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Can I use a Regular Dehumidifier in a Crawl Space? Explained

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No, a regular dehumidifier won’t work in a crawlspace. It can’t handle the low airflow and high humidity.

Regular Dehumidifiers are Not Designed for Constant Use in Crawl Spaces.

If you have a constantly damp crawl space, you may be tempted to use a regular dehumidifier to dry it out. However, there are better solutions than this for several reasons.

First, regular dehumidifiers are designed to run sparingly. They will overheat and break down if used for more than a few hours.

Second, it would be less effective even if you could use a regular dehumidifier in your crawl space. To make any difference, you would need a dehumidifier based on the size of your crawl space.

The best solution for a damp crawl space is to install a specialized dehumidifier designed for constant use. These dehumidifiers are much more durable and can run for hours. They are also much more effective at drying out large or high-humidity level spaces.

Regular vs. Crawlspace dehumidifier

A regular dehumidifier is designed to remove humidity from the air in a familiar living environment, such as a home. They are placed on the floor and typically have a hose that goes to a drain. A crawlspace dehumidifier is designed for, you guessed it, crawlspaces! These dehumidifiers are also placed on the ground but do not have a hose. Instead, they have a reservoir that needs to be emptied periodically.

So, which one is better? Well, it depends on your needs. A regular dehumidifier will do the trick if you have a standard home with no crawlspace. However, if you have a crawlspace prone to moisture, then a crawlspace dehumidifier is a better option. Crawlspace dehumidifiers are specifically designed to remove humidity from tight, enclosed spaces. They also have a higher capacity than regular dehumidifiers to handle larger areas.

FAQ

Where should a dehumidifier be placed in a crawl space?

In your crawl space, place a dehumidifier near the center or most humid area. I wrote this article about where to place a dehumidifier in a crawl space that you may find helpful..

Does an encapsulated crawl space need a dehumidifier?

Yes, an encapsulated crawl space needs a dehumidifier to control the excess moisture in the air. The encapsulated crawl space has a vapor barrier that covers the ground, insulated walls and sealed foundation vents, which prevents moisture from evaporating into the air and causing humidity levels to rise.

Because crawl spaces and basement are moist humid area in your home. You have to careful and fix if leaks or find sources of humid to maintain the humidity levels below 55. It can damage your home structure.

The purpose of an encapsulated crawl space is to create a controlled environment that is isolated from the outside air. That means that the temperature and humidity levels in the crawl space can be different than the temperature and humidity levels in the home.

Can I use a basement dehumidifier in a crawl space?

The short answer is yes; you can use a basement dehumidifier in a crawl space. However, there are some things to consider before doing so.

First, ventilate the crawl space must properly. If it is not, the dehumidifier will not work as efficiently and could cause mold growth. Second, the dehumidifier must be of the correct size. If it is too small, it will not be able to remove enough moisture from the air.

If you can meet these two conditions, using a basement dehumidifier in a crawl space is a great way to keep the area dry and prevent moisture damage.

Will a dehumidifier dry out my crawl space?

That is a common question we get here at Crawlspace Care. The simple answer is no; a dehumidifier will not dry out your crawl space. A dehumidifier can help to keep your crawl space dry by removing moisture from the air.

However, if the humidity levels in your crawl space are high, to begin with, the dehumidifier may need help to keep up. Additionally, if there are any water leaks or drainage problems in your crawl space, the dehumidifier may not be able to fix the issue.

It is essential to address any water leaks or drainage problems in your crawl space before installing a dehumidifier. If you have water leaks or drainage problems, fixing these issues should be your top priority. Once the leaks are fixed and the drainage is taken care of, you can consider a dehumidifier.