Last Updated: February 26, 2024
Crawl space is the unoccupied, unfinished, narrow space beneath the first floor and the ground. Crawl space gets its name because there’s not a lot of space to move around (1 to 1.5 meters (3 ft 3 into 4 ft 11 in), and you have to crawl around a little more or less. After this, space is considered to be a basement.
Your crawl space may be empty, or you can use it for various purposes. It acts as a buffer between the ground that may contain dampness and the wooden section of the house. It can also be useful in Radon Mitigation with the addition of adequate sealing.
In case you require repairing with your plumbing, electrical wiring, heating, and cooling systems, crawl space provides easy access. Crawl spaces can also be used to install the building insulation.
Since crawl space is directly above the ground, there’s more chance of excess moisture, which can be trouble.
Should You Install a Crawl space Dehumidifier
It is essential to maintain the right humidity levels in the crawl space to protect the structural integrity of the house, as well as to protect any technical components that might be there. High humidity is the breeding ground for mold, mildew, bacteria, and the likes.
There can be a lot of responsible factors for the excess moisture in your crawl space. It may be because of the weather conditions of the area that you live in, and you cannot control this. A leak can also be the reason, and you can fix the exposure to get the humidity back to normal. Floods, ground dampness, and so on, are also factors to be considered.
Using a dehumidifier is the ideal solution in this situation. The amount of humidity in your crawl space, along with the overall size of crawl space, can give you an idea of the kind of dehumidifier you might need. Ideally, you can get a dehumidifier that’s sufficient for your crawl space, no more, no less. Trusted brands are perfect, and you can also get recommendations from your friends and family who also use a dehumidifier for their crawl space.
In this article, we’ll be discussing various aspects of installing a crawl space dehumidifier. We’ll also compare an ordinary dehumidifier and a crawl space dehumidifier to determine which is the best choice in this case.
So without further ado, let’s jump in.
Crawl Space Dehumidifier Installation Guide
Step 1: Preparing the Crawl Space
The first step, before you proceed with the installation, is to prepare your crawl space for installation. The crawl spaces for various homes can be of different dimensions. Regardless, here’s what you need to do, to prepare your crawl space for the Dehumidifier installation.
1.) A Proper Clean-up
It is crucial to ensure that there’s no debris or unwanted clutter sprawled around your crawl space. Not only will it make installation difficult, but it is also going to be harder for you to access the area anytime you wish to, as the crawl space is already so hard to get around. Along with this, cleaning up reveals any damage to space so that you can take care of that beforehand. Not only this, but you also need to put up the vapor barrier, and it is going to be tough to pull off in messy craw space.
2.) Inspecting and Fixing up any Issues
After cleanup, you can properly examine your crawl space. If you haven’t been down there for a while, there can be a lot of new developments that you might not have expected. Any cracks, in the walls, water damage, leaking pipes, and similar issues. Before installing the dehumidifier, you can fix all these preexisting issues and ensure a properly maintained crawl space. It will also be ideal for your dehumidifier, as it would not be consuming unnecessary energy, which the device may need in case of a leak.
3.) Ensure a well-sealed space
For the dehumidifier work to its full potential, you need to ensure that area has proper sealing. Check for any openings that space has. From the ceiling to the foundation vents, seal everything for better results. After you have sealed the area, check it properly once again.
4.) Vapor Barrier Installation
A vapor barrier is heavy-duty plastic sheeting, which is for keeping the moisture out of the crawl space. It will be a big help to your dehumidifier and will ensure less load for the device.
After sealing the area, you can do the vapor barrier installation.
Ideally, a polyethylene that is six to ten Mils thick is sufficient. Make sure to seal all the joints with adhesive during the installation, and overlap the seams at least 12 inches.
After preparing the crawl space for installation, here’s what you need to do.
Step 2: Deciding the right Location
The dimension for different crawl spaces can vary, so you need to make sure that the positioning is the most efficient for your crawl space. Placing the dehumidifier in an easily accessible place will help you in future maintenance. The right place is where discharge airflow is not blocked, and there’s the ease of drainage.
Make sure to secure access to a 115V, 60Hz, 3-Prong GFI outlet with a 15-amp time-delay fuse or circuit breaker.
Step 3: Making the Base
Preparing a base for your dehumidifier is ideal. With a raised foundation, the dehumidifier will be easy to maintain, and it is the most useful way to set it. You can use anything from blocks to level pads, make sure that its stable.
Once you’re finished with that, you can bring the dehumidifier and place it carefully.
Step 4: Ducting and Placement
If your crawl space is unusual in shape, you can use the duct kit to direct the discharge air. With this, you ensure that longer, more energy-efficient running cycles. A more extended space between the intake and discharge is ideal, as it creates a cross current that helps in drying the area more efficiently. You can use the insulated flex duct on the discharge side to ensure minimal noise.
For different crawl spaces, the ideal placement varies. Here’s the quick placement pointer for a few different Crawl Space arrangements.
- Rectangular Crawl space – For a cuboid crawl space, you can place the dehumidifier at either end and use of flexible ducting to separate the intake from the exhaust.
- U- Shaped Crawl Space – In the case of a U- shaped crawl space, the optimal placement is the middle of the dehumidifier and using flexible ducting separate the intake from the exhaust.
- Divided Crawl Space – For a segmented crawl space, you can use ductwork, and extend the exhaust from one segment of the crawl space to the other. If necessary, create holes in dividing walls to form a pathway for return air so it can circulate between sections.
Step 5: Setting up the gravity Drain
After deciding the right spot for placement, building the base, ducting (directing the exhaust), and installation, you need to set up the gravity drain to take the water outside. Make sure that the drain line is suitably set up, without any loops or dips.
After all this has been done, turn on your device. You can now enjoy the benefits of your crawl space dehumidifier!
Crawl Space Dehumidifier or Ordinary Humidifier (What to Choose)?
Whether it is a crawl space dehumidifier or an ordinary one, both perform the same function; keeping your space humidity level at an optimal, preventing any unwanted growths, or any other damage.
If it’s only about functioning, you shouldn’t worry much about the type of dehumidifier involved in the discussion.
You can consider with care, the dimensions of your crawl space. Check our guide on dehumidifier size You can also look at the excess humidity that needs to be removed every day and get a unit that’s capable enough for the job. Search for trusted brands, and make sure to take into consideration a few options before you make the final decision.
So, the question that remains is, what is the significance of the crawl space dehumidifier?
First of all, a crawl space dehumidifier does not have any unique aspect as far as the functioning is concerned. However, you have to consider the particular design of a crawl space. To fit a typical dehumidifier capable enough to dehumidify the entire area while adjusting in the crawl space can be a challenge.
A crawl space dehumidifier is designed especially for crawl spaces, keeping in mind the structural requirements. It is also powerful enough. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide, after assessing your crawl space, which way you want to go.
Conclusion
Maintaining your crawl space is an essential part of the whole house maintenance. When you’re deciding on a dehumidifier for your crawl space, make sure you choose wisely. You have plenty of options in the market, but rather than looking outwards, you should first focus on your crawl space to determine the right choice.
Once you have the right choice, make sure to prepare the crawl space properly for installation. Regular maintenance will ensure ideal humidity conditions in your crawl space, as well as the durability of your dehumidifier.