How to Lower Indoor Humidity
Maintaining balanced indoor humidity levels is essential for comfort and health. In a previous article, we explored crawl space humidity, its causes, and why addressing it is critical to prevent damage.
This page explains how to reduce indoor humidity and create a more comfortable environment for your family and guests. With our crawl space repair tips, you’ll resolve humidity issues quickly and efficiently.
Let’s get started.
What is Crawl Space Humidity?
Crawl space humidity refers to the moisture level beneath the first floor of your home. High humidity leads to various problems, so regulating it through proper moisture control and prevention methods is essential.
How to Lower the Humidity in Your House
Crawl spaces directly affect indoor humidity levels, making encapsulation a must. Comprehensive moisture-control processes involve several techniques working together. Here’s what we recommend:
Install a Vapor Barrier
A durable vapor barrier system is the first line of defense against crawl space humidity. Vapor Barriers create a protective layer between the soil and the crawl space walls, preventing ground moisture from seeping into the area and, eventually, your home.
Our CrawlSeal™ 20-mil crawl space vapor barriers are over three times thicker than many residential code minimums, ensuring your crawl space and home are well-protected against moisture and humidity.
Consider a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
High indoor humidity levels require crawl space dehumidifiers to extract excess moisture from the air. This tool maintains a comfortable and healthy humidity level, preventing mold growth, wood rot, and musty odors. Our professionals clean and maintain your dehumidifier during regular inspections to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Close Crawl Space Vents
Damaged or open crawl space vents cause air quality issues inside your home, allowing outdoor air and elements to invade the area. Contact a crawl space expert to determine the best solution for your home. Professionals consider your local climate, crawl space conditions, and home layout to recommend the best vent solution.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Seal non-structural foundation gaps and cracks to prevent moisture entry. Professionals use high-quality sealants and caulk explicitly designed for moisture control, ensuring complete and thorough protection. Sealants and vapor barriers work with other encapsulation techniques, creating a comprehensive waterproofing solution.
Inspect and Maintain
Consider hiring our crawl space experts to conduct regular inspections and check for signs of moisture or mold. Our professionals provide free inspections and customized repair solutions, helping you identify potential problems early and take the necessary proactive steps to prevent costly repairs and health hazards.
Encapsulation strategies reduce indoor humidity by preventing and controlling moisture, creating a more comfortable indoor environment. If you’ve noticed increased humidity or warm, sticky air in your home, contact a crawl space expert like Foundation Support Specialists for a free inspection.
💡 Fun Fact:
Bonus: Reducing HVAC strain also lowers utility bills, helping you save money!
Will Any Dehumidifier Work in a Crawl Space?
Not all dehumidifiers work in a crawl space. Here’s a breakdown of big box retail dehumidifiers vs. professional crawl space dehumidifiers:
Big Box Retail Store Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers from big-box retailers are often ineffective at removing crawl space moisture. Here’s why:
- Limited Capacity: Most consumer-grade dehumidifiers remove 20 to 70 pints of water daily, which may not effectively manage crawl space humidity.
- Manual Emptying: Many retail dehumidifiers require manual emptying, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
- Overflow Risk: Store-bought dehumidifiers, including self-draining ones, often overflow and cannot keep up with moisture levels. This overflow exacerbates the moisture issue rather than resolving it.
Professional Crawl Space Dehumidifiers
Professionally advanced dehumidifiers eliminate indoor humidity caused by crawl space moisture. They are engineered for the unique conditions of crawl spaces. Professional dehumidifiers are:
- High Capacity: Our crawl space dehumidifiers remove up to 105 pints daily, managing humidity in larger, damp spaces.
- Quiet: Our quiet dehumidifying systems operate at 55 decibels, ensuring a non-disruptive environment during operation.
- Energy Efficient: EnergyStar certification ensures energy-efficient moisture protection, potentially lowering utility bills.
- Self-Draining: The automatic self-draining system eliminates manual emptying yet consistently performs in challenging crawl space conditions.
What to Do Next…
Texas summers are sweltering, and few things are worse than stepping into a warm, humid home. Excess indoor humidity disrupts your comfort and undermines your home’s integrity.
Contact Foundation Support Specialists to learn more about crawl space encapsulation and take the first step toward a drier, healthier, more comfortable home.
Click the button below to schedule your free inspection today.
Crawl Space Repair FAQs
The price depends on the size of the door and other encapsulation requirements. We provide detailed estimates after a complimentary home inspection, along with various financing options to fit your budget.
We generally advise against attempting to resolve crawl space moisture issues on your own. Entering the crawl space can be risky, and DIY solutions often provide only temporary relief. For a comprehensive and lasting solution, professional services are recommended. Foundation Support Specialists possess the necessary skills, equipment, and safety gear for this task. Contact us for further details and to arrange a free inspection.
Costs vary based on crawl space condition, size, and required repairs. FSS provides a detailed, obligation-free inspection and estimate, outlining costs and financing options.
Shaye Glisson
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