How To Ventilate A Basement Without Windows
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Get A Portable Air Purifier
The trouble-free and effective method to get air moving through the basement without windows. Just place the air purifier in the basement, turn it on, and you can enjoy filtered air within 30 minutes to 2 hours. The air purifier will pull in stagnant air through a series of filters and trap contaminants like dust, hair, mold, pollen, germs, bacteria, smoke, and odor. Clean air will be distributed back out. The purification cycle will continue as long as the air purifier is kept on. Very effective in ventilating the air without hacking and drilling the wall. Anyone that steps foot in the basement will enjoy clean, healthy air free from allergens. An air purifier is also cheap to run and will work 24×7 for all-day ventilation. Works great in a windowless basement where you can leave the air purifier unattended for days, even weeks.
The only downside with a portable air purifier is the filter needs to be replaced regularly or it will be clogged and won’t be able to ventilate. Depending on the size and type, changing the filter can range from affordable under 50 to a high 500 dollars. The good news is changing the filter is easy (less than 30 seconds), and most filters only require yearly replacement.
2. Leave The Basement Door Open
The most straightforward and free solution to ventilating the basement is to leave the door open. The natural airflow from outside helps circulate the basement air and prevent it from getting stale. It also keeps moisture from building up, thus discouraging mold and mildew growth.
While leaving the basement door open will cost you nothing, it is insecure and less effective than relying on an air purifier to circulate fresh air. Keeping the basement open is also not viable for those with children or pets. A good compromise is to install an additional screen door with minimal obstruction on the airflow, the best of both worlds.
3. Install Exhaust/ Ventilation/ Ceiling Fan
Stuffy air can be hard to breathe as it contains less oxygen. Having either a ventilation fan, ceiling fan, exhaust fan, or negative and positive pressure ventilation systems is excellent at flushing out stagnant air and pumping in the fresh air. It is ideal for a poorly ventilated basement with no windows and can be easily installed by the wall, door, crawl space, or ceiling via a ventilation duct. Alternatively, consider getting an air purifier with a fan combination that cleans and cools the air simultaneously.
Regardless of which intake air fans you choose, having mechanical ventilation is more effective than relying on a natural breeze circulation. However, a higher electricity bill and noise level are expected with the spinning fan. Some drilling and hacking are required, unlike an air purifier that works straight out of the box.
4. Air Conditioning In The Basement
Another surefire way of improving basement air quality. For those residing in the basement, an air conditioner can help distribute fresh air while cooling you down. It pairs well with an air purifier that further purifies indoor air. An air conditioner can also help reduce basement humidity levels to curb mold and mildew growth. An air conditioner can also help reduce basement humidity levels to curb mold and mildew growth. It may not have the effectiveness of a dehumidifier; however, every little bit counts. So turn it on when you feel the air has become stuffy and stale.
5. Keep It Dry And Clean.
A clean basement is always welcome, regardless of the window. Keep it nice and tidy by packing unused items into boxes. That way, there will be less obstruction and turbulence on the airflow path. Use a dehumidifier to regulate the basement humidity level. You can also add indoor air-purifying plants in the basement to liven up the space. Last but not least, scented candles add a pleasing aroma and boost airflow circulation.
Why Is It Important To Have A Ventilated Basement?
There are a lot of benefits to having a well-ventilated basement. It promotes a healthy and comfortable environment for those that reside in the basement. Conversely, a poorly ventilated basement with no windows can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, skin rash, headache, shortness of breath, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. The humid condition combined with inadequate sunlight also creates the perfect conditions for mold, mildew, and other pathogens' growth. When there is a strong mustiness smell every time you step foot in the cellar, it is time to bring in some fresh air.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a better grip on the importance of a ventilated basement despite the lack of windows and what you can do about it. If you are looking for an air purifier, we recommend going through our best air purifier for the basement and find out which model will be best suited for your needs.
