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Do you really need a dehumidifier

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by Shyam333, Jul 7, 2010.

  1. Shyam333

    Shyam333 New Member

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    Hey guys I have been in my house here for two years now and never purchased a dehumidifer (yes the builder had finished my basement). The last two years I did not notice my carpet being damp or anything like that but was advised to get a dehumidifer by a friend.

    I purchased a 60 pint energy star complient dehumidifer and the manual recommends setting the RH at 60%. I have checked the humidity in the basement and it is at 51% in July. So in my case do I really need a dehumidifer? I heard June-August I would get the most use for it.

    Are there any additional benefits to setting the RH lower? I can set it to as low as 30%.

    Thanks for the help.

    Shyam
     
  2. lilpea

    lilpea Member

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    We bought the super duper LG dehumidifier a few years ago for our basement after we noticed some damp spots. One of the factors for us was the irrigation/drip lines and it seems during the spring/summer months our basement was pretty damp. Coupled with the fact we have an "english style" basement - not a walk out.

    We have the dehumidifier set to 35% humidity and our basement is now very comfortable.

    I have terrible allergies to mold etc, so I can say having a dehumidifier definitely was a great choice for us.
     
  3. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    Any space below ground level should have a dehumidifier particularly if your basement feels cooler than the main level - that would indicate moisture. Once winter arrives and the heater is on, we find the humidity levels very low and usually turn off the dehumidifier.
     
  4. luftinarr

    luftinarr Member

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    We bought a humidifier 3 or 4 years ago. I can't say that I can tell a difference.
     
  5. Shyam333

    Shyam333 New Member

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    Thanks for the responses everyone.

    It seems that the concensus is that you should have a dehumidifer in this area. Everyone seems to have a different threshold for the target humidity setting in which they are comfortable and I could not find anything as to the ideal RH setting to increase the longevity of the house.

    Funny that we always use a humidifer in the winter times for our bedroom and a dehumidifer in the summer for the basement!

    Shyam
     
  6. exbubba

    exbubba New Member

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    Basement space should be dehumidified - but it really is based upon the house. My basement is even a walkout and it much more comfortable with dehumidifier, especially when doing laundry
     
  7. Shyam333

    Shyam333 New Member

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    Thanks Exbubba we decided to keep it and try it out.

    Shyam
     

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