crawl space dehumidifier

HI,
When installing a dehumidifier should I close my crawl space vents? Where is the best place to put it in the crawl space? I also have vent fans installed in my crawlspace that exhaust air out, should I shut those off while operating the dehumidifier?

 

Yes. The dehumidifier is trying to condition the air in the space, so you don't want to introduce a lot of outside air.

Place it near an outlet, preferably in the central location of your crawl space.

All vents in the crawlspace should be sealed, but if your fans run constantly and exhaust air out, you might leave one open and running just to ensure you have a "little" air exchange. It will pull makeup air from the home from any gap or crack.

Be sure your dehumidifier is high capacity (90 pints a day or more) and that it comes with its own bilge pump.

 

current code calls for NO foundation vents

 

Another factor in locating the dehumidifier is noise issue. If your dehumidifier can be heard from the living area, then you may want to put it somewhere that has the least impact (e.g. away from under a bedroom). Then attach air ducts to the intake and output of the dehumidifier to circulate the air across the crawlspace.

Dehumidifiers made for crawlspace usually can be ducted by buying a ducting kit.

I assume your crawlspace dirt are all covered and preferably sealed against the walls? If not they will make the dehumidifier work harder and dehumdifiers are expensive to run.