The answer may surprise you. Most people believe that the best place to install a dehumidifier is in the center of the crawl space. But this is only sometimes the case.
Suppose your crawl space is large. It will be more challenging to maintain as you might have to change the filter more often.
You could place it closer to a foundation wall. So the intake side faces the wall and the dry air blows into the most significant part of the crawl space. Make sure it is a short distance from a foundation wall.
There are a few factors that you need to take into account. When deciding where to place your dehumidifier.
It depends on various factors. Including the size and shape, airflow, temperature and existing electrical outlet. The climate of your home’s location and the level of humidity in the surrounding air.
Placing Your Dehumidifier in a Crawl Space
A dehumidifier is a great way to keep your crawl space dry and free of mold. But where should you put it? Here are a few tips:
Not Close to Door
You might be tempted to place the dehumidifier near the door, so you can quickly get it in and out of the crawl space. However, this is not a good idea. If it is, the humid air from outside could quickly offset any progress the dehumidifier is making.
The reason is that the crawl space door will likely be open and closed frequently, and humid outside air will enter the crawl space every time it’s opened.
And you shouldn’t place it close to the door because many doors will leak, even when you try to air-seal them. It will still leak in a lot of air from the outside.
Raise It Off Ground
For starters, ensure the dehumidifier is placed on a level surface. You can use cinder blocks, or you can hang your dehumidifier. It depends on your unit.
Second, consider putting it on a platform or shelf to raise it off the ground. That will help prevent any moisture from the setting from reaching the unit.
Find Source of Humidity.
Try to locate the source of the humidity in the crawl space and position the dehumidifier accordingly or fix leaks. That will help it work more efficiently.
For example, if the source of the humidity is a vent, then you want to position the dehumidifier so that it’s blowing air across the vent.
If you can’t find the source of the humidity, then position the dehumidifier in the center of the crawl space.
Size of Dehumidifier Matters
Ensure you get a dehumidifier that’s properly sized for your crawl space. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to remove the air’s moisture effectively.
Temperature
The fourth and final factor to consider is the temperature in your crawl space. If the temperature is cold, placing the dehumidifier near a heat source may be the best option. However, if the temperature is warm, consider placing the dehumidifier in the center of the space.
Don’t Block Airflow In/Out Of a Dehumidifier.
The unit must take in air from the space and exhaust humid air outside.
It’s important to ensure that airflow is kept in and out of the unit. If the airflow is restricted, the dehumidifier will have to work harder to remove moisture, which can strain the unit and shorten its lifespan.
In addition, blocking airflow can cause the unit to freeze up, leading to leaks and water damage.
Make sure at least a few inches of clearance around the dehumidifier. And keep the unit close to a wall and drapes from blocking the vents.
Taking these simple precautions can help ensure that your dehumidifier runs efficiently for years to come.
Draining Drain Line Outside Crawl Space
When choosing a location for the unit, position it near a floor drain or other outlet to properly remove the water from the area. With a little effort, you can keep your crawl space dry and free of musty odors.
In addition, it’s important to empty the water collection tank regularly. If the tank gets too full, it can cause the dehumidifier to stop working effectively. So always buy a built-in pump dehumidifier for your crawl space.
My name is Theresa Clark. I am an engineer and air quality specialist.
