The humidity level in a comfortable basement should stay between 30 and 50 percent, but this can change depending on where you live. The following article will cover all aspects.
What is the Ideal Humidity in a Basement?
The ideal humidity for a basement is between 30 and 50 percent.
What are High Basement Humidity Levels?
High humidity is when the amount of water in the air is more than 65 percent. There are many reasons why the basement might be too humid. Leaking exhaust vents are one of them.
What are Low Basement Humidity Levels?
As a general rule, the relative humidity in your basement should stay between 30 and 50 percent. Not only does this range make it less likely that harmful bacteria will grow, but it also stops a number of health problems that are linked to low humidity.
What is the Best Basement Humidity Level in Summer?
In the summer, the humidity level in a basement should be between 30 and 50 percent. If it is too high or too low, mold, mildew, and bacteria can grow.
What is the best Basement Humidity Level in Winter?
During the winter, when the temperature outside is between 20° F and 0° F, you should keep the humidity in your basement between 25 and 40 percent. The lower the percentage, the colder the temperature.
Why is the Humidity so High in my Basement?
Most basements aren't well insulated, which means that hot or cold weather outside has a bigger effect on the temperature and humidity inside. If a home's foundation is cracked or its pipes are leaking, the extra moisture can also raise the humidity levels.
What should the Basement humidity level be to prevent mold?
If you don't want mold to grow in your basement, the humidity should be between 30 and 50 percent. If it's higher than that, mold, mildew, and bacteria could grow.
Basement Humidity Level Control
Should you run a dehumidifier in the basement?
When deciding whether or not to use a dehumidifier in the summer, you should always keep an eye on how humid your home is. If the relative humidity stays high, you might want to run your device. In fact, your room will benefit from a basement dehumidifier if the humidity level stays above 50%.
How To Get Rid Of Humidity In Your Basement Without a Dehumidifier?
The following are ways to reduce humidity in your basement without a dehumidifier.
Plants
Most of the time, it's best to get rid of plants if you have too much humidity. However, there are some plants that actually help take some of the moisture out of the air. Such as Peace Lily, Reed Palm, Boston Fern, and Cactus.
Damprid
Damprid is a commercially available solution that has crystals of Calcium Chloride in it. The crystals are kept in a special container (there are different kinds of containers) and soak up the moisture in the air.
Silica Gel
Silica gel is a type of silicon dioxide that soaks up moisture. Even though those little packets aren't very good for a basement, you can get them in bigger "dehumidifier boxes" from places like Amazon. Just pick up one or two and put them around the basement. It won't fix what's causing the moisture, but it will stop the humidity.
Container Desiccant
It comes in bigger bags (4.5 pounds or more) and is meant to be put on shipping containers that are being moved by ocean. Try putting one of these in your basement to see if it helps. When they are full, these desiccant bags will also need to be changed.
Charcoal Briquettes
Since charcoal soaks up water from the air, it can be used to make a natural dehumidifier at home. Just put some briquettes in an empty tin or box that is about the right size. Put it in the basement after making holes in the side and lid.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another common item that can be used to soak up water. Just put about a cup of baking soda in some pretty bowls or jars and put them around the basement. Most likely, you will need to replace the baking soda every 3 to 4 weeks.
Rock Salt
Rock salt can also be used as a dehumidifier, just like baking soda. If you put about a cup of it in a container that lets in as much air as possible, it will soak up moisture from the air in the basement. Also, it will have to be changed every 3–4 weeks.
Install A Fan
A fan won't really help with the humidity in your cellar, but it will help bring air from other places, like the rest of the house and the outside, into the room. Using a fan in your basement on a regular basis at a low speed will help the air flow, moving the wet air out and the dry air in.
Improve Ventilation
- Install ventilation fans, especially in damp places like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and sinks in the basement.
- Open windows
- Use either portable or built-in fans
