Overly damp, humid air can be your worst enemy. Not only does this condition make breathing difficult, but it also poses a real threat to the structural integrity of your home. The New York Times hints that the best way to deal with the effects of high humidity is to pay attention to the sources of moisture and act accordingly. Also, you might consider installing a dehumidifier around these humid areas. The suitability of any dehumidifier depends on your exact needs. According to consumer reports, you need an appropriate dehumidifier if you have high humidity levels in your basement. That said, here are some signs that you need a dehumidifier around your basement.
High Humidity
The optimal humidity level in a home should be between 35 and 50%. In light of this, when the humidity gets to any level higher than 50%, it is considered high. Humid conditions make it hard for people around the house to breathe. They also promote the growth of mold, which poses a serious health risk. Moreover, humid conditions can cause wood to rot and pave the way for destructive pests such as termites. Good Housekeeping dictates that you should buy a dehumidifier at the earliest opportunity if your home is unusually moist.
Dampness
The basement is prone to having high humidity levels in most homes. It is highly likely that your basement feels damp or consistently has high humidity levels at some point. This is a common occurrence even in homes with a functional HVAC. For instance, most homeowners turn off their AC unit during the winter and spring months, resulting in unusual dampness around the basement. Your basement might also fall victim to high humidity during the hot summers when the AC unit cannot efficiently serve the basement.
Condensation
If you see some condensed water droplets around the windows, this is undoubtedly a tell-take indicator that your home is unusually humid. This often happens in the winter months when the outdoor temperatures dip significantly than the higher indoor temperatures causing indoor air to condense. If you see these sights, the chances are that they might have also spread to the basement.