From EpicHomeIdeas.com:
A crawl space is essentially a vacant area that lies under houses between the ground and the first floor. The height of the crawl space can be anything from 1 to 3 feet, which as the name signifies is just as big for someone to crawl.
So basically a crawlspace is a subbasement, that is a vertically small underground space located under the main basement or it is a replacement for a basement itself, but one where you can crawl and not walk.
Crawl spaces help to accommodate the plumbing, electrical wiring, ductwork, the air conditioning, and the heating and to provide unrestricted access to these substructures.
The problem with a crawl space is that it can easily get dirty and damp. Excessive moisture in the crawlspace can cause a nuisance of mold, fungi, snakes, termites, and rats.
The vapor enters the crawlspace from the ground. The vapor then moves up from the crawlspace into the house. This can not only cause damage to the rest of your house, but it also reduces the indoor air quality which can result in various health conditions.
To avoid these problems, it is important to keep your crawlspace clean and dry. There have been multiple solutions — proper ventilation, installing air pumps, exhaust fans or even dehumidifiers. Some of these methods have turned out to be futile.
For instance, crawl space ventilation does not work well to prevent the dirt and damp. The latest leading technology and the one increasingly gaining popularity is the crawl space encapsulation. Encapsulation is a method where you completely seal the crawl space with a polythene barrier and sealing tape.
Encapsulation involves removing all debris and sharp rocks, sealing all vents and doors, and insulating with a thick plastic layer.
The encapsulation method is best combined with a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture level.
The PRO’s:
- It positively reduces moisture to a great extent.
- It enhances the air quality in your crawl space and your house by blocking the vapor, dust or gasses from the soil.
- It gives you healthier living conditions.
- The additional insulation and the blockage of moisture and air leaks help maintain the heat in the house and thus reduces your heat bills.
- It does not permit pests and wood-destroying insects to breed in your crawl space.
- It gets rid of the problem of fungi/ mold.
- It helps maintains the structural integrity of your house.
- It ensures that there is no room for insects and rats, thus protecting your wiring and other substructures from being damaged.
- It provides a safer home.
From GeneralAire.com: The GeneralAire® DH75 (removes up to 75 pints per day) or DH100 (removes up to 100 pints per day) is full of features that make these dehumidifiers an excellent choice for this application. First, the units are compact, incorporate integrated handles for ease of placement in tight spaces, and include a MERV 11 filter to protect internal components.
But most importantly, the DH75 & DH100 not only offers a back-lit touch screen control (ideal in dark spaces) but Wi-Fi control as well. From the convenience of your favorite recliner, the beach, your vacation home, or anywhere with Wi-Fi you can easily change the parameters of the dehumidifier on your smart device with the GeneralAire Wi-Fi APP. No more crawling into a dark crawlspace to adjust settings.
Learn more about these terrific dehumidifiers at www.generalaire.com.
