Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers in 2022

Even an impeccably clean home can still be plagued by hidden bacteria. Crawl spaces that lack proper ventilation can provide the perfect breeding grounds for mildew, mold, and other unwanted bacteria. They can quickly multiply and spread to the rest of your home.

Mold in the home can cause several health problems. These can range from mild to severe depending on the individual. Keeping your house free from mold and mildew is clearly important.

One of the most common measures homeowners use to reduce moisture is using dehumidifiers. While these work well in the main rooms, they often have limited effects in crawl spaces. The best way to target these hard-to-reach areas is with a specific crawl space humidifier. By installing one in these areas, you can reduce the risk to you and your family.

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Top Dehumidifiers for Crawl Spaces in 2022

Alorair Sentinel Hdi90 Basement/Crawl Space Dehumidifier

The Alorair Sentinel HDi90 comes with a remote control and can remove 90 pints of water from the air a day. Although this machine has a large capacity, it is still relatively quiet. It is made with high-quality materials which make it durable after continued use. This dehumidifier is perfect for spaces up to 2,000 square feet. The Alorair is perfect for garages, basements, crawl spaces, and areas used for storage.

This model is great at defrosting using its hot gas valve system. This dehumidifier operates at a low temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Using the Alorair Sentinel continuously saves on energy and extends the lifespan.

It comes with in-built technology to help limit corrosion inside the unit. This works by reducing any Freon leaks and there is an Epoxy coating. These work together to protect the machine and helps maintain the coil’s heat transfer.

The Alorair Sentinel HDi90 was designed with the modern home in mind. It has many special features, such as an HGV defrosting system, a G3 filter, and operation at low temperatures. It also comes with a remote control, so you can control the unit with minimal effort.

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Aprilaire 1820 Crawl Space Dehumidifier

The Aprilaire 1820 Pro Dehumidifier is designed specifically to be used in crawl spaces and basements. It works best in homes up to 2,800 square feet. It can remove up to nine gallons of moisture from your home per day. The Aprilaire 1820 has a handy control panel on the front, making it easy to access. This unit is quick to set up and easy to use with the interactive display.

One of the best things about the Aprilaire 1820 is that it needs very little maintenance. There is no messy overflow that needs emptying and the filter only needs cleaning or replacing once a year. The unit is built to the highest standards, the aluminum coils are resistant to corrosion, which helps to stop leaks. The model works with 110-volt to 120-volt AC 60 Hz power sources. However, it does not work with 50 Hz power outlets.

The Aprilaire 1820 is ideal for keeping your family safe from harmful bacteria. It removes excess moisture from the air and will maintain a humidity level of less than 60 perfect. This will help prevent dust mites, bacteria, and fungi in your home. Using this dehumidifier can reduce the symptoms of asthma and help keep allergies under control. It also helps remove musty smells and any visible mold from the area, which can keep your wooden furniture and floors in good condition.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Dri-Eaz Phd 200 Commercial Dehumidifier

The Dri-Eaz PHD 200 Commercial Dehumidifier is perfect for drying out a crawl space or basement. Each day, it can remove up to 16-gallons of moisture from the air, making it ideal for reducing excess humidity. This unit is compact, making it ideal for difficult-to-reach areas like crawl spaces. Its durable design is reliable and easy to transport or store.

The PHD 200 comes with touch-pad controls is a high-performance dehumidifier. There is a built-in humidistat and automatic pump-out technology. This model is built to last. The housing is durable and rotomolded, so it easily fits into crawl spaces, basements, and shops. The PHD 200 is perfect for any space where you want to reduce moisture and prevent mold, corrosion, or musty odors.

The simple digital controls are backlit, making it easy to use in dark areas. Using the built-in humidistat you can control the humidity level to suit your space. The auto pump can be used continuously without the overflow tray needing emptying.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Dri-Eaz Revolution Lgr Commercial Dehumidifier With Pump

This is one of the most expensive dehumidifiers on the market. While the high price tag may put you off, the Dri-Eaz Revolution Dehumidifier is high quality with a range of features.

When considering which model of dehumidifier to buy for a crawl space, many of the high-end dehumidifiers won’t work in a confined space. The high humidity can drastically reduce their lifespan.

The Dri-Eaz dehumidifier comes complete with a rugged housing, which allows it to fit into any space you need to dehumidify. This model is commercial-grade and has been made to cope well with bad environments without affecting the function.

This dehumidifier has a modern digital display that shows the room temperature next to the relative humidity. The built-in humidistat allows you to choose the humidity level for the specific crawl space. Once set, the machine quickly works to achieve the perfect humidity. The small design is perfect for small areas that have moisture problems.

The Dri-Eaz can easily extract an impressive 17 gallons of moisture per day. It can effortlessly handle spaces up to 70000 square feet. This performance is beyond any domestic dehumidifier on the market. This machine is so powerful it can remove moisture from surfaces such as wooden tables.

As this dehumidifier is so powerful, a traditional water tank would need emptying repeatedly. Instead, there is a built-in water pump that also takes away the condensation when drained.

The auto-start feature allows you to restart the machine with the previous settings if the unit is unexpectedly turned off due to a power outage.

If you still aren’t persuaded by the impressive performance and features, perhaps the manufacture’s lifetime warranty will convince you. The lifetime warranty covers the housing, with there is a six-year warranty on the refrigeration system. Although this is one of the more expensive models, it is a high-performance dehumidifier built to last.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Alorair Lgr 85 Pint Commercial Dehumidifier With Pump

The LGR 85 is a simple yet efficient commercial dehumidifier. It is small and compact, so it is perfect for smaller crawl spaces. Its smooth handles at the top make it easy to move around the home with little effort.

This unit comes with a completely sealed circuit, so it is safe from water damage. This feature means it can be used in flooded areas with no risk of water damage.

The clever design allows you to stack multiple units on top of one another. This means you can use several units when there is a larger area with humidity issues. The extra-long power cable means you can move the unit around without having to unplug it.

The LGR 85 is a highly efficient dehumidifier that can take out 1.625 gallons of water a day. This is ideal for areas with high humidity.

There is a built-in water pump so there is no need to empty the water tank every ten minutes. The machine can extract large amounts of moisture and push them up to 10 feet away.

The HGV anti-frost technology begins when the underflow temperature drops, allowing the unit to continue to work in conditions as low as 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You can therefore still use this model during the winter months. There is even a timer function that allows you to set when it will start and stop, letting you program it to suit your specific needs.

The filters are durable and efficient. They need to be replaced rarely, so this reduces the running costs and extends the lifespan of the LGR 85.

This dehumidifier can easily serve a room up to 2, 300 square feet. While this isn’t the highest on our list, it is great if you want to dehumidify a smaller space.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Choosing the Best Dehumidifier for a Crawl Space

Are you looking to dehumidify a damp crawl space? With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Different rooms and environments need different products. What makes one dehumidifier perfect for one space, but bad for another? There are several things to take into consideration when buying a dehumidifier:

Noise Level

As crawl spaces and basements tend to be used less in your home, the noise level isn’t the most important factor. However, you still don’t want a model that can be heard from the main rooms in your house. Choose one that isn’t quiet, although this shouldn’t be the first thing you look for.

Removing Humidity

When choosing a dehumidifier, it is important to choose one that is powerful enough to remove moisture from the entire crawl space. As crawl spaces often cover the whole footprint of your house, this can be a large area. While the space can be large, it is usually not very high. Before buying a model, measure the floor space you are planning for. You can then choose a model which is best suited for your area. When looking at performance, it will be measured in pints per day or 24 hours. 70 pints of water per day is good for a standard room, and 95 pints per day is better for larger spaces.

Energy Efficient

Continuously running a dehumidifier can be expensive and bad for the environment, so it is good to find one that is energy efficient. When working in a crawl space, dehumidifiers are designed to run for long periods. Buying one that will do this efficiently will save you money in the long run, as well as helping reduce energy.

Drainage Function

For optimal performance, dehumidifiers need a form of continuous drainage. If you were looking to remove moisture from a single room, a tank or built-in bucket would be sufficient. When using a dehumidifier for a larger crawl space, you would need to empty the tank several times a day which can be time-consuming and impractical. Dehumidifiers with continuous drainage allow the unit to run without constant emptying. They can therefore be left to run continuously with little programming.

Operation in Low Temperatures

Depending on where you live, you will need a model which continues to operate in low temperatures. Some models have auto-defrost capabilities, which stops the machine from collecting frost. This means it can work in even cold basements and crawl spaces.

Auto Reset Function

Auto-reset is a vital function for dehumidifiers in crawl spaces and basements. In the event of a power outage, the unit will restart retaining its original settings. This means you don’t need to venture into the basement to reset it after a power failure.

So now you know what to look for when buying a crawl space dehumidifier, what are our tops models? We have listed our top 5 below. We have written our reviews to help you find the perfect dehumidifier for your needs.

Sizes of Dehumidifier

One of the first things to take into consideration when looking for a crawl space dehumidifier is capacity. This performance is measured in pints per hour. It indicates how much moisture they can extract from the air in 24 hours.

Small Capacity Dehumidifiers- These are best suited for small crawl spaces. Their smaller capacity makes them less effective in basements. These small capacity models usually have a rate of between 25 and 35 pints.

Medium Capacity Dehumidifiers- Medium capacity dehumidifiers typically rate between 40 and 50 pints. These are perfect for larger crawl spaces that are still easy to manage and access.

Large Capacity Dehumidifiers- These are dehumidifiers that can remove over 60 pints of water from the air. These are large machines and can cover big spaces such as crawl spaces or basements of 4,500 square feet or more.

How Do You Know You Need a Dehumidifier in a Closed Crawl Space?

While the health benefits are excellent, many people buy dehumidifiers out of necessity. You may come to the realization that your home’s crawl space or basement is in desperate need of a dehumidifier. Even if it is closed to the outside, humidity can still be a problem. There are four key signs that you need a dehumidifier fast.

You may begin to notice a dank, moldy smell in your home. This smell can indicate there is an area where mildew and mold will thrive. Moisture that is trapped in crawl spaces often creates perfect conditions for mold.

Another common cause is that there are water pipes or the HVAC system in the crawl space. As they carry water, they increase the moisture in the area and add condensation. Dripping pies also drastically increase the moisture if not fixed quickly.

Noticing signs of damage around your home can be an indication you have a moisture problem. Things to look out for are termite infestations and rotting wood. Left untreated, damage caused by moisture can lead to lasting problems around the home. You should also keep an eye out for rust and swollen wood, such as floors, doors, and window frames. Make sure your insulation isn’t sagging and repair quickly it if it is.

You may start noticing that your home’s air quality begins to drop and affects your breathing. Untreated humidity can lead to headaches and allergies. You may find breathing difficult when you never did before. The airborne nature of mold means it will eventually circulate your entire home, not just the crawl space.

If any of these seem familiar, you should consider a dehumidifier. If you find yourself saying yes to all of these, we suggest hiring an expert to survey the damage caused and help you remedy it.

How to Maintain Your Crawl Space Dehumidifier

If you want to get the best out of your dehumidifier, you should follow our tips on how to maintain it. Most of these units need minimal maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you should just leave it and hope for the best. Regularly completing these tasks will help you to extend the lifespan of your new dehumidifier.

Read the Manual

Before doing anything with your dehumidifier, make sure you read the manufacturer’s manual. This will outline what specific maintenance your model requires. You can also find details about any warranty here.

Clean the air filter or replace it regularly

If you are using your dehumidifier in a dusty crawl space, the air filter can become clogged very quickly. The purpose of the dehumidifier is to collect and trap any potentially dangerous airborne particles. These harmful particles can also damage the internal components of your unit. Failing to change or replace a dirty filter will lead to the dehumidifier being less effective.

Finding a Suitable Place for your Dehumidifier

To allow the dehumidifier to be effective, it keeps space around the air intake valve and the exhaust. Make sure you clear away any objects in the way. While the unit is running, close all windows and doors. Dehumidifiers work best when they are put in enclosed spaces with humidity sources controlled. If you fail to close windows and extra moisture comes in, the machine will have to work harder to achieve the desired result. If a machine is working harder, it will use more energy and run up higher bills. Check the model is suited to the temperature of your desired room.

Clean the Exhaust and Air Intake Valve

Dust particles can block the airways of your unit, which will reduce the effectiveness. Keep these clean by using a vacuum brush to remove any dust or debris. Do this every few months, or more often if your room is particularly dusty.

Regularly Clean the Water Tank

Water tanks can easily become contaminated with dust and debris, which leads to mold and bacteria. Check the tank regularly and use disinfectant to clean it.

Control Condensation

Most dehumidifiers have an anti-corrosion coating on the outside. However, condensation can still damage the inside elements. Make sure you wipe down any moisture from the control panel or outside.

Let it Run

If you turn the unit off and on without leaving sufficient time, you can damage the compressor. The system needs time to balance the pressure inside. Failure to do so can cause the unit to overheat and lead to a short-circuit. The best way to avoid this is to buy a model which has an automatic delay on starting.

Check for Frost and Ice Built-Up

Models that come with auto defrost will automatically control any frost. However, if your machine doesn’t have this feature, you need to check regularly for frost. This can happen when the temperature of your dehumidifier drops suddenly. You will also need to check the coils for frost. Failure to do so can result in damage or even the machine stopping working.

FAQs

What Causes Damp in Crawl Spaces?

Your crawl space can be damp due to a number of reasons. Crawl spaces are usually close to the ground or dirt floor. These naturally contain high amounts of water which can lead to damp.

If you have a crack in the wall and there is no vapor barrier, the water can easily enter the crawl space. This will increase the humidity. If the crawl space lacks adequate ventilation and has a cool temperature, this humidity can quickly turn to damp.

Lack of good ventilation is a big factor as dry air can help reduce damp. Any standing water can also increase the area’s humidity.

How Will a Dehumidifier Stop Damp?

Dehumidifiers work by drawing moisture out of the air and reducing the humidifier. This, coupled with sealing any cracks in the walls, can help stop damp. Reducing damp will help improve your living environment and help avoid any expensive repairs down the line. 

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