How do you deal with basement mold and heat?

Question

Im very poor, hate to say it but I am.

11 people live in my house and 7 of them (plus 8 cats and a dog and soon to be a baby) live in my basement where it is very damp and we have a big problem with mold. We did buy a dehumidifier (even though we couldn't spend that much money) but we can't put it on durring the summer.....no exaduration its around 90 degrees down there and the dehumidifier adds even more to the heat.

We only have three small windows down there and air flow is very limited.

Is there any way to cut down on heat and mold, or just a way to make it smell better down there. I cringe every time I come home from work because I know I have to go back to "the dungeon"

Answer 1

sounds like you need to kick some people out, plus the cats, and dogs,  

Answer 2

An air conditioner is also a dehumidifier. Getting a window unit to help with the air movement plus the added benefit of a cooler environment is a must with a baby on the way. Sorry, but the unit is about the same money as the dehumidifier.

Answer 3

The body can deal with the same temperature better if it is dry air.  I would check the temperature with and without the dehumidifier to see how much difference it makes.

Answer 4

Air circulation is your biggest enemy right now or the lack of. You are going to have to get some fresh air down there which may mean removing one of the windows entirely to instal window unit airconditioners.

Answer 5

That's a tough one.  The dehumidifier is the best answer for the dampness, but it will also help if you can get some air flowing down there.  Is there a way to put a fan in one or more of the windows?  Getting some fresh air in there will definitely help.