Do You Need a Crawl Space Dehumidifier?

crawl-space-dehumidifier

When it comes to basements, air quality is a concern for many. If you have a crawl space in your basement, you have likely heard of crawl space dehumidifiers and might be wondering whether or not you really need one. We’ve got tips that can help you determine what’s right for you.

When You Need a Crawl Space Dehumidifier

Crawl spaces tend to be damp and moist, and a dehumidifier helps control the environment and air quality. It’s a good idea to use a dehumidifier in the crawl space when:

  • You live in a humid area – Humidity promotes dampness, and a dehumidifier can mitigate damp basements.
  • You have occasional leakage – If seasonal flooding or snowmelt forces occasional water into your crawl space, but it remains dry most of the time, a dehumidifier is a good solution.
  • You’ve already tried vents – Vents help relieve excess moisture. If you have vents and you still have a moisture problem, a dehumidifier will help.

When Not to Put a Dehumidifier in Your Crawl Space

We’ve got so many good things to say about dehumidifiers, you might think that you need one in every crawl space. There are some important exceptions to the rule.

Do not put a dehumidifier in your crawl space if:

  • Mold or mildew is present – A dehumidifier can spread mold and mildew spores. You must clean before installing a dehumidifier.
  • Leaks or puddle exist – A dehumidifier will dry up standing water, but isn’t a real solution. Mitigate your leaks, instead of using a dehumidifier.

For more tips on keeping your basement dry, or to talk about anything else, please contact us. Thank you.