Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Dehumidifier Size
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Geomancer
07-13-09, 05:32 AM
I'm looking to get a dehumidifier for my basement, which gets fairly damp, and some water leaks in after rains.
The size of the basement is 1,200 square feet.
I believe a 40-pint is something like 2,500 square feet. I know you have to increase the pints if the area is pretty damp, so that's why I was looking at 40.
I have noticed though that through Costco I can get a 60-pint one for cheaper than I have found a 40-pint anywhere else. They also have a 25-pint for even cheaper, which technically is good for 1,500 square feet but I worry it wouldn't be enough for a really damp basement.
So I guess I'm wondering, is it a problem to oversize a dehumidifier? I know with air conditioners and heaters you do not want to do that because they will cycle too much, is it the same with dehumidifers?
If the basement door is left open, are these things capable of dehumidifing the entire 2,400 square feet? I would think maybe, since who has a single room that large that they would need a 60-pint (3,600 sq ft)?
Thanks!
The size of the basement is 1,200 square feet.
I believe a 40-pint is something like 2,500 square feet. I know you have to increase the pints if the area is pretty damp, so that's why I was looking at 40.
I have noticed though that through Costco I can get a 60-pint one for cheaper than I have found a 40-pint anywhere else. They also have a 25-pint for even cheaper, which technically is good for 1,500 square feet but I worry it wouldn't be enough for a really damp basement.
So I guess I'm wondering, is it a problem to oversize a dehumidifier? I know with air conditioners and heaters you do not want to do that because they will cycle too much, is it the same with dehumidifers?
If the basement door is left open, are these things capable of dehumidifing the entire 2,400 square feet? I would think maybe, since who has a single room that large that they would need a 60-pint (3,600 sq ft)?
Thanks!
airman.1994
07-13-09, 07:09 AM
Dehumidifiers are sized at 80 degrees. Your 40 pint will be like a 20 pint at 65 degrees. You need to size for no load times. In no way would I get under a 60 pint. Bigger is better when it comes to dehumidifiers.
CyFree
07-13-09, 10:02 AM
I agree with airman on this... Bigger is better when it comes to dehumidifier.
I would recommend that you fix the drainage issues that are causing the water to seep in when it rains too, as that may cause problems in the future.
The over saturated soil around your basement walls is what is making your basement damp and leaky in the first place. You need to do what is necessary to keep that soil as dry as possible.
Grading the terrain to slope away from the house, extending downspouts, cleaning gutters and improving drainage will improve the conditions in your basement.
I would recommend that you fix the drainage issues that are causing the water to seep in when it rains too, as that may cause problems in the future.
The over saturated soil around your basement walls is what is making your basement damp and leaky in the first place. You need to do what is necessary to keep that soil as dry as possible.
Grading the terrain to slope away from the house, extending downspouts, cleaning gutters and improving drainage will improve the conditions in your basement.
Geomancer
07-15-09, 06:16 AM
Thanks, I went ahead and ordered the 60-pint.
I agree that fixing the overall issue would be ideal ... but too expensive for the moment. The grade is fine, but there are no gutters at all (for some reason people in New England don't believe in them...). Since New England is also pretty damned expensive, getting gutters installed will be $1500+ (hip style roof, so it needs them on every side).
This will have to wait until next year, plus I want to see if there is an ice damn problem this winter (new house for me), as that needs fixed before putting gutters in.
I agree that fixing the overall issue would be ideal ... but too expensive for the moment. The grade is fine, but there are no gutters at all (for some reason people in New England don't believe in them...). Since New England is also pretty damned expensive, getting gutters installed will be $1500+ (hip style roof, so it needs them on every side).
This will have to wait until next year, plus I want to see if there is an ice damn problem this winter (new house for me), as that needs fixed before putting gutters in.