Ventilating Your Basement

If there's any room in a house that is prone to humidity, moisture problems and mold, it's the basement. Proper ventilation is the key to keeping odors and water damage at bay.

If your basement has two or more windows, then natural ventilation is a great option for reducing moisture while also conserving energy. Box fans or small air conditioning units may also be inserted into the windows. Floor fans and a dehumidifier are additional options that may help keep a basement adequately ventilated.

Another option is to install exhaust fans that connect to vents located throughout the basement. These fans can be permanently installed in windows or might require cutting through a basement wall to install. These systems are often equipped with humidity sensors that trigger the fans when moisture is detected within the basement. This is, of course, optimal for preventing mildew, mold and water damage.

A homeowner may want to consult the opinion of a professional in order to ensure sufficient basement ventilation.

See also: HVAC Buying Guide