The easiest way to tell if your humidity level is off is if you notice your basement walls look, smell, or feel damp, and the air might also seem thicker than usual. Will Dehumidifiers Kill Dust Mites? Following this, the relative humidity may fall below 50%. This humidity level may change depending on the weather. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. What should you set your dehumidifier on? The havoc that a neglected water leak can have on humidity levels is tremendous, not to mention providing an environment for mold and mildew to feast upon. That means that we have to be aware of the basement temperature and the relative humidity. Basements also absorb humidity from internal sources of moisture, such as steam from bathrooms and cooking, unvented dryers, or humidifiers. This excess humidity in basements is often well above the recommended 30-50% relative humidity levels. Having a dehumidifier with the wrong setting can be just as useless as having no dehumidifier. Although these cause basements to be more humid than the rest of the house, this doesnt necessarily mean theyll fall outside the healthy range. Lets dive in. What is a good moisture reading for drywall? Excessively high humidity levels can easily lead to mold and other problems. They will suck out the humidity and moisture from the air in the room. 30% to 50% is a comfortable humidity level for a basement. Aim for 50%, or you risk having mold, mildew, or other bacteria. Humidity levels vary seasonally based on the heat and humidity outside, so your basement will be on the higher end of the spectrum in the summer and the lower end in the winter. Warmer summertime air comes into your home bringing its excess humidity with it. If youre concerned that your basement is humid, install a hygrometer to monitor it. I have a finished basement and set my humidifier at 50 percent. Ideally, the humidity level in your home should be between 30 and 50 percent. For many reasons, basements tend to be the area of the house that retains the most moisture. Read Also: Type Of Insulation For Basement Ceiling, Michigans Highest Rated Basement Waterproofing Company. Additionally, high levels of humidity can cause wood rot, which can weaken the structural integrity of your home. Another option is to open the windows and doors in your basement to allow air to circulate. What Should A Basement S Humidity Be. But even if your basement isnt wet from flooding, a good fan to circulate the air will also decrease the humidity levels. Setting your dehumidifier to 50% or lower is optimal for reducing moisture in the room. You May Like: Homes For Sale In Dallas Ga With Basements. A healthy humidity level for a basement is between 30-50%. Other natural remedies include using bowls of baking soda and leaving them in the room, but you must replace them every month. Hope this helps. Addressing the lack of airflow can help control basement humidity and keep your foundation and family healthy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ideal range of humidity levels is between 30% to 50%. Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier Reviews, 4+6 Best Whole-House Dehumidifiers (Ducted, Portable), 4 Quietest Dehumidifiers (Best Bedroom Dehumidifiers): 52.1 dB Or Lower. Follow these steps, and youll enjoy being in your homes basement again. There are several reasons why your basement might have slightly higher than average levels of moisture. Youll find that your basement has a lower humidity level in the winter when its colder outside, and theres less humidity in the air. Next, if you arent sure how to keep your humidity levels balanced in your basement, you should read up on your best options. Install a Hygrometer this item will measure the humidity levels in your home. Experts say mold and mildew flourish at humidity levels above 80%. It also ensures the safety of your possessions and your homes structural integrity. It could also be beneficial to install basement exhaust fans. Use silicone caulk or hydraulic cement to seal cracks that are inch or less in width. Generally speaking, 30 to 50 percent, however, percents can depend on the climate and basement. Believe it or not, the basement humidity levels will vary depending on the time of year. When the air is full of water vapor, the body has to work harder to release sweat and keep cool. Thanks for the help! If youre seeing a humidity level outside that range, you might have a problem and need professional help. Lets take a look: Now that you are aware of what the humidity levels in a basement should be, you can follow up by determining if your air conditioner is dehumidifying. Read Also: How To Fix Bowing Basement Walls. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. However, at higher temperatures such as 80F or 90F, the likelihood of mold growth is significantly increased. When youre cooking or right before you shower, turn on the range hood or bathroom exhaust fan to remove moisture from the space. between 5 and 12%Most houses have varying levels of humidity up to 50%, so moisture levels in drywall can vary from home to home. Regardless, they should have free space all around the dehumidifier. In the event you dont have a hygrometer, or you cant find one to borrow, you can check the humidity and seal of the garage by looking at one of the windows or glass panes. The growth of mold and mildew, more importantly, increases the risk of you and your family developing respiratory diseases and allergies. Maintaining a good basement humidity level is crucial as it prevents mold growth and other damage to your home. Most methods of controlling your humidity levels are cheap and readily available for you to utilize. Is there a reason why this might be happening? This little device is extremely accurate, can connect to your phone, and can be safely placed anywhere. Hello Michael, thats a really good question. Water stains on the ceiling, walls, or floor. Purchasing a hygrometer is a small yet worthwhile investment that helps you be more in control of the humidity levels in your basement. beneficial to the health of body or mind eating a good breakfast will provide you with more energy during the day didn't like broccoli even though he knew it was good for him. Walking out your front door and feeling as if youre swimming in the air isnt fun for anybody. Basements are often thought of as damp and musty places, but this does not have to be the case. As the air from outside blows through the home, the fresh air takes over and naturally lowers the humidity to good levels. In this all-inclusive dehumidifier in winter guide, we will discuss the most important factors that will affect the productivity of your dehumidifier. kind, giving adj. Humidity levels vary seasonally based on the heat and humidity outside, so your basement will be on the How to Remove Excess Humidity from the Basement, 6 Types of Grass in Virginia Top Choices for Your Lawn, 11 Air Suspension For Motorhome Facts and Statistics (2023 Update). An ideal basement falls within a humidity range of 3050%. Mold and mildew thrive in humid environments, so by keeping the relative humidity in a basement at 50% or below, you can prevent these harmful organisms from taking hold. 2023 Boggs Inspection Services. The ideal humidity level for the average basement should be anywhere from 30% to 50%, depending on the season. Dehumidifiers can help to improve indoor air quality by reducing the level of humidity in the air. In order to prevent this, basements should be kept at a relative humidity level of 50% or below. Thats close to 100% humidity. Some species, like the Peace Lilly, remove excess moisture from an area and need little sunlight to survive, making them great additions to your basement. healthy. The humidity level in your basement plays a crucial role in determining your familys health. When buying a home, finding one with a basement that has been built out is a nice luxury. This will change with the seasons, as you need to adjust for the different moisture levels in the air. Another helpful way to decrease basement humidity is by increasing ventilation. In the Upper Midwest, cold weather tends to bring lower humidity levels. What Is A Good Humidity Level For Basement House Grail. Direct rainwater away from your house by preventing any clogs in your gutters, and extend downspouts so the water flows away from your homes foundation. While its possible to fix some small cracks yourself, not all cracks are equal. What is a good humidity level for basement? That includes the basement dehumidifier setting. No matter what the ideal humidity level is for your basement, its important to monitor the levels and take action if they get too high or too low. Any humidity level above 60% is considered high and any level below 25% is low. First, too much humidity can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems. A temperature of 50 to 60 degrees will allow the growth of mold and mildew. Another option is to close the windows and doors in your basement to prevent air from escaping. What should you set your dehumidifier on? You typically wouldnt want to go above 40% in the wintertime not only for comfort level but also to keep moisture from accumulating on your windows and to prevent problems associated with a relative humidity that is too high. The ideal humidity level for a basement is between 30 and 50 percent. A dehumidifier can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy humidity level during the winter. What is the ideal humidity level to prevent mold growth and other health problems? Which one would work better? Learn more. Lets take a look below at some more details regarding the humidity levels of a basement. Finished or unfinished basements should maintain an ideal humidity level of 30% 50%. reliable; untainted adj. Several factors could produce excessive moisture in the cellar. Dehumidify your basement Mold and mildew flourish when the relative humidity level is above 80%; therefore all basementsfinished or unfinishedshould be kept at or below 50% relative humidity. However, you might need to place a dehumidifier in the basement to increase the rate of moisture removal. Most HVAC engineers, however, agree that the most appropriate basement dehumidifier setting is 40%. 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