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

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When most people buy there homes, if they’re lucky or planned ahead, they’ll get one with a basement.  Finished or not, these rooms are awesome.  They stay the same temperature year round and are a great place to store things that you don’t want out in the garage or a shed.

If you’re fortunate enough to have one that doesn’t get overly humid and possibly has a sump pump, then you’re in great shape.  If not, these things are fixable, though they can get a little pricey, depending on who you use.

So, let’s say the time has come and you can afford to finish that basement.  What do you want to do with it?  Well, you have tons of options and can combine ideas to make a really great room.

Games Room: It’s not just the younger members of the family who enjoy playing games.  The adults can play pool, darts, table tennis or card games.  Having a dedicated games room can really encourage the whole family to get together and have some fun rather than be stuck in front of the TV all evening whilst being unsociable.

Cocktail Bar: Your kids might already have a dedicated games room elsewhere in the house or you might not have any.  If this is the case then installing a cocktail bar is great for entertaining your friends.  One of the great things about being in a basement is that sound tends not to travel as much to your neighbors’ properties.  You can easily have some quiet or lively parties in your basement as long as you decorate it nicely and install different types of lighting.

Music or Theatre Room: Some people are really keen on watching DVDs or listening to music in dedicated rooms so that they can enjoy the experience to the max.  For better sound insulation you should have an acoustic lining installed on the walls and ceilings.  People tend to like watching DVDs with the lights turned low or off so this is another reason why installing a home theatre room in your basement is such as great idea.

Photography Studio: More and more people are choosing to work from home instead of for a larger company.  If you look in your local yellow pages you will see that there are a number of small photography studios in your area.  If you are a professional photographer and want to work from home then setting up your studio in the basement can work really well because you can control lighting much better.

Workshops: If you enjoy making things or repairing things then having a workshop in your basement can work out really well.  The good thing about workshops is that they really just need to be functional and so you don’t need to spend a fortune decorating it to the highest standard.  The downside however is the lack of natural daylight so you might find it difficult to work properly.  You should also think about taking large and heavy items in and out of the basement and how easily you would be able to do this.

Home Gym: People are very worried about their health nowadays so want to keep as fit and healthy as possible.  Some people who are currently overweight feel uncomfortable about joining a gym because they are worried that they’ll be surrounded by beautiful slim people.  Having your own home gym will allow you to exercise and sweat like a pig in privacy.  Ideal flooring for home gyms is rubber, plus you should also think about ventilation for quality air supply.

Basement Finishing Ideas

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If you’re like most people, you have hundreds of square feet of room in your basement either collecting dust or storing things long forgotten.

With Spring right around the corner, now is a good time, to begin visualizing what that space would look like if it was finished. Imagine all the extra room and increased value to your home, if you were to finish even half of that space, still leaving room for storage.

Depending on your basement, whether it’s sound, waterproofed, humid, and so forth…your basement could be upgraded to an extra room, office, or relaxation area with a little bit of elbow grease and a little bit of money.

Most home improvements aren’t that expensive. What tends to hit peoples pocket books are the finishing touches, furniture, and decorations they want to put in that space once it’s completed.

If you’re going to do it yourself, be sure to plan for everything, and create a proper and complete budget. If you’re going to hire the work out. Make sure they are reputable and get it in your contract that they come back and repair issues for the first year. If you’re in MA or RI, a good company to call is: George Sebesta Renovations 774-328-9293. They do it right the first time and stand behind their work.

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