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Homeowners with crawl space know that this space is difficult to maintain. No matter how much it is insulated, it will always be prone to moisture. As a result, mold and other agents that are harmful to health will grow. However, you can make the cleaning of this space easier by installing a crawl space dehumidifier.
You may have ever wondered why there are homes that rise slightly off the ground. Every living space needs basic services, such as water, electricity, or gas. For these to reach their destination safely, they are usually isolated inside pipes installed internally in the walls and floor. However, these systems must reach some central space where they can be controlled for maintenance and emergencies. Basements are the favorite space for this, but sometimes you can’t build a basement, so you go for a crawl space.
This space is a substitute for a concrete foundation, which raises the house to approximately 1 meter, enough height to allow a person to crawl under the house. In addition to being a perfect foundation when the ground is not stable, it allows the installation of pipes and is ideal for maintenance.
The problem is that this alternative is not perfect. One of the biggest problems it has is moisture, which accumulates easily and is very difficult to remove. Luckily, installing a dehumidifier for crawl space should save you these hassles.
Humidity is a dangerous enemy
Although humidity seems like a minor problem, the reality is that it causes some major headaches. People believe that just because the humidity appears in cold and dark places, it cannot enter their home, but they do not consider how the house ventilates.
Think of a fireplace: the hot air rises out, allowing fresh and cold air to enter. This cold air is close to the ground or, better said, inside the crawl space, and little by little, it enters your home. If there is mold in this area, the particles will enter with the fresh air.
Mold, in addition to compromising the structure to which it adheres, is dangerous to health. Those who suffer from allergies or asthma may experience medical complications.
Technological solution
As there are occasions when the construction of this type of foundation cannot be avoided, there are technological alternatives that allow you to keep the air free of moisture. A crawl space dehumidifier will work much better than if it only used natural ventilation, and these are ideal for green and efficient homes.
How does the device work?
Dehumidifiers have a simple operation that takes advantage of the water condensation principle. A compressor cools down to a temperature where the air around it begins to condense, causing the moisture to turn into water that is then sent to a removable tray. Some devices have hoses that allow the expulsion of water automatically.
To attract moisture, the dehumidifier uses the hot air that it expels at the end of the recirculation cycle. This refrigerant style system is very similar to that used by air conditioners, so you may be familiar with the process if you have seen one up close.
Advantages of having under house dehumidification system
Protects the health of the residents
We already mentioned it previously, and that is that humidity is a real health risk, especially for those who suffer from respiratory problems. Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are essential for cleaning the environment.
The pathogens that are transmitted through oxygen are purified when the air condenses. Even if you are not experiencing humidity issues in your home, having a dehumidifier can help you clean your environment of other elements, such as pollen or mites.
Some of the most common problems caused by poor air quality are allergies, eye irritation, difficulty breathing, migraine, and can even increase the body’s thermal sensation.
Prevents the structure from deteriorating
This is very important, especially when the structure is made of wood. High levels of humidity will end up creating drops of water that will adhere to the structure and rot it over time.
This is a problem that can be present in any part of the house, but it is much more dangerous if what is damaged by moisture is the foundation. The wood will begin to break, creating vulnerable areas where the floor could fall or become uneven.
With a crawl space dehumidifier, you can protect vulnerable areas to prevent moisture from accumulating.
Allows fresh and odorless air to enter
This is a basic purpose of all ventilation systems, and the dehumidifier could not be the exception. The smell of humidity is annoying, but by condensing the air and heating it in the process, it recovers its original aroma, which is why these devices are installed in many parts of the home, such as in the kitchen or bedrooms.
Control the temperature and your energy costs
A dehumidifier in a crawl space is a long-term investment in your electric bills. Controlling the humidity in your home goes hand by hand with controlling the temperature, so you won’t need additional heating systems or air conditioners.
Create the perfect environment
The environment will become heavy if the humidity is very high. The heat will be difficult to bear in a water-filled environment, making you never comfortable. In many cases, the temperature is not the problem in your home, but the amount of water vapor in the air, so if you do not solve this problem, it will not matter at what temperature you set the thermostat.
How to select the ideal dehumidifier for your home
If you are having trouble installing this device in your home, we recommend that you take into consideration some parameters that will make the choice simple.
Note the dimensions of the device. Most crawl spaces are 1 meter high, but there are some homes where the gap is 1.5 meters, allowing for an installation that is more comfortable.
In the dimensions, you should also consider whether you would install a pump to remove the condensed water.
The power of the crawl space dehumidifier will be directly related to its dimensions. If your home is spacious, you will need a large system. You can also cut costs by purchasing a small dehumidifier that simply cleans up vulnerable areas.
If you have met these criteria, the last thing to check are the additional features and the warranty.
What is the best crawl space dehumidifier?
There are many options on the market, so you may be confused about which dehumidifier to purchase. Here is a list of some of the best systems you can buy.
Aprilaire 1820 Crawl Space Pro Dehumidifier – Automatic drain
If you don’t want to have to constantly maintain the dehumidifier because the tray is filled with water, then you need the Aprilaire 1820. It includes its hose to get rid of condensed water, and its installation is simple.
Additionally, this device includes an independent control panel that can be installed anywhere to be able to control it comfortably.
Drieaz F515 PHD 200 Compact Dehumidifier – For large areas
Despite its compact size, this set of three dehumidifiers will be able to purify areas of up to 15,000 cubic feet. Likewise, a digital touchpad is included, with which you can control the devices.
homeLabs 50 Pint Dehumidifier – The quiet option
This crawl space dehumidifier comes in three presentations to cover 1,500, 3,000, and 4,500 cubic feet, and its main feature is its quiet fan, which will keep you from hearing it in your home.
AlorAir Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifier – For cold weather
If you are afraid of the condenser freezing in low-temperature areas, then we recommend the AlorAir Basement. This dehumidifier includes a defrost system for the gas valve, so you don’t have to defrost it.
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