Suppose you've noticed a musty smell, mildew or mold growth, or an unusual amount of condensation on windows in your home or building. Too much humidity present can result in health risks and property damage; if that's the case, a robust dehumidifier may be the right solution.
- Why do you need a crawl space or basement dehumidifier?
- Crawl Space and Basement Dehumidifier Sizing Chart
- How are crawl space or basement dehumidifiers sized?
- How are spaces classified?
- Can I put a regular room dehumidifier in my crawl space?
- What is the ideal humidity for a crawl space or basement?
- How long will a crawl space or basement dehumidifier last?
Why do you need a crawl space or basement dehumidifier?
Whether it's your home or office building, property is a valuable investment that needs protection from excess moisture. The effect of persistent humidity in a crawl space or unfinished basement can seep into the structure and cause rot over time, which is a costly problem. If you're unsure of the signs of undue moisture, see this article for additional information.
Crawl Space and Basement Dehumidifier Sizing Chart
| Crawl Space & Unfinished Basement Dehumidifier Sizing | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Conditions | 70-80 pints | 75-100 pints | 100-155 pints | |
| Loosely Sealed | up to 1,800 sq.ft. | up to 2,200 sq.ft. | up to 3,600 sq.ft. | |
| Moderately Sealed | up to 2,200 sq.ft. | up to 2,600 sq.ft. | up to 4,000 sq.ft. | |
| Tightly Sealed | up to 2,600 sq.ft. | up to 3,000 sq.ft. | up to 4,400 sq.ft. | |
How are crawl space or basement dehumidifiers sized?
Crawl space and basement dehumidifiers are sized according to how much moisture they remove daily in typical conditions and their recommended coverage area. A specification like “pint capacity,” “water removal,” or “moisture removal” indicates the estimated pints per day.
The recommended coverage is pretty straightforward, and most manufacturers provide the square footage their product is rated to cover effectively. One example is the Santa Fe Compact70 dehumidifier, with a 70-pint per day water removal capacity in typical AHAM (80 degrees F, 60 percent relative humidity) conditions. It covers areas as large as 2,600 square feet, depending on how the space is classified and how tightly it is sealed.
How are spaces classified?
Knowing the exact square footage is essential when determining the best basement or crawl space dehumidifier. Also, consider the air filtration and condition of the foundation, as an encapsulated crawl space has better air circulation for more consistent humidity levels. Your property is classified into one of three categories:
- Loosely Sealed: Usually older, these structures have minimal air sealing with foundations with imperfections or uneven cracks.
- Moderately Sealed: These are usually newer or remodeled homes or buildings with some air sealing and undamaged foundations.
- Tightly Sealed: Most often new, these structures meet a recognized energy building standard such as LEED, Energy Star, or Passive House, or have a confirmed air leakage of 3 ACH50 or less.
Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers | Top Basement Dehumidifiers
Can I put a regular room dehumidifier in my crawl space?
This is a common question, especially among homeowners. The quick answer is “no,” as regular or portable room dehumidifiers cannot effectively dehumidify crawl spaces. Here's why:
- Pint Removal: Portable models cannot remove the same amount of moisture as a dedicated crawl space dehumidifier.
- Construction: Room dehumidifiers are not designed to run constantly, nor are they constructed to handle extreme humidity levels typically found in crawl spaces.
- Tightly Sealed Spaces: When used with vapor barriers, crawl space units can combat the primary sources of excess humidity, including the ground and air.
For more info, see our article about Crawl Space Encapsulation: Benefits & Tips for a Healthier Home
What is the ideal humidity level for a crawl space or unfinished basement?
A 30 to 60 percent relative humidity is typically recommended for a crawl space or unfinished basement. Getting to a level of around 55 percent relative humidity is ideal for most crawl spaces and will help to prevent wood rot, mold and mildew growth, and insulation damage. To understand more about relative humidity, take a look at this article.
How long will a dehumidifier last?
While this differs from brand to brand and model to model, most dehumidifiers designed for constant use in demanding environments will last 5 to 10 years. With routine maintenance outlined in the owner's manual, your dehumidifier will provide years of reliable, efficient service.
In Summary
A crawl space or basement dehumidifier designed to operate continuously and in unfriendly environments is the answer to mitigating high humidity in these spaces. Based on the square footage and construction of the area, you can find a suitably sized model to dehumidify your space.
Contact our Product Experts at 1 (800) 934-9194 or [email protected] for additional information and help finding the perfect dehumidifier for your basement or crawl space.
