Basement Humidity & Air Quality Control Systems
Keeping the air in your home dry, clean, and healthy starts below ground. At Perma-Seal, we install professional-grade basement humidity control systems for homes and businesses throughout the Chicago area.
Basements and crawl spaces naturally collect moisture. Left untreated, that moisture doesn’t stay downstairs; it moves through your home, impacting air quality, comfort, and even your health. That’s why humidity control is a critical final step after basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation.
Why Basement Humidity Control Matters
Once water intrusion is addressed, controlling humidity is what makes a basement truly livable. Just like a crawl space encapsulation system, the final piece of the puzzle is a dedicated, high-capacity dehumidifier designed for below-grade environments.
A large portion of the air in your home is drawn from the basement. If that air is damp or musty, it affects every room above it. Maintaining proper humidity levels helps protect your home from:
- Mold and mildew growth
- Musty odors
- Wood rot and material deterioration
- Increased allergens and poor indoor air quality
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently ranks indoor air pollution among the top environmental health risks. Moisture combined with common household materials, such as insulation, carpeting, and stored items, creates an ideal environment for pollutants and microbial growth.
Installing a professional basement dehumidification system significantly reduces excess moisture and helps maintain healthier indoor air throughout the home.
Healthy Air Starts With Proper Humidity
Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. High humidity exacerbates the problem by allowing mold spores and allergens to thrive.
As part of our basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation solutions, Perma-Seal recommends installing a dedicated humidity control system. Keeping humidity levels between 30–60% helps prevent unsafe conditions, improves comfort, and protects your home investment.
When humidity is controlled properly, you’ll also notice fewer odors and a more comfortable, consistent indoor environment year-round.
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PermaDry Dehumidifier Installation
To control humidity effectively, we install our PermaDry system, a professional-grade solution designed specifically for basements and crawl spaces.
The PermaDry system is engineered to handle high moisture loads efficiently while operating quietly and reliably. It integrates seamlessly with basement waterproofing systems and drains automatically—no buckets, no hassle.
Benefits of the PermaDry:
- Removes up to 100 pints of moisture per day
- Designed for basements and crawl spaces—not living-room use
- Automatic drainage directly to your waterproofing system
- Built-in digital humidity controls
- Continuous-duty operation for consistent performance
- Energy-efficient operation for long-term savings
- Durable construction built for below-grade environments
- Helps prevent mold, mildew, and musty odors
PermaDry vs. Big Box Store Dehumidifiers
PermaDry (Professional-Grade):
- Designed for whole-basement and crawl space humidity control
- High-capacity moisture removal (up to 100 pints/day)
- Continuous drain—no manual emptying
- Built for long runtimes and long service life
- Integrated humidity controls for stable indoor conditions
- Installed as part of a long-term moisture management solution
Typical Big Box Store Dehumidifiers:
- Designed for small rooms, not entire basements
- Limited capacity (often 40–50 pints/day)
- Struggle to maintain humidity below 60%
- Require frequent manual emptying
- Shorter lifespan and limited warranties
- Often fail prematurely in damp basement environments
Basement Dehumidification That Works With Your Waterproofing System
The PermaDry system works best when paired with a professionally installed basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation system. Together, these systems manage both liquid water and airborne moisture, helping keep relative humidity below 50%—a key threshold for preventing mold growth.
This approach doesn’t just make the basement feel better. It improves air quality throughout the entire home.
Why Choose Perma-Seal?
At Perma-Seal, we understand that air quality & humidity control are top priorities for homeowners in the Chicagoland area. Over the last 45 years, we have helped over 500,000 homeowners with issues ranging from humidity and air quality issues to waterproofing and foundation repair.
Contact Us For Basement Dehumidifier Installation in Chicago
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a member of our team to discuss improving the air quality in your basement, please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the PermaDry Basement Dehumidifier Better Than Standard Models?
The Perma Dry system is designed to dehumidify and improve air quality simultaneously. Unlike standard dehumidifiers, it features a dual-stage air filtration system that removes mold spores, allergens, and airborne contaminants as small as 3 microns, preventing musty odors and improving the overall health of your home.
How Much Moisture Can the PermaDry System Remove From My Basement?
The PermaDry basement dehumidifier is capable of removing up to 100 pints of moisture per day and includes a continuous drain system to eliminate the need for manual emptying. This helps maintain optimal humidity levels and prevents mold growth in your basement.
What Is the Ideal Humidity Level for a Basement?
The ideal humidity level for a basement should be between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth, musty odors, and structural damage caused by excess moisture. If humidity consistently exceeds 60%, a dehumidifier is recommended to maintain a dry and healthy environment.
How Do Air Purifiers Help Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Air purifiers use filtration systems to remove dust, allergens, mold spores, and airborne contaminants from the air. This helps reduce allergy symptoms, eliminate odors, and improve respiratory health, especially in damp areas like basements where mold and mildew can thrive.
How Can I Tell If My Basement Has Poor Air Quality?
Signs of poor air quality in a basement include musty odors, visible mold, excessive dust, frequent allergy symptoms, and condensation on windows or walls. Installing a dehumidifier with an air purification system can help eliminate these issues and create a healthier indoor environment.
