I would suggest getting a home performance assessment. Since you live in Atlanta, there are rebates available that can help cover some of the costs such as HVAC improvement, water management and insulation upgrades. Walter Reeves is correct, a dehumidifier properly sized for the space can help bring down the humidity levels. Stopping the moisture from coming in is also something that should be looked at.
i'm going to shop for dehumidifiers, and in the meantime schedule an energy audit on my new home. thanks so much for your continued advice, you guys rock.
dehumidifiers can only work to the extent of their design limitations,,, imo, you're much better served by a fresh air exchanger such as ezbreathe ( no financial interest ! )
If your basement stays damp, a dehumidifier is the best thing to keep it dry dry; however if someone needs to get a smell like wet carpet, smoke or other odors, pour some vanilla flavoring in a shallow dish or saucer(s) and place them around the room. Smell will be gone in a few days. This also works in car as well.
A dehumidfier is nothing more then a sponge in the ocean. It wastes money heats up the room and does nothing but mask a bigger issue.
Moisture always seeks a dryer source. If the walls in the basement are seeping moisutre your going to pull more of it into the room as you dry it. If you have finished over these walls with drywall and you placed the dehumidifier in the center of the room you will draw this moisture into and
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through the finished wall system. The result will be mold development within the wall cavity.
You need to properly water proof the foundation walls from the outside if at all possible.
Putting any kind of mechanical device in the basement to address this or any odor producing product such as air freshener is only going to waste your time and spend your money until you do this properly.
Moisture always seeks a dryer source. If the walls in the basement are seeping moisutre your going to pull more of it into the room as you dry it. If you have finished over these walls with drywall and you placed the dehumidifier in the center of the room you will draw this moisture into and ...»
You need to properly water proof the foundation walls from the outside if at all possible.
Putting any kind of mechanical device in the basement to address this or any odor producing product such as air freshener is only going to waste your time and spend your money until you do this properly.