Are you looking for simple ways for how to air out a basement?
Even if your basement has no windows?
If you want to learn the best ways for airing out a basement without windows and with them, then this post is for you.
By following the advice in this article, your basement can be efficiently aired out so it becomes fresh and clean.
How to Air Out a Basement
Airing out your basement doesn’t have to be difficult.
In fact, you should be able to air it out completely by following just three simple steps.
Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Use an Air Purifier (Works With or Without Windows)
The reason your basement feels so stuffy and/or stale is because the air doesn’t move through the space as it should.
If you want it to feel fresh and clean, you need to get the air moving.
An air purifier can help with that if your basement has no windows. In fact, it’s the only way to cycle the air without installing an expensive ventilation system.
Air purifiers also remove pollutants from the air to improve the air quality in your basement.
These units get the air circulating through the space by pulling it into the machine, passing the air through filters where particles such as dust, mold spores, bacteria, and other allergens get trapped.
Fresh, clean air is then blown back into the room by a fan.
Really good basement air purifiers with a True HEPA filter will be able to remove more than 99% of pollutants in your basement’s air.
If the air purifier you choose also has an Activated Carbon filter, the unit can reduce unpleasant odors downstairs.
To ensure that the air purifier is working optimally, you need to make sure you get the right size.
We’ve put together a list of the best basement air purifiers to make finding the right model as easy as possible.
See all of Amazon's Best Selling Air Purifiers
Step 2: Open the Windows (Requires Windows)
If your basement has windows, the first thing you need to do to air the space out is open them.
This will allow the stale indoor air to be replaced with fresh outdoor air.
For the best results, it’s helpful if you create a cross current.
This happens when you open windows on opposite sides of the room and air is allowed to circulate throughout the space.
Another option you might try is opening the door that leads into your basement as well as a window.
This trick will allow a large amount of air to cycle through the basement.
You might also consider using a fan to help push the most contaminated air out of the basement.
To do this, you’ll want to position the fan so that’s it’s blowing out the window. This method will force the stale air and pollutants outdoors instead of floating back upstairs through the doorway.
Step 3: Add a Dehumidifier (Works With or Without Windows)
Most basements are exposed to a lot of moisture.
This is because they’re located underground and they don’t have the best airflow.
In addition to getting the air moving through the space, either by adding an air purifier or opening windows, it’s also a good idea to add a dehumidifier.
If there’s too much moisture in your basement, this will lead to mold and bacteria growth.
Not only does this contribute to the funky smell in this space, but it can also have a negative impact on you and your family’s health.
Dehumidifiers remove the excess moisture from the air.
These devices accomplish this by drawing the air in the room into the unit, extracting the water vapor, and then blowing dry air back into the basement space.
The moisture that’s removed from the air can be collected in two ways:
- Inside a bucket that’s inside the dehumidifier. This is the standard method; however, it requires you to empty the bucket each time it fills up with water.
- By attaching a hose to the unit and directing the hose so that the water goes down a drain, outside, or into a sink. Taking this route means you won’t have to empty the bucket when it gets full.
Why It’s Important to Air Out Your Basement
Now that you know how to air out a basement without windows and with them, you may want to know how airing out your downstairs will benefit you.
There are many different reasons why you should air out your basement, including the following:
- You can reduce mold growth – If you remove the moisture and get air circulating through the basement, this can reduce or prevent mold growth. This can help make the space smell better, as well as be better for you and your family’s health since the air is safer to breathe.
- It cleans and freshens the air – Airing out your basement is a great way to reduce the amount of dust and other pollutants that might flow into the rest of your house. By removing those particles at the source, you can protect the air quality of your upstairs as well.
- It reduces damage to your belongings – If you store items in your basement, then moist air can harm them. This includes rotting wood or causing rust to form. When you air out your basement, you can keep your belongings in good shape, looking nice, and free from damage.
- It will give you a place to enjoy – Basements can add a lot of extra space to your house, but if it smells funny or feels hot and sticky, then you won’t want to spend a lot of time down there. When you air out a basement, it will make that area more comfortable and pleasant to be in.
Take the Easy Way Out
You just learned how to air out a basement without windows and with them.
And hopefully, you agree that the process doesn’t have to be hard.
In fact, all it takes are three simple steps if you have windows and two steps if you have no windows in the basement.
By taking this advice, you can make a big difference in your basement, and it can make the space a more enjoyable place to be.
As a reminder, you can check out our list of the best basement air purifiers to find a unit that’s right for you.
Air purifiers come in all different shapes, sizes, and performance levels, so it’s good to get a unit that’s specially designed for basement rooms.
And that guide can help you.
