The Effects of Basement/Crawlspace Air In Your Home

We know that most homes in Pennsylvania have a basement or crawlspace. Some have beautifully finished basements, some have dungeons that most would not enter, and then there are the swamps that are consistently wet, moldy and filled with rotting boards, beams and fungi. Did you know that our homes pull 50% of our breathable air from the basement or crawlspace? That's HALF of our breathable air! 

As warm air rises in a home it leaks out of the upper levels. New air must enter to replace the air that escaped. In fact, in an average home about half of the air in the home escapes each hour out of the upper levels. This creates a suction at the lower levels of the home to draw in replacement air. In older, leaky homes the air exchange rate can be as high as a full air exchange per hour.

What this "stack effect" does is create an airflow in your homes from bottom to top. So air from the basement is drawn upwards into the first floor, and then to the second floor. Of course it dilutes with other air in your homes, but building scientists say that up to 50 percent of the air you breathe on the first floor is air that came from the basement. If you have hot air heating with duct work, the air mixes even more thoroughly throughout the house.

Therefore, whatever is in your basement air is in your house and affecting you, whether you spend much time in the basement or not. If there is high humidity downstairs, there is higher humidity upstairs than there would be otherwise. If there is mold in the basement, there are mold spores upstairs. If there are damp odors downstairs - well you get the idea.

Here are some tips for getting the best air quality out of your basement or crawlspace.

1. Keep Basement Windows Closed 

It may seem counterintuitive to keep your windows closed to ensure better air quality. However, opening your basement windows can cause the indoor humidity levels to rise, especially in summer months where humidity levels are at their peak. Leaving basement windows open can also draw in allergen particles, which will pollute your indoor air. Keeping your windows closed is a reliable way to avoid any unwanted allergens or spikes in indoor humidity levels. 

2. Ventilate Your Basement 

Many basements in Pennsylvania have poor air quality because they are not properly ventilated. Air in your basement may be trapped and not recycled properly with outdoor air. By improving your home’s air ventilation, you will also improve indoor air quality. You can do this by installing a mechanical ventilation system to bring fresh outside air indoors and create a circulation pattern of old air to new air. Installing ventilation systems in the basement is best left to certified professionals. A good method to improve basement air quality is investing in a dehumidifier or air purifier. Either way, one of these methods will ensure cleaner and safer air.  

3. Dry Out Your Basement 

Dampness and humidity are also common contributors to poor basement air quality. Drying out your basement is a great way to ensure cleaner and fresher air. Too much moisture in the air creates breeding grounds for mold and mildew which, when exposed to the air you breathe, can cause severe health problems. Coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and sometimes asthma can also result from inhaling air that has been subject to mold or mildew. Drying out your basement will help prevent the growth of these pesky fungi. Dehumidifiers are a great way to prevent mold growth, especially when humidity levels are kept under 50 percent. 

4. Purify the Air  

Air purifiers will prove to be a worthy investment if you wish to keep the air in your basement fresh and clean. Air purifiers circulate indoor air through a series of filters and extract any contaminants, allergens, mold spores, or bacteria that are present. Make sure that when investing in an air purifier that it is a suitable size for your basement, and has HEPA and Carbon filters. This combination can reduce up to 99 percent of harmful airborne particles! Have you checked out our Aspen Air Purifier yet?

5. Seal All Cracks and Gaps 

Whereas the methods prior to this section are simple DIY tasks, sealing cracks and gaps in your basement’s foundation is best left to certified professionals. Cracks or gaps in and around your basement can lead to higher humidity levels and an influx of air contaminants. It is best to have these cracks and gaps properly sealed to ensure that no unwanted contaminants enter your basement and that humidity levels stay below 50 percent. 

Following these tips will ensure that your crawlspace and basement is healthier, and that your home has healthier air for your to breathe. Thanks for tuning in!