How much is a dehumidifier for a crawl space
John Thompson
Updated on May 17, 2026
Dehumidifiers can provide a continuous flow of fresh, dry air in your crawl space, resulting in an energy-efficient solution that improves the air quality and keeps mold growth at bay all season long.
Are dehumidifiers good for crawl spaces?
Dehumidifiers can provide a continuous flow of fresh, dry air in your crawl space, resulting in an energy-efficient solution that improves the air quality and keeps mold growth at bay all season long.
How much does a crawl space dehumidifier cost to run?
An average crawl space dehumidifier adds about $5-$40 to your monthly electricity bill. This, however, depends on many factors like its watt rating and time spent in operation.
What size dehumidifier do I need for crawl space?
A good rule of thumb for picking out a humidifier for a crawl space is the smaller the space is, the smaller the dehumidifier should be. For a crawl space that’s about 300 square feet, you’ll want a 20-30-pint sized dehumidifier. For a 500 square foot space, you’ll want a 25-40-pint dehumidifier.What is the best way to dehumidify a crawl space?
- Inspect for damage and repair. …
- Install a crawl space vapor barrier. …
- Insulate your crawl space. …
- Get a dehumidifier. …
- Cover vents. …
- Position gutters and downspouts properly. …
- Install a sump pump. …
- Be vigilant.
Is encapsulating your crawl space worth it?
Crawl space encapsulation can be a great way to improve air quality in your home, improve your energy efficiency, and prevent damage to your home. The layer of plastic and a dehumidifier can help prevent moisture from building up in the enclosed space and keep mold and mildew from growing.
How long do crawl space dehumidifiers last?
You may be wondering how long your crawl space dehumidifier will last. This will depend on the brand and model you purchase, but on average, your crawl space dehumidifier may last anywhere from 3 to 5 years when properly maintained.
Should you run a dehumidifier all the time?
Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly? No, there is no need to keep the dehumidifier running constantly. It’s generally enough to run the unit when the humidity level is 50% or higher. A good rule of thumb to remember is to maintain a comfortable 30-50% humidity level for most homes.Can you use a crawl space dehumidifier without encapsulation?
Many homeowners will perform crawl space encapsulation but then choose not to install a dehumidifier. … Draining the dehumidifier under the vapor barrier can increase the humidity because moisture can eventually evaporate from under the plastic.
How do I get a dehumidifier for my crawl space?Dehumidifiers are generally categorized by how many pints of water they can remove per day or per 24-hour cycle. These can range from a minor 10-pint to a major 90-pint and more. In a crawl space, having a high-performing dehumidifier is important. We highly recommend that you choose a 50-pint or above for this area.
Article first time published onDo dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Dehumidifier energy use is rather low. An average small 30-pint dehumidifier uses 300W of energy. … Essentially, a dehumidifier draws much less electricity than a water heater, an air conditioner, even a hair drier. An average dehumidifier draws about as much energy as a computer.
How much does it cost to waterproof a crawl space?
How Much Does A Crawl Space Waterproofing Project Cost? Although a completed waterproofing job looks fantastic, it is quite expensive. On average, these jobs typically cost upwards of $10,000 (for approximately a 1000 square foot crawlspace).
How much does it cost to encapsulate a house?
What’s the Cost of Encapsulation? Typical encapsulation projects cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
How long does crawl space encapsulation last?
Generally speaking, most companies will offer a warranty of between 15 and 20 years for a typical crawlspace encapsulation project. However, if the humidity levels are controlled and no catastrophic events such as flooding occur, a properly encapsulated crawlspace can last for more than 20 years.
Is crawl space encapsulation covered by insurance?
Even though crawl space encapsulation isn’t covered by your homeowners insurance, it can still be a worthwhile investment. It’s a measure that can make it more difficult for standing water to build up in the first place and it also makes it easier to remove water that does pool in the foundation of your home.
What is the average cost of crawl space encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation cost calculators determine that the average cost for encapsulation is about $7,500. The lowest cost can be $5,000 and can even go as high as $30,000. The cost depends on a variety of factors such as the size of your crawl space, the type of condition it is in, and the materials used.
Should you seal your crawl space?
Yes, you should. All crawl spaces should be completely sealed and isolated from moisture in the air and from the ground.
Will one dehumidifier do the whole house?
Can one dehumidifier do a whole house? Yes, of course. But for a dehumidifier to serve a whole house, it must be the whole house dehumidifier type. As earlier said, these units are able to serve up to 5000sqft or more, which is around the typical size of most homes today.
How long does it take for dehumidifier to dry house?
6. How long will it take to get the moisture under control? As long as the dehumidifier you choose is large enough for the area it is working in, and there are no specific damp problems, then a dehumidifier will normally reduce the humidity to the chosen level within a few days to a week.
Where is the best place to put a dehumidifier in your house?
In conclusion, the best place to keep a dehumidifier most definitely is the downstairs basement or upstairs close to the stairs. This is because the basement is the most humid place in your house. If there is any other moist condition upstairs, its source must be resolved rather than placing a dehumidifier.
Do dehumidifiers stop mold?
Reduce Mold and Mildew A dehumidifier is designed to reduce the moisture level in the air by extracting the excess water. By doing so, dehumidifiers can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew and improves the indoor air quality of your space.
Will a dehumidifier stop black Mould?
The short answer is that a dehumidifier can prevent the spread of new spores but can’t kill existing mould. … The black patches won’t shrink in size or disappear, so you’ll need another method to kill existing mould and mildew. You should also keep in mind that a dehumidifier takes time to reduce humidity.
Is it cheaper to run AC or dehumidifier?
Generally, it is cheaper to run a dehumidifier than an AC if both units are of average capacity and have typical running times. … Portable dehumidifiers cost $25 to $350 per year overall, depending on their capacity. This breaks down to $2 to $29 per month, although this isn’t exactly a correct way of looking at it.
How often should you check your crawl space?
Attic inspection professionals agree that homeowners should inspect their crawl spaces every six months. Use a flashlight to carefully examine the traces of mold, pests or even water.
How do you waterproof a crawl space?
Crawl space foundations are easily waterproofed by gluing a thick sheet of plastic to the ground and walls. This will help keep ground water from leaking in through the crawl space. Drylok may also be applied to the walls of a crawl space to further prevent water damage.
How do you condition a crawl space?
- Add a plastic vapor barrier to the crawlspace floor and attach it to the foundation walls, piers, and equipment. …
- Seal off all vents and openings to the outdoors. …
- Add a thermal barrier to the crawlspace walls. …
- Air seal all the gaps and cracks.
How much does it cost to put a vapor barrier in a crawl space?
The vapor barrier lines the ground and walls within the crawl space and prevents moisture from entering. A standard 20-millimeter vapor barrier typically costs from $0.50 to $0.70 per square foot.