Basement - Dehumidifier or Windows Open?

[Jenkins]

What's better for general condition of a summer basement - run a dehumid as needed or keep the basement windows open to get the circulation? Thanks.

[m Ransley]

Whatever keeps you below 65% humidity

[Oscar_Lives]

it depends

[Michael Baugh]

Pretty amusing how many people run a central A/C unit, generally located in the basement, yet wonder the same question.

[Joe Bobst]

Are you trying to lower the humidity of just your basement or the whole county? If it's only the basement, keep the windows shut. HTH

Joe

[Joseph Meehan]

If you are not air conditioning the basement, and if the outside air is dry, generally it would be cheaper to ventilate.

[Tom Baker]

A couple of pieces of information would help think about this. What is the climate? Do you want hot, humid air in the basement? Do you want hot air in the basement while you cool the rest of the house? Do you want cool, humid air in the basement when you are concerned about humidity? Will the windows move air through all the corners of the basement or is a fan a better solution?

TB

[Stormin Mormon]

Depends. Bayou Lousiana, or Phoenix AZ?