Can I Use a Regular Dehumidifier in a Crawl Space?

Imagine having mold growing under your house or the air inside it becoming musty and unhealthy. These things happen when humidity builds up in your crawl space. This is why some people decide to use a dehumidifier to take water out of the crawl space and keep it dry.

But, can you just use any dehumidifier, or does it have to be something special for a crawl space? In this blog post, we’re going to find out all about it and see what works best to keep your crawl space nice and dry!

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What is a Crawl Space?

Inside of a crawl space with dirt floor and wooden support beams.

A crawl space is a small, raised foundation located under a building. Crawl spaces are usually not tall enough to stand up in, hence their name.

Despite their small size, they play an important role in keeping your home stable and out of direct contact with the ground. Many crawl spaces also contain important home utilities like plumbing, air ducts, and plumbing lines.

Crawl spaces are especially common in places where the ground gets wet often or when it’s not practical to have a basement. In Florida, and many places near the coast, crawl spaces are a popular foundation type.

Humidity: A Common Crawl Space Issue

Damp, musty, and rotting crawl space interior.

Because crawl spaces are close to the earth, they can easily become damp and humid. This humidity happens when moisture from the soil and the outside air gets into the crawl space.

Rainy or humid summer days create the perfect conditions for crawl space humidity to arise. In Florida, these conditions happen nearly every day.

If you don’t control crawl space humidity, it can lead to mold growth, wood rot, or wet insulation. Over time, this can even make the air in your home above smell musty. That’s why managing the humidity in your crawl space is important—to keep your home safe and comfortable.

What is a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a machine that helps remove moisture from the air, making damp places drier. Here’s how it works:

Sucks in air: The dehumidifier draws in air from the space.
Removes the water: It extracts moisture from the air, cools it, and condenses it into water.
Collects water in tank: The condensed water collects in the dehumidifier’s tank.
Blows dry air out: The dehumidifier releases the drier air back into the space.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are different kinds of dehumidifiers. Some are made for regular rooms in your house, like your bedroom or living room. You can often find these at big box retail stores. We’ll call these “regular dehumidifiers.”

There are also dehumidifiers specially designed for crawl spaces. Within the industry, these are called “crawl space dehumidifiers.” They are built to work longer and with more power to combat the humid conditions usually found in a crawl space.

Using a Regular Dehumidifier in a Crawl Space

While it’s technically possible to use a regular dehumidifier in a crawl space, it’s not the best idea. Regular dehumidifiers are not designed for the harsh conditions under a home.

They don’t work effectively and end up costing more money in the long run due to their inefficiency and possible maintenance issues. Here are the main challenges you’ll run into:

Size and Space Issues

Regular dehumidifiers don’t usually fit well in the limited space of a crawl space and can be inefficient in such cramped conditions.

Effectiveness in Extreme Conditions

Crawl spaces can be colder and damper than typical rooms in a house. Regular dehumidifiers may struggle to operate effectively in these conditions and may not adequately reduce humidity levels.

Durability and Maintenance Challenges

Regular dehumidifiers are not built for the tough environment of a crawl space and may require frequent maintenance or replacement sooner than expected.

Why Crawl Space Dehumidifiers Are Better

Crawl space dehumidifiers are specifically designed to handle the harsh conditions of crawl spaces and offer several advantages:

employee setting up a dehumidifier inside a crawl space

Designed for Cooler Conditions

Crawl spaces are cool and dark places. Crawl space dehumidifiers work even in the coolest conditions, making them more than capable of handling the environment inside a crawl space.

More Effective in High Moisture Areas

They are capable of dealing with higher humidity levels more effectively, making them ideal for the damp conditions typically found in crawl spaces.

Features Suited for Crawl Spaces

Features like continuous drainage options and remote monitoring make these units easier to manage and more suitable for crawl space applications.

How to Set Up a Dehumidifier in Your Crawl Space

Setting up a dehumidifier should is best done by professionals to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s how any trusted professional will do it:

1. Get the Crawl Space Ready

Check and Clean: First, pros look around the crawl space for any problems like mold or signs of bugs. They clean up any mess or water to make sure the space is ready for the new machine.
Fix Leaks: If there are any cracks or holes where water can get in, they seal them up. This helps keep new moisture out after installing the dehumidifier.

2. Pick the Right Dehumidifier

Choose the Right Size: The dehumidifier needs to be the right size for your crawl space. If it’s too big or too small, it won’t work as well and could use too much energy.
Look for Special Features: Pros pick dehumidifiers that can handle cool temperatures and lots of moisture, just what crawl spaces often have.

3. Put the Dehumidifier in the Right Spot

Find the Best Spot: The dehumidifier should go where it can best do its job, reaching all parts of the crawl space. It also needs to be somewhere easy to get to for any future check-ups or fixes.
Set Up Drainage: Dehumidifiers pull water from the air, so pros set up a way for this water to drain out automatically, usually connecting it to a sump pump or crawl space drain.
Help the Air Move: Sometimes, they add extra vents or fans to make sure air moves well all through the crawl space, helping the dehumidifier work better.

4. Make Sure Everything Works

Test It Out: Once everything is set up, pros turn on the dehumidifier to make sure it works right. They check to see if it controls the moisture like it’s supposed to.
Teach the Homeowner: Finally, they show you how to take care of the dehumidifier, like how to clean the filter and what to look out for if there might be a problem.

Having a professional install a dehumidifier in your crawl space is a great way to protect your home. It stops moisture problems that can damage the house and keeps the air you breathe clean.

Get the Right Dehumidifier With Alpha Foundations

Using the right type of dehumidifier in your crawl space will make your home safer all around by preventing structural damage and lower air quality. While it might be tempting to use a regular dehumidifier, investing in one specifically designed for a crawl space is the safer and more cost-effective choice.

If you’re unsure about what type of dehumidifier is best for your crawl space, consider contacting Alpha Foundations today. We provide a free crawl space inspection and an industry leading dehumidifier that can handle almost any situation. Don’t wait until moisture problems become serious—take action now to protect your home.

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Dehumidifier FAQs

How much does it cost to install a crawl space dehumidifier?

The cost depends on the size and condition of your crawl space, along with any necessary repairs. Alpha Foundations offers free inspections, no-obligation quotes, and flexible financing to fit your budget.

How frequently should a dehumidifier receive maintenance?

A crawl space dehumidifier should receive maintenance at least once a year. Regular check-ups ensure it operates efficiently, including inspecting for leaks, clearing drains, and replacing filters as needed.

Do crawl space dehumidifiers save money?

Yes, crawl space dehumidifiers can save you money in the long run. They cost more to buy at first, but they’re cheaper to run and keep up. Plus, they prevent moisture damage, which can be expensive to fix.

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Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.