Should i get a dehumidifier for my basement?

How do I even know if I need one? I would like to store some things from electronics to clothing but I'm not sure if I need to get a unit or not and if so, what sort of specs I would need for 1100ish sq ft. I would also like to move a computer down there and set up a pseudo home office if possible. There is no standing water, no visible mold, no wet spots and the few things already down there do not feel damp to me. I'm no expert though. I basically just want to make sure anything I store or use down there won't be ruined. Any guidance would be appreciated. Apologies if this post is misplaced. edit : The dryer currently vents down there which apparently is a big no-no and could be easily rectified if needed. Get that dryer vented outside! Humidity should be below 50%, and I suggest to try to keep it around 45%, higher than 50% is a good chance for mold to start. Yep, get the dryer vented outside and then start measuring the humidity levels down there. You are in a green grass state so a dehumidifier would be a wise choice for your basement. 60 to 70 pint is the biggest you can get off the shelf at your local store. Not the best but they will work. If it doesn't smell damp or musty, you don't need a dehumidifier. People talk about relative humidity, but it's the dewpoint which counts. The dewpoint of the air should be below the temperature of the foundation (about 50-55F) to prevent condensation from occurring. Calculator: Dew Point Calculator - plug in temperature and measured relative humidity It smells like a basement in that in has a distinct basement like smell. I don't know if its damp or musty though or what that would smell like. The basement is only underground on 3 sides and the remaining side is due east if that matters at all. I'm going to vent the dryer outside tomorrow. What would be the cheapest thing I could get to measure the humidity and would it be wise to do so at different times and under different circumstances to get the humidity delta? If I find I need a unit and I get one would I be clear to put things down there including a computer that would go throuh power/heat cycles? Thanks so far. Dehumidifiers protect electronics from high humidity, but I wouldn't put a computer or tv on the same circuit as one. If there's only one circuit down there and you have to run a dehumidifier, put the computer on a UPS. Compressors draw several times their running current on startup. What would be the cheapest thing I could get to measure the humidity and would it be wise to do so at different times and under different circumstances to get the humidity delta? Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/ne...#ixzz1tsBwtq1e Any digital humidity meter should work. It's a good idea to check it a day after heavy rain. Keeping the water away from the house (check downspouts and grading) can help.

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