It's no secret that the basement is one of the most exposed parts of a house. Unfortunately, this often means that the air quality is less pleasant to live in, something that many homeowners have experienced, especially when it comes to older buildings.
In addition to poor air quality, this can also lead to dampness and mould, the latter of which can in the worst case scenario cause serious damage to the basic structure. Fortunately, you can prevent this by investing in the right type of ventilation.
This will also create the conditions for a healthier and more pleasant indoor environment for everyone. To broaden your understanding of the subject, in this detailed guide we will discuss in detail how to improve ventilation in your basement!
Therefore, moisture and mold growth increase in basement spaces
If you mainly use your basement as storage space, the requirement for ventilation is rarely as important as for the rest of the house. However, if you start spending more time in the basement than usual, there will also be higher requirements for ventilation and insulation.
Another common practice is to remodel the basement with extra space for a laundry room, shower, and toilet. This paves the way for higher humidity levels, combined with exhaled air from residents who spend longer than usual in the basement space.
One of the solutions that homeowners choose is to insulate the basement from the inside. This aims to retain heat inside, which also leads to reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs.
Unfortunately, this can contribute to a higher temperature difference between the indoor air and the ground surrounding the basement floor and walls. Another problem with temperature differences is increased condensation, which creates good conditions for both rot and mold to grow freely!
General guidelines for a healthy indoor environment
Improving the ventilation in your basement is crucial to maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. At the same time, you also prevent potential problems with moisture and mold, which, as already mentioned, can cause serious damage to the foundation structure.
Below we have compiled a clear table with recommended guideline values which are based on data published by the Swedish Public Health Agency regarding ventilation in basement spaces.
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Description of parameters |
Apartments, houses and other privately owned properties. |
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Minimum outdoor air flow |
0.35 liters per second. |
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Minimum air exchange per hour |
0.5 air changes per hour. |
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Maximum indoor carbon dioxide content |
1,000 ppm (parts per million). |
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Relative humidity |
Needs to be between 30 - 60% to avoid the formation of mold. |
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Ventilation system maintenance |
Regular cleaning every 6 months and inspection is recommended to ensure efficient operation and good air quality. |
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Placement of supply air devices and sensors |
Correct placement is essential for optimal function; incorrect placement can lead to ineffective ventilation. |
What causes musty basement odor?
The musty smell from the basement is unfortunately an everyday occurrence for many. The reason for this is often poor ventilation. Damp stagnant air turns sour, which usually leads to high humidity. The high humidity offers ideal conditions for mold and spores to thrive.
As the organisms multiply, they tend to emit a musty odor, which can also spread to the rest of the home if no concrete measures are taken. In addition to smelling bad, it can also lead to serious health problems .
At the same time, there can also be other reasons for a musty basement smell, such as older building materials. This is especially true if the building materials have previously been exposed to moisture or mold.
Another common cause is poor cleaning. Over time, dirt and other particles can intensify the smell if the basement space is not cleaned regularly. While this does not solve the underlying problem of poor ventilation, it is still important to keep the basement clean.
How do you install ventilation in the basement?
To install ventilation in your basement on your own, it is above all important to plan the airflow and choose the right products. To help you on your way, we will now explain the steps that comprise it all:
- Evaluate the need . Start by checking in which part of the basement the moisture and odor are experienced the worst.
- Plan the airflow : Visualize strategic locations for where to place your supply air vents and exhaust air vents.
- Choose the right products : Products like the Airmove 3.5 Basement Vent have been designed and developed with the goal of improving the ventilation in your basement.
- Installing valves : If you have chosen brands other than Airmove, it is important to follow the installation instructions exactly.
When can you do it yourself?
When the problem with basement ventilation is limited to stale air or light moisture, it is easier to take on the challenge yourself. Our products, such as Airmove 3.0 and others, have been designed with simplicity in mind.
This in turn means that even if you happen to be a homeowner who has not gained experience with similar projects, you should feel confident in being able to carry out the installation on your own!
When should you hire an expert?
As a homeowner, it can be difficult to decide when to hire a ventilation expert. The rule of thumb is not to try to fix the problem yourself if, for example, mold has spread throughout the basement.
Placement of valves in the basement
When choosing one of Airmove's products, it is important to position the vents correctly. This will ensure that the air circulates efficiently but also that the humid air is transported out.
Location of valves
- Supply air vents : We recommend placing supply air vents near the ceiling, preferably on the exterior walls. This will allow fresh air from outside to find its way into the basement more easily.
- Exhaust vents : Focus on placing exhaust vents high up, preferably near the ceiling of the basement. Doing so will allow you to more effectively transport the humid air out.
Products like Airmove 3.5 have been designed to be easily mounted on walls, while ensuring effective air circulation.
Closing words
Improving basement ventilation is an important part of creating a healthy and sustainable indoor environment. This becomes even more important if you or other residents tend to spend extended periods of time in the space.
With the right products, such as the affordable Airmove 3.5 and Airmove 2.0, you can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of musty odors and moisture buildup. This will also result in healthier indoor air, which benefits everyone in the home!
Frequently asked questions
Is it difficult to install ventilation on your own?
No, you can often install ventilation yourself, especially if it involves simpler solutions such as installing supply and exhaust air valves. If you feel unsure, you are of course welcome to contact us for a free consultation .
What is the cheapest solution for better ventilation in the basement?
The cheapest solution for ventilation in basement spaces is to install exhaust and supply air vents. However, if you have a concrete house, you may need to hire special machines that can drill through the material.
Is it enough to ventilate the basement floor?
Ventilated floors in basements can improve both the smell and the air. Floor ventilation systems are often used when there are Radon problems in the property. However, it is still common to ventilate other parts of the basement, especially if you have had wet rooms such as a laundry room or bathroom built.
