healthy house institute
My Healthy House USER NAME
PASSWORD
REMEMBER ME
Search
Article

Q & A - Should I Use an ERV to Reduce Basement Moisture?

By The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)

Question:  I am interested in using an ERV to address basement moisture, though I am not as concerned about the rest of the house. Therefore, I plan on drawing air from the basement, exhausting it outside through the ERV, bringing in fresh air through the ERV, and dumping it in one location upstairs. I will also leave the door at the top of the basement open so replacement air can come into the basement from upstairs. In essence, I would have a circle: Air out of basement, supply to first floor and then back into basement. Should this help reduce moisture and odors in the basement? Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

article continues below ↓

Answer: It is always a good idea to ventilate basements.  Since they are below ground, natural air exchange rates are low and there are many potential pollutants in the basement that need to be exhausted or diluted with fresh air. Odors will be controlled and an ERV should work efficiently in your home.  The only caution is that when outdoor humidity is high, the ventilation will potentially be bringing in air that is more humid than the basement air.  Air conditioning or spot dehumidification may be necessary during those times. Generally, ventilation will control excess moisture but there are cases where an additional dehumidification strategy will be required.  

 

More information on ERVs and HRVs is available on the Home Ventilating Institute’s Web site and in the Fresh Ideas Home Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality Guide.

About The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)

The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)The mission of the non-profit Home Ventilating Institute (HVI), Wauconda IL, is advancing the value of residential ventilation for healthier living. HVI is the leading name in performance certification of residential ventilation products, providing the link between ventilation and healthy, energy efficient homes.

 

 

Information provided by The Healthy House Institute is designed to support, not to replace the relationship between patient/physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Education Partners

Green Seal
HHI Education Partner
Find Green Seal Certified Products.

Ads, ad links, products or content on this page are not necessarily endorsed by Green Seal.
LEED for Homes
HHI Education Partner
Learn what you need to build a LEED green home at GreenHomeGuide.org.
Housekeeping Channel
Also visit our sister site, HousekeepingChannel.com, for in-depth information on keeping your home healthy through better housekeeping.

 

 

Click to verify BBB accreditation and to see a BBB report.

Popular Topics: Air Cleaners & Air Purifiers | Allergies & Asthma | Energy Efficiency & Energy Savings | Healthy Homes | Green Building
Green Cleaning | Green Homes | Green Living | Green Remodeling | Indoor Air Quality | Water Filters | Water Quality

© 2006-2008 The Healthy House Institute, LLC.

 

About The Healthy House Institute | Contact HHI | Linking to Us | Advertising Info | Privacy Policy | Legal Disclaimer

 

HHI Info