Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers
A crawl space dehumidifier will manage moisture long-term, lower the relative humidity levels in closed spaces, increase the effectiveness of your home’s HVAC by creating a controlled environment, and will discourage the nesting and infestation of pests in your crawl space. Schedule your free inspection to learn more about our deals and discounts on our crawl space dehumidifiers and installation services!
Prevents mold growth
Reduces allergens
Lowers energy costs
Removes condensation
Prolongs the life of the HVAC system
Deters pests away
Protects your homes foundation
Creates a more comfortable feeling indoors
Moisture in the crawl space can be caused by:
Humid air and moisture that penetrate through unsealed airways such as foundation vents, openings around pipes and wires in the foundation walls, and through the gap where your wood sill plate sits on top of the foundation. In addition to moisture, unwanted bugs and pests often find their way into the crawl space via the same openings.
Moisture levels are higher when there is standing water under the house either as a result of flooding, condensate build-up along HVAC systems, or poor foundation drainage in the crawl space. If there is any water pooling on top of your crawl space vapor moisture barrier, it is more than likely that there is moisture that is accumulating under your home.
An exposed ground floor in your crawl space where the plastic vapor barrier is providing no coverage, allows moisture to evaporate directly from the soil, that can raise the humidity in a crawl space dramatically. Having an exposed ground floor will leave your wood joists and structural beams under the home susceptible to mold growth and wood rot over time.
Condensate that accumulates along your air handler and duct work under the home. Condensation is often a result of high relative humidity levels in conjunction with contrasting outdoor and indoor air temperatures, which can lead to standing water and mold growth.
A dehumidifier will allow you to lower humidity levels to help protect from moisture that could lead to mold or wood rot.
The Benefits Of Dehumidifiers
Having a dehumidifier can provide a number of different benefits to the air quality and environment in your home and crawl space. A dehumidifier will allow you to lower humidity levels to help protect from moisture that could lead to mold or wood rot. Reduces allergens like mold spores, dust mites, and mildew that can accrue in the crawl space and under your home. Additionally, it can keep wood moisture levels low to prevent your wood joists and beams from warping.
Other benefits include eliminating the condensation which occurs along air conditioning duct work in the crawl space as well as preventing rust on any metal surfaces. Ultimately, installing a dehumidifier help to eliminate odors and keep clean air flowing into your crawl space and home. Find out how adding a dehumidifier in your home will help protect your home and save you money down the road.
Why Dehumidify Your Crawl Space?
Unsealed crawl spaces and basements are exposed to high moisture and humidity which make them more susceptible to moisture and mold growth, structural damage, and even allergy issues due to poor air quality for people inside the home. Due to the Stack effect, the movement of air into and out of buildings and homes cycles the dusty air and spores from the crawl space throughout your home due to whats called air buoyancy.
Air buoyancy occurs due to a difference in indoor-to-outdoor air density resulting from temperature and moisture differences. In essence, the moisture and musty odors in your crawl space will always occur in your home, unless all the air spaces and openings in your floor are sealed, and there is a dehumidifier to manage and maintain safe moisture levels and air quality. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, the irritants in the air might affect you more harshly than someone who does not.
Is a dehumidifier worth it?
To know the answer to whether installing a crawl space dehumidifier is right for you, you will need to determine if there is a moisture problem in your crawl space. If so, a dehumidifier might be worth it in the long run just to avoid mold and moisture damage in the future.
At Carolina Casa, we provide free inspections to help you determine if there is moisture causing problems in your crawl space, as well as specific solutions to help. If you think you need a dehumidifier, our installation package includes:
The dehumidifier unit and accessories.
The installation of the dehumidifier in your crawl space or basement.
The installation of a condensation drainage pipe to drain the condensate produced by the dehumidifier outside of your home and crawl space.
As well as the installation of a GFCI outlet in your crawl space, basement or attic so that you can start using the dehumidifier immediately!
We offer a variety of different dehumidifiers. Depending upon the size of your crawl space, a larger dehumidifier or multiple can be used.
What’s happening beneath your feet? For many homeowners, the crawl space is an "out of sight, out of mind" area. But here in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas, humidity is a year-round battle. When moisture builds up in your crawl space, it doesn't stay there.
It seeps into your home, causing:
Musty odors
Increased allergens and mold spores
Higher energy bills
Serious structural damage
The single most effective solution for humidity in the air? A professional crawl space dehumidifier.
Signs You Need a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Your crawl space might be hidden, but it sends warning signs. If you notice any of the following, your home is crying out for help:
Musty Smells: A "damp earth" or mildew odor in your main living areas is the #1 red flag.
Visible Mold or Mildew: Dark spots on insulation, wooden joists, or the foundation.
Wood Rot: Soft, spongy, or crumbling wooden supports.
Pest Infestations: Termites, cockroaches, and spiders love dark, damp environments.
High Indoor Humidity: Windows fogging up, or a general "clammy" feeling indoors.
Damp or "Sweating" Insulation: Look for insulation that is sagging, wet, or falling down.
Why a "Big-Box Store" Dehumidifier Won't Work?
This is the most common mistake we see. A standard, portable dehumidifier from a hardware store is designed to handle a single room, not the extreme environment of a crawl space.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Standard Portable Dehumidifier | Professional Crawl Space Dehumidifier |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Cooled, indoor rooms (65°F+) | Unconditioned, cool spaces (down to 40°F) |
| Durability | Light plastic; built to last 1-3 years | Heavy-duty steel; built to last 10-15+ years |
| Drainage | Small bucket you must empty daily | Automatic, continuous drain line (no effort) |
| Efficiency | Runs constantly; high energy use | High-efficiency, Energy Star® rated |
| Capacity | Low; struggles with high humidity | High capacity; removes 70-100+ pints per day |
| Filtration | Basic, small filter | MERV-rated air filtration for mold & dust |
The Bottom Line: Using a portable dehumidifier in a crawl space is like trying to empty a swimming pool with a teacup. It will run 24/7, fail to control the humidity, and burn out quickly.
The Dehumidifier: One Part of a Complete System
A dehumidifier is a powerful tool, but it works best as part of a complete crawl space moisture control system. To truly fix the problem, you must first stop new moisture from getting in.
At Carolina Casa, we address the entire problem:
Crawl Space Encapsulation: We install a heavy-duty, 100% sealed vapor barrier on the floor and walls. This stops moisture from the earth from ever entering the space.
Sealing Vents & Gaps: We seal off outside vents and air-seal gaps that let in humid outdoor air.
Installing the Dehumidifier: Once the space is sealed, we install the professional-grade dehumidifier. This unit will then easily and efficiently control the humidity level of the clean, sealed air inside, maintaining it at an ideal level below 60% RH.
The Benefits of a Dry, Controlled Crawl Space
Investing in a proper dehumidifier and encapsulation system isn't just a repair—it's an upgrade for your entire home.
Healthier Air: Stop mold, dust mites, and mildew at the source. The air you breathe is cleaner.
Structural Protection: Prevent costly wood rot that can compromise your home's foundation and floors.
Pest Prevention: A dry crawl space is a terrible home for pests.
Energy Savings: Dry air is cheaper to heat and cool than damp, heavy air. You'll notice a difference in your utility bills.
Increased Home Value: A clean, dry, and encapsulated crawl space is a major selling point for future buyers.
Take Control of Your Home's Health
Stop guessing what's going on under your floors. The Carolina Casa team is ready to provide a no-obligation, 100% free inspection of your crawl space.