5 Reasons to Install a Dehumidifier in Your Crawl Space

Dehumidifier in an encapsulated crawl space.

Moisture in your crawl space leads to mold growth that can quickly contaminate the air you breathe.

While crawl space repair and encapsulation minimize humidity, they cannot always keep levels under control. This is where a dehumidifier steps in.

A dehumidifier is highly recommended if you live in a humid area or a place prone to flooding.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why installing this appliance might be a good option for you and your home.

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Reason #1: Lowers Humidity

A dehumidifier will significantly improve the air quality in your home.

High humidity in your home can exacerbate many respiratory problems. This usually gets worse during the seasons when there’s a lot of rainfall and the air becomes hot and damp.

Other symptoms, such as headaches, heart problems, and allergies, tend to act up when there’s a lot of humidity in the air. Since all of these symptoms can be related to other diseases, it takes time for a homeowner to determine the real cause of the problem and to address it.

Reason #2: Pest Control

A crawl space is an attractive place for pests and insects because it’s dark and humid. Pests aren’t just annoying–they are a health hazard because they carry diseases. Pests such as mice or rats can also chew through wiring and wooden structures.

By making the crawl space less hospitable to pests, you’ll probably get rid of most of them without having to call pest control.

Reason #3: Structural Integrity

Wooden structures tend to be damaged by humidity and rot over time. Although condensation appears when humidity is 70 percent, the wood begins to rot when it is 28 percent.

That means that most crawl spaces without proper waterproofing measures have this problem.

Look for cracking wood that is no longer able to support the home’s structure.

A dehumidifier is just one part of the solution, but it’s an important one. You’ll also need to encapsulate your crawl space and ensure that you have a good drainage system that will remove water from it in case of flooding.

Reason #4: Making the Home More Comfortable

As much as 50 percent of the air in your home comes from the crawl space.

That’s due to the stack effect, which causes the air to move up from the crawl space and circulate around the home. Having a dehumidifier will help you ensure that the air is mold-free. It will also make the air less humid and, therefore, more comfortable.

Reason #5: Using Less Energy

When your crawl space is not encapsulated and you do not have a dehumidifier, cold air during the winter months and hot air during the summer enters your home through the crawl space. Luckily, with these waterproofing measures, you can control the temperature below your home.

Why is this important? Your HVAC won’t have to work overtime to keep the temperatures in your living space at the desired level.

Trust Innovative Basement Authority for Expert Crawl Space Dehumidifier Installation

Dealing with moisture and humidity in your crawl space can be incredibly frustrating.

Installing a dehumidifier is a smart solution, but ensuring it’s done correctly is essential. Innovative Basement Authority is here to help.

With nearly 20 years of experience, our team of experts provides reliable solutions to keep your crawl space dry.

Don’t let moisture issues persist—schedule a free inspection today. With Innovative Basement Authority, you can be confident that you’re in good hands. Contact us now and take the first step toward a healthier, more secure home.

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FAQs

What is the cost of installing a crawl space dehumidifier?

The cost varies based on your crawl space’s size and condition, as well as the required repairs. Innovative Basement Authority offers free inspections, no-obligation estimates, and financing options to suit your budget.

How do I effectively dry out my crawl space?

To start, our team removes any standing water. We then install a specialized CrawlDrain™ perimeter drainage system to capture and redirect leaking water to a sump pump. Drainage matting is also utilized to guide water to these systems. Further steps like crawl space encapsulation, insulation, and dehumidification are crucial. Contact Innovative Basement Authority for additional information and to book a free inspection.

Can I eliminate musty crawl space smells on my own?

We advise against DIY attempts, even though they might seem convenient and quick. Temporary measures like air fresheners, store-bought dehumidifiers, and homemade encapsulation are ineffective in addressing the fundamental issue. Professional installation guarantees efficacy, longevity, and correct use of materials. Contact Innovative Basement Authority for more information and to arrange a free crawl space inspection.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.