A crawl space can be the most overlooked part of the house, yet it's a critical element in maintaining the overall condition of your living space. An area that is flooded with humidity can lead to a variety of issues like the growth of mold, wood that is rotten, and an uneasy living environment. In order to combat the issues, investing in a dehumidifiers for crawl spaces is an excellent decision. However, with so many options available in the market, how do you decide which best suits your needs? This article will look at the six most important factors you need to think about before purchasing an air dehumidifier for your crawlspace.
What are the things to consider when buying a dehumidifier in your crawl space
When you're looking to purchase a crawl space dehumidifiers, there are several important factors to consider. They can differ based on the needs specific to your space and the conditions of your crawl space, but here are six key things to look for:
1. Capacity for Dehumidification
The capacity to dehumidify the dehumidifier is among the most critical factors to consider. It's typically expressed in pints or liters per day representing the amount of moisture the dehumidifier can remove from the air within 24 hours. In deciding on the best capacity be sure to consider the area and humidity of the crawl space. If you have a larger area in your crawl, or an extremely humid environment could require a humidifier with a more capacity. On the other hand, smaller spaces with moderate humidity might be able to do by using a smaller capacity.
2. Size and Portability
Because crawl spaces can be cramped and tight so it is crucial to pick a dehumidifier that is compact and easy to move about. It is recommended to look for ones with small footprints. They may even come with wheels that enable them to be moved. Then, you can easily move the dehumidifier to different parts of the crawlspace, for or even removal of moisture.
3. Alternatives to Drainage
The dehumidifier removes humidity from the atmosphere however, this water must be taken somewhere. There are some models that have an integrated water tank which needs regular emptying, while some offer continuous drain options. It's better to select one that comes with a direct drain hose for crawl spaces. It won't be necessary regularly empty your tank or worry about overflow.
4. Energy Efficiency
It's crucial to consider the efficiency in energy use of a dehumidifier, as it will run continuously in your crawlspace. Select models with an ENERGY STAR certification. These are engineered to use less energy and maintain their best efficiency. A dehumidifier that's energy efficient can save you money on electricity bills and will reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Built-in Humidistat as well as Auto Shut-Off
The dehumidifier's operation can be managed by a built-in humidity sensor. This allows it to turn on or off automatically based on how humid the crawlspace is. It shuts down when the humidity is at the desired level, thereby saving energy and preventing excess dryness. Additionally, an auto shut-off feature is essential to prevent the dehumidifier's operation in the event that the tank of water is filled or the drainage system isn't operating properly.
6. The durability and warranty
If you crawl space dehumidifiers, will have to deal with a harsh surroundings. It's a fact that includes dust, dirt as well as fluctuating temperatures. You must choose a durable unit built to last. Materials like sturdy plastics or stainless steel work well. Moreover, consider the length and coverage of the warranty provided by the manufacturer to ensure peace of mind in case the need arises.
Summary
An excellent crawl-space dehumidifier is able to help protect your home against issues with moisture. It is possible to choose the most effective dehumidifier when you consider factors like dehumidification, dimensions, drainage capacity, energy efficiency and built-in functions. Be sure to keep the unit clean and maintained in order to guarantee its maximum performance throughout its lifespan.
