The nature of a basement is to stay relatively cool — its placement underground provides great insulation that provides a mild climate. The problem homeowners with basements face is that the room doesn’t receive a lot of airflow, and the air in a basement is often more humid than the air upstairs. During the summer, this can result in a very stuffy atmosphere. There are a few simple steps to combat this issue.
1. Keep out sunlight
If your basement has windows, it’s best to keep light from streaming through and warming the space. The easiest way to do this is by using blackout curtains — an inexpensive and attractive option that can be found at any major retailer. These curtains are thick and block the light from the sun that would heat up your basement and prevent you from having a nice, cool living area.
2. Dehumidify the air in your basement
A basement commonly feels warmer than it actually is because of its higher humidity. Basements are generally more humid than the other rooms in your house, and the easiest way to fix this is with a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers take in the air in your home and draw the moisture out using condensation. The water from this process collects in the dehumidifier to be emptied every once in a while. Using a dehumidifier can make the air in your basement feel much cooler and can result in a more enjoyable climate.
3. Maintain air movement
Similar to the air outside without wind, the air in your basement can feel stuffy when stagnant. Air flow is a big factor in making a room feel comfortable and cool, so a lack of air movement can prove to be a bit uncomfortable. If your basement does not have HVAC tied in, the best way to cool the basement would be to have a professional relocate/install HVAC equipment so that your basement is cooled and heated just like the rest of your house with central heat and air.
Call us at Lowery if you think this is a good option for your home.
If professional HVAC installation is not an option, another way to provide air movement in your basement is with the simple use of fans. Most basements have ceilings that are two low for ceiling fans, so in this case, floor fans and/or tabletop fans can help to circulate the air in the room.
