When it comes to the phrase “musty basement,” you may think, “well sure, that’s what basements are!” However, a musty basement is actually a sign that too much humidity is present in the air. Far from being a harmless hallmark of basement rooms, that musty scent comes from mold, mildew and other microorganisms that thrive in moisture-laden environments, even when you can’t see that moisture with your own eyes.

Mold and mildew can lead to a variety of health problems, especially where mold spores are concerned. Even worse, the presence of mold and mildew is a sure indication that the structure of your home itself could be at risk, as damp wood will start rotting before too long and sealed joints will deteriorate.

While all of the problems mentioned so far usually only hit your wallet once a repair or cleaning is necessary, the biggest problem with poor basement ventilation is one that’s costing you money every minute of the day: climate control.

Humidity’s impact on your heating and cooling bills is all tied to the simple fact that air with more moisture is harder to heat and cool than air with less moisture. Though you may not be able to see it, humid air is literally brimming with microscopic droplets of water. Since water is so much denser than air, it takes more energy to heat and cool. That energy costs you money, and will eventually cost you time if it leads to overworked heating and cooling systems that need frequent maintenance.

A WAVE moisture control unit removes excess moisture from your indoor environment, keeping your basement and the entire household at an optimum humidity level. With the perfect balance between moisture and dryness, your home’s cooling and heating systems won’t need to work too hard to keep you comfortable. Find out more about how you can reduce your bills and boost your health today.