Crawl spaces in Cleveland Ohio can be especially vulnerable to moisture build caused by elevated humidity. Crawl space dampness caused by elevated humidity can lead to a variety of maintenance issues. Potential issues include, but are not limited to indoor air quality concerns, structural damage, pest infestations, high energy consumption and general discomfort. By keeping crawl space humidity levels below 50% can go a long way in reducing the risk of moisture related problems. A properly rated crawl space dehumidifier can help by maintaining humidity levels between 30% – 50%. If your Ohio crawl space is especially damp, consider installing a crawl space dehumidifier.
Benefits of Installing a Crawl Space Dehumidifier In Your Cleveland OH Home
Do not underestimate the difference a properly rated crawl space dehumidifier can make in preventing various maintenance issues. Installing and maintaining a crawl space dehumidifier can be a very simple task that will go a long way in prevent major property damage caused by moisture build up and indoor mold growth.
- Moisture Control
Crawl space moisture control can be a seemingly constant battle. Between seepage from your foundation walls, moisture emitted from crawl space soil and poor ventilation, crawl spaces are especially vulnerable to moisture buildup and moisture related problems. A properly rated dehumidifier can help. Crawl spaces do not need to be wet to be considered a problem. General dampness from seemingly minor conditions, like humidity and condensation, can be a sufficient moisture source leading to various problems like mold and structural damage. By using a dehumidifier in your crawl space, you are decreasing the moisture in the air and preserving the quality of your home.
- Air Quality Control
Depending on the situation moisture control can be directly related to indoor air quality. Moist air is a breeding ground for mold, dust mites and other contaminants. Building science dictates that air naturally rises in your building structure. This means that your crawl space air will eventually travel up to the main living spaces of your Cleveland home. As air travels upwards, your crawl space openings will pull in unconditioned, replacement air from outside. If elevated humidity is breeding mold and other contaminates in your crawl space, that contaminated air will eventually get cycled into your main living spaces and affect your indoor air quality. It is estimated that at least 50% of the air we breathe on the first floor originates from the crawl space. A crawl space dehumidifier will help maintain healthy moisture levels in your crawl space, and reduce the risk of indoor air contaminants from the crawl space.
- Structural Maintenance
Moisture can be extremely damaging to your porous building materials like wood and insulation. Damp and humid crawl spaces can mean serious structural damage. Uncontrolled dampness will lead to wood rot, decay and, ultimately, compromised structural integrity of your home. Wood rot is likely when the moisture content in the air is at least 28%, and it happens when liquid water touches the wood (ie: condensation). If the wood in your crawl space becomes damaged, there’s a possibility that the wood will no longer be able to hold the weight of your home. A dehumidifier in your crawl space will minimize opportunity for moisture build up within your porous materials and prevent moisture related damage to your building structure.
- Pest Prevention
Insect, critters and other creepy crawlies LOVE dampness. A major pest infestation will do serious damage to your Ohio home. A dehumidifier will aid crawl space moisture control and create a less hospitable environment for pests.
- Energy Efficiency
By decreasing the moisture content of your indoor air with a crawl space dehumidifier, you can help your air conditioning system run more efficiently. It is not uncommon for families to rely solely on their air conditioning system to remove excess indoor humidity. This can seriously drive up your energy bill. If you install a crawl space dehumidifier and rely less on your air conditioner, you can maintain relative humidity levels at or below the recommended 50% during springtime, summertime, and the fall. This means less stress on your air conditioning system when in use. Controlled indoor humidity also means you and your family will feel more comfortable at a higher temperature, which will minimize your need to run your air conditioning at all.
- General Comfort
Humidity is, more often than not, associated with feelings of gross, hot and sticky. Humidity creates a rather uncomfortable living environment. If you try to decrease the temperature of the air conditioning system to remove the humidity, you wind up becoming cold and clammy. A dehumidifier in your crawl space will more easily control the humidity levels in your home to ensure that you and your family are always comfortable. Controlled indoor humidity ensures your and your family’s overall comfort, even in warmer temperatures.
Crawl Space Humidity, Mold & Moisture Related Problems
Crawl space humidity and moisture problems are easy to overlook. All too often, Cleveland homeowners do not discover the issue until mold has already developed and the musty odors have permeated through to the upper levels. If unaddressed humidity and moisture problems in your crawl space have led to mold development, you should consider contacting a crawl space mold inspector in Ohio to thoroughly inspect your crawl space. A trained and certified mold removal professional in Ohio will have the necessary tools and knowledge to help you properly address your mold and moisture concerns.
