Frank Fekonia built his own three level home with a million dollar view for very little money and a lot of concrete. This is an excellent video on how far a little money, a lot of elbow grease, and a solid imagination can take you.
A damp, musty basement is not only damaging to your home, but also detrimental to your health. When a basement’s humidity spirals out of control, it creates inviting conditions for mold and mildew, wood rot, rust, and dust mites. Adding a dehumidifier to this space can help to keep it clean, dry, and problem-free.
When shopping for a basement dehumidifier, you should first consider the size of the unit you need. All dehumidifiers are rated by their water removal capacity per day, and these ratings often have corresponding coverage areas measured in square feet. Be sure to also consider the operating conditions under which the capacity rating was determined. Some manufacturers rate their dehumidifiers at saturation, or 100% relative humidity. Others rate them under more realistic AHAM conditions, or 60% relative humidity at 80°F. Knowing this information will help you choose the best unit for your needs and ensure that you achieve optimal results. Read more about how to choose the right size dehumidifier below our product comparison chart.
This Santa Fe dehumidifier is our top-rated unit for large basements that are plagued by excess humidity. Efficient and economical, this unit can remove 100 pints of moisture per day (under AHAM conditions) for the same operating cost as a standard residential dehumidifier. It can be run as a standalone appliance or integrated into existing ductwork to treat multiple rooms. Covers up to 2,500 sq. ft.
This compact crawl space dehumidifier (Model #4029900) fits into tight spaces where no other dehumidifier can. Extremely powerful and efficient, this unit will tackle excess humidity and curb mold growth in even the harshest conditions. The unit removes 65 pints of water per day under AHAM conditions and services medium-sized basements and crawl spaces sized up to 1,600 sq. ft. Low-temperature operation, superior air filtration, and a variety of optional accessories provide complete flexibility.
Ideal for residential dehumidification, the DeLonghi DE650P Dehumidifier offers a 65-pint capacity, low temperature operation, and an efficient Energy Star rating. The unit also includes a patented condensate pump system that automatically removes moisture from the water collection tank. You’ll never have to empty a water tank again!
This ultra-efficient Energy Star dehumidifier removes 70 pints of moisture each day from medium to large residential spaces. Top features include automatic humidity adjustment, two fan speeds, a programmable timer, electronic controls, flexible drainage options, and much more. Because of its valuable energy-saving and convenience-boosting features, the DDR7009REE model has been highly reviewed by a leading online consumer reporting firm.
This high-capacity, 65-pint dehumidifier can combat your toughest moisture problems in medium- to large-sized spaces. The unit has an abundance of capabilities, including low-temperature operation, automatic restart and shut-off, a humidistat, and digital controls. It dehumidifies in temperatures to 41 degrees F.
For more information on dehumidifier comparisons, check out the people at Sylvane
If the caulk around your bathtub is growing mold, it’s a good sign that it’s time to put in new caulk. Learn DIY home repair tips on how to caulk around your bathtub, shower and bathroom sink in this free online home improvement video.
Expert: Greg Lim
Bio: Greg Lim is a professional handyman and residential property manager. In the seven years hes been a contractor, he has fully renovated two houses
Your carpet and rugs. You walk on it, play on it, drop things on it…you might even sleep on it. But while you’re down there, consider this: a neglected carpet can contain up to four times its own weight in dirt.
More than 90% of the germs, dirt, pollen, or other toxins in your home were tracked in on your shoes. That doesn’t even include flakes of dead skin, on which dust mites can thrive all year round, potentially giving you allergies, asthma, or emphysema. And vacuuming won’t do the trick.
Your rugs and carpets should be deep cleaned at least once every 12-18 months. Every rug or carpet requires unique care, but just remember these basics:
It’s a myth that washing rugs and carpets, especially woolen ones, ruins or shrinks them. In fact, when properly cleaned, colors should be more vivid, no shrinkage should occur, and your carpet should last longer.
If your carpet is light-colored, or you have kids and pets, it might be worth your while to invest in a carpet-cleaning system for your home. While not as powerful as those of professional carpet cleaners, they do the trick nicely and keep stains to a minimum.
Carefully read the instructions from the manufacturer as to how to properly clean your carpet or rug. Otherwise, you may nullify your warranty.
Moving your furniture around once a year gives carpet’s heavy-traffic areas a rest and ensures consistent aging.
A professional carpet cleaner often cleans more quickly and with less hassle. Insist that any professional carpet cleaning company send a rep to your home first, to scout the location and provide a written estimate. The Carpet & Rug Institute says “under normal circumstances, there should be no extra charge for moving furniture, preconditioning, and routine spot and stain removal.”
Your rugs and carpets take care of you. Take proper care of them, and your relationship is sure to last longer.
