The electric dehumidifier that I was using was extremely expensive to run (even with an Energy Efficient Rating)Someone suggested natural crystals but an online search shows some expensive alternativesAnyone try anything new/different to remove moisture from the air?
The problem with natural crystals is renovating or replacing themRenovating them takes time and replacing them can quickly cost more than running a portable dehumidifierWhat you can do is try thisTape a piece of aluminum foil to the wall with duct tape on all four edges and leave it there for a few daysThen take it offIf there is moisture on the wall side the source of your moisture is water coming through the wallsThis can be remedied by a sealer coat and you can buy the material at Home Depot or LowesIf the moisture is on the basement side of the foil then you need to identify the source within your basementChances are though that it is water seeping in through the walls and a seal coat will help out tremendouslyBy doing this, running a dehumidifier would not be so expensive.
Windows and roofs - they are costly but are first line of defense against the outside elements and will save you money in the long run on energy bills.
Solar screens on windowsProgrammable thermostatEnergy efficient light bulbsRadiant Barrier in attic (Reflects the heat from the roof in summer and holds in the heat in winter) Weather proof your windows and doors to prevent draftsTurn thermostat up to 79 in summer and 70 in winter.
There's many things you can do to improve your energy efficiencyYou can have replacement windows installed to reduce heat/cold conductivity, have insulation blown into your attic, if its already there have a 6 cap blown over itIf your walls aren't insulated have them insulatedReplace your doors or improve the seal around the door and the thresholdInstall an attic power vent to draw the heat out during the summer to reduce your cooling costsUse fluorescent light bulbs in everything, they make them for incandescent fixtures and they produce more light per watt than incandescent bulbs do.
There are several ways to do this: Replace your windows if they are more than 10 years oldCheck for any drafts in your homeIf you find any you may be able to chalk the area or crackIf doors are drafty you can purchase a door sweep cheap at the hardware storeAs for the hot water heater turn down the temperature to a lower heat settingfor the A/C keep it at a comfortable temperature not too cool like 78 degrees or so, and if your not home turn the A/C temp higher to 82 degreesGood luck.
