Why is the Dehumidifier Always on in the Basement?!

[Michael G.]

Hello all,

Currently in the process of purchasing a home and I've realized the dehumidifier is always on when I enter the basement. Now I figure there may be a humidity issue in the basement, but does that warrant the dehumidifier running 24/7?

Just trying to get an understanding of the situation here. Is this a big problem I should worry about?

Thanks in advanced!

[Kathy Henley]

@Michael G.  The foundation may be fine. If you have suspicions because of the hill, pay an engineer a few hundred dollars for an inspection of its condition.  You need to know BEFORE buying.  Here in St. Louis, most of my investment properties are of the same era as yours and were built of stone masonry foundations.  Stone breaths, it sweats. It needs its mortar refreshed every few decades. We have no hills.