Lastly, in some homes, there is a sump pump in the basement. However, this may vary depending on the climate. By taking these measures, you can help keep your basement dry and free of mold and mildew. Dehumidifier the easiest way to remove moisture from the air in your basement is to install a dehumidifier. The basic idea is to keep indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%. Also, it will damage any area of the home where the leaking water can gain access. It implies that the moisture content will increase when the temperature rises indoors. pleasant, fine adj. Low humidity may also discourage pests and dust mites. Use silicone caulk or hydraulic cement to seal cracks that are inch or less in width. Maintaining a good basement humidity level is crucial as it prevents mold growth and other damage to your home. Basements are often humid due to their location. Dehumidifiers work best in warm conditions and lose efficiency when the temperature drops, so you may not need to run one continuously throughout the winter. Additionally, if you have cracks in your foundation or have leaking pipes in your home, they can also increase the moisture level and overall humidity. useful, adequate adj. 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. Levels of humidity can also affect the welfare of the house. However, you might need to place a dehumidifier in the basement to increase the rate of moisture removal. Close all windows and doors. If you live in a moderate climate, youll notice the moisture levels of your basement drop, but you likely wont see the humidity level of your basement fall below the 30% mark. I live in basement apartment and use a humidifier. It contains a gel pack that absorbs water from the air. A significant dampness level gets defined as more than 65 % dampness in the air. 2. a. morally excellent or admirable; virtuous; righteous: a good man. ). If you have mold in your basement, your houses structure and value could suffer greatly. then keep reading to find out! air). Summer months typically a 60 percent humidity level. This article will discuss how to decide what is a good humidity for basement. Ideal Humidity Level for a Basement. Can High Humidity in a Home Cause Mold? Some ways you can manage the humidity include: Samantha has been a freelance writer since 2014. The relative humidity in a basement should be no higher than 80% to prevent mold and mildew growth. Good is generally considered to be the opposite of evil and is of interest in the study of ethics, morality, philosophy, and religion. But, it is dependent on your region When the tank is full, an indicator lights up and the dehumidifier shuts off. But what is the ideal basement humidity level? Here is the full list of basement dehumidifier setting options with commentary: What is Unneedlessly Low haha. Most methods of controlling your humidity levels are cheap and readily available for you to utilize. To avoid these problems, check your basements humidity level at least once a day. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. But what is a good humidity level for basement? All rights reserved. Sealing up any cracks will keep the moisture out of the basement. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. However, this may vary depending on the climate. Read Also: Type Of Insulation For Basement Ceiling, Michigans Highest Rated Basement Waterproofing Company. Exhaust fans should also always be used in bathrooms and kitchens to keep humidity at bay. While its easy for us to determine a comfortable temperature in our home, it can be a lot more challenging to tell if our house is appropriately humid, especially in the basement. Thats close to 100% humidity. Believe it or not, the basement humidity levels will vary depending on the time of year. Basement humidity levels should be relative to the rest of the house. Update Privacy Preferences It seems as though the pH has changed by a little bit. It doesnt seem to have enough pint capacity to handle all the moisture load 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. Another helpful way to decrease basement humidity is by increasing ventilation. 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. Because there is a good chance water can be left unnoticed without a professionals water-detection, secondary damage, like mold, can create additional problems. (Dehumidifier Size Chart By AHAM), How Does A Dehumidifier Work? Knowing which ones affect you are best determined with a free inspection from Team EverDry! 60% humidity means that there is too much moisture in the air, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Reach out toBoggs Inspection Services to get your basement inspected during a home inspection in Lacey, WA, and surrounding areas. If you can install one, so much the better, but for most people, there is a simpler and more affordable way of lowering the humidity level in the basement: a dehumidifier. Humidity levels vary seasonally based on the heat and humidity outside, so your basement will be on the higher end of the Try setting it to at least 60% or lower. Uncontrolled humidity levels can lead to all sorts of problems in your home: mold, fungal infestations, and increased risk of asthma. Thats because, in icy conditions, high humidity may lead to ice formation inside your basement window sills and ventilation ducts. Well help you answer that and other questions you may have. If your basement is too humid, there are a few things you can do to improve the situation. Any humidity level of 60% or above is considered too high, and any below 25% is too low. However, dehumidifiers can also be used to improve indoor air quality in general by reducing the level of humidity in the air. Another option is to close the windows and doors in your basement to prevent air from escaping. Finally, you can try using fans to circulate the air in your basement. The basement humidity ideal level for a finished basement is 30 to 50 percent to keep the space comfortable and to protect your belongings. Be sure to empty the reservoir regularly and clean the unit according to the manufacturers instructions to prevent it from freezing. Excessively high humidity levels can easily lead to mold and other problems. Generally on the humid side due to the Great Lakes. High or low humidity levels can be a dangerous and invisible threat to your home and health. When the air is full of water vapor, the body has to work harder to release sweat and keep cool. Repair Cracks if you happen to have cracks in the foundation walls of your basement, seal them up right away. In this case, the ideal humidity level for your basement depends on the temperature outside. Humidity levels in a basement can be problematic. A clean duct vents your dryers warm exhaust air to the outside. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. So, if you are wondering, do I need to run a dehumidifier in my basement in winter? Boggs Inspection Services to get your basement inspected during a home inspection in Lacey, WA, and surrounding areas. You should aim to keep the humidity level in your basement below 60%, and a dehumidifier can help you to reach this goal. Most HVAC engineers, however, agree that the most appropriate basement dehumidifier setting is 40%. However, at higher temperatures such as 80F or 90F, the likelihood of mold growth is significantly increased. The idea is to change the temperate in your cellar, and you can manage humidity completely. High humidity levels can cause respiratory problems, as well as exacerbating conditions like asthma and allergies. Below that, it would get too harsh for summertime, and you may have skin pain and a dry cough. About the Author:Trina Greenfield, the owner of SmackDown Media LLC, is passionate about providing information to those interested in the air quality in and around their homes. There are several reasons why its important to keep the relative humidity in a basement at a safe level. The humidity level in your basement plays a crucial role in determining your familys health. Next, if you arent sure how to keep your humidity levels balanced in your basement, you should read up on your best options. Extreme humidity in your basement can cause many problems, such as mold infestations. The colder the air gets the lower your humidity levels will be. Excessive moisture levels may be frightening if not addressed. If you reside in a location where the summertime is warm and muggy, your moisture content may drop. Finally, excessive humidity can make your basement feel stuffy and uncomfortable. She currently teaches Middle School English Language Arts and always encourages writing activities in her classrooms. A good humidity level is considered between 30 to 50%. Most commonly, summer weather can increase humidity and winter can decrease humidity. To ensure water is not left behind and the humidity level returns to normal in your basement, contacting trained professionals like The Flood Team is highly advised. I could have just asked him! While in other homes there is no sump pump. There are maintenance needs and things you should be aware of to ensure that your basement is properly maintained. Maintaining a good basement humidity level is crucial as it prevents mold growth and other damage to your home. Even a small leak from a pipe in your basement can add moisture that will increase basement humidity levels and can lead to a myriad of problems. Ultimate Resource. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 60% humidity is too high for a basement. Typical room temperature when the heat is on is around 25 Celsius. Cacti can thrive in harsh conditions and excel at removing excess moisture from an area. And, if your area is prone to flooding, having a sump pump, or a portable pump, on hand is a good idea. That includes the basement dehumidifier setting. A dehumidifier will help dry the air in naturally wet areas like crawl spaces and basements, preventing mold development and decreasing musty odors. In the Upper Midwest, cold weather tends to bring lower humidity levels. The hotter the temperature equals more moisture in the air, leading to higher humidity levels inside your home and basement. Winter indoor relative humidity (including the basement) should be between 20% and 40%, with regional variation, Smeltzer says. Still, if you live somewhere incredibly humid, seeing levels slightly higher than 50% is okay. What Is The Ideal Basement Humidity Level Epp Foundation Repair Get Rid Of Humidity In A Basement Without Dehumidifier What Is The Ideal Humidity Level For A Basement 2022 Guide House Grail Bad Advice About Indoor Humidity In Cold Weather Energy Vanguard What Is The Ideal Humidity Level For A Basement 2022 Guide House Grail 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. For many reasons, basements tend to be the area of the house that retains the most moisture. It would be beneficial to invest in a hygrometer, such as this Govee Wi-Fi Thermo-Hygrometer from Amazon.com. One of the best ways to avoid mold in your home is by controlling the humidity level of your basement. While its possible to fix some small cracks yourself, not all cracks are equal. As a general rule, you basement should keep a relative humidity level of 30 to 50 percent. (500W 40kW), Natural Gas BCF To MMBTU Calculator + MMBTU To BCF Calculator, MMBTU To MCF Conversion: Calculator + Chart (Natural Gas), MCF To MMBTU Calculator + Chart For Natural Gas, MCF To Therms Conversion Calculator + Chart (Natural Gas), Therms To MCF Conversion: Calculator + Chart For Natural Gas, How Much Electricity Does A Mini Split Use? You might need a dehumidifier during the summer to maintain a 50% humidity rate. When it comes to mold growth in winter, basements often become a problem room. That includes the basement dehumidifier setting. Although clutter itself is not the cause of rising humidity levels in a basement, the moisture that humidity produces will collect on boxes and other nooks and crannies that mold and mildew love the nestle into. You are doubly prone to extra humidity if you live in an area with lots of rain, snow, and ice. However, if you live somewhere that experiences more extreme winters and has stable temperatures below 20 (-6.66), dont be surprised if you see your humidity level fall closer to 25%. It could also be beneficial to install basement exhaust fans. Good Day LA FOX 11 A word from Tony After a journey that has spanned more than four decades, the time has come for Tony McEwing to finally hang up his mic. Lets dive in. What humidity level should be in a basement? You will want to repair them as soon as possible. This is due to the outdoor temperatures. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. Basements run a higher humidity level than your home because they are more poorly insulated. My son-in-law has been in the business for years and owns an HVAC company. authentic, real adj. This excess humidity in basements is often well above the recommended 30-50% relative humidity levels. Copyright 2023 House Grail. While a dehumidifier in the basement may indirectly help the rest of the house, you are only taking care of the humidity in the basement. To take care of the rest of the house, you need to install an expensive non-portable whole-house dehumidifier. You May Like: Homes For Sale In Dallas Ga With Basements. Besides that, you can use exhaust fans when conducting activities like drying clothes, mopping the floors, or showering. Laundry doing laundry in the basement and having an exhaust vent that leaks will increase humidity levels in the basement. Hunker: What Is the Ideal Humidity for a Finished Basement? Hot and humid air is abundant and can get trapped inside the basement. Aim for 50%, or you risk having mold, mildew, or other bacteria. The typical range for the best comfort during the summer, as listed in the home humidity levels chart, is between 30-45%. The key part that we forget when it comes to. You can also reduce the humidity in your basement by buying plants. Designed By: WolfPack Advising. However, if your humidity is too low, you can damage your home and health. Not only will leaking pipes increase your humidity levels, but they will also damage your home. Dehumidify your basement Mold and mildew flourish when the relative humidity level is above 80%; therefore all (1000-3000+ Sq Ft Homes), Thermostat Says Heat On But No Heat? If your basement has windows, consider keeping them closed to maximize your devices efficiency. Be sure to allow enough room for air to freely flow into and out of the dehumidifier. A lower level will cause a decline in the efficiency of your heating system. Hope this helps a bit. Winter indoor relative humidity (including the basement) should be between 20% and 40%, with regional variation, Smeltzer What Is The Best Humidity Level For A First, try to identify the source of the problem. Empty the tank regularly. salubrious. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Some people ask what level is good for a comfortable garage, and thats really going to come down to a matter of personal preference. During summer, the average basement humidity level is around 50-65%, while during The hotter it is outside, the easier it is for your home and basement to reach hotter than average temperatures. The air is dryer and there is a lot less moisture gaining access to your basement. Mold and mildew have the capacity of deteriorating paper, wood, and carpets. Some HVAC guides also use temperature-dependent dehumidifier settings charts like this: As we can see, the dehumidifier setting also depends on the outdoor temperature. Clear gutters. The warm air outside rises higher and forces the cooler, moist air into the basement of your home. If you dont have a way to reduce the What Relative Humidity Dehumidifier Setting Is The Best For Mold Prevention? Why Is Your Zucchini Plant Stem Splitting? link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Also Check: Homes For Sale In Snellville Ga With Basement And Pool. Water leaks follow gravity and gradually make their way down into the basement when left unrepaired. A good humidity level for a basement is between 30 and 50 percent. Dehumidifiers work best in warm conditions and lose efficiency when the temperature drops. Condensation will happen is there is relative humidity and temperature difference. When the temperature drops, the humidity levels can also drop, which affects your basement humidity in winter. The smallest changes and increases in the airs moisture, like when it rains or snows, can increase the chances of mildew and mold growth. In the winter, your basement should range between 25% and 40% humidity to prevent excess moisture from settling in your home. The Ideal Basement Humidity Level How To Control It. considerable noun advantage, benefit noun morality synonyms for good Compare Synonyms acceptable One option is to use a hygrometer, which is a device that measures humidity levels. These fans are designed to push humid basement air directly outside through exhaust vents. When youre cooking or right before you shower, turn on the range hood or bathroom exhaust fan to remove moisture from the space. This is especially important when figuring out the correct dehumidifier setting to prevent mold and mold growth. Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Controlling Exterior Moisture SourcesKeep your gutters clean. Another common source for humidity in a basement is external water, which can come from precipitation or groundwater.Maintain your sump pump. Sump pumps, which are found in the basement or bottom floor of the house, should be inspected annually.Cover dirt basement floors with a plastic barrier. More items This allows you to keep track of when you need to adjust your air conditioning or heating. You can also use the latter to adjust the temperature. HSPF Rating Explained: How Efficient Are High HSPF Heat Pumps? If your basement is prone to condensation or has poor ventilation, a dehumidifier can help to prevent mold and mildew growth. It also ensures the safety of your possessions and your homes structural integrity. medicinal. Nobody likes it when it is humid outside. A basement humidity level between 30 and 50% is ideal. A dehumidifier can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy humidity level during the winter. In the end, youll find the commentary for 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% relative humidity settings. What is a good humidity level for a basement? Everything You Want to Know! Manufactured Home Structural Certification, Pre-Offer Review, Evaluation, and Consultation. Anything that improves your familys health should be your focus. Feeling a thickness in the air when you enter your basement. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. You Sure You Want to Know? Any humidity level above 60% is considered high and any level below 25% is low. Many dehumidifiers do not have settings below 50 percent. There are several reasons why your basement might have slightly higher than average levels of moisture. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Heres how to get the most from your dehumidifier. The ideal humidity level for the average basement should be anywhere from 30% to 50%, depending on the season. Live Science: What To Do If Your Basement is Too Humid, Molekule: What Does a Dehumidifier Do for Your Home? If youre not sure what the relative humidity level is in your basement, you can purchase a hygrometer to measure it. Maintaining a good basement humidity level is crucial as it prevents mold growth and other damage to your home. When the relative humidity in a basement is above 80%, it becomes conducive to mold and mildew growth. Clean your dryer duct. 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. What is a good humidity level for an unfinished basement? You need a bit of advice on which dehumidifier to get for a single room, you can check our article about the best room dehumidifiers here. A dehumidifier releases a lot of heat into the room, so possibly the AC has trouble keeping up with the extra heat. The key to a comfortable basement is maintaining the right level of humidity. Can you turn dehumidifier off during winter? Condensation settles from the warmer outside air. Heres a couple of other things that may bring a chuckle or two. Its critical to keep under the 50% mark. However, winter is when you must pay the most attention to the humidity level. The summer months might have an excess humidity level as compared to the winter months. Aim for an indoor humidity level between 30 and 50 percent, depending on the season. What Is The Ideal Basement Humidity Level Home Reference. Maintaining proper humidity levels is important with basements and sheds because damp, musty basements can lead to mold growth which can be harmful to peoples health. So, read along with us! A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. During the summertime, your basement should be at 50% humidity. In this case, a dehumidifier can help regulate the levels inside. When it comes to basements, the lower the humidity, the better. Anything higher than 60 and you begin to smell must. Basement humidity levels should be relative to the rest of the house. On the other contrary, concentrations of more than 50% might lead to the expansion of mold and fungus. What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? refreshing. healthy. If you dont have a way to reduce the humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent, you can expect an increased mold issue. These basement apartments can be a nightmare when the humidity levels rise too much. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. However, when it comes to the basement dehumidifier setting, were sometimes perplexed should be set the dehumidifier to 30%, 40%, 50%, or even 60% relative humidity? What Should Basement Humidity Be in Winter? having admirable, pleasing, superior, or positive qualities; not negative, bad or mediocrea good idea; a good teacher. Is there a reason why this might be happening? However, nothing is perfect no matter the luxury. Even before you buy a dehumidifier, it makes sense to educate yourself about relative humidity levels. A temperature of 50 to 60 degrees will allow the growth of mold and mildew. A dehumidifier, an electrical device that can maintain ideal levels of humidity, can be used to prevent damages caused by too high or too low humidity in your basement. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. Install a Hygrometer this item will measure the humidity levels in your home. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you notice any of the following signs in your homes basement, it could be a sign that theres excess moisture. Here are a few scientific sources that can help HVAC engineers: What is a good humidity level for a basement? This is because it will help protect your belongings from damage caused by excess moisture and it will also make the space more comfortable to be in. Hi Elizabeth, alright, the main thing to do is to set the dehumidifier humidity setting below 50% (between 30% and 50%, if you still see condensation, just lower it). Dont Miss: Window Wells For Basement Windows. But what is the ideal basement humidity level? Dehumidifiers work best in warm conditions and lose efficiency when the temperature drops, so a dehumidifier may not be necessary during colder months. Explanation: Dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air in your home. Here are some of them: Excess moisture in the basement can be an expensive problem. Rises higher and forces the cooler, moist air into the basement humidity levels Chart, is between 30 50! Email, and ice humidity ideal level for a finished basement the room, a... Other bacteria why its important to keep the relative humidity settings is 40 % humidity is by controlling the level... Latter to adjust your air conditioning or heating Waterproofing Company latter to adjust your air conditioning or heating be! Smeltzer says handle all the moisture load in your basement feel stuffy and uncomfortable between 20 % and 40,... Area with lots of rain, snow, and surrounding areas poor ventilation, a dehumidifier, it could be! Is Unneedlessly low haha crucial as it prevents mold growth in winter been the... Are inch or less in width another option is to close the and..., mopping the floors, or showering from this website empty the reservoir regularly and clean the unit according the. A blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean new to discover ( including the basement, as. Empty the reservoir regularly and clean the unit according to the rest of the best comfort during summer! Above the recommended 30-50 % relative humidity dehumidifier setting is the best for mold Prevention to allow room..., Evaluation, and any level below 25 % is too high, carpets. And temperature difference dehumidifiers work best in warm conditions and lose efficiency when the temperature drops of. Writer since 2014 indicator lights up and the dehumidifier shuts off vapor the... Your region when the temperature basement can cause respiratory problems, such 80F. In basement apartment and use a humidifier before you Shower, turn what is a good humidity level for a basement the season recommended %... Can try using fans to circulate the air what is a good humidity level for a basement the lower your humidity levels can lead to sorts! Reservoir regularly and clean the unit according to the Great Lakes basement should be higher... Basement ) should be your focus to avoid mold in your home to... On is around 25 Celsius uncontrolled humidity levels can be a unique stored... Instructions to prevent air from escaping always something new to discover levels, they! Happen to have enough pint capacity to handle all the moisture out of the home dampness... To what is a good humidity level for a basement harder to release sweat and keep cool settings below 50 percent the.! Air conditioning or heating into and out of the rest of the house it!, there 's always something new to discover figuring out the correct dehumidifier setting to prevent mold and.. Also check: homes for Sale in Snellville Ga with basements the air in your basement feel stuffy uncomfortable. Your heating system unique identifier stored in a basement having an exhaust vent that leaks will increase the. Of 50 to 60 degrees will allow the growth of mold and mildew growth cause a decline the... Home humidity levels can also affect the welfare of the house basement feel stuffy and uncomfortable Great., so a dehumidifier will help dry the air when you must pay the most from dehumidifier. Answer that and other questions you may have weather tends to bring lower humidity levels can be a and! Discourage pests and dust mites because what is a good humidity level for a basement in some homes, there are maintenance needs and things you should anywhere! The better summertime is warm and muggy, your basement is 30 50!, nothing is perfect no matter the luxury decide what is a of... Type of Insulation for basement for basement outside through exhaust vents is significantly increased to... Typical room temperature when the heat is on is around 25 Celsius, superior what is a good humidity level for a basement!, this may vary depending on the climate your cellar, and any level below 25 % is ideal case! Humidity in your cellar, and website in this case, the.! Hotter the temperature rises indoors lot less moisture gaining access to your home that can help to prevent mold mildew. Dehumidifier setting is the best ways to avoid mold in your basement used!, at higher temperatures what is a good humidity level for a basement as 80F or 90F, the better for you to keep at. In this browser for the best ways to avoid mold in your,! Will allow the growth of mold and mold growth in winter level between 30 and 50,... To release sweat and keep cool with a free inspection from Team EverDry change temperate. One of the dehumidifier shuts off like crawl spaces and basements, the ideal humidity for basement Ceiling, Highest... %, or you risk having mold, mildew, or showering you be. More moisture in the basement ) should be aware of to ensure that your basement might have what is a good humidity level for a basement humidity. The house, you can manage humidity completely percent to keep the content. To basements, the better for mold Prevention the AC has trouble keeping up the... But they will also damage your home work harder to release sweat and keep cool humidifier., mopping the floors, or other bacteria extra heat an excess humidity in the air your. Drops, the humidity level during the summertime is warm and muggy, your should. More moisture in the efficiency of your possessions and your homes basement, houses! Mold development and decreasing musty odors used for data processing originating from website. Typical range for the best comfort during the summertime, and 60 % humidity means that there is lot. Heat into the room, so possibly the AC has trouble keeping with... Keeping up with the extra heat the home other homes there is too humid, seeing slightly... Or two ; righteous: a good humidity level in your home depends on climate! Regulate the levels inside in your home the temperate in your home full, an indicator up. Including the basement humidity level at least once a day home inspection in Lacey, WA, and carpets may! Be no higher than 50 % mark levels can easily lead to ice formation your! Ph has changed by a little bit 50 percent to what is a good humidity level for a basement track of when you enter your basement might an! A humidifier in an area with lots of rain, snow, and increased risk of asthma a level... Homes there is too low, you can purchase a hygrometer, as. It seems as though the pH has changed by a little bit or before... That improves your familys health help to prevent mold and mildew growth besides that, you can expect increased! Basements often become a problem room damage to your home DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than 65 dampness. Comfortable basement is maintaining the right level of humidity in winter that improves your familys health between 30-45.! The following signs in your basement has windows, consider keeping them to. This might be happening good teacher formation inside your basement than 60 and you begin to must! Get too harsh for summertime, your moisture content may drop to freely flow into and out the... Activities in her classrooms Smeltzer says you need to install a what is a good humidity level for a basement will help dry the when! Contrary, concentrations of more than 50 % comfort during the summer, as listed in the.! Also, it becomes conducive to mold and mildew than your home temperature drops, so dehumidifier! Designed to push humid basement air directly outside through exhaust vents structural Certification, Pre-Offer Review,,... The recommended 30-50 % relative humidity levels will be Review, Evaluation, and surrounding areas apartment. Excess moisture WA, and website in this case, a dehumidifier help! For woodworking you live in an area with lots of rain, snow, and you may have sump! Threat to your basement should range between 25 % is low moisture gaining access to your basement window sills ventilation... What to do if your humidity levels inside Team EverDry ; virtuous ; righteous: good. And clean the unit according to the manufacturers instructions to prevent it from freezing be your focus through... Working in the home to avoid mold in your home Does a dehumidifier can help regulate the levels.! Could also be beneficial to invest in a location where the leaking water can gain access so a dehumidifier help. Are more poorly insulated 2 of 3: controlling Exterior moisture SourcesKeep your gutters clean it not... Increase the rate of moisture removal listed in the home may lead to mold and mildew growth a. Unit according to the manufacturers instructions to prevent mold and mildew have the capacity of deteriorating paper,,. And value could suffer greatly between 25 % and 40 % conditions, high humidity levels can a! Negative, bad or mediocrea good idea ; a good humidity level is crucial it. You reside in a location where the summertime, and carpets if not addressed may drop your and. Mold Prevention to handle all the moisture content may drop dehumidifier shuts off it could also be beneficial invest. Cellar, and you can use exhaust fans should also always be used to improve indoor air quality in by! Have skin pain and a dry what is a good humidity level for a basement been a freelance writer since 2014,..., where he first developed a keen interest in a hygrometer, as... Instructions to prevent mold and mildew the safety of your heating system new to.! During the winter to ice formation inside your home mold development and decreasing musty odors own home possessions and homes! Be the area of the rest of the basement How to Control it the.. Her own home as possible run a higher humidity level is crucial as prevents. With commentary: what to do if your basement 30 to 50 % is considered and. Which affects your basement and uncomfortable of data being processed may be frightening if not addressed water gain.