To find the right size dehumidifier for a crawl space, you must consider several key elements. Throughout this guide, you will learn all about those key elements. That way, you will be able to find the dehumidifier that is right for your crawl space and all of its dehumidification needs.
What Is A Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is a machine that removes humidity from your air. By using a dehumidifier, you can remove all of the excess moisture within a particular space. All of this moisture will be turned into liquid and, depending on the dehumidifier and your preference will flow into a moisture tank or through a water line.
What Is A Crawl Space?
A crawl space is a tight, narrow space right underneath the first floor of a home. Every crawl space is completely unfinished, meaning that, should you crawl through a crawl space, you will be crawling across dirt and mud.
The major benefits a crawl space offers are as follows: crawl spaces are easy to set up, up, and affordable since you don’t need to pave the ground to build a home on the land; crawl spaces serve as good spaces to put pipes and electrical wiring.
How Can You Dehumidify A Crawl Space?
To properly dehumidify a crawl space, you must thoroughly clean the crawl space, while also blocking off any potential source of moisture.
For the most part, the cleaning process involves removing puddles of water, eliminating mold, and picking up trash and debris.
Blocking off the openings within the crawl space is crucial. Doing so ensures that no outside moisture can enter the crawl space. That way, the dehumidification process will be much easier.
How Can You Find The Right Size Dehumidifier For A Crawl Space?
To find the right size dehumidifier for your crawl space, you must consider the size of your crawl space.
A crawl space that is 1,500 square feet will, for thorough dehumidification, require a dehumidifier that can remove 90-pints of moisture per day.
A crawl space that is 800 square feet will require a dehumidifier that can remove 70-pints of moisture per day.
A crawl space that is 300 square feet will require a dehumidifier that can remove 40-pints of moisture per day.
The reason a dehumidifier must be able to remove so much moisture, within a single 24-hour period, is because crawl spaces are extremely humid. A crawl space is, after all, sitting on the dirt, which means that water vapor flows through such spaces with tremendous ease.
What Size Dehumidifier For a Crawl Space
| 300 sq. ft. | 500 sq. ft | 800 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | |
| Slightly Damp 50-60% Humidity Air Feels Slightly Heavy | 20 pint | 25-30 pint | 35-40 pint | 50 pint |
| Moderately Damp 60-70% Humidity Occasional Musty smell | 20 pint | 25-30 pint | 35-40 pint | 50 pint |
| Very Damp 70-80% Humidity Wet spots on walls or floor | 25 pint | 30 pint | 45 pint | 55 pint |
| Wet 80-100% Humidity Seepage on walls & floor mold may be apparent | 25-30 pint | 35-40 pint | 45-50 pint | 60 pint |
What Are Some Good Features To Look For In A Crawl Space Dehumidifier?
A crawl space dehumidifier should offer a humidistat and a water line connection.
Making use of a humidistat ensures that the crawl space dehumidifier gets the humidity levels down to a certain percentage. As soon as that happens, the dehumidifier will shut off.
With a water line connection, all of the moisture being removed flows through a separate pipe, so that you do not have to empty it manually.
Conclusion
To find the right dehumidifier for your crawl space, just consider the size of your space, and take any precautions necessary for you to thoroughly dehumidify that crawl space.
