It is a very uncomfortable experience to stay in the basement for at least a few minutes if it is so hot. Sometimes, you might have noticed that the temperature is high in your basement, even in colder months. Why is my basement so hot? Today, we will be discussing the reasons behind this issue. Moreover, you will be able to find out the solution you can try to get rid of excessive heat in the basement.
Is It Normal For Basements To Be Hot?
Most people think that it is normal for the basement to be hot when the temperature changes. But it is not a common scenario. Yes, the temperature in your basement is not exactly the same as the temperature on other floors. Indeed, the basement must be cool when compared to other floors.
In general, the temperature in a basement lies between 55 to 60 degrees during the winter. It is okay for the temperature in the basement to increase up to 80 degrees in the summer. If you live in an area that has extreme weather conditions, these numbers can vary. In common, it would be better to keep the temperature in basements around 60 to 70 degrees.
Why Is My Basement So Hot?
- Exterior insulation – when there is exterior insulation around your basement, it can be too hot. Insulation is normally used to protect the walls from getting cold. As a result, the cold air has no chance of getting in the basement. Since the foundation walls are thicker, the temperature change does not affect the basement.
- Unsealed HVAC connections – the hot air can escape into your basement if you have not sealed your HVAC connections. Hot air will leak to your basement rather than going to higher floors.
- Air leaks in the furnace – the main trunk of the furnace might have leaked, so the hot air is released to the basement. Indeed, this duct is used to carry hot air to the upper floors. The biggest part of the furnace is located in the basement. Thus, when there is a leak, hot air can accumulate in your basement. In contrast, the higher floors can be less warm.
- Poor glazing – when there are not enough glazed windows to stabilize the temperature in your basement, it can be hotter. Some basements are equipped with single-glazed or open-glazed windows. This can be a problem too. In the summer, the heat and radiation can be absorbed by the basement. On the other hand, there will be a colder atmosphere in the basement during the winter.
- Heat-generating appliance – you might have stored some appliances which generate excessive heat in your basement. When there are multiple heat-generating appliances, the hot air can accumulate in the basement.
Why Should You Fix A Hotter Basement?
When there is high heat inside your basement, some serious problems can arise. Basically, excessive moisture can result in mold in your basement. Later, you have to spend a lot of time and money to clean your basement. Consequently, you will have to face some health issues such as breathing difficulties too. Moreover, the temperature can affect the structure of your basement as well. Due to these reasons, you should take the necessary actions to get rid of the heat in your basement.
How To Get Rid Of Heat In The Basement?
As we discussed above, there are several reasons that make a basement hot. According to the particular cause, you should find a solution. These are the experts’ recommendations for aforesaid matters.
- If the problem exists in outdoor insulation, the best practice would be to operate fans inside your basement. It would be better to install a larger fan and operate it for a few minutes when there is an extreme heat. Then the hot air will be circulated and spread. You can leave the door open too. But it is not practical.
- In case there are duct leaks, you can use duct sealing tape to seal them. This tape is also called aluminum foil tape, and they are available in-store as well as online. Appling sealing tape is a temporary solution. So you are advised to use mastic duct sealant, which is more durable than tape. You can apply it with the help of a paintbrush.
- For the leaks in the furnace, you can use silicone caulk. It would be better to use heat-resistant silicone caulk near the furnace’s heat exchanger. If the leak is larger, you are advised to buy a foam-type sealant for the application because it can expand on the gap and close it completely.
- If all the above methods are not applicable, you can choose an advanced method like air-conditioning your basement. This method is money-consuming, but you can have better results. You can prevent mold and mildew in your basement by air-conditioning. And all your equipment will be protected from moisture and heat.
- You can minimize the usage of heat-generating appliances inside your basement. Or else, install a fan and operate it when you use those kinds of appliances.
How To Cool The Basement Without An Air Conditioner?
If you cannot use an air conditioner, it is possible to operate a portable air cooler in order to cool the basement. Portable air coolers are not as expensive as air conditioners, but they can work effectively to cool the atmosphere. Accordingly, the excessive heat will be reduced, and the humidity cannot form inside the basement.
You can easily find a suitable air cooler for your basement since manufacturers design these coolers, especially for basements. Since those are portable, you can easily handle them; there are no complex installation procedures. And also, it is easy to remove the cooler whenever you think it is not needed further.
How To Reduce Humidity In The Basement?
When there is moisture inside the basement, the humidity level also increases. The best solution for this case is to install a dehumidifier. There are dehumidifiers of different efficiency levels and sizes.
So you can choose one which fits your basement. Dehumidifiers are also beneficial if your basement is damaged by floods. It can reduce the humidity level, which is raised by the standing water, so your appliances will be saved.
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