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A crawlspace is a utility area underneath a house or building that is usually made of cinder blocks that are
stacked three or four levels high. Sometimes, the cinder
blocks are covered with a brickwork facing. The crawlspace
allows the builder to get the house up off the ground and avoid
standing water and bugs. It is less expensive than a full
basement, but it still gives workers access to pipes, duct work,
and the HVAC system. Dampness and moisture are major
problems for crawlspaces and basements. One way to fight
dampness is to install a dehumidifier engineered for these small
spaces.
Crawlspace dehumidifiers
are designed specifically to control the relative humidity in a
very tight space. With their low profile and rectangular
design, these dehumidifiers are used to prevent
mold, mildew, and musty odors. They keep wood from rotting
and from becoming attractive wet areas for termites.
When locating
a spot in your crawlspace to place your dehumidifier, it is
usually best to place the unit in the middle of the crawlspace.
This will provide a more centralized air flow that will allow
your dehumidifier to efficiently remove the most amount of
moisture. If you are using multiple dehumidifiers, space them
apart to cover the maximum area.
A crawlspace dehumidifier is different from an inside, room
dehumidifier, because you have transport the water. You
want to turn the crawlspace unit on and allow it to function
without having to worry about the water drainage. Basically, there are three
water removal options to drain your crawlspace
dehumidifier. You can drain the
water into the sump pump, through your existing HVAC drainage
system, or you can create your own
water removal system.
The first two options require a length of hose and either a
gravity drain or a condensate pump. You attach the hose to
your dehumidifier and transport the water where you want the
water to go.
If you want to drain the water outside of the building, creating
your own drainage system is a little more complicated. Make a hole in your
vent or outside wall that is just big enough for the drain hose.
Be sure that the water is going to drain far enough away from
the crawlspace. If not properly spaced, the water will re-enter
the crawlspace. Depending on the logistics of your property /
crawlspace, you may need a
condensate pump and longer drainage
tubing.
Test your water drainage system after you set up your dehumidifier. If you port that water into
your HVAC system, you must make sure the HVAC system is functioning properly and draining the water
away. A level house with a level HVAC system could cause water to back up and rust out your HVAC unit.
So, when you or your contract worker is hooking up the dehumidifier, make sure to test the HVAC system,
your water removal set up, and all PVC hose and
plastic pipe connections for leaks By installing your new
crawlspace dehumidifier, you
have not only helped protect your home from moisture damage, but
you are also helping to protect the health of you and your
family by improving your indoor air quality. The air beneath
your home directly feeds into the air above where you live and
breathe. Mold colonies beneath your home constantly release
spores into the air that travel upward into your home. An
effective crawlspace dehumidifier will dry out the mold
colonies, causing them to fall dormant. Maintaining a dry
crawlspace will prevent new mold colonies from forming.
Compare All Dehumidifiers or return to the
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