Can I Use a Regular Dehumidifier in a Crawl Space?

Yes, you can install a regular dehumidifier in your crawl space. What you must do, however, is keep draining the collected water through a pipe to the sewer so that you don't have to go down and dump the water inside.

Dehumidifiers are effective in reducing humidity in crawl spaces and help prevent problems such as mold, mildew, and structural damage. When choosing a dehumidifier for a crawl space, you should select the right model for the square footage size of the space. Crawl spaces often have limited access, so choose a dehumidifier that is compact and easy to maintain. Make sure to properly ventilate the crawl space and direct the dehumidifier's drain to the outside to prevent water build-up.

However, if a dehumidifier is specifically designed for use in a crawl space it will have automatic drainage, a unique feature dehumidifier for crawl space.

Why You Should Use a Crawl Space Dehumidifier

Some building engineers recommend encapsulation techniques. However, this method is more costly and requires professional help. You may still need dehumidification, as encapsulation is not a substitute for dehumidification.

Crawl space dehumidifiers, on the other hand, cost less and are easy to install and operate. One of the most effective and quickest ways to remove excess moisture from a crawl space is to use a dehumidifier designed specifically for crawl spaces.

Removing all sources of moisture encapsulation is one way to achieve this goal. Using both encapsulation and a dehumidifier will yield the best results. However, if you are on a tight budget, using a crawl space dehumidifier may be sufficient.

Keep in mind that a regular dehumidifier may not work properly in harsh conditions, possibly because it is not sized and has the right treatment area for the crawl space. Therefore, you need to choose a dehumidifier that is designed specifically for crawl spaces.

The following are important reasons to choose a crawl space dehumidifier:

Regular dehumidifiers may not work properly in cold conditions and may even freeze.

Crawl spaces tend to be high in humidity, especially in homes with poor ventilation. A regular dehumidifier may not be able to handle such high humidity levels. However, a crawl space dehumidifier can effectively solve this problem.

Common crawl space challenges include high humidity, dirt, poor ventilation, temperature fluctuations, pests, and inadequate insulation. Standard dehumidifiers can't withstand these challenges, but crawlspace dehumidifiers are built with durable materials and designed to solve these problems.

Most crawlspace automatic dehumidifiers have a built-in drainage system that automatically removes the collected water. There is no need to manually empty the tank.

Excessive moisture in a crawl space over time can lead to structural damage. This includes rusting of metal parts, softening of wood, and even foundation problems. The best dehumidifier for crawl space protects your home from these problems and helps avoid costly repairs.

Can I Use A Regular Dehumidifier in Your Crawl Space?

It can be done, but it is not recommended; conventional dehumidifiers are not adapted to the harsh environment of underground spaces and may require frequent maintenance or early replacement.

Crawlspaces and basements are typically prone to high humidity and moisture build-up for a variety of reasons including their location, poor ventilation, and potential ground moisture intrusion. Crawlspaces have very high humidity levels, especially in high-humidity areas such as Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas and coastal areas.

Therefore, if the humidity is close to condensation, you find that the crawl space is moldy or overly humid, and you have to go down multiple times to empty the tank, a regular dehumidifier may not work effectively. A regular dehumidifier with a continuous drain hose can solve this problem.

However, you may not be able to get enough dehumidification power out of the dehumidifier because a drop in temperature or dew point can reduce its dehumidification capacity. Therefore, you need a unit designed specifically for this type of space.

For a moderately humid crawl space, you'll need a dehumidifier that dehumidifies at least 30-50 pints per day, depending on the size of the space. Standard dehumidifiers may not work effectively in harsh conditions. Even if the unit's capacity matches the size of your space, it may not work as well.

What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need For A 2000 Sq Ft Crawl Space?

The size of crawlspace and basement dehumidifiers depends on their daily dehumidification capacity under typical conditions and the recommended coverage area. Specifications like ‘pint capacity,’ ‘amount of water removed,’ or ‘amount of dehumidification’ state the estimated pints per day.

The recommended coverage area is very simple and most manufacturers provide an effective coverage area for their products. One example is the Sentinel HDi90 (Duct-able) dehumidifier, 90 pints at AHAM and 198 pints at saturation. It can cover up to 2,600 square feet, depending on how the space is classified and sealed.

Where Is The Best Place To Place A Dehumidifier In A Crawl Space?

Here's my next suggestion: the dehumidifier must be mounted on a level base, preferably at least 4 to 6 inches above the crawlspace floor, so that condensate can drain properly into the condensate pump or discharge condensate out the gravity drain in the crawlspace.

Conclusion

Just using any regular dehumidifier in your crawl space isn’t the right solution. You need to choose a specific unit that can withstand harsh conditions in your crawl space. A crawl space dehumidifier is your best solution. It’s durable, efficient, and powerful enough to keep moisture at bay.

So, investing in a unit specially designed for crawl spaces ensures optimum results, saves your time, and money, and helps prevent future headaches.

If you need help choosing the best crawl space dehumidifier, you can contact us anytime. At Aloraircrawlspace, our dedicated team helps our valued visitors and customers like yourself find the best solutions for their needs.