What Danger Is Lurking in Your Damp and Musty Basement?
Molds produce allergens, irritants and even potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Although ongoing medical research has not yet discovered exactly why mold wreaks such havoc on some people’s respiratory, immune and other bodily systems, the fact remains that mold causes health problems.
You May Have Mold in Your Home If You Have Long-Term Symptoms
Allergic reactions to mold are common, as are asthma attacks induced by mold. If you or a family member have long term symptoms like these that your health care provider can find no underlying reason for, mold infestation in your home may be to blame:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation or watery eyes
Toxic reactions to mold may also include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Breathing problems
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
Homes Get Sick from Mold Too
When it comes to mold, health concerns in people take priority, but the health of your home is of concern as well. When excessive moisture in your home goes unchecked, mold will likely develop and affect the structural integrity of the dwelling. Some contractors refer to one of these types of fungus, serpula lacrymans, as a “building cancer,” but most people know it as dry rot. Dry rot can cause significant damage to a home if it isn’t discovered, halted and repaired in time. Dry rot does its most powerful damage in wood-frame houses, but it can also grow through plaster, brick and blocks. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, moisture control is the key to controlling and preventing mold — and therefore dry rot — in your home.
Basements Are Especially Vulnerable
Unfinished basements are especially susceptible to developing mold because unless your basement is highly insulated, moisture is likely to seep through its walls from the property’s foundation. Another reason basements tend to retain more moisture is that HVAC units have difficulty circulating dry air to the basement, which allows moisture — and thus mold and fungus — to grow there.
More and more often, basements are used as finished living spaces, but finishing a basement without dealing with its intrinsic humidity problem is asking for trouble. By installing a dehumidifier system in the basement, you create a contained space to absorb moisture from the air, thus thwarting mold from ever making an appearance.
The EPA recommends taking these actions to reduce an control humidity in your basement:
- When using appliances that produce moisture, such as the clothes dryer or kerosene heater, vent the produced air outside when possible.
- Use the bathroom fan or open a window when showering.
- Use a dehumidifier system for optimal moisture removal.
Choose The Right Dehumidifier
Choosing the right dehumidifier is important in protecting your damp basement. Basement humidity levels should be no higher than 50 percent, and ideally should fall within the range of 30 – 50 percent, but some basements test as high as 80 percent. This can lead to serious damage, and a dehumidifier is desperately needed to significantly reduce the moisture in your home’s air.
Innovative Dehumidifier Systems offers the tankless IW25-4 In-Wall or On-Wall Mounted Dehumidifier with Combined Bi-Polar Ionizer for better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), and the flexible install options work whether your basement is finished or not. Our award winning and patent pending product has been praised for its innovative design, unique features, performance ability and capability to fulfill a crucial need for homeowners. The IW25-4 has also repeatedly emerged as the victor when tested head-to-head with similar products.
At Innovative Dehumidifier Systems, we are dedicated to helping customers breathe a clean, clear sigh of relief and we do so by evolving and innovating our dehumidifier design to fit your unique situation. Basements don’t scare us, because we know our IW25-4 helps maintain the right humidity levels that ensure you have a healthier and more comfortable environment. Give us a call today at 910-579-3348.
