Hey everyone! I'm dealing with some serious humidity issues in my crawl space where the relative humidity (RH) is often over 75%. It's been leading to some funky smells and overall discomfort. I've recently taken some steps to fix it, like sealing the vents, installing a vapor barrier, and setting up a dehumidifier that keeps the humidity around 60%. I'm finding mixed info online about whether that's a good humidity level for a crawl space or if it's still too high. Given that I live in an old, leaky house from the 1910s, I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this situation?
2 Answers
It sounds like you're on the right track with the dehumidifier and sealing those vents! Generally, keeping the humidity around 60% is considered acceptable for crawl spaces, especially in older homes. But it’s good to monitor it regularly. Just ensure that there’s no water pooling or leaks that could make things worse. Have you thought about checking the foundation for cracks that might let in moisture? Also, keep an eye on the airflow from your HVAC system down there; it can affect humidity levels too!
60% isn’t terrible, but if you can get it lower, that might help avoid mold and other problems in the long run. I'd suggest using a hygrometer to keep an eye on it. Also, if the dehumidifier is running constantly, it might be worth checking for leaks elsewhere or even considering some additional insulation for the ductwork to minimize the humidity coming in!
Good point! Extra insulation can really change things. And if your humidity seems stable for a while, you might be able to adjust the dehumidifier settings to save on energy.
Absolutely! Keeping the area ventilated is key. Just ensure it’s not introducing more humidity from outside. Regular checks can help catch any issues before they escalate.