How Do You Install a Crawl Space Dehumidifier?

It is often best to leave the installation of your new crawl space dehumidifier to area professionals. That said, you can expect those professionals to take the following steps during the installation process: 

Step 1: Choosing Your Location 

First and foremost, professionals need to determine where in your crawl space a dehumidifier will best serve. Much of this depends on the shape of your crawl space. While each home varies, most crawl spaces see one of the following arrangements: 

• U-Shaped: Place your dehumidifier over the entrance to your crawl space where it cannot be accessed by standing water. Then, use ducting to bring air currents down on either side of your entrance to better control moisture throughout the whole of the space. 

• Rectangular: If you have a rectangular crawl space, you can place a dehumidifier at either end and use ducting to circulate the push and pull of air. 
• Divided: Ductwork can extend your dehumidifier’s exhaust in between the divisions of your crawl space, with the dehumidifier itself elevated off the ground in one or the other parts. 

As long as the dehumidifier is away from low-grade parts of your crawl space and is unlikely to come into contact with standing water, it should be able to safely do its job. 

Step 2: Installing a Ducting Kit 

Optionally, you can talk to the professionals in your area about installing a ducting kit. A ducting kit helps direct the push and pull of air currents from your dehumidifier throughout the rest of your crawl space. 

While you do not have to install a ducting kit in your crawl space, you should at least consider ensuring that your vents are appropriately sealed and you’ve installed any other waterproofing measures you may be interested in. The sooner you can create a compressed space within your crawl space, the healthier your home is going to be. 

Step 3: Monitoring Your Home’s Humidity 

Finally, with your dehumidifier up and running and any other home protective measures put into place, both you and the professionals in your area can keep track of the humidity levels throughout your home. Ideally, you’ll want these levels between 50 and 60 percent. You can use a wireless hygrometer to track the degree of humidity in your crawl space without having to wiggle your way in on a regular basis. As long as you don’t notice any spikes, you should be able to rest comfortably knowing that your dehumidifier is doing its job. 

DIY Versus Professional Assistance 

You may be tempted, when faced with the prospect of installing a crawl space dehumidifier, to try and take on that installation process alone. Unfortunately, trying to install a dehumidifier or otherwise attend to any damage that your crawl space may have taken on over the years is more than just difficult for someone without experience—it can also be dangerous. 

DIY projects involving comprehensive crawl space repair are often far more expensive than you anticipate they’re going to be. Waterproofing your crawl space with a crawl space dehumidifier, for example, may require you to purchase not only unique materials but special tools as well. Comparatively, professional teams already have the tools they need to install your waterproofing measures on hand. They can also often procure any necessary materials for less than market cost courtesy of partnerships with industry-trusted manufacturers. Not only that, but you risk making mistakes while trying to waterproof your own crawl space. If you’re not sure what you’re doing in the midst of a dehumidifier installation, it’s possible for you to not only damage the dehumidifier but do significant structural damage to the whole of your crawl space. 

Finding Professional Contractors in Your Area 

If you want to invest in a crawl space dehumidifier, then the professionals in your area can help. A team of contractors can inspect your home for signs of crawl space damage on an annual basis. If it looks like your home may benefit from the presence of a crawl space dehumidifier or any other available home waterproofing measures, you can request a free quote detailing the potential cost of any necessary repair or installation services. The sooner you’re able to protect your home from unwanted moisture, the better off your property and your family are going to be.