8 benefits of crawl space dehumidifiers Need You Know
For individuals residing in regions with high humidity levels, it’s important to ensure your crawl space does not become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Dehumidifiers provide an effective solution to controlling the humidity in your crawl space. By utilizing a dehumidifier, you can reduce the amount of moisture that builds up in your home which can help improve air quality, reduce odors, and keep pests away. Read on as we discuss all of the benefits of crawl space dehumidifiers in your house.
Why is crawl space humidity important?
Crawl space humidity levels can affect your indoor air quality, as well as the structural integrity of your home. The more moisture in the air, the higher the risk for mold and mildew growth which can cause health problems for you and your family. Excessive moisture can also damage wood and other materials in your crawl space leading to costly repairs down the road.
Crawl space humidity levels recommend between 50-55%. It is advisable to consistently maintain the humidity level within this range. Exceeding 65% humidity can substantially increase the risk of encountering issues with mold and mildew growth, while levels below 40% may lead to structural damage.
benefits of crawl space dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers is important in controlling and managing the humidity levels of your crawl space. Here are some benefits of crawl space dehumidifiers you can enjoy:
Managing Moisture and Humidity
The primary benefit of crawl space dehumidifier is that it can help you to maintain proper humidity levels in your crawl space. Keeping the moisture and humidity levels under control helps to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, as well as structural damage caused by excessive moisture buildup.
Reducing the Probability of Mold Growth
Mold and mildew are microscopic organisms that can cause health problems and other issues in the home. By controlling your crawl space humidity levels, you can drastically reduce the probability of mold growth, keeping your air quality at its best.
Improve air quality
When your crawl space humidity is kept in check, your air quality will improve as the musty odors and other symptoms of high moisture levels subside. This can help to create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Reduce odors
High humidity levels can cause musty odors in your crawl space, which can then seep into your home. By utilizing a dehumidifier you can reduce the odors and create a more pleasant living environment.
Prevent the intrusion of pests
High levels of moisture can attract pests such as rodents and insects. By using a dehumidifier, you can keep your crawl space humidity at manageable levels which will help to deter the intrusion of unwelcome guests.
Keep your crawl space clean
By keeping the humidity in your crawl space in check, you can ensure that it stays cleaner for longer. This will save you from the hassle of having to clean it frequently and help maintain a healthy living environment for your family.
Enhance the structural integrity
When excessive moisture accumulates in your crawl space, it can cause the wood and other materials to rot or warp. This can weaken the structure of your home and lead to costly repairs. By keeping humidity levels in check with a dehumidifier, you can keep the structural integrity of your home intact for years to come.
Installing a dehumidifier is an effective way to keep your crawl space humidity levels in check and ensure that your family is living in a healthy environment. It also helps protect the structural integrity of your home, reducing the potential for costly repairs down the road.
Optimal Energy Utilization
If your inclination is to activate your air conditioner to reduce excessive humidity in your home, you will inadvertently result in higher energy costs – as more air requires more energy. However, by utilizing a dehumidifier in your crawl space rather than adjusting your air conditioner, you can effectively maintain relative humidity levels at or below the recommended 60% throughout spring, summer, and autumn.
See More: Where to place dehumidifier in crawl space?
How many types of dehumidifier for crawl space?
To answer that question, you’ll want to first understand how dehumidifiers work, air is drawn into the dehumidifier through the intake vent, moisture is collected in a collection tray or bucket and then dried air is expelled through the exhaust vent.
There are two types of dehumidifiers: residential and commercial. The residential variant is likely more familiar to you. These portable units have a reservoir tank on the back that requires periodic emptying when full. They are designed to effectively function in a single room within your home. However, one limitation of residential dehumidifiers is their limited capacity to remove large amounts of moisture in larger spaces. Additionally, they are not intended for continuous, long-term operation as this can lead to eventual breakdown.
On the other hand, commercial dehumidifiers, also known as whole-house dehumidifiers, are specifically engineered to extract significant quantities of moisture from expansive areas. These units are typically hardwired into an electrical system and feature automatic drainage through a hose that empties into a sump or drain system. The advantage of commercial dehumidifiers lies in their ability to operate continuously or near-continuously without succumbing to extended-use related issues.
See More: Do crawlspace dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Conclusion
To sum up, dehumidifiers are a great option for anyone looking to control moisture levels in their crawl space. Utilizing a dehumidifier will form a critical barrier against mold and mildew, reduce pesky odors, keep pests away, and help improve the overall air quality in your home. If you live in an area that experiences high humidity or are worried about the potential impacts of excess moisture, then adding a dehumidifier to your crawl space is an essential precaution. Overall, having a dehumidifier installed is valuable investment that pays off both immediate and long-term benefits. We hope this information can help guide your decision on whether or not purchasing one is right for you! If you have any questions or need additional advice, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below; we’d be more than happy to answer them!
FAQs
How often should dehumidifier run in crawl space?
The ideal RH (relative humidity) level for a crawl space is between 50-60%. Depending on the size and conditions of the area, your dehumidifier should run anywhere from 8-12 hours per day to achieve this level. However, if you find your crawl space still has high levels of moisture even after this amount of time, you may need to adjust the dehumidifier settings or add additional units to ensure your humidity levels stay in check.
Should I run my crawl space dehumidifier in the winter?
Yes, you should still run your dehumidifier in the winter, as high levels of moisture can occur due to snow and ice outside. This is especially true if the outside temperatures are higher than those inside your home – which the crawling space is likely to experience – as this will cause condensation buildup on surfaces that can lead to mold and mildew growth. Running your dehumidifier can help to ensure that this does not become an issue. Furthermore, if you’re running a heater in the winter months, you should also run the dehumidifier as it will help keep your home warmer and reduce energy costs.
How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry out a crawl space?
It depends on several factors such as the size of your crawl space, the level of humidity in the area, and whether you are using additional ventilation. Typically, it can take anywhere from one to two weeks for a dehumidifier to fully dry out a crawl space. However, if you’re worried that this process is taking too long, you may want to consult a professional to ensure that you’re taking the right steps. Additionally, if your crawl space is prone to high levels of moisture due to its location (near oceans, lakes etc.), you may need to invest in additional dehumidification solutions such as damp-proofing or ventilation systems.
