Crawl spaces are naturally prone to moisture buildup, with humidity and condensation problems being at the top of the list of the most common moisture sources. Damp crawl spaces can lead to various problems: indoor air quality concerns, structural damage, pest infestations, high energy consumption and general discomfort. A properly rated crawl space dehumidifier can help with the moisture in your crawl space and help you to avoid the consequences of crawl space moisture buildup.
Benefits of Installing a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Installing and properly maintaining a crawl space dehumidifier can be very simple and will prevent costly damages in the future.
Moisture Control
Preventing moisture buildup in your New Jersey crawl space will always be a constant battle. A properly rated dehumidifier can help. Crawl spaces do not need to be wet to be considered a problem. General dampness from seemingly minor conditions, like humidity and condensation, can be a sufficient moisture source leading to various problems like mold and structural damage. By using a dehumidifier in your crawl space, you are decreasing the moisture in the air and preserving the quality of your home.
Indoor Air Quality Control
Moisture control is directly related to indoor air quality control. Natural building physics and airflow patterns forces air to rise in your home. This means that air that originates in your crawl space will eventually end up the liveable areas of your home. As air travels upwards, your crawl space will pull in unconditioned replacement air from outside, and the cycle continues. Without the proper moisture control precautions, your home can be cycling damp contaminated air through your living spaces.
Moisture air is a breeding ground for mold, dust mites and other contaminants. It is estimated that at least 50% of the air we breathe on the first floor originates from the crawl space. A crawl space dehumidifier will help maintain healthy moisture levels in your crawl space, and reduce the risk of indoor air contaminants.
Structural Protection
Moisture is most building materials’ worst enemy, especially wood. Damp crawl spaces can mean serious structural damage. Uncontrolled dampness will lead to wood rot, decay and, ultimately, compromised structural integrity of your home. Wood rot is likely when the moisture content in the air is at least 28%, and it happens when liquid water touches the wood (ie: condensation). If the wood in your crawl space becomes damaged, there’s a possibility that the wood will no longer be able to hold the weight of your home. A dehumidifier in your crawl space will minimize opportunity for moisture damage and protect your home.
Pest Prevention
Insect, critters and other creepy crawlies LOVE dampness. A major pest infestation will do serious damage to your home. A crawl space dehumidifier will aid in moisture control and create a less hospitable environment for pests.
Energy Efficiency
By decreasing the moisture content of your indoor air with a crawl space dehumidifier, you can help your air conditioning system run more efficiently. It is not uncommon for families to rely solely on their air conditioning system to remove excess indoor humidity. This can seriously drive up your energy bill.
If you use a dehumidifier in your crawl space, instead of turning up your air conditioner, you can maintain relative humidity levels at or below the recommended 50% during springtime, summertime, and the fall. This means less stress on your air conditioning system when in use. Controlled indoor humidity also means you and your family will feel more comfortable at a higher temperature, which will minimize your need to run your air conditioning at all.
General Comfort
When I think of humidity, the words gross, hot and sticky come to mind. Humidity creates a rather uncomfortable living environment. If you try to decrease the temperature of the air conditioning system to remove the humidity, you wind up becoming cold and clammy. A dehumidifier in your crawl space will more easily control the humidity levels in your home to ensure that you and your family are always comfortable. Controlled indoor humidity ensures your and your family’s overall comfort, even in warmer temperatures.
Crawl space humidity and moisture problems are easy to overlook. All too often, homeowners don’t discover the issue until mold has already developed and the musty odors have permeated through to the upper levels. If unaddressed humidity and moisture problems in your crawl space have led to mold development, you should consider contacting a crawl space mold remediation company in NJ to thoroughly inspect your crawl space. A trained and certified mold removal professional in South Jersey will have the necessary tools and knowledge to help you properly address your mold and moisture concerns.
