The crawl space is useful for various things, including access to plumbing, electrical wiring, heating, and cooling systems without having to dig up the ground. It is also possible to install insulation in the crawl space. Furthermore, the crawl space can be a barrier between the moist earth and the house’s wooden components. If properly sealed, it can also aid with rodent reduction.
Crawl spaces, on the other hand, have several drawbacks. If not properly kept and managed, crawl areas can cause several air quality issues in your home owing to moisture accumulation.
If your home has a crawl space beneath its foundation, you might not think dampness is an issue. One of the ways you can care for your crawl space is by installing a dehumidifier.
Installing a crawl space dehumidifier is one technique to keep excess moisture out of your crawl space. Excess moisture in a crawl space can go undetected for a long time, resulting in structural deterioration, mold growth, and poor indoor air quality throughout the house.
Termites, mosquitoes, and cockroaches all thrive in dark, damp conditions, and a crawl space with excessive moisture concerns is an open invitation.
Excessive Moisture in a Crawl Space: What Causes It?
The following factors can contribute to excessive crawl space moisture:
- Standing water is caused by clogged drains, leaks, or pipe condensation.
- Direct evaporation of moisture from the ground.
- Outside air enters the crawl space through vents.
A crawl space dehumidifier helps remove excess moisture from your home’s lowest and most difficult-to-reach areas.
Why a Dehumidifier will be Beneficial to your Crawl Space
Energy Efficiency
As you might expect, dehumidifying the air in your crawl space makes it much easier to maintain the air in your living area. Rather than turning up the air conditioner to eliminate the humidity, you’ll be able to keep a more consistent humidity level, saving you money on your energy bill.
Health
The stack effect, as previously indicated, draws air into your home from the crawl space. This air may contain allergens that produce symptoms such as breathing difficulties, headaches, eye irritation, and other, more serious ailments. You may enhance your health and alleviate many of the air quality issues in your house by utilizing a dehumidifier.
Comfort
Aside from health and energy savings, maintaining a low humidity level in your home is a no-brainer. This will allow you to sleep or work without feeling sticky and uneasy. Plus, because the dry air won’t feel as warm, you’ll be able to keep your thermostat set a little higher.
Structural Stability
Remember that your subterranean area will likely have wooden supports, studs, and joists. When the humidity level rises above 70%, moisture penetrates the wood and begins to break it down. If the issue is not rectified, these supports may become unsound in the future. A humidifier will remove excess moisture from the wood, ensuring it remains sound.
Best Features to Look out for when Searching for a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Area of Coverage
This indication can estimate the unit’s performance in your space. You must consider both the surface’s size and the humidity level. You’ll want a model that can dry out quickly even when humidity is higher than normal. Remember that a crawl space that isn’t properly insulated or sealed may hold additional moisture.
Capacity of Tank
Depending on the humidity level in your area, your dehumidifier may quickly fill up. Emptying the tank can be a chore if you’re on a tight schedule or have your hands full most of the time. It would help if you looked into getting a unit with a higher tank capacity so you don’t have to empty it as frequently.
Size
An extra-large device will not only stick out like a sore thumb in an already cramped space, but it will also be challenging to store. This aspect influences your level of comfort. You don’t want to overspend on a dehumidifier that takes up too much room in your crawl space.
Safety Features
Consider how you could make things better or easier for yourself. A crawl space dehumidifier should relieve rather than add to your worries. Recent models have elements that ensure the product’s long-term durability and safety.
How to care for your dehumidifier
- If you don’t clean your dehumidifier regularly, it may become less effective. It won’t be as effective at removing moisture from the air and may require more energy to operate, raising your electric bill. To avoid these problems, make it a habit to clean your dehumidifier regularly, beginning with the filter.
- Filters in dehumidifiers should be changed or cleaned regularly. Some models have permanent air filters, while others have disposable air filters that should be replaced once or twice a year, depending on the amount of dust and other allergens they have accumulated. Because there is so much diversity in how to clean different brands and models, it’s crucial to first consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Place to put a Crawl Space Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier should be placed where the discharged airflow is uncontrolled and can be emptied rapidly. Dehumidifiers are noisy, so bear that in mind if you’re going to put one in a noisy area.
What should the Crawl Space Dehumidifier’s Humidity Level be?
Keeping the humidity in your crawl area between 30 and 60% is critical, ideally around 55%. You can achieve that ideal humidity level in your crawl area no matter the present humidity level.
What can Maintenance Work be Done to Keep the Crawl Space Dehumidifier in Good Working Order?
Empty and clean the dehumidifier’s water basket with soap, water, or a light chemical cleaner at least once a month. Vacuum the air intake and grills to prevent dust from accumulating and impeding the dehumidifier’s airflow.
We are wholesale manufacturers of various types of dehumidifiers for residential and commercial purposes. We ship to any part of the world. Please, fill out the contact form to get in touch with us.
EN 
ES 
FR 
PT 
DE 
IT 
PL 
NL 
RO 
HU 
EL 
BG 
CS 
SV 
DA 
SK 
HR 
LT 
SL