humid. As a result of this, mildew and mold start to appear on the walls and other items in the basement. If left untreated, these molds and mildew can easily damage the furniture in your basement and also weaken the walls of your house. Molds and mildew can also give rise to breathing ailments and other health problems.
Factors to Consider While Looking for a Dehumidifier for Your Basement
The best solution to the problem of a damp basement is a dehumidifier. It can effectively get rid of any excess moisture from the atmosphere and also help control the growth of mold and mildew in the basement. Here are some factors to consider when you shop for a dehumidifier for your basement.
- Capacity of The Dehumidifier: It is good to know that dehumidifiers are available in different capacities. Always choose one with the right capacity depending upon the level of humidity in your basement. Those with a small capacity will be suitable to get rid of 15 to 30 pints of moisture a day. Medium ones will remove around 30 to 45 pints, and large capacity dehumidifiers remove around 75 pints daily.
- Noise Production: It is good for you to know that dehumidifiers normally produce a humming noise, which is almost similar to that of a window AC. However, the level of noise will get louder if the capacity of the dehumidifier also increases. In order to reduce the noise level, ensure that you place the device on a flat surface and be sure to check these dehumidifier ratings.
- Effective Drainage: Look at any dehumidifier and you will notice that it comes with a collection tank. However, there are some models that allow users to attach a drainage hose in order to direct the drained-out moisture to a floor drain. Those with a collection tank normally shut off once the tank is full. If you are unable to empty the tank on a daily basis, it will be a good idea to opt for one which comes with a drain hose.
- Energy Consumption: Just like any other home appliance, a dehumidifier will also consume electricity. If you have a large capacity machine, it will normally consume between $15 and $50 every month. This is, obviously, dependent upon the utility rates, the levels of humidity, and size of the basement. However, the modern-day dehumidifiers are rather energy efficient and come with Energy Star Label. Better look for this label before buying a dehumidifier for your basement.
Controls Available On Modern Day Dehumidifiers
There are several types of controls you get to find on a modern-day dehumidifier. Some of these are listed below.
- Digital controls that let you choose the favorable humidity level.
- A programmable timer to let the unit turn on or off at a preset time.
