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Radon Mitigation System - Effect on Humidity

12K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  beenthere 
#1 ·
I'd like to get everyone's thoughts on if a sub slab radon system would have any effect on the humidity level in a basement.

I've lived in my home for 15 years, and have never seen the water pipes in the basement sweat until this year. The basement in general seems more humid than in past years, especially considering its only May and we aren't in to the late August humidity yet.

The only thing that is different is this past winter we had a radon system installed. Everything I've read said that if anything the radon system would help LOWER the humidity. However I am finding that not to be the case. My dehumidifier can barely keep up anymore. And I have to empty it twice a day.

Thoughts?
 
#2 ·
You are talking about two different things, but in effect with the air moving below the slab, in theory it could help with ground humidity & water between the slab & rock. As for the interior, it is dependent on how air tight the home is, and how much you run the HVAC to keep the air at the proper levels. The 3m Filtrete CT80 was one of the thermostats I was looking at, since it is a Cadillac of thermostats, in that it does everything you can think of in keeping air quality in the home or building at certain spec's.
 
#3 ·
Huh? What does a CT80 thermostat have to do with my question? I am observing high humidity in my basement, enough to make the pipes sweat, which has never happened in the 15 years since the house was built. I'm trying to determine a cause. All things being equal... except the installation of a Radon system.
 
#4 ·
I would think if the Radon system is installed correct it would not affect the humidity in the basement.
Where are you located?
if up north it is probably from the severe weather we have had. This was a wet winter and had very little or no spring.
drastic temp swings
 
#6 ·
You need a thermostat that either will cycle the air handler in your home, and the one I noted does quite a bit, and would actually work to help keep the humidity down by either cycling the AC for dehumidification or also cycle the fan. The radon system alone will not do anything to pull the humidity out of the house, only keep the air moving under the slab. As for your comment, I will take it that you do not want suggestions in ways besides the fact that you need to dehumidify the air in the home, not just why.

If the home is not sealed, or doors are continued to be opened closed, along with the AC being set too high to dehumidify the home, as above, is the only way. Air circulation, a thermostat that will better control the HVAC is the best way.
 
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