A well-constructed house ensures a comfortable life with a spacious setting and environment. Airy, spacious, and well-lit rooms are mood changers and directly influence the overall temperament of the residence. If you plan to restructure the house, consult an architect or a developer to have a comfortable experience considering the house’s technical and pragmatic aspects, features, and characteristics. Most residents prefer ample space for the basement, probably in the shape of a hall considered ideal for laundry, storage, or extra space for appliances.
The space partly below the ground level is practically used for parking spaces. An underground building or house utility area includes water heaters, geysers, electrical appliances, breakers, circuits, fuse boxes, or broilers. Basements also provide a haven for most dwellers, considering their underground location is mainly used for protection against extreme weather and summers because of cool temperatures. Residents prefer constructing a house basement in a hot climate to evade the heat, as the lower ground floor provides a remarkable space to cool off. However, the basement’s maintenance and upkeep are equal to other rooms because of its underground location. If it is not handled correctly and revamped frequently, the moldings may become prominent and result in other problems for homeowners.
Is 60 Humidity Too High For a Basement?
No, 60% humidity may not be too high for a basement. The best humidity should be around 50%. A basement’s moisture varies from thirty to fifty percent across the seasons. Humidity in the winter can be lower than humidity during the summer; anything higher than sixty percent humidity is deemed too excessive, and molds might be a significant problem.
How to Make Basement Humid Free?
To make a basement humid-free, you may:
- Get a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air by converting the vapor into liquid form. It can help reduce the humidity in the basement by absorbing the water vapor in the basement, thereby preventing moisture from causing molds and improving the quality of air.
- Open the basement windows: Another way to reduce the humidity level in the basement is to circulate enough air in the cellar by leaving the windows open at intervals, especially if working. However, during hot periods, the windows should be kept shut to prevent condensation.
- Keep the basement clean: Reduce the volume of items stored in the basement, as storing too many items might create clutter, leading to mold growth. Keeping the basement clean and well-arranged will help light and heat reach all areas and reduce the moisture in the basement.
- Seal up holes and repair leaks in the basement: Leaks and holes in the basement can lead to humid air entering from outside or water dripping into the basement. Sealing all holes in the basement can drastically reduce moist air inflow from outside the cellar. And, if plumbing leaks in the basement are present, leaks can likely create dampness and wet spots, which can be corrected by fixing such leakages; a professional can be used to improve the leaks.
- Increase/ reduce the heat level: If the basement is freezing, the presence of moisture is likely to happen because of the bbasement’stemperature; raising the heat level can increase the room temperature and prevent the moisture from building up. An extremely high heat level could also leave the room too humid but can be reduced by installing exhaust fans.
- Good Gutters and Drainage Systems: Creating gutters if there are none and making the gutters look clean and flow easily can prevent rainwater from clogging a house’s foundation. When water accumulates at the foundation, it can make its way to the basement.
What Is The Average Basement Temperature?
The average basement temperature may be between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can vary depending on factors.
The frequent basement maintenance requires the same level of investment as any other part of the house. This occasional restructuring of the basement section may cost exponentially higher if there is large-scale structural damage. However, lower ground maintenance should be the top priority for home-related concerns. The basement area does not require a far-fetched glamorous look similar to a kitchen or bathroom, but they are mostly repaired to have a clean, dry, and safe basement area to prevent potential problems. A dry basement is a healthy area as it evades fungus, mold, and mildew accumulation. A damp place may also result in severe asthma and allergy problems, along with other medical concerns.
Humid level of basement
If the basement is used as a storage, center space, or probably as a man cave, the room may accumulate a higher humidity level than other rooms. Even though the basement or cellars are equipped with furniture, the humid environment and air can produce regenerate germs and bacteria, leading to a disgusting growth of mold and other bacterial surfaces. It is not only a safety concern; residents with medical conditions may need to stay away from the basement area. Furthermore, maintenance of the humidity level and occasional valuation of the home is necessary for physical upkeep and a glamorous show of the house.
If you are interested in revamping your basement while keeping its physical appearance intact, follow these steps to address humidity concerns at an acceptable level.
A developer or a house contractor can guide an acceptable and standard rate of humidity. According to the threshold, the basement should have 30 to 50% moisture in the air, as anything more significant than this makes the area moldy and liquid-like, which can be felt within the air.
Basement humidity during heat
The outside air is harsh and humid during extreme weather conditions such as summer. The moist air enters the house’s cellar or basement region, accelerating the humidity to more than 50%. Consequently, homeowners must tackle this issue and correct the moisture below the standard rate needed to retain the ideal humidity level and prevent build-up.
Humidity in the cold season
The humidity level is relatively lower during the winter than in the summer. The cold air consists of low-level damp particles; therefore, the freezing, muggy level tends to drop. However, entering cold drafts into the basement region has other adverse consequences, which can significantly increase your utility bill. Nevertheless, contractors and developers advise the standard basement humid levels during winter to be around 25% to 40% when the outside air temperature is from 20°F to 0°F. While the extreme humidity levels within rooms are not ideal, the shallow humid level also has a wide-ranging effect, especially on health. The frigid air can make your nose bleed and affect the skin, making it dry and patchy. Furthermore, you are more prone to the common cold and other illnesses of the winter season.
Factors leading to humidity in the basement
Basements are more prone to humidity than other parts of the house because underground stores are not adequately insulated, allowing the frequent movement and transference of cold and hot air from and outside the basement. The interior temperature fluctuates and varies according to the atmosphere. Sometimes, old and traditional houses are built on unstable foundations with leaking pipes. Therefore, the humid air or moisture-induced air reaches the inside of the house and increases humidity levels. You can identify the increasing humidity within the air because of damp walls.
How to address humidity issues from the basement
It is better to consult a contractor or a professional to evaluate and identify the source of humidity. Regardless, the earlier you act, the earlier you will result in the basement humidity issue.
Dehumidifiers and exhaust fans
adding a dehumidifier to the basement is a practical option. It is available in different shapes and sizes and operates by condensing moisture into the water through cold evaporator coils. This process is standard for hhomeowners’use because of its effectiveness. In addition, a desiccant dehumidifier can be placed in the basement, which attracts air through a chamber containing water-absorbing gel packs. The gel packs need to be replaced if saturated with humid droplets. Lastly, homeowners can also buy exhaust fans to regulate the humidity levels. They act similarly to bathroom exhaust fans, and the vents of these fans remove and extract the moist air from the room out of the room.
Reconstruct leak pipes and stabilize the foundation
Since unsettled and unfixed lines are considered a source of moisture transfer into the basement, hire a contractor to fix and repair the foundation base. Most of these professionals will caulk them to seal them.
Add more ventilation
In addition to the exhaust fans, consider adding windows and vents and repairs to remove the humid air from the basement to the outside area. Windows can add tons of fresh air to the cellar and significantly reduce the chances of more accumulation.
Will A Fan Help Reduce Humidity in the Basement?
Yes, a fan can help reduce and control the humidity level in the basement. This is quite possible because the fan can assist in pushing moist air from the basement into the outside air and getting air moving around the basement. This aids in moving the wet air out and the dry air into the basement.
How Do You Dehumidify a Basement Naturally?
To dehumidify a basement naturally, you may:
- Place pots of calcium chloride in the problem areas around the basement. Calcium chloride naturally absorbs moisture in the air and can be affordable and quick to obtain.
- Good ventilation can be one of the simplest and cheapest methods of naturally dehumidifying a basement. It can be done by opening the cellar windows as regularly as possible or by placing fans in the affected areas to keep the circulation of air and extraction vents in places with high humidity levels.
- Remove plants from the basement because plants release moisture and impact humidity. Replacing live plants with synthetic plants is the best option.
- Take shorter showers to reduce the moisture that saps into the basement. One prominent source of humidity is in the bathroom, especially showers. However, humidity can be reduced by leaving the windows and bathroom doors open for about thirty minutes after showering.
- Fix leaks as soon as possible. If water traces or rings appear on the walls, they could result from a leaky pipe somewhere in the basement; it’s best to invite a professional to take a look and fix it immediately.
What Should Humidity Be in House in Spring?
The required humidity level in the house during the spring season should range between 45% to 55%.
Can a Damp Basement Affect the Upstairs?
Yes, a damp basement can affect the upstairs. A mold in the basement could become a severe issue if overlooked and not taken care of immediately. The basement mold could enter the home by clothing, doors, HVAC ductwork, shoes, windows, etc. Even pets could bring mold upstairs and might settle on your fabrics, carpet, and wood surfaces; mold grows in dark spaces and quickly grows in the bathroom because the lights are primarily off except in use.
Why Do Basements Have High Humidity?
Basements have high humidity because of the relatively poor circulation and insufficient ventilation, which allows external conditions, hot or cold, to affect the interior temperatures and humidity levels. Therefore, maintaining the basement for a better humidity level will be recommended to keep the windows open for circulation to aid fresh air.
How Do You Fix High Humidity in a Basement?
To fix high humidity in a basement, you may:
- Get a dehumidifier.
- Open the basement windows.
- Keep the basement clean.
- Seal up holes and repair leaks in the basement.
- Increasing or reducing the heat levels
- Good gutters and drainage systems.
Where Does Basement Humidity Come From?
Basement humidity may come from three primary sources:
- Liquid water from rain or groundwater.
- Interior moisture includes humidifiers, unvented clothes dryers, bathrooms, kitchen, and concrete water after construction.
- Exterior humid air, which most times could be traced to poor construction through cracking foundations, lack of good drainage, etc.
What Humidity Should My House Be in Winter?
In the winter, a house’s humidity is likely to be relatively lower. However, the ideal humidity level for a home during winter should be between 30% and 40%. This would be very uncomfortable if the humidity level goes below 30 percent. The healthy recommended indoor temperature is between 18 and 21 degrees during the winter. If your home stays at a 45% humidity level during the winter, the living environment will be cleaner, safer, healthier, and more comfortable; it is essential to regulate your home to be within the ideal frame.
Is it OK to Open Windows With High Humidity?
No, opening the windows with high humidity can be dangerous. Opening your windows to get good air is recommendable but, in some cases, could cause more harm than good. To open windows for fresh air is safe and healthy when:
- Humidity levels are low – meaning the dew-point on a weather app is below 62 ⁰F (16.7 ⁰C).
- The seasonal air quality is good (low pollen and dust levels).
- City air is clean (low pollution and particulate matter).
- There are no risks of safety, privacy, or noise issues.
If you continually open your windows at high humidity, a lot of moisture dumps into the home and can gradually wreak havoc on your health and property.
What Should I Set My Humidifier To?
To set your humidifier, you may set it between 30% and 50% during the summer, spring, and fall seasons. Still, when temperatures drop significantly in winter, you may need to re-adjust the percentage. A humidity level of around 50% can cause damaging condensation on your home’s window sills and walls. When the temperature is between 0 and 10 degrees, you will be better served with a humidity level of 20%. At between 10 and 20 degrees outdoor temperature, change the setting to 25%.
How Can I Get Humidity Out of My Basement Without a Dehumidifier?
To get the humidity out of your basement without a dehumidifier depends on your budget. A few methods can include:
- Airflow to reduce humidity
- Crystal salt is a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the air
- Charcoal briquettes as a desiccant to absorb moisture
- Silica gel can be suitable as a desiccant for controlling moisture, although it could be dangerous and must be kept out of the reach of children or pets.
- Installing a fan for proper ventilation
- Place dry clothes outdoors in the sun.
What is the Best Dehumidifier for the Basement?
To determine the best dehumidifier for a basement, consider the type, capacity, ease of use, space, and how much humidity is required. You may consider Danby, Frigidaire, GE, Hisense, Homelabs, etc. Any of these products could serve as a good humidifier.
From 2022 onwards, Mark has also been contributing author of home repair articles at nimblefreelancer.com.
Read more on Mark Brown's biography page.
Contact Mark: mark@nimblefreelancer.com