While you might not need to go into a crawl space frequently, you should make sure that they are safe when you do go inside. For many people, this means activities like removing spider’s webs or checking the lighting, but do you ever think about the air?

In small enclosed spaces, it’s easy for the humidity in the air to increase. Let’s look at why this is potentially dangerous and what you can do to make your crawl space air safe again.

Why Is High Humidity Dangerous?
Some people choose to have an enclosed crawl space. In some circumstances, this can work well, helping you reduce your energy consumption by limiting the amount of air that you will need to warm or cool. However, this frequently has a bigger problem associated with it.

Because the air can’t escape, enclosed crawl spaces tend to be very humid. In addition, linking the crawlspace to the
outside world can occasionally cause problems.

In more humid climates, the moist outside air can flow into your home through your crawl space. There are several reasons why this could be a significant problem.

Moist air typically makes it easier for some airborne pollutants to get established. For example, mold can easily germinate in this kind of environment. If this happens, it can release spores that can travel through your house.

This can cause breathing difficulties in some people and can make people very sick if it gets into your food or water supply.

In addition, once mold gets established, it can be challenging and potentially dangerous to remove. Another potential issue is that high humidity can contribute to wood rotting.

This might make that section of your house more dangerous and will often be very expensive to fix. Thankfully, you can prevent this from occurring by installing a dehumidifier.

How a Dehumidifier Can Help
One of the most cost-effective ways to solve this problem is by installing a dehumidifier in your crawl space. This device will suck the moisture out of the atmosphere.

By doing this, it will prevent the humidity from rising to dangerous levels. In addition, this device is one of the most cost-effective solutions to this problem.

By keeping the air at a healthy moisture level, you will be able to ensure that the rest of the house has healthy air flow, stopping the spread of spores. For this reason, investing in a high-quality dehumidifier can be a great way to keep your family healthy and increase the value of your house.

Often, you can get the best results when you choose a dehumidifier specifically for the crawl space. This will provide a more effective solution than trying to dehumidify the entire house. But, how can you find the best model to install?

How to Choose the Best Dehumidifier
There is a range of dehumidifiers on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one you should put in your house. Thankfully, there are a few ways that you can find a superior crawl space dehumidifier.

First, you should measure the size of the space. When choosing where to put the dehumidifier, you need to remember that you will need to occasionally perform maintenance activities on it.

For this reason, try to find a space that isn’t too difficult to access. You will also need to ensure that you choose a model that is powerful enough to dehumidify the crawl space.

Most products will have the size of the area that they can comfortably dehumidify listed in the specifications. In addition, you should try to find a dehumidifier that contains a humidistat. This will measure the amount of moisture in the air, telling the dehumidifier how much it should remove.

This will prevent the air from becoming too dry. Another potential factor to consider is how you will drain away the water. Often, this will require you to install a pipeline that will remove the water.

This will be a more convenient option than having to empty a tank. Also, the amount of noise the machine produces will be in the product specifications. If you choose a device that is too loud, it can become irritating, so check the reviews first. Finally, you should think about the price.

Generally, you should be able to get a high-quality crawl space dehumidifier that fits these specifications for between $200 to $300.

Installing the Dehumidifier in Your Crawl Space After you’ve found the perfect dehumidifier for a crawl space, you need to have it installed.

Often, this is simply a matter of following the instructions that come with the product.

However, in some cases, you might not be comfortable with this. Thankfully, most handyman companies will be able to complete the installation process for you. When installing it, you might want to pay particular attention to the way you handle the drainage.

If this area fails, water might pool in your crawl space.

Maintaining Your Dehumidifier
Often, the dehumidifier will require some maintenance activities to keep it running effectively. For example, you might need to change the filters, which can get clogged up with airborne pollutants.

You might also need to clean the exhaust grille, as pollutants might get stuck to it. Generally, you will need to perform these simple activities every two to three months. Often, the manual will contain all  the information you will need during these services, like how to access the filters.

Conclusion
Many enclosed crawl spaces can create a very humid environment. As we discussed, can create an environment that can impact the health of everyone in the home. Many people are concerned that the solution to this issue will be highly complex, like creating a vent or installing an exhaust fan.

Thankfully, you can get the same benefits from a dehumidifier, which removes excess moisture from the air. This will ensure that the air you breathe is free of contaminants like mold spores, giving you more peace of mind. So, purchase a dehumidifier today and experience these benefits for yourself.