Best Basement Ventilation Fans: Will They Help Avoid Humidity?

The basement, more than any other area of the home, can become a storehouse for mold growth, moisture concerns, high humidity levels, unpleasant smells and any other indoor contaminants. While unventilated basements are very often prone to stale odors caused by mildew, this lower level is also ordinarily used to store household chemicals.

Everything from automobile products, paints, solvents to various cleaning materials cause the slow release of chemicals into the air of your basement. In a space that isn’t properly ventilated, these chemicals have the potential to buildup and create an unsafe living environment. In order to protect your home and its inhabitants, you’ll need some sort of ventilation system. There are essentially two approaches to basement ventilation: natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation.

We’ll outline the advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods. Additionally, if you opt for the mechanical method, we’ve provided a list of some of the best basement ventilation fans on the market. These will help you to effectively reduce the risk of any harmful effects caused by improper or no ventilation in your basement.

Due to the basement’s location below ground, moisture can, and will, seep from the earth and in through the walls and floors. With the warmer basement air and the cool temperature of moisture, they collide to create condensation.

When you have excessive condensation in your basement, a stale, musty smell develops and when left unchecked, it will collect in pools of water. This situation creates a breeding ground for the growth of mold and mildew. While not all mold types are harmful, many of them are hazardous to the health of those living in your home.

For example, if your basement contains black mold, this can cause allergic reactions, enhance signs of asthma, and evidence of symptoms related to influenza. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency strongly urges homeowners to reduce the existence of water or moisture in the basement and install some type of ventilation system.

With a continuous flow of fresh, clean air, mold and mildew spores will not have the necessary environment to grow.

One of the options for ventilating your basement is implementing natural air currents. However, this method of ventilation will only be successful if your basement contains windows that can open and are deliberately placed. While natural ventilation will help to conserve energy, it necessitates more work.

In order for this method to function, your windows need to be opened at consistent intervals and then closed in the case of rain or at night to prevent trespassers. For the best outcome, make sure that your windows are placed opposite each other throughout the layout of the basement and they complement the area’s natural drafts.

Regardless, a basement that is consistently wet, will not work with only natural ventilation. You’ll need to implement a dehumidifier, fans or some other more mechanical system.

This is the most recommended and effective way to remove moisture and water from your basement. Mechanical ventilation exhausts stale indoor air and cycles in fresh, outdoor air by using vents and fans.

This method can be as simple as putting small window fans in opposing windows or as compound as fitting an exhaust fan with a ventilation pipe. A mechanical ventilation system is very popular among homeowners for its automation, effectiveness and flexibility.

Keep in mind that homes that contain Radon are required to have mechanical ventilation. Radon is an odorless gas that can cause lung cancer, even among non-smokers.

The heavy-duty stainless-steel housing features a sleek design that is very unique to other conventional ventilation fans. This, along with the LCD screen and programmable controller, makes the AC Infinity AIRTITAN T8 a very attractive and functional device.

The Tjernlund V2D UnderAire unit will also help to ensure ideal airflow in your basement or crawl space. The ventilation fan, with its durable galvanized steel construction, increases air circulation to prevent condensation, excess moisture, mold, mildew and wood rot.

There isn’t much installation required with this unit as it comes with a pre-existing power cord. The faceplate can be cut and trimmed to allow it to fit any non-conventionally sized foundation openings. This device also features a thermostat for freeze protection and an automatic shutoff.

The Tjernlund V2D UnderAire’s power will successfully ventilate damp basements through the use of existing vents. If proper ventilation in your basement is what you require, this may be the unit for the job.

The Durablow ventilation fan is another option for improving the interior atmosphere and removing humidity in your basement. With the presence of unpleasant odors in your basement, they will eventually (if they haven’t already) reach the upper levels of your home. That’s why a quality ventilation fan is essential to exhaust these undesirable smells.

In order to keep the atmosphere in your basement comfortable, you need to create a balance between humidity and airflow. The Durablow MFB M2D does just this. It increases air circulation to effectively reduce the likelihood of condensation or wood rot. The device also helps to prevent any Radon gas or harmful odors from entering your living areas through the basement.

The stainless-steel housing ensures durability and withstands in humid environments. The grade of steel is 100% Stainless Steel 304 and claims to be even more durable than galvanized steel.

The Xchanger Reversible Basement Fans is another product offered by Tjernlund. This unit is considered to be one of the best ventilation systems and is designed to simultaneously remove humid air and cycle in a new, fresh flow of air. The all-in-one compact design features two fans and a fixed control panel.

The functionality of the X2D makes it highly recommended and widely used among homeowners and other property owners. The X2D has an excellent dehumidistat control system and magnetic draft shutoffs that halt any unwanted odor from being released throughout your home.

One of the greatest features of this unit is the ability to individually reverse the two fans to bring in the air or exhaust it out. The reversible nature is not seen in most basement ventilation fans, making the X2D very unique and desirable.

The Tru North Garage Vent was specifically designed to service garages but is still suitable to provide ventilation in basements or crawl spaces. This unit is arguably the easiest basement ventilation fan to install and operate.

The ease of use does not compromise its ability to remove moisture and regulate humidity. The Tru North Vent is highly functional at providing ample ventilation in virtually any environment. Once installed, the unit will turn on automatically, when the area reaches a certain humidity level.

Additionally, the device will turn off on its own when it reaches an established humidity range. Aside from a steel construction, the Tru North vent is housed in plastic with the addition of a metal fan guard for added protection.

Although some sort of specialized ventilation system is recommended, floor fans and dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture and circulate fresher air.

Just like traditional basements, old cellars are located below ground and will require some sort of ventilation. Natural ventilation will not work in this environment as most cellars don’t feature enough windows. You’ll have to implement some other way to reduce humidity such as mechanical ventilation.