Temperature and humidity in the cellar

Knowing the dynamics of the temperature and humidity in your cellar is essential to preserving both the comfort and structural integrity of your house. The cellar, which is frequently neglected or used for storage, is a vital part of your home’s climate control system. It’s an essential part of the ecosystem in your house, not just a spot to store forgotten treasures and old boxes.

Variations in the cellar’s temperature can have a big impact on the rest of your house. Extremes in temperature, whether warm or cold, can affect everything from energy efficiency to the state of your stored goods. Furthermore, the humidity level in the cellar has a direct impact on the amount of moisture in the air, which could result in the growth of mold, the development of musty odors, or even structural damage.

Recognizing the elements that affect the cellar’s humidity and temperature is the first step toward designing a cozy and useful area. To maintain ideal conditions, homeowners can use a variety of strategies, such as insulation and ventilation. You can guarantee that your cellar not only stays a functional area but also enhances the general value of your house by being proactive.

We’ll get into the specifics of controlling the cellar’s humidity and temperature in this post. We’ll talk about common problems that homeowners deal with, like condensation, insufficient insulation, and inadequate ventilation. We’ll also go over doable fixes and recommended procedures for keeping a perfect cellar environment all year long. This guide will offer helpful insights to help you accomplish your goals, whether you want to turn your cellar into a living area or just make it more functional.

Influence on the microclimate and normative values

Building a cellar is a fairly complex task that needs to be approached from all angles. It is unlikely to be constructed of a high caliber if a great deal of consideration is not given to construction standards during the building process. Temperature and humidity are the primary factors that impact food preservation. The primary parameters are these two, and they need to be kept at a specific level.

As per the regulatory records, the ideal circumstances in the cellar are thought to be:

• Humidity in the range of 85-90%;
• temperature in the region of 2-5 degrees.

The best ratio of the primary indicators for increasing the harvest’s shelf life is this one. It needs to be followed year-round, regardless of outside circumstances. A mismatch immediately affects a room’s microclimate.

The dew point inside the cellar shifts when the humidity level rises. Under normal circumstances, it ought to be outside of it. Condensate is produced as a result of this process, covering all surfaces and assisting in the growth of moisture. Mold, musty air, decaying food, and rack corrosion are just a few of the issues that can result in an excessive amount of moisture.

The air gets drier as the temperature rises, which is also bad for the environment. Products are adversely affected and dry out twice as quickly when there is a sudden drop in moisture content and an increase in thermal indicators. As a result, the cellar’s temperature and humidity must always remain within the parameters listed in the technical documentation.

Causes

It’s difficult to regulate humidity and maintain it within predetermined bounds. It is very simple to upset the delicate equilibrium between the primary indicators. The characteristics of the room are impacted by even the smallest design flaws or construction technology neglect. The following factors have had the most impact on the cellar’s microclimate:

• soil type;
• location;
• quality of waterproofing;
• quality of thermal insulation;
• condition of the ventilation system.

The fact that the cellar was built on improper soil may be the cause of its high humidity levels. The coefficient of thermal conductivity varies with soil type. The soil’s ability to withstand thermal effects decreases with increasing values. This assertion holds valid not only for rising temperatures but also for falling ones. A high conductivity soil freezes rapidly. The temperature of the air in the cellar drops sharply as cold air enters the space. While sandy loam and sandstone are thought to be good soil for building an object, loam and clay make poor foundations.

An inaccurate cellar location may result in an imbalance of the primary indicators. if the structure is not close to a water source or sufficiently underground. In this instance, it will freeze in the winter and warm up more quickly in the summer. Such phenomena should be neutralized by at least 0.5–1.0 meters of depth. Constructing a cellar directly beneath the residence is an additional choice. In this instance, the heat from its heated portion will seep through the ceiling and aid in the mixing of the dew point.

Inadequate waterproofing could be the cause of the cellar’s increased humidity. In the event of a disturbance or the onset of rainy season, water seeps into the ground and may penetrate the masonry within the room. In this instance, the size of the exposed area and the degree of wall erosion determine how much moisture enters the cellar. Only by adding a waterproofing layer to the object’s exterior can such a problem be resolved.

The best conditions in the cellar are also largely dependent on the quality of the thermal insulation. It is impossible to prevent the imbalance between temperature and humidity if it is situated beneath the house, in clay soils, or not far enough below the surface of the earth. The only way to remedy the situation is to add another layer of thermal insulation to the walls or ceiling.

Maintaining the quality of goods stored and the structural integrity of your home depend on keeping the proper temperature and humidity levels in your cellar. You can create a stable environment that guards against moisture and extreme temperatures with the right insulation and heating.

It’s crucial to keep an eye on your cellar’s temperature and humidity levels to avoid mold growth, rot, and damage to stored goods. Purchasing a dependable thermometer and hygrometer will enable you to monitor these variables and make necessary adjustments.

Maintaining a consistent temperature in your cellar requires adequate insulation. Foam board, fiberglass, and spray foam are examples of insulating materials that can help keep a room’s temperature constant and stop heat loss. To further improve insulation, make sure to seal any gaps or cracks in doors, windows, and walls.

Installing a heating system, in addition to insulation, can help keep your cellar at the ideal temperature, particularly in the winter. The layout and size of your cellar will determine your options, which can include radiant floor heating or electric heaters.

Controlling humidity is equally crucial to avoiding problems caused by moisture. A dehumidifier can assist in removing too much moisture from the air, and adequate ventilation can encourage airflow and stop the formation of condensation.

You may create a healthier, more comfortable environment for your stored items as well as your entire home by following these steps to control the temperature and humidity in your cellar.

It’s critical to keep your cellar at the ideal temperature and humidity levels to protect the quality of stored goods and avoid problems like mold and decay. Maintaining a balance between these variables guarantees that your food, wine, or other items will age and keep their quality. You can establish a controlled environment that safeguards your possessions and extends their lifespan by learning the optimal temperature and humidity ranges for your particular needs and putting in place the necessary insulation and heating techniques. Whether you’re a food preserver, wine enthusiast, or just trying to make the most of your storage space, controlling the humidity and temperature in your cellar is essential for success.

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