Basement ventilation windows

These layers trap a variety of microscopic particles, including mold and mildew spores, allergens, bacteria, and dust. After the air purifier has filtered the air of contaminants, it then pushes the clean air back into your basement. Just like the natural and mechanical ventilation methods, the portable ventilation method keeps the air moving through the space.

An air purifier is one of the top devices you can use to keep you and your family healthy from airborne pollutants. That guide shows you how to select the right size air purifier for your home and offers recommendations on the top products you can buy today.

However, changing the filters on an air purifier is a quick and easy task that takes less than 30 seconds to do. For maximum effectiveness, you should open all windows that allow air to flow freely through the area. This includes opening windows or doors on opposite sides of the room so that the breeze can flow in and out of the area. The more you can exchange the outdoor air with indoor air, the better it is for ventilation in a basement.

This method uses fans and exhausts to bring fresh air in and push polluted air out of your basement. This includes designing vents into crawl spaces and basements. After a lifetime of this practice, we know that basements and crawl spaces are notoriously damp, moldy spaces. If vents were doing their job, then how could this be?

Does the structure need more ventilation? At Basement Systems, we use clear, simple building science to explain why our methods of sealing and drying basements have been used successfully in basements all over Canada and the United States. IN the following article, we'll explain exactly why venting a basement does not work -- and has not worked in homes for over fifty years.

We have proven, warranted methods to keep your basement dry all the time! Our systems have been used in hundreds of thousands of basements worldwide! Call us for a free basement waterproofing estimate today!

What happens when you vent air in your basement when it's rainy, humid, or damp outside? Condensation, as seen above, forms on all surfaces. The warmer air gets, the more moisture it can hold. Because of this, summer air holds much more humidity than cold winter air does.

Because the amount of moisture humidity that air can hold is relative to its temperature, we refer to how moisture-laden the air is as its " relative humidity ". Any additional moisture after that point will be released onto cool surfaces nearby in the form of condensation. How much does cooling the air affect its relative humidity? For every degree Fahrenheit that the air drops, its relative humidity will raise by 2. How does this science connect to your basement?

So 20 times 2. And we know that's impossible. If we vent our basement with outside air, we actually bring moisture and humidity into our space -- creating a perfect environment for mold and rot in your home.

During the winter, cold air means a strain on your utilities -- including your furnace, air ducts, water heater, and hot water pipes. Even when your basement is not being used as living space, you still use it to store your utilities, including your water heater, furnace, and other utilities that need to stay warm.

When cold air is vented into the basement , it will chill everything there, as well as the floor above. Your first floor will feel uncomfortable underfoot, and your utilities will be forced to work harder just to operate normally.

Additionally, due to the force of the stack effect, the air in your basement will continually move upwards, pulled to the first floor as hot air rises and leaves your upper levels. This cold air that you're bringing into your home will then cool your entire house, making it drafty and unpleasant.

Meanwhile, your utilities will have to work harder a second time to condition this air. So we know that summer air adds moisture and humidity to your basement, while cold winter air costs you heavily on your utility bills.

But if ventilating your basement doesn't work, what can you do that won't create a basement problem? At Basement Systems, we recommend taking these four steps to ensure that your basement stays dry, comfortable, and more energy efficient. The first thing you should do in your basement is address any sources of standing water. Groundwater leaking in your home will directly damage your personal items, seeping into your carpet, drywall, fiberglass insulation, and any other absorbent materials in the basement.

Once this process begins, mold can begin to grow in as little as hours. To maintain temperatures in the basement , the HRV uses expelled warm or cool air to heat the incoming outdoor air. HRVs are proven to be highly effective at removing radon gas, as well as for all general basement ventilation needs. If you believe you have radon in your basement, hire a qualified radon contractor to test your basement for radon and to take measures to mitigate the radon.

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Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Tip It's especially helpful to have two windows at opposite ends of the basement open at the same time to promote a cross breeze. Warning If your basement has radon issues, passive ventilation methods will help only in the very short-term. Featured Video. Related Topics. Read More. Your Privacy Rights.