High Humidity in Your Home

Should it feel like there is high humidity in your home or basement? The answer is a resounding no.

Your home should be a serene oasis where every resident and family member is able to feel secure and comfortable all year round.

However, most homeowners have faced problems with high humidity, especially in the summer months. The problem with high humidity is that it makes your home feel warmer and the indoor air stuffier. Most homeowners assume they can easily solve this problem by just lowering the temperature but we at BaseAire strongly recommend that you avoid making this mistake because lowering the indoor temperature will increase the level of condensation in your home especially if more humid air continues to enter. This will cause fluid damage to the structure of your home and household items that reside within it, making your home become even more uncomfortable because it will constantly feel cold as your skin begins to feel clammy.

The basement in most homes is used as an excess storage space or an extension to the living area but because the basement is built underground, it experiences lower temperatures compared to the rest of the house. Most homeowners are under the impression that having a damp basement with a musty odor is normal. However, this is not normal at all because a damp and musty basement is a clear indication that high humidity is present.

What are the signs of high humidity in your home/basement?

1. Visible condensation on windows.
2. Musty odors — usually a clear indication of mildew and mold growth.
3. Visible mold spots on the walls or on household items.
4. Rotting of structural wood.
5. High humidity in the basement greatly reduces the indoor air quality, which may be the cause of recurrent respiratory issues and allergies.

High humidity in the basement greatly reduces the indoor air quality, which may be the cause of recurrent respiratory issues and allergies.

Main causes of high humidity:

• Groundwater from rain that is accumulating around the basement can be absorbed into the walls and floor where the moisture then settles in the basement.
• Exterior Moisture — This occurs mostly in the humid months, like during the summer season. If the humid air can enter the basement where the indoor air is cooler, the humid air will then condense in the basement.
• Interior Moisture — Rooms like the laundry room, the kitchen, and the bathroom typically host more moisture. If this moisture can get into the basement, it would then condense on the walls and floor as it’s cooler.
• Leaking pipes — Leaking pipes in the basement can release excess moisture.

Your basement should be as comfortable to reside in as the rest of your home.

Here are a couple of reasons why you need to fix the high humidity in your home/basement:

• Maintaining your home’s structural integrity — It is important for you to understand that the basement is the core foundation of your home. If high humidity is present in your basement, it will condense on the walls and floor and once the water is absorbed by the structural wood, walls, and floor, they will decay and rot. If this problem goes unresolved for years, the structural damage to your home’s foundation will cost you a small fortune to repair.
• Mold, Mildew, and Dust Mites — High humidity and a damp atmosphere provide the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and dust mite growth. Once fully matured, they produce millions of spores that will enter the rest of the home as the air circulates. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology has proven that these spores are a direct cause of many respiratory issues, like asthma and allergies.
• Dampness and Odor — High humidity in the basement will cause dampness and a musty odor as household items rot. This musty odor will eventually find its way into the rest of the home as the air circulates and will then make your home very uncomfortable to live in.
• Pests — Pests are known to thrive in cool, damp, and moist places, and everyone will agree that no one likes to have a pest infestation in their home!

So, how do you fix the high humidity in your home/basement?

Purchase a BaseAire basement dehumidifier! Our dehumidifiers will ensure that your basement humidity remains under 50%. Our dehumidifiers not only lower the humidity level but also cleans the indoor air from any mold spores or mildew and purifies any lingering odor in the air. Owning a BaseAire dehumidifier will guarantee that your basement will be converted into a clean, comfortable, living space.

Shop for a reliable BaseAire dehumidifier, specifically designed for all your needs, here.