What is the correct basement humidity level to prevent mold? Here is what to set dehumidifier at in basement.
Homes with moisture are treated using several approaches among which is the use of dehumidifiers.
The most vulnerable part of a home to moisture is usually the basement and dehumidifiers will be needed around such areas to help with moisture control.
So what do I set my dehumidifier at to prevent mold?
Dehumidifier Setting to Prevent Mold
While this is true, having your dehumidifier work perfectly can be a daunting challenge
There are lots of times when dehumidifiers are underutilized simply because the right settings aren’t used. If you’re going through this article right now, you may be also faced with such a problem.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you can’t seem to figure out the ideal settings for your basement dehumidifier.
We’re here to help out.
Why Use a Dehumidifier?
For persons trying to get a handle on dehumidifiers and the benefits derived, these appliances offer a wide range of benefits.
These include preventing or limiting dust mite growth, eliminating allergies, and getting rid of odors and smells. With a dehumidifier, you get to prevent potential moisture damage to your electronics.
What more? Condensation issues are eliminated by using dehumidifiers. Plus, other valuables are kept safe from rust, mold, and fungus. There is a general improvement in air quality when using dehumidifiers the right way.
Also, mold growth in the basement (or wherever)is discouraged.
Conditions That Need An Ideal Basement Dehumidifier Percentage
The ideal settings for a basement dehumidifier should achieve three things; prevent mold growth, reduce humidity, and eliminate odors.
These three conditions depend on understanding the perfect operating temperature range your basement dehumidifier should operate within.
For a better understanding of the points mentioned, we’ll need to further expand on each.
Due to different geographical temperatures, homeowners must know the most ideal temperature range in their dehumidifiers that will function best.
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Mold Growth Prevention
It’s no secret that mold growth in the basement and elsewhere is primarily promoted by moisture and humid conditions. With a dehumidifier, excess moisture gets removed from the basement.
As earlier mentioned, you’ll need to have the right settings for excess moisture to be removed.
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Reduction in Humidity
All of the points mentioned are interrelated.
Humid conditions give rise to mold growth which in turn leads to odors. In perfect settings, a dehumidifier does the work by getting rid of favorable conditions giving rise to mold growth.
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Eliminate Odors
Odor elimination is closely linked to mold growth prevention.
In other words, mold growth leads to rising in musty odors that could make your basement really stuffy and uncomfortable to be around.
With moisture conditions within an acceptable range, mold growth is affected which in turn eliminates odors.
There’s also a freshening effect that allows you to breathe easy within their basement space. What more? The presence of allergy triggers like mold spores is reduced.
What is a Good Humidity Level for a Basement?
When it comes to choosing the right basement dehumidifier settings, several things come into play. The size of your basement, dehumidifier size, and climatic conditions around your area are key considerations.
Here is a standard dehumidifier settings chart that works for mold control.
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What should basement humidity be to prevent mold?
However, despite these factors, it’s necessary to state that your dehumidifier levels shouldn’t be above 60%.
Settings below this number are advisable. The reason why you shouldn’t have your dehumidifier set at 60% and above is simply to prevent mold issues from resulting.
Mold problems can occur when basement dehumidifiers are set at 60% and up.
To provide a more definite answer, consider setting your basement dehumidifier at 45 to 50%. This should be sufficient to guarantee proper functioning.
We earlier mentioned basement size, dehumidifier size, and climatic conditions as factors to consider for setting your basement dehumidifier. Let’s briefly discuss what they’re about.
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Basement Size
A dehumidifier used in a large basement must be appropriate to the basement size. This is because the one that’s smaller even when set at the right range won’t achieve much in terms of moisture control.
On the other hand, one that has greater capacity than your basement might require lower settings.
When set within the normal range of 45 to 50%, it might affect the moisture conditions of your basement. This is why it’s best to have a professional assess your basement size and recommend the right dehumidifier size as well as its setting.
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Dehumidifier Size
This is closely linked to the point discussed above. Dehumidifier size is crucial to results obtained.
To determine the right dehumidifier size, the basement size is taken into consideration. It’s necessary to seek professional assistance or advice on what dehumidifier size is most appropriate for your basement.
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Climatic Conditions
Climatic conditions are necessary for proper adjustments. Where you live as well as the time of year is crucial in determining dehumidifier settings.
Settings during the rainy season tend to be different from those of the seasons due to increased moisture presence or humidity levels.
Ask an Expert
The perfect basement dehumidifier settings will always fluctuate due to the reasons given above.
In other words, not all settings will work perfectly across the board due to unique moisture conditions in various homes. As such, calling for professional help will be the best way to get a settings range that works best for your situation.
A moisture control technician will examine the size of your basement relative to the dehumidifier you have. If you’re seeking to install a new one, you’re advised on what product brand and size to go for.
All of these are considered helpful tips to serve your unique needs humidity control needs.
What Works for Your Neighbor might not Work for you
A lot of times, people are likely to replicate their neighbor’s dehumidifier settings for their own situation. Such could be absolutely wrong as the proximity of your properties doesn’t translate to having the same humidity issues.
Again, we recommend seeking professional help as such goes a long way to resolve any issues.
Dehumidifier Brands May Require Unique Settings
There are various brands of dehumidifiers and each might work best at certain temperature ranges.
It’s best to seek or call for assistance to know what exact settings to use. Product manuals also hold valuable information on the right settings.
These are important dehumidifier settings information to digest. The best way to get the most ideal settings is with the help of a moisture control expert.