Humidity Venting

[widefat]

My house has a stone/cement cellar, about 150 sq. ft. The humidity is extraordinarily high - around 70% currently.
There is no venting or air flow. Would a passive vent help? Do I need to install a wall fan?

TIA

 

[KennyG]

There is little chance that a passive vent would work and the effect of a power vent will be limited if the space is much cooler than outside. When you bring in normally humid air from outside and it is cooled, the humidity will increase significantly. Do you have a drain in the space? A small dehumidifier seems like the best idea.

 

[Mysfyt]

Totally agree with Kenny on this. Very few basements/cellars don't benefit from a dehumidifier.

 

[rekees4300]

Assuming the cellar has electric, a dehumidifier would likely solve the problem.

 

[widefat]

Unfortunately, the cellar does not have a drain. Re air flow, I would be pulling air out of the cellar - the cellar is generally hotter than it is outside -
does that change the model?

 

[prichard]

150 sqft or 1500sqft? Finished? Heat and ac in the space?

 

[widefat]

150 imi 150 sq ft. unfinished, was constructed with original house about 115 years ago, or with addition about 55 years ago. Not sure which - thinking 55, because walls appear to be poured concrete not concrete over stone.
unfinished, houses oil furnace and well tank. No HVAC in the space. It is water tight as in no leaks, but humid as heck. I guess water vapor from soil around it.

 

[JRobyn]

A dehumidifier comes with an empty-able tank - some easier to empty than others. This will probably be a pain during the first few days while it dries out, but may not be too bad after it reaches your target humidity level.

Else, maybe just fill it up with nice cigars?

 

[dadster4]

Is the floor concrete or earthen? Any leakage at walls or wall/floor with rainstorms? How much of the foundation is exposed above grade on the exterior? Is this a frame house with wood siding or brick veneer? Need more info to see how to fix your problem...Thanks

 

[prichard]

Pretty sure modern code requires the space be vented. I'd start there if doing so would not be a nightmare to accomplish. You could even try something temporary.

If you decide to go with a dehumidifier you could run the drain to a small sump like used hour HVAC condensate.