Basement dehumidifier setting? (how much, windows, heat, drains)

[ansky]

I have a dehumidifier in my basement that I have been keeping at about 75% relative humidity. It seems to be enough to prevent mildew and musty odors. Is this a good setting or should I adjust it lower? What setting do other people use?

[gentlearts]

We keep ours at 100%, figuring that we want it to pull as much moisture out as possible.

[Mjames]

Mine is set to keep relative humidity at or below 50%.

[SouthMassGal]

I've always heard to keep it at or under 55 relative humidity to avoid mold and moisture problems. I would think 75 would be a wee bit damp... but every home is different....

And I could be wrong

We have one in our finished basement (split level house - half below and half above grade) and I keep it at 50% RH. It really only runs in the heat of the summer. When it's beautiful and dry out (anywhere up to about 75 with low humidity) the windows are open anyway.

[forcedfx]

Mine is at 50. Any higher and it just feels too humid. During the Winter I unplug it since it's useless to have it running then. Mine drains into my sump pump. The grass outside loves it.

[NORMGLO]

I keep mine at 35-50 dependent on how much rain we get.

[sgresident]

we keep ours at around 55% If you have it set to keep the room at 75% humidity, that is too high. You definitely want it to be less than 60..so anywhere between 50 and 55 is good.

[BigJon3475]

Set it to <55%. It might be worth investing in a hygrometer for building materials so you can see if you're building materials are above the recommended moisture levels. Moisture is the best way to deteriorate building materials and structures.

[Momotaro]

I keep mine at 50%, seems to make it real comfy.