The ideal humidity level for a basement should be between 30% to 50% . However, the recommended humidity levels may differ depending on your climate. During summer months, the air outside is hotter and more humid, which can make its way into your basement, increasing your humidity levels to around 60% . In the winter, cold air from outside can make the humidity levels in your basement drop. Therefore, during the winter months, you’ll want to keep your in-home humidity levels around 25% to 40% when outdoor temperatures range from 20°F to 0°F, with the lower percentages reserved for the colder temperatures.

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 a home’s foundation is cracked or its pipes are leaking, the moisture produced can also raise the 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.

To measure basement humidity, you can purchase mini hygrometers in sets of 3, 4, or 6 for under $20.00. Maintaining ideal basement humidity levels can be tricky since all homes are afflicted with a number of variables. The best step to keeping your basement at the proper humidity is to run a humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on the time of the year. Having multiple hygrometers throughout the basement lets you monitor the relative humidity and make adjustments as necessary to stay within the comfort range.

In summary, the ideal humidity level for a basement should be between 30% to 50%, and it is important to monitor and adjust the humidity levels depending on the season and climate.