Why a Crawl Space Dehumidifier Is Essential For Your Home
Benefits of a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Moisture creates problems in a home. It is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Similarly, it attracts insect activity. Within the house, you can take steps to control the moisture. However, in areas that you do not regularly visit, it can still wreak havoc. A crawl space dehumidifier is an excellent option for this situation.
Why Your Crawl Space Might Have a Moisture Buildup
Just like an unfinished basement or attic, crawl spaces typically have poor ventilation which can affect your health. Your home’s overall heating and air conditioning systems do not serve it. Therefore, it is easy for humidity to skyrocket even though the rest of the house feels normal. Although some crawl spaces have windows, keeping them open for better ventilation is not a full-time solution.
Do You Need a Crawl SpaceDehumidifier?
When you enter the area, is there a musty smell? This is a unique scent that it easy to tell apart from other smells. It is a combination of mycotoxins, stale air, rot, and wetness. Frequently, it has an earthy quality to it. When you touch a wall, it might feel damp. You may notice that your eyes water while you are there. Maybe you start sneezing. These are indicators of allergens in the air.
A good-quality dehumidifier will reduce moisture and subsequent mold growth. Besides that, it is instrumental in reducing dust mite populations as well as the allergens that they cause.
Understanding Dehumidification Systems
There are typically two types of dehumidification systems: ducted and un-ducted products.
- Ducted systems. The dehumidifier works with your HVAC system. It connects to the plenums. Water removal from the system occurs automatically with drain pumps. Most importantly, the system measures the crawl space for humidity buildup and kicks on automatically when necessary.
- Un-ducted systems. This system works in the area of the home where there is no air conditioning. Some have manual water removal options whereas others let you hook into the HVAC system. Many systems can operate automatically although some require manual settings.
The inner workings of either system are straightforward. Warm air contains more water molecules than cold air. Therefore, the dehumidifying system takes in the space’s air, forces it past refrigerated coils, cools it down, and collects the moisture on the coils. From there, it drips into the receptacle that the system uses.
If you have a significant moisture problem, consider a heavy-duty system. As a general rule of thumb, a 500-square foot space with massive moisture buildup should have a machine that can handle a 12-pint process.
Get Professional Help When Selecting and Installing a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
It is easy to spend a lot of money that you do not have to when selecting this product. For example, you might buy a system that requires manual checks, which you do not have the time to provide. While you think that there is now a system in place, the dehumidifier might not be working for your unique needs. Contact HealthyAir USA today for a site survey to learn more about your options.