Prevent damp in basements and cellars with desiccant dehumidifiers

When people think of high humidity levels, their minds typically go to warm, tropical climates. But, in reality, it is cold, poorly ventilated spaces that are most at risk to condensation and damp issues.

Basements and cellars are often the coldest part of any building. Cold temperatures and poor basement ventilation trap humidity, leading to mould, musty odours and lasting structural damage.

Below, we explore why humidity control is essential to protect the health and stability of your basements and cellars, and why commercial desiccant dehumidifiers are the best choice to tackle moisture problems.

Why are basements and cellars prone to damp and condensation?

Temperature influences humidity levels. In cold temperatures, the air cannot hold as much moisture as it can when it is warm. So, when damp, warm air enters a cold space, the water vapour in the air condenses on surfaces.

Basements and cellars, often being the coldest rooms, are most prone to damp from excess humidity. But there are other reasons why basements and cellars are prone to damp and condensation:

• Basement ventilation is often low – a lack of air circulation allows humid air to settle

• Moisture from the surrounding soil enters the walls of underground spaces

• Rain, groundwater and other moisture trickle into basements and cellars

• Humid air generated by kettles, washing machines and other appliances

• Leaking pipes, boilers or flood damage creates standing water

Fundamentally, basements, cellars and underground rooms are prone to damp and condensation, posing long-term safety and health risks.

The risks of excess humidity in your basement or cellar

Left unchecked for long enough, excess humidity can have severe repercussions for your basement or cellar:

Mould and mildew growth

Damp, poorly ventilated spaces with little sunlight encourage mould and mildew growth, releasing toxic spores that trigger allergies, coughing, and skin irritation.

Respiratory health problems

Mould, mildew and fungi in damp spaces release bacteria and microbes into the atmosphere, which can cause lasting respiratory issues.

Structural damage

Penetrating damp seeps into basement walls, floors, and ceilings, weakening the structure and potentially damaging the foundation of your buildings.

Damage to stored items

Water damage can ruin your stored items like furniture, books, electronics and clothing, rendering them unusable and reducing their value.

Unpleasant odours

Musty smells created by stagnant air, mould or water damage can make your basement unpleasant to inhabit.

What is the ideal humidity level for a basement or cellar?

The ideal humidity level for a basement or cellar is between 40% and 60% relative humidity (RH). Studies have proven that indoor air contains the least bacteria, viruses and other pollutants at this humidity range.

To maintain an optimal humidity range all year round, reliable basement dehumidification is essential.

How the right desiccant dehumidifier solves humidity problems in your basement or cellar

To prevent damp problems in your basement or cellar, desiccant dehumidifiers are the quickest and most reliable solution for controlling humidity.

How do desiccant dehumidifiers work? Rather than use condensation to remove moisture from the air, desiccant units employ a slowly rotating silica gel rotor. The desiccant rotor captures humid air, where the silica gel absorbs the moisture. It then releases approximately 75% of the air back into the room, warm and dry.

The system then heats the remaining 25% of 'reactivation air' to around 120ºC, removing moisture from the rotor. Wet air is either ducted outdoors, captured in the built-in water tank or filtered away through continuous draining.

Desiccant dehumidification ensures dry air is continuously provided to your basement or cellar, stopping the relative humidity from reaching unsafe levels.

What makes desiccant units the best dehumidifiers for damp basements?

Desiccant dehumidifiers are the most effective basement and cellar dehumidifiers for several key reasons:

• Desiccant dehumidifiers perform well in temperatures as low as -20ºC

• Desiccant dehumidifiers operate effectively in enclosed spaces with little ventilation

• Desiccant dehumidifiers deliver a high moisture removal rate in a single air pass

• Desiccant dehumidifiers can achieve very low absolute humidity levels if required

The above factors make desiccant dehumidification the optimal route to minimise mould growth, ensure musty odour removal and protect your buildings’ structural integrity.

Is a desiccant dehumidifier better than a condensation dehumidifier in basements?

As desiccant dehumidifiers perform better in colder environments, we would recommend using them in basements and cellars rather than condensation dehumidifiers in most circumstances.

While desiccant dehumidifiers consume more electricity than condensation models, our energy-efficient dehumidifiers help you achieve long-term savings.

Do I need ventilation when using a dehumidifier in my basement or cellar?

No. While professional ventilation units can help improve airflow and dehumidifier efficiency, desiccant dehumidifiers work well in low-ventilation spaces.

3 practical uses of desiccant dehumidification in basements and cellars

1. Residential basements

For homeowners and property managers, a desiccant dehumidifier in your basement and cellar enables you to create dependable storage areas or increase the living space of your residential buildings.

Stopping damp buildup allows your basements and cellars to be safe areas to store valuable items, act as an additional bedroom, or become a recreational room for family and friends.

2. Historic buildings and archives

Documents, books and ancient artefacts are especially susceptible to moisture damage, particularly when stored underground. The right desiccant dehumidifiers protect the precious items in your archives from damp and condensation, preserving them for the future.

3. Flood damage recovery

Basements and cellars are often the rooms most affected by flooding. Using desiccant dehumidifiers alongside dedicated water damage drying equipment helps improve recovery times and limit the long-term damage.

Tips for choosing the right desiccant dehumidifier for your basement or cellar

Searching for the ideal basement dehumidifier? Make sure you consider the following:

• The size, capacity and layout of your basement or cellar

• The typical temperature and humidity levels in your rooms

• The ventilation and air circulation in your basement or cellar

• The age and construction of your basement or cellar

As the European leaders in climate control technology, our decades of experience designing dehumidification solutions for our customers worldwide mean we can guide you to the most fitting solution.

Through our consultative approach, we assess your basement or cellar and recommend the best solution based on humidity, budget and wider needs.

From powerful industrial dehumidifiers for large basements to compact, portable units for targeted areas, our desiccant dehumidifiers tackle humidity and damp in any environment. Engineered for ease of use and tested in state-of-the-art facilities, they're trusted by customers globally.

Explore our desiccant and adsorption dehumidifiers or get in touch to discuss the humidity problems affecting your basement or cellar.