Energy Efficient Dehumidifier – The Answer to Crawl Space Humidity

As long as your DC home has crawl space, you will have to control the moisture levels down there. Normal humidity should be between 45% and 50%. Anything higher than that and your crawl space will become damp, moldy, and smelly during hot and humid summer months. Wood beams are going to rot and your asthma and allergies get worse. A dehumidifier can be the game-changer, as it will help bring down moisture to acceptable levels and forestall many problems.

Between a standard dehumidifier or an energy efficient dehumidifier, which option is the best and what’s the difference? Read on to find out more.

Conventional Dehumidifier vs. Energy Efficient Dehumidifier

When shopping for a dehumidifier, you’ll have to decide whether you’ll go for an ordinary unit or the energy-efficient model. Let’s look at what differentiates the two.

The first is energy consumption. Energy-efficient dehumidifiers beat non-qualified units with regard to usage. You’ll find yourself spending 10-20% less energy than your neighbors just to keep your home dry and comfortable.

Just like automobiles, where more HP means more noise, normal dehumidifiers are somewhat louder than energy-efficient units as they require more power to run. If you want less noise or better noise control, go for the quieter and safe energy-efficient models.

Hygiene is another differentiator between these two. An energy-efficient unit will make your home less humid and more comfortable than a normal dehumidifier. Your skin will feel less clammy and you won’t have to visit the carpet cleaners every other week, meaning less cleaning costs.

Some homeowners are concerned with the effect of greenhouse gases on the environment. To support conservation efforts, you will want to go with an energy-efficient dehumidifier which reduces environmental damage.

Why Use an Energy Efficient Dehumidifier?

While you have the option of buying any dehumidifier, we strongly recommend an Energy Star certified unit for the following reasons:

• Reduced humidity – Of course, a dehumidifier is designed to draw out moisture and create a comfortable home environment. 
• Lower energy usage – An energy-efficient unit helps save energy consumption. In a year, you will save energy that can power an Energy Star certified refrigerator for four months! 
• More efficient HVAC unit – Since the dehumidifier removes excess moisture, it enables your HVAC to work more efficiently, reducing energy usage.
• Enhanced indoor air quality – With dust-laden moisture and mold particles out of the atmosphere, you and your loved ones can breathe easy and experience fewer allergies.
• Prevents awful smells – An Energy Star certified unit also reduces smells by controlling the spread of dust and mold spores in the air.

What to Look for in a Dehumidifier?

Just like any home appliance, dehumidifiers have various features. Energy efficiency is, of course, a necessary feature. Equally important are features that make it easy to control humidity and maintain your dehumidifier. 

• ENERGY STAR®️ certified – When shopping, look out for the yellow Energy Guide label, which indicates whether the unit is Energy Star certified.

• Humidistat – Look for units with a humidistat, which measures relative humidity and digital controls that let you set your ideal home humidity levels.

• Drainage features – conventional dehumidifiers hold condensed water in tanks or buckets. Get a model with a detachable tank or one that empties water into a drain through a hose.

• A timer—A timer lets you control when the dehumidifier turns on and runs and off. Thus, you won’t have to turn the unit on manually.

• Automatic restart – The auto-restart function enables the dehumidifier to turn on in the event of a power outage.

• Detachable air filters – Because of dust build-up, you’ll want a dehumidifier that comes with easy-to-remove filters so you can clean them.

• Antimicrobial disinfectant—A good dehumidifier should not only remove dust particles from the air but also purify it.

• Frost sensors – During cold winter months, frost can build up on the condenser coils, reducing the efficiency of your unit. A frost sensor prompts the dehumidifier to shut off and defrost.

You may also want to consider the air discharge location and whether the dehumidifier can connect to a home hub to control your device. Be sure to also check the operating temperature range. A unit that fits your basement’s temperature range means your machine will run smoothly and more efficiently.

Contact JES Foundation Repair for Expert Waterproofing Solutions

If you need help installing a dehumidifier in your DC crawl space, request a free crawl space inspection. We customize solutions for your home’s needs. Our crawl space dehumidifier installation offers long-lasting results, durability, and energy efficiency. Contact us today to learn more!

Basement Dehumidifier FAQs

Where should dehumidifiers be installed?

While there isn’t a specific location necessary for the dehumidifier, it’s typically installed near the sump pump to help with drainage.  

Often the dehumidifier is installed in an area where it is visible from the opening of the crawl space. Making it easy to ensure it is functioning efficiently.  

How much does it cost to install a crawl space dehumidifier?

Costs vary based on your crawl space size and condition. JES Foundation Repair offers free inspections, no-obligation quotes, and financing options to meet your budget.

Can you use a regular dehumidifier in a crawl space?

While you certainly can install a regular dehumidifier in your crawl space, the results will be less than successful, and it will involve a lot of work on your part to keep it in good condition.  

A regular, big-box store dehumidifier is not designed for use in such a large humid area. This means it has to run constantly to keep up, sending your energy bills through the roof. 

Dehumidifiers designed for use in a basement also commonly need to be emptied. While not impossible, climbing in and out of your crawl space to empty the dehumidifier, often daily, is a huge hassle.  

Instead, choose a specifically designed crawl space dehumidifier to work in hard-to-reach areas with a large volume capacity. 

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.