Basements are a great asset to any home, but they can often be prone to mould and damp. This is especially true in the Australian climate and it can be a problem that’s hard to keep on top of.
Mould not only looks unappealing, but it can also cause bad smells, health issues and even structural damage if left untreated. It’s important to tackle mould in your basement, as soon as you spot it.
So, how do you keep your lower level mould-free? Here are some tips on how best to tackle mould in the basement:
• Ventilate – make sure your basement is well ventilated by keeping windows open or installing an extractor fan. If you’re unable to open the windows due to security reasons, then an extractor fan will help circulate air and reduce moisture levels in the air.
• Dehumidifier – these are great for taking away excess moisture from the air which helps prevent mould from growing.
• Use a hot water heat pump – this is a great way of tackling both too much moisture and cold temperatures in the basement. The hot water heat pump absorbs heat from outside air and uses it to warm up your basement. This reduces both humidity levels and cold temperatures which keeps moisture levels down, preventing mould from growing. Plus, because heat pumps use renewable energy, they also save you money by reducing your electricity bills!
• Clean up spills quickly – if you have a small leak or spill in the basement, make sure you clean it up quickly before mould has a chance to form.
• Keep humidity low – try to keep humidity levels below 60% where possible as this helps prevent mould from forming. To measure humidity levels in your basement use a hygrometer which is relatively inexpensive and easy to find online or in stores.
By following these steps, you can help keep your basement free of mould and dampness so that you can enjoy all the extra space without worrying about health risks or damage caused by mould growth. Installing a hot water heat pump is also an excellent way of tackling both too much moisture and cold temperatures – not only will this help solve the problem but it will also save you money on electricity bills!