On a hot and humid day, the air from the house and the outside air will have a high moisture content thus introducing more moisture into the basement through the make-up air. Simply put, when air cools, its relative humidity levels increases. Most people are prone to turning down the heat in the basement if they are not using it. However, when the air is warming and cooling the air will actually create more moisture that may lead to mold and mildew growth.
May suggests keeping the basement consistently warm at least at 58 to 60 degrees F in the heating season. There are inherent problems with carpet in the basement. Carpet captures biodegradable dust and can be a breeding ground for mold.
While a basement should be treated like part of the house, it is not the same as the upper levels of the house. However, it depends entirely on your location and climate. The humidity level is directly proportional to the temperature. This means, the higher the temperature inside, the higher your humidity level goes. If you live in areas where summers are hot and dry, your humidity levels may get low as well. Whereas in wet areas where summers are accompanied by wet monsoons, the humidity may go higher than average.
Below that will become too dry for summers, and you may experience skin discomfort and dry cough. You can use ventilation, insulation, or even dehumidifiers. See Related: Basement Ventilation Guide.
In winter, any finished basement is likely to dry out. In this case, the ideal humidity level for your basement depends on the temperature outside. For instance, if you live in cold areas where the temperature remains within zero degrees, you should go for 30 to 50 percent humidity inside your basement. On the other hand, in the case of highly frigid areas where the temperature drops below zero degrees, your basement humidity should be 20 to 30 percent.
There are different risks associated with a relative humidity that is too high or low. Sometimes, these symptoms are the first sign of a humidity issue, although they only appear after the issue has existed for some time, if they do at all. Maintaining a good relative humidity level helps eliminate one easily p reventable factor in the causes of these home and health problems.
Low humidity levels in your home lead to dried sinuses and bloody noses. Many respiratory problems, such as asthma may be exacerbated by poor humidity. The dry air is also known to cause chapping and various other skin problems. The primary threat of high humidity is mold, mildew, and other fungal infestations. Mold can damage wood and even concrete.
Furthermore, the spores may seriously affect the health of your family. Some varieties, such as black mold, have even been known to cause death. A comfortable basement should maintain a humidity level of 30 to 50 percent — however, those may differ depending on your climate.
During summer months, the air outside is hotter and more humid. That air can make its way into your basement, increasing your humidity levels to around 60 percent. Because of this, homeowners must work to adjust those levels back to the ideal humidity level between 30 and 50 percent or risk mold, mildew and bacteria buildup. In the winter, cold air from outside can make the humidity levels in your basement drop.
Low humidity levels can have adverse effects on your health, causing things like nosebleeds, dry skin and making you more vulnerable to common winter-time sicknesses. Basements are commonly poorly insulated, which allows outside conditions, hot or cold, to have more of an effect on interior temperatures and humidity levels. If you notice that your basement walls are damp or the air seems thicker than usual, check it thoroughly to see if moisture has easy access to your basement.
Dehumidifiers come in many shapes and sizes. Refrigerant dehumidifiers work by condensing moisture in the air into water with the help of cold evaporator coils. This type is considered the industry standard for homeowners because it works well at room temperature. Another option is a desiccant dehumidifier, which draws air through a chamber that contains water-absorbing gel packs. These are usually quieter than the other option and draw less power to get the job done. Another way to reduce moisture downstairs is to install basement fans to control humidity.
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