If your basement feels damp, smells musty, or you’ve noticed condensation or mold, you may be thinking about getting a dehumidifier. Before you buy one, it’s important to make sure you choose the right size, place it correctly, and also understand when a dehumidifier alone is not enough to solve the problem. At BDB Waterproofing, we install dehumidifiers as part of complete basement waterproofing systems, because the goal isn’t just to mask humidity – it’s to fix what’s causing it.
Why Basement Dehumidifiers Matter
Basements are naturally prone to moisture because they are below ground level. When moisture builds up, it can lead to mold growth, musty odors, damage to stored items, wood rot, and poor air quality that spreads into the rest of the house. The goal of a dehumidifier is to reduce relative humidity to safer levels, ideally around 40 to 50 percent.
How to Size a Basement Dehumidifier
Sizing is one of the most important steps. A unit that is too small won’t work effectively, and one that is too large wastes energy.
-
Measure the square footage of your basement.
-
Consider the level of moisture. Is the basement just a little humid, or is there visible condensation or dampness?
-
Choose capacity based on both space and moisture load. For most average basements between 500 and 1,500 square feet, a 50-60 pint per day unit is usually appropriate. Larger basements or very damp basements may need 70-80 pint units or more.
Other factors that may require sizing up include colder basements, basements with little air movement, unfinished areas, and homes in more humid climates.
Where to Place a Basement Dehumidifier
Placement plays a big role in how well your dehumidifier works.
Tips for best placement:
-
Put it in a central location with good airflow.
-
Leave several inches of space on all sides so intake and exhaust air can move freely.
-
Ideally place it near a drain or sump area so the unit can drain continuously.
-
Avoid corners, closets, or behind large storage piles.
-
Keep basement windows closed while it operates so the unit isn’t fighting outdoor humidity.
When a Dehumidifier Is Not Enough
A dehumidifier helps with humidity control, but it cannot fix structural moisture problems. If there are foundation wall cracks, water leaks, standing water, wet floors or walls, or bowed walls, a dehumidifier will not solve the root cause. That type of moisture requires waterproofing solutions such as drainage systems, sump pumps, wall repairs, and exterior water management.
Very cold basements can also make standard dehumidifiers less effective. And if humidity levels stay high even after you install the right size unit, there’s likely a deeper source of water intrusion happening behind the scenes.
Maintenance Tips
-
Monitor your humidity level with a hygrometer.
-
Keep air filter clean.
-
Make sure the unit can drain properly.
-
Give the unit airflow and keep storage items away from vents.
Why Work With BDB Waterproofing
BDB Waterproofing provides complete basement moisture solutions for homeowners across Omaha and Eastern Nebraska. We don’t just plug in a dehumidifier and hope it works. We evaluate the entire basement, diagnose why moisture is present, and recommend long-term waterproofing solutions so your basement stays safe, dry, and healthy.
If you’re not sure whether a dehumidifier is all you need, or if your basement needs a more comprehensive solution, schedule a free inspection with BDB Waterproofing.
