Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Musty Basement Smell -- Job for Dehumidifier?

We have a home built in 1927 that has a partial basement (below grade). There's in internal stairway from the kitchen to the basement.

There's also a crawl space under the rest of the house. The crawl space has a 'rat proofing' floor (unfinished concrete). Also, there are vents to the outside all around the side of the house.

The basement has a musty smell -- kinda like old dirt. Could this be from too much moisture?

Would a dehumidifier help with this? Or, do I just need more air circulation from the outside -- maybe an electric fan in some of the vents?

Any insights you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

Sounds to me like a dehumidifier would be in order. Do you have anywhere you can run a hose and drain it? If not, there's always empyting the bucket, but that's a lot less convenient.

Buy a good dehumidifier with a pump!

this is the same problem i'm having.the musty smell is so bad that it hurts even thinking about going down there i have a dehumidifer running and the smell is just going upstairs,I had the windows open today but no sure if it will help plus i just saw some mold growing and now its getting my really concerned

I think this info may help you a lot with understanding it and what to do:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/blackmold5

im gonna call a mold removeal company tommorow to see what they find and what they can do.

Thanks for the responses.

I have a sump w/auto pump where I can run a hose from a dehumidifier. What's a good brand or what features do I look for?

Thanks,

Bob

Purchase a hygrometer (where they sell thermometers) to monitor humidity level. Humidity should be between 35-55%. Dehumidifier can be used to remove excess humidity. You will want to purchase one with enough capacity to dehumidify the number of square feet that you have. Fans can be run to improve air circulation.

There are many mold scam companies that take advantage of people's fear of black mold. It is best to call a mold inspector before calling a mold removal company. A company that offers to both inspect and remove mold may be a company that can not be trusted. It is not recommended that you call a mold removal company that is recommended by a mold inspector.

For mold info: http://www.iuoe.org/cm/iaq_asthmold.asp?Item=422

www.thermastor.com