When you have a crawlspace, it can be challenging to keep it dry. A crawl space dehumidifier, however, can help control moisture and protect your home. Choosing a dehumidifier that is specifically designed for a crawl space may be a good idea. To choose the best option, look for a unit that is smaller in size and able to run in cooler temperatures; it also may be wise to find a model that has some sort of built in pump for automatic water removal. In order to make the most of your crawl space dehumidifier, it is important to get the right size for your space as well. You may also want to consider purchasing an energy-saving unit, as dehumidifiers tend to use a fair amount of electricity.
A crawl space dehumidifier usually tends to be more compact in size than those designed for use in the home. You may need to measure your crawl space in order to ensure that you get one that is the right size and has enough capacity to keep the area dry. Generally speaking, dehumidifiers are sized according to how much moisture they can remove in a 24 hour period. Another consideration that may affect your decision, is just how damp your crawl space tends to be. If you have a very wet area under your house, you may need a larger unit because there will be more moisture in the air to remove.
Unless you want to go down into your crawl space on a regular basis, you will probably want to get a crawl space dehumidifier with an automatic pump. Since most dehumidifiers will shut off when the bucket is full, a pump will ensure that your unit is working as needed, making those extra trips into the space unnecessary. The pump, which has a drain hose connected to it, will pump water outside into your yard. The hose can be snaked through a vent, window, door, or discharged into a sink drain if you have one.
Operating a crawl space dehumidifier does use a bit of electricity, so buying one of the energy-efficient units may make the most sense, especially if you are working within a budget. To save energy, some models have an option that will let you adjust the unit to different levels of dryness, to accommodate fluctuating humidity. These units sometimes also offer a floating switch, which will empty the bucket only when it is completely full to prevent the unit from continuously pumping.
