Why A Basement Dehumidifier Is A Must In Your Basement

If your home has a basement, more than likely it has moisture in it. Now I'm not talking about a leaking and wet basement, but one with moisture building up in it. This is where a basement dehumidifier makes for the ideal solution. In fact, if you use your basement at all, it's really a must. Here are some reasons why.

1. Mold
Anytime you have an area that is damp, dark and musty, you have the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew to begin growing. Not only is basement mold unsightly, but it's also a health hazard. You, or your family, can become sick with headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc. Having a dehumidifier in the basement prevents this problem.

2. Moisture Damage
How many times have you seen a basement that has bowed wood or paneling, damaged drywall or musty carpet in it? Well, without a dehumidifier you can expect all of these to occur over time. And this damage can be very expensive to repair. Ripping out 2x4's, drywall and other construction materials is not cheap. And to think a basement dehumidifier could prevent it from ever happening.

3. Storage
If you are like most homeowners, you use at least part of your basement for storage. From Christmas items to canned goods, a basement sees it all. Humidity and moisture can destroy your contents in no time. They can easily become moldy, begin to smell or get bent out of shape from the moisture.

4. Furniture Damage
Just as a damp musty basement can damage everything else; it can also ruin your furniture. The smell gets into the fabric of your furniture and makes for a very unpleasant situation. Imagine entertaining friends and family like that? If you have workout equipment or a pool table in a family rec room downstairs, you really need to prevent it from warping or not working. Keeping moisture out becomes a priority.

These are just 4 good reasons to have a basement dehumidifier, and there are many more to be sure. You can find a dehumidifier at any of the larger home improvement stores or other retailers. You can also look online and compare some of the various models to find the one that is right for you. Generally, a good dehumidifier that covers a basement of approximately 2000 sq ft will run in the neighborhood of $300 and up. So, you can see that it is a much better solution than spending thousands to repair the damage from not using one at all.