Do I Need a Dehumidifier in My Crawlspace?
The Benefits of a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
A crawl space can be a game-changer for homeowners. It opens up new possibilities for storage and can even be used to provide an alternative living space like a playroom or office. The problem, however, is that it can also be dangerous. Moisture and humidity cause mold growth and damage to wood structures and HVAC elements.
Apart from preventing mold growth and decay, installing a dehumidifier York, SC also provides several other benefits, including:
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Protecting the Home's Structure
Approximately three-quarters of typical crawl space damage is due to high humidity. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which damages structural integrity, and leaves homes vulnerable to damage any time the weather is wet. Wouldn't you rather install a dehumidifier rather than pay for expensive repairs?
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Protecting the Home's Investment
All homes depreciate in value over time, and untreated crawl spaces are one of the major causes. Since mold can lead to wood rot, a dehumidifier York, SC is the first line of defense against structural damage and home devaluation.
- Lowering Heating Costs
Moisture in crawl spaces can reduce the effectiveness of heating and cooling elements. This leads to higher energy bills, especially when severe weather hits. Adding a dehumidifier can help to reduce moisture levels and keep heating costs at a lower margin.
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Keeping Indoor Air Clean
High humidity leads to mold growth and dust mites, which can have serious health implications. South Carolina has reported some of the highest levels of asthma in the country, and breathing problems can be worsened by exposure to mold spores. Getting a dehumidifier York, SC can reduce indoor air pollution and protect the family's health.
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Increasing Property Value
With a home that is in good shape, it's much easier to sell and can command better prices. While some real estate agents may consider a crawl space too much of a hassle for buyers, it's possible to market your home as one with a crawl space designed for dehumidifier installation.
What Size Crawl Space Dehumidifier Do You Need?
The size of the dehumidifier York, SC you need for a crawl space depends on a few factors, including your space's square footage and level of humidity, as well as the number of air changes per hour.
To calculate the number of air changes per hour, divide the cubic footage of your space by the number of minutes in an hour (60). Let's say your crawl space is 1,000 square feet; that's 8,333 cubic feet. Divide that by 60, and you get 139 air changes per hour.
- Small spaces (up to 1,500 square feet) with low humidity (50% RH or less) require a small dehumidifier with 20-30 pints capacity.
- Medium-sized spaces (1,500-3,000 square feet) with moderate humidity (50-60% RH) require a medium dehumidifier with 40-50 pints capacity.
- Large spaces (3,000 square feet and over) with high humidity (60% RH or higher) require a large dehumidifier with 70 pints capacity or more.
Turn to CrawlSpace Xperts for Professional Dehumidifier Installation Services!
If you're ready to improve your home and protect what matters most, CrawlSpace Xperts is fully trained and certified in installing crawl space dehumidifier York, SC. Get started today by calling (803) 524-8045 and scheduling an estimate or inspection with the experts!