Should I Open My Basement Windows In Summer?

Hot and oppressive — two words that aptly describe summer throughout Central and Southern Ohio. Homes with basements in our region can suffer the same fate and feel muggy, damp, musty, and generally unpleasant.

Throughout much of summer, temperatures can average 85°F. The basement can be a nice retreat, as this area is naturally cooler due to its underground location. However, during the daytime, the summer heat makes this space humid and uncomfortable.

Don’t let the summer heat deny you the chance to enjoy the basement. Let’s look at why closing basement windows is the most sensible thing you can do, how you can keep temperatures down, and how local basement pros can help create a dry and useable space.

Why You Should Shut Basement Windows

When the outside gets hot, people take it as an opportunity to air out their musty, damp basements. So, they open the basement windows and doors throughout the day to dry this space with the warm summer air. While this sounds like a good move, it leads to a host of problems, such as the following:

Condensation

When warm air is introduced into a cool space like your basement, walls and windows start sweating. Think of what happens when you remove a water bottle from the fridge in hot weather. Water droplets form on the outside because the outside air contains more moisture.

The same thing happens when moisture-laden air from the outside gets into your cool basement. That’s a phenomenon known as condensation, and it’s a major problem in the summer. It’s also a reason why the basement gets damp and moldy, and encourages pests.

Damaged Floors & Insulation

Moisture buildup can also damage your floor covering and insulation. Your air conditioner will suck this moist air through the subfloor. When this air gets into the rest of the house, it will warp your wood floors and potentially lead to rotting wood. Insulation will get soggy and start attracting mold and pests. Eventually, you will have to replace it, and this costs money.

Poor Air Quality & Health Risks

Moisture-laden air from the outside also tends to hold awful smells, most of it originating from mold and mildew, which grow in dark, damp spaces. Besides smelling bad, these microorganisms encourage decay and wood damage. Their microscopic spores can also pose health problems when they float to the living space above.

Increased Energy Costs

Lastly, opening basement windows in summer creates an imbalance in your home. Warm air will raise the temperature. You will have to run your AC to normalize it. If you do this repeatedly in a day throughout summer, it’s going to push up the cooling costs.

How to Keep Your Basement Cool in Summer

• Only air out your basement during cooler nights or mornings.
• If you do laundry in the basement, make sure it’s properly ventilated or add a standing fan right behind the dryer.
• Ensure basement moisture levels stay at or below 50% with a dehumidifier.
• Consider replacing your single-pane windows with insulated multi-pane windows to tame condensation.
• Use a heat pump to draw hot air from the basement into the ducts and bring back cool, moisture-free air inside.
• Install ceiling fans or add standing fans in the basement to move the air.
• Shade your home from sunlight and block heat transfer by using plants, bushes, and trees.
• Use portable ventilation to cool the basement. It’s convenient and cheap.

Opt for Professional Basement Waterproofing

In addition to the above suggestions — which you can normally undertake on your own — it’s a good idea to have your basement professionally examined and waterproofed. This will keep your basement dry and safe throughout the year and is especially useful in the hot and muggy summer.

Your basement will be thoroughly inspected by our staff at Ohio Basement Authority. Then, we will provide recommendations for exactly what your basement needs to remain dry.

Among these long-term basement waterproofing options are:

• Interior perimeter drains
• Sump pumps
• Dehumidifiers
• Wall vapor barriers

Trust Ohio Basement Authority with Your Basement Waterproofing Needs

Warm outdoor air is a top source of airborne basement moisture. Don’t let the hot summer months turn your basement into a humid dungeon. The best way to deal with a damp basement is with professional assistance.

With the help of Ohio Basement Authority, you can tame outside air and create a hospitable environment in the basement. Contact us today to book your free inspection and estimate!

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.