Hey everyone! I've just moved into a new home and I'm tackling various projects to make it comfortable and safe. One of my main concerns is my very humid basement, which has a dirt floor and some flooding history. The city has even advised against finishing it off for now. I want to set up a short-term solution to improve ventilation since I've noticed some mold issues in the past. I was thinking about sealing off my basement windows and using a computer fan to help push humid air out, but I'm stuck on how to power it. I do plan to upgrade my electric panel for a heat pump soon, which might allow for an outlet in the basement. I'm open to other suggestions too! How can I effectively reduce the humidity and keep things dry until I can afford a more permanent fix?
2 Answers
Using a PC fan alone probably won’t do much for your damp basement. I recommend encapsulating the space like a crawl space, which involves laying thick plastic on the floors and walls and sealing it to the foundation. This can significantly reduce moisture. Pair that with a dehumidifier for the best results, even if you need to empty it occasionally.
Good idea to seal things up! A radon fan would be perfect for continuous operation, plus it will help pull out that humid air. Start by sealing seams and edges with plastic sheeting to stop moisture from creeping in. This way, any additional fan or dehumidifier you use will work a lot more effectively.