Does your building have a crawl space? If yes, then you need to think about the crawl space humidity.
Crawl spaces are one of the most neglected areas of the house, but one problem that everyone knows about them is that they are notorious for excess humidity.
Installing a crawl space dehumidifier ensures that excess humidity does not damage the structure of your building. Moreover, it prevents the build-up of mold and mildew, which can spread across the home and cause allergies and other respiratory problems.
So, where should you place a dehumidifier in the crawl space? You must install a crawl space dehumidifier 4 to 6 inches from the ground level and far away from your bedroom.
Where To Place A Dehumidifier In Crawl Space?
Installing the crawl space dehumidifier in the correct place is quite essential. Below, we share some tips on where and how you should install your dehumidifier in the crawl space.
1. Make Sure It Is On A Level Base
If the crawl space dehumidifier is installed on an uneven surface, condensate can leak from it and will go back into the crawl space, just adding back the moisture and making it ineffective.
The dehumidifier will have to work continuously to remove the excess moisture without actually solving the problem. If you let this continue for some time, it is going to cost you a pretty penny to solve absolutely nothing.
Additionally, excess moisture will still be active in your crawl space, promoting algae, bacteria, mold, and various microorganisms.
Make sure that the crawl space dehumidifier is installed on a level base, at least 4 to 6 inches above ground level. This way, condensate can easily drain out to the condensate pump.
2. Never Under A Bedroom
The location of the crawl space dehumidifier matters a lot. If you install it under the bedroom, it may create a lot of noise. While you may not notice it during the day, the noise level increases at night when it is quieter.
It can become quite irritating when you want to sleep. So, it’s best not to install a crawl space dehumidifier underneath a bedroom.
3. Far From Outside Walls
If you place the inlet port of the crawl space dehumidifier less than 10 feet from the outside wall, it will absorb the moisture-loaded air.
So, you need to install the crawl space dehumidifier at least 10 feet away from the outside walls. The inlet port of the crawl space dehumidifier should not face the foundation wall.
4. Where to Place Based On The Shape Of The Crawl Space
You need to think about the place where you should install the dehumidifier. Choose a place where there will be no blockage to the discharge airflow.
Some dehumidifiers are extremely noisy. So, keep this in mind while installing it in your crawl space. Keep the dehumidifier in the middle of your crawl space if it is a U-shaped space.
But if your crawl space is rectangular, keep the dehumidifier on one of the sides for better results. Ducting should be done in both cases to separate the intake and exhaust air.
Tip: based on my experience, these are the best wall-mounted dehumidifiers.
Why Should You Install a Dehumidifier In A Crawl Space?
We all know that crawl spaces are very humid, but why is that, and how does a crawl space dehumidifier help? Here are the reasons why you must have a dehumidifier in your crawl space.
1. Outdoor Air Comes Through Vents
Crawl spaces usually have vents that allow outside air to enter. Whenever the outside air enters the crawl space, it becomes cooler, and relative humidity increases.
For instance, if the relative humidity before entering the crawl space was 60 percent, then after entering the crawl space, it becomes 95 percent which is close to the saturation point.
If the temperature becomes too cold, the air can become completely saturated, and the moisture in the air may start condensing.
Your crawl space can soon become a breeding ground for algae, mold, bacteria, and mildew because of excess moisture. But installing a crawl space dehumidifier can remove the extra moisture from the crawl space.
2. Bad Indoor Air Quality
During summer months, when warm air from your house rises and escapes through vents, the air in the crawl space takes its place, otherwise known as the “stack effect”. It helps keep the house less hot.
But, If the air in the crawl spaces is contaminated with mold spores, bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms, you may suffer from various health issues like headaches, asthma, skin allergy, or other respiratory diseases.
So, a dehumidifier in the crawl space will take care of extra moisture and help you and other building members to breathe easier.
3. Water Pipes
Water pipes are usually fitted in the crawl space. Leakage of the waterpipes can add extra moisture to the space, which is another reason why these spaces are so moist.
While adding a dehumidifier will not solve your leaky pipes, it will certainly help to reduce the moisture in the air. However, we suggest that you look at the pipes in the space at least once a year to make sure there are no leakages.
Related article: How Long Should a Dehumidifier Run Per Day?
What To Look For In a Crawlspace Dehumidifier?
Now that we have discussed where we need to install the dehumidifier let’s also look at some things you should note before buying one.
1. Capacity
Most people are not serious when buying a crawl space dehumidifier. They may think it is an unnecessary expense and end up buying a cheap model. But installing a model with low moisture-removing capacity is a waste of money.
You need to invest in a good-quality crawl space dehumidifier with a high gallon of moisture removal per day. Read the specifications carefully while buying a dehumidifier.
2. Air Flow
All the moist air should flow inside the dehumidifier within a few hours to decrease the relative humidity inside the crawl space. So, your dehumidifier needs good airflow and a powerful fan.
3. Buy A Dehumidifier With A Pump
You should buy a dehumidifier with a pump so that the moisture removed from the air can be drained outside.
4. Installation Company
It’s essential to check the model specifications of the crawl space dehumidifier before buying one. But you should also check the reputation of the installation company which you use. An incorrect installation can reduce the effectiveness of the device.
Related article: How Much Water Should A Dehumidifier Collect In A Day?
Wrap Up
The crawl space air should have 30 to 60 percent relative humidity, just like the rest of the home. Excess moisture can create health issues and also weaken the structure of the house.
We hope the tips in this article will help you pick a good model and install it appropriately!
Leave a Comment