Table of Contents
Are crawl space dehumidifiers worth it?
By using a dehumidifier in your crawl space, you are decreasing the moisture in the air and improving air quality. Improving indoor air quality through moisture control can reduce and perhaps even prevent some symptoms of allergies, including eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory issues.
Can I put a regular dehumidifier in my crawl space?
You may be wondering, “Can I put a regular dehumidifier in my crawl space?” The answer is ‘No’. A crawl space dehumidifier will work well in combination with vapor barriers. Together they will be attacking two main sources of humidity: ground and air.
How much does a crawl space dehumidifier cost to run?
A crawl space dehumidifier costs $1,500 to $2,500. *No installation required. The cost to run a dehumidifier adds $10 to $30 per month on average to your energy bill.
What is the ideal crawl space humidity?
It’s important that you keep to a 30-60% humidity in your crawl space, ideally leveling out at around 55%.
Will a dehumidifier dry out crawl space?
Generally, a dehumidifier set between 30% or 45% can dry out a crawl space in 8 to 10 hours. The exact amount of time to dry out the area depends on the size and moisture levels. You can use a dehumidifier to effectively dry out your crawl space after you’ve removed all debris and outstanding water.
How long does a crawl space dehumidifier last?
Q: How long will my crawl space dehumidifier last? Dehumidifiers don’t require much maintenance other than cleaning or changing the filter every 6 to 12 months. If maintained properly, you can expect your dehumidifier to last around 5 years.
How often does a crawl space dehumidifier run?
So, how often should dehumidifiers run in crawl space? The rule of thumb is, as often as you can. Typically, Crawl space and basement dehumidification require the humidifier to run for at least 12 hours a day.
Can you put a dehumidifier in crawl space without encapsulation?
The only issue is, crawl space vents do not work. If you place a dehumidifier in your crawl space without sealing the crawl space vents, you are essentially trying to dehumidify all air inside and outside of the crawl space, which is impossible.
Should you run a dehumidifier all the time?
Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly? No, there is no need to keep the dehumidifier running constantly. It’s generally enough to run the unit when the humidity level is 50% or higher. A good rule of thumb to remember is to maintain a comfortable 30-50% humidity level for most homes.
How long does it take to install a dehumidifier in a crawl space?
How long does it take to dehumidify a crawl space? When using a dehumidifier for the first time, it may take up to 12 hours for it to begin working correctly and reach the appropriate level of humidity that your home requires.
What are the disadvantages of a dehumidifier?
Con: Noise and Heat Dehumidifiers also tend to blow warm air out of the back of the unit. In the winter, this can be an advantage — but not so much in the summer. Position the back of your dehumidifier in a doorway so that it doesn’t heat up the room from which you are removing excess moisture.
Should all crawl spaces be encapsulated?
Most homes with open vented crawl spaces tend to suffer from moisture-related issues, such as mold and mildew. Besides, water damage can lead to expensive crawl space repair. To avoid these issues, experts recommend encapsulation.
What are the cons of encapsulating a crawl space?
Negatives of Encapsulating a Crawl Space Encapsulation is not Cheap. Encapsulation May Require Additional Crawl Space Insulation. Encapsulation May Require HVAC Upgrade. Encapsulation Requires More Maintenance. Dehumidifiers Require Routine Maintenance.
Does crawl space humidity affect house humidity?
Outdoor Air and Crawl Space Vents On a hot, humid summer day, the air venting into the crawl space could be as much as 75% relative humidity and 85 degrees. When it hits the cooler air of the crawl space, it increases the relative humidity by about 2% per degree!Jan 17, 2020.
How do I keep my crawl space under my house dry?
How to Keep Your Crawl Space Moisture Free Make Sure Your Foundation Is Insulated. Basement waterproofing should be the first step to take if you want to keep your crawl space moisture-free. Get a Dehumidifier. Drain Your Crawl Space Better. Cover the Floor of Your Crawl Space. Use A Fan.
How do I get rid of moisture in my crawl space?
8 Essential Things You Can Do Keep Your Crawl Space Moisture-Free Inspect for damage and repair. Install a crawl space vapor barrier. Insulate your crawl space. Get a dehumidifier. Cover vents. Position gutters and downspouts properly. Install a sump pump. Be vigilant.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Dehumidifiers use energy (some more than others), but they can also reduce energy consumption in other ways. They are also the fastest way to reduce humidity, which has a range of benefits.
Why are dehumidifiers so unreliable?
The major reason why some have complained about the ineffectiveness and short lifespan of a dehumidifiers are as a result of the wrong usage, while also considering environmental factors like temperature that comes into play.
Is crawl space encapsulation worth the cost?
Crawl space encapsulation cost is not cheap but is worth the money, effort, and time. You will save money on your energy bills, decrease pest infestation and build-up of mold and mildew, and protect the foundation of your home for many years to come.
Is AprilAire a dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers. Designed and manufactured in the USA, an AprilAire dehumidifier comes equipped with a bold digital display and a 5-year warranty to help control excess moisture in your home.