Spring is upon us, and you know what that means: melting snow. Keeping your basement dry is critical in your overall home maintenance to fight against mold, leaky basements, and property damage.
Contractors will often use a wide array of materials to help factor basement from membranes and drain boards, to perforated pipe, sump pumps, and more. One item that does not usually make it onto the list until you have problems, but nonetheless is equally as important to have, is a dehumidification system. If you’ve noticed changes in your home’s air quality or are worried about it may be time to consider a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier works to lower humidity levels by drying the air. A dehumidification system is often an asset not only for your basement, but for your overall living conditions. By maintaining good air quality in the lowest level of your home the effects are seen throughout the other levels of the home, based on the laws of physics in what is known as the ‘Stack Effect’. Dehumidifiers also work at drying out the invisible moisture that lies within the nooks and crannies, as well as the cracks of your basement. Studies have shown that even in the driest of basements, dehumidifiers can pick up over 10 gallons of water per day through sucking up moisture.
Dehumidification is also essential for basement waterproofing in Toronto. There are two approaches you can take when it comes to dehumidifying. The dehumidification process can be done with either condenser systems or venting systems. When selecting the option that is right for your basement there are factors you need to consider like the size of space, efficiency, temperature, and the goal of dehumidifying.
Let’s take a closer look at these two options:
1. Condenser Systems
A condenser system will decrease humidity by breaking it down into water. Condenser systems are a more common choice for homeowners, as some professionals If you are in the market for a condenser system experts recommend that a key factor to look for is a highly efficient system that also includes an air purification component. Although these factors may cost more initially, if your basement needs ongoing attention it has the potential to save you money. Condenser systems vary in sizes, while most small units can handle somewhere around 500 square feet of space whereas larger ones can do about 2500 square feet. For optimal performance condenser systems work best in conditions of 80° F and 60% relative humidity.
2. Venting Systems
A venting system will decrease humidity by venting the moist air back outside before it works its way up into your living space. The idea behind a venting system is that the increased ventilation decrease humid air, plus it will filter the moist air with drier air while exhausting odors. Where condenser systems work to condense moisture to water venting systems skip the process altogether, thereby making them more energy efficient. This premise has been highly criticized amongst pool professionals. Venting systems vary in sizes and can work with larger spaces up to 7000 square feet.
Don’t forget to consider the For best results, it is important to contact Nu-Site Group today for more information on sourcing the system that is right for you. Nu-Site offers 24 hour emergency service throughout the GTA if you experience any flooding issues.