Crawl Space Dehumidifier: Worth Your Money?

Properties in areas with a humid climate or with limited ventilation in crawl spaces are hospitable to allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew. This might not seem like a big deal to some, but it can cause skin and respiratory system irritation. If left untreated, that moisture can also build up, migrate up into the facility, and damage structural integrity through rotting floor joists and inviting pests. In fact, metal appliances like furnaces and water heaters are also vulnerable to moisture because they might start to erode. To combat this issue, a crawl space dehumidifier can help.

What is a Crawl Space Dehumidifier & How Does It Work?

A dehumidifier is an air conditioning device used to reduce and maintain the humidity level in the air. These devices work in two different ways:

Refrigeration

Warm, moist air is sucked in through a grille using an electric fan from one side of the unit. The air then passes over freezing cold pipes through which a coolant circulates, cooling the air. The moisture in the air is turned back into liquid water and drips down off the pipes. After that, the moisture-free air passes over the hot condenser, warms back up, and is blown back into the room through another grille.

Absorption

Unlike refrigerating dehumidifiers, these devices work by "mopping" the water out of the air through a water-absorbing material and then "squeezing" the water away to remove it.

Learn More Here: How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

What Are The Benefits of Crawl Space Dehumidifiers?

Here are some of the benefits of having a dehumidifier in your crawl space.

• Health protection. Improving the air quality translates to better, protected health. High humidity is a petri dish for mold and dust mites. A dehumidifier can decrease the moisture in the air, improve the air quality, and reduce symptoms of allergies, including headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory issues.
• Pest protection. Pest infestations are believed to cause more damage to facilities than storms and fires combined. Controlling moisture by using a dehumidifier not only protects your health but also protects your facility against pests.
• Increase structural integrity. A high relative humidity level of 70% or above is likely to produce condensation and increase the likelihood of wood rot. Damaged wood in crawl space loses its strength, and there's a possibility that it might no longer be able to hold the weight of your facility. This is why having a dehumidifier can help protect your facility from this moisture-induced wood rot.
• Living space comfort. Uncomfortable living or working places are often a result of high levels of humidity that can make you feel hot and sticky. Installing a dehumidifier can solve the issue easily by controlling the humidity levels and help save money by decreasing the need to use an air conditioning unit.
• Efficient Use of Energy. Using an air conditioner to remove excess humidity in your facility consumes a lot of electricity, resulting in high energy bills. However, using a dehumidifier in your crawl space can maintain optimal relative humidity levels during springtime, summertime, and the fall.

Signs You Need A Crawl Space Dehumidifier

From foggy windows to funky smells, here are the five most common signs that your facility has excessive humidity and you need a dehumidifier for your crawl space.

1- Poor Air Quality

If people in your facility have been complaining about issues like asthma, allergy, or flu, chances are the air quality of your facility is poor. In most cases, if crawl spaces of facilities have poor air quality, other spaces are no different as the air moves up. This is why investing in a crawl space dehumidifier is important to alleviate moisture and improve overall air quality.

2- Condensation

Have you been noticing condensation on the interior glass or water beading on a window? This is a typical sign that there is too much moisture in the space! This often happens if you have an HVAC system in your facility, and this moisture build-up can eventually result in rotted wooden casings and mold.

3- Mold

What is the last thing any facility owner would like to see within their walls or crawlspace? Mold! Humid and dark environments are the perfect recipe for mold to thrive. If you have witnessed any mold in your facility, it is a clear sign that your space is not safe. The first thing you should be doing is to get it professionally removed. Then, to stop it from showing up again, install a dehumidifier in your crawl space to keep it dry. This will drastically decrease the chance of mold and mildew growth in the future.

4- Musty Smells

Most facilities with issues of high humidity, mold, and mildew have a strange musty odor due to the toxins they release. If you start smelling musty odors, chances are your facility is also a victim of high humidity levels and needs a dehumidifier.

5- Structural Damage

The most extreme signs of high moisture in the crawl space can be seen if there are some structural damages in the facility, such as rusty metal fittings or support beams, buckling floors, rotted or damaged wood, or swollen doors and windows. All of this can be a result of mold growth or pest infestation. Whatever the reason may be, if you're facing any of these issues, it is imperative to use a dehumidifier to ensure the longevity of your space.

Where To Buy?

If you are looking for the best solution to protect your facility from any issues caused by high humidity levels, a crawl space dehumidifier is your best bet! Check out ProServices Supply's online store to find a dehumidifying system for your facility, or reach out to our experts at (877) 776-8228 to speak with one of the HVAC experts and discuss your case.