Remove Moisture in Your Philadelphia Basement

Save energy and reduce moisture with a basement dehumidifier, moisture barrier, and sump pump

Northeast cities and towns, including Philadelphia, are known for having high humidity levels. Humidity, being the amount of water vapor in the air, can affect us in many ways. For starters, humidity affects our ability to cool ourselves down. It can also make a place feel hotter than it actually is, and it can lead to moisture in a basement. A moist basement or crawl space makes for mold—and no one wants mold.

Unfortunately, humidity can fool us into thinking we need to increase the air conditioning in order to enjoy a more comfortable home. And because of that, humidity can cause us to use more air conditioning in our homes, thus increasing our energy bills.

Many Philadelphia homeowners struggle with controlling humidity and moisture, particularly in the lower levels of their house. A basement harboring too much moisture and humidity is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. And, unfortunately, mold and mildew growth can lead to serious health problems that can include respiratory complications, asthma, allergies, and infection. Plus, it can make your basement (and your entire home) smell unpleasant and musty.

Here are three ways you can reduce humidity and keep your Philadelphia basement dry year-round.

Dehumidifier for your PA Basement

You can quickly fix the moisture in your basement with installing an energy-efficient dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from the air, and can help a home reach a desired relative humidity level of about 30-40% (the average relative humidity level in Philadelphia is around 65%).

The best dehumidifiers are ENERGY STAR® approved (a.k.a. eco- and budget-friendly in that they use less energy), self-draining (a.k.a. low maintenance in that you won't have to empty the container every day), and have an odor-eliminating filter. Sometimes one dehumidifier isn't enough. Many Philadelphia homeowners have a dehumidifier in both their basement and garage, particularly if there is a bedroom located directly above the garage.

Moisture Barrier in Philly

Installing a moisture barrier is another way to remove moisture and keep your Philadelphia basement dry. Since water vapor can enter a home's basement through virtually any foundation -- including concrete -- installing a moisture barrier will help reduce moisture, eliminate musty smells, and keep your basement usable and safe.

But just any moisture barrier won't work. Covering your basement with carpet, for example, will simply trap moisture and lead to mold and mildew growth, and even rotting wood. Instead, look for a moisture barrier such as a floor tiling system that depressurizes the room and prevents water from moving up through the ground.

Install a Sump Pump System

A home is like the human body in that, if one part isn't working properly, other areas can be affected. This is especially true when it comes to a home’s moisture and humidity. A sump pump, for example, is a device that removes accumulated water from your basement and pumps the water outside, away from the home. But like most devices, a sump pump needs regular maintenance. A clogged or leaking sump pump will fail to effectively remove water from your basement. To diagnose or repair this problem, hire a trusted technician to examine the efficiency of your sump pump at least once a year.

To ensure that your Philadelphia basement is a safe and usable living space year-round, it is necessary to implement at least one of the moisture reduction techniques described above. Philadelphia's high humidity level doesn't discriminate -- it can affect any unprotected home, large or small. So take the necessary steps to remove moisture in your Philadelphia basement today!

Contact the experts of Philadelphia Basement Systems today for more information about reducing high levels of humidity and moisture in your basement. They are your basement waterproofing contractor in Philadelphia, and offer free estimates!

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