My half-finished basement really smells like, well, basement.
by
Scott
+4
The air also seems to be humid down there. Any suggestions on how to eradicate the basement smell and dry up the air?
7 answers
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Why not a dehumidifier? That's the only thing that gets the smell out of my basement.
Walter Reeves
on Jun 22, 2011
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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.
SawHorse Design Build
on Jun 22, 2011
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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.
Scott
on Jun 22, 2011
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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 ! )
Itsreally C
on Jun 23, 2011
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Scott- if you are a GA Power client we can help you get up to $200 off the cost of the assessment.
SawHorse Design Build
on Jun 23, 2011
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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.
Lanelle L
on Jun 26, 2011
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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 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.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jun 27, 2011
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