During the spring and summer my unfinished basement gets pretty damp. Before I turned the dehumidifier on the humidity was at 80%. With my 2-year-old dehumidifier on... it went down to 65%. The musty smell dropped considerably, but is not totally gone. Next year I am definitely installing central air. Here's my question...

When I install central air should I run supply lines and return lines in the basement so the AC will draw the humidity out of the basement? Or should I just buy a newer dehumidifier since my current one sounds like it's on its way out?

BTW... down the road I will be finishing my basement, but probably not for another 8 years or so.

Quote, When I install central air should I run supply lines and return lines in the basement so the AC will draw the humidity out of the basement? Or should I just buy a newer dehumidifier since my current one sounds like it's on its way out?


Don`t expect the a/c to draw enough humidity out of the basement,
Also in most cases,you will be pulling in the musky,smellie basemet air and spreading the smell throughout you home

Stay with the portable dehumidifier or install a built-in unit with your new system

You could add supply runs, but returns would only circulate the musty smell.

Dehumidifiers are specifically designed to remove more moisture than a typical A/C via lower fan speed and lower evap temp. And it will not cool your basement when cooling season is over. Go for a dehumidifier.

Thanks guys, I think I will forgo the supply runs until I'm ready to finish the basement. Then the primary reason will be for heating.

When it comes to dehumidifiers, what should I be looking for in a good one? I know I have an 800 sqft basement. Do I just take that number and check the side of the box? Also, if I keep a humidistat next to the dehumidifier, is worth the extra money to get a unit with one built in?

Feel free to post links to good units. The help is greatly appreciated.