Basement Ventilation: Does It Work And Is It Really Worth It?

Copyright (c) 2015 Matt Reardon

Good air circulation in the home plays a major role not only in providing quality health, but also in contributing to a superior level of human comfort.

Ventilating your basement may appear to be a minor consideration by many, especially if the place is only utilized for brief periods or for storage purposes. If however you're considering turning your house basement space into some viable living area such as an extra bedroom, home office, recreational space or a playroom, ensure that the quality of air is good and there is proper circulation.

Besides complying with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia for habitable places in residential places, it is also vital that you check with your local or state building codes for new structures or dwellings like the local Planning Scheme.

How Basement Ventilation Works?

Ventilating your basement can be realized in three basic ways:

1. Natural ventilation through your basement doors and windows.

2. Ventilation by infiltration and exfiltration where air freely comes into your house and goes out through cracks and openings in the house ceiling, walls, around your doors, etc.

3. Mechanical ventilation designed to pump into your home conditioned and filtered air, and then exhausting the stale moisture ridden air out.

Due to the way basements are constructed, natural ventilation does not in the majority of cases provide sufficient levels of air circulation. Some basements do benefit from limited windows but the majority of them lack even a single window.

Similarly, because most basements are below ground level, the possibility of air penetrating through leakages and cracks is also seriously limited. That therefore leaves mechanical ventilation being the only truly viable solution that would ensure your house basement receives sufficient amounts of quality circulated, good comfort and healthy living.

Mechanical Ventilation Options

A number of options are available for good quality mechanical ventilation of your basement, largely dependent on the structure of your entire house and the amount of money you are willing to inject into the project. Nevertheless, whichever system you decide upon for your basement, ensure it is installed and run as per Australian Standard 1668 of 2002.

- Perhaps the best solution would be to just add and connect some ductwork to your existing air-conditioning or heating system. If this approach is not possible, you could try installing a reversible fan. During the cold spell, this system will pull in controlled amounts of fresh air while in summer it will expel the humid and hot air.

- Another mechanical approach of providing ventilation to your basement would be through a specially made air exchanger. This system works by venting out cold and damp air to the external.

The Environmental Protection Agency has recommended that as a homeowner, you should maintain an environment that is on average below 60 % in humidity levels to avert the growth of mildew and mould in your basements.

With your basement air conditioned and made breathable, you might have made a huge step into turning an otherwise idle space into some priceless extra living space for the family.


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At Mould Buster, clients are given all the attention they require to ensure they get the best for their homes. Matt Reardon's team will make sure you make informed choices by providing you with all the information you require for your home ventilation. For more information about BCA and the AS complied visit http://mouldbuster.com.au/basement-ventilation/ .