What should humidity be in 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. May recommends tile or vinyl flooring instead of carpet to eliminate the potential problems.

A common scene in an unfinished basement is a bunch of cardboard boxes full of seasonal decorations and keepsakes sitting directly on the concrete floor. Anything biodegradable on the porous concrete floor may lead to mold problems. If there is ever water or moisture problems in the basement these boxes should be off the floor on a metal or plastic shelf. The shelving should also be at least 18 inches away from the foundation wall and 6 inches off the floor.

If you have to keep cardboard boxes on the floor, May suggests putting down a foil-laminated sheet of polyisocyanurate foam insulation on the floor and up against the wall to protect the boxes from the concrete slab and foundation wall. 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. Similar in function to a bathroom fan, these high-capacity vents push moist air away from the basement and into the outside air.

If used sparingly, you can also run your bathroom fans to reduce humidity in the house. Putting a dehumidifier in the dampest part of your basement can dramatically reduce its humidity levels. A dehumidifier has a fan that draws in air — that air then runs into cooled coils that remove its moisture and deposit it in an attached tank or down a drain.

Make sure to check and empty the reservoir regularly, or talk to a plumber about having your dehumidifier attached to a floor drain. That means that we have to be aware of the basement temperature and the relative humidity.

Sorry, I just felt an unneedless desire to comment, because it made me laugh. But I understood the intended meaning! Thanks for the help!

Thanks for the info! My son-in-law has been in the business for years and owns an HVAC company. Are there water infiltrations from outside, or leaks from plumbing? An inspection of the foundation, drains and plumbing should find the source of the problem and set you on the right path to a solution.

If you have some type of ventilation, turn it on to improve air flow in the basement. Be careful with storage: Avoid clutter in the basement. Reduce the amount of organic materials—e.