When I went to Navy bootcamp in Great Lakes from Anchorage Alaska, I was way colder in the Chicago region. And now that I have lived in Florida about 20 years, the other hot end of the spectrum is very real to me.
3:26 and this logic works downward as well. You can turn your thermostat down during winter because you feel less cold in a dry home than in a damp home. When there's no moisture seeping in your clothing then your clothes do more of the heavy lifting as they isolate the heat better.
Have you been wondering if you should invest in an Aprilaire dehumidifier? Hopefully, this video answers some of your questions! Dont forget to check out our other videos with Brian here: th-cam.com/play/PLxsYiAum9ovwj0kvpt06-hNI6srL8RJH1.html
On a golf trip to Arizona a few years ago, the afternoon temperature each day was over 100°. While it was bearable, I definitely wouldn't say I was 'extremely comfortable'. 😟 The worst heat I ever experienced was July 2009 in San Antonio, TX. It got up to 103° with 90% humidity. I'd walk outside and immediately I would be soaked. I must have changed clothes 7 times a day. 🥵
We see that in TN too, the winter is also difficult. I was in Colorado -12 but no humidity and felt fine but 20 degrees in TN with high humidity is bone chilling. Thanks for sharing and watching.
My rooms are warmer from 2 dehumidifiers, I'm in Florida. Humidity bad 2022 June. But great information, and you are correct, the AC isn't on all the time. I may look at your 50 pint systems.
We have closed off our vents and used spray foam to seal the foam board in place. We seal other inlet holes as well. We immediate saw the humidity go up to 85% in the winter. We installed an 1830. We made sure there is no standing water and that the existing vapor barrier clear plastic is covering the ground completely. Our 1830 runs a lot, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off 24/7. Does this mean that the vapor barrier needs to be replaced with a better, thicker one up the walls?
I feel like April Aire is missing out on a portion of the market. I have a 900 square-foot tight crawlspace. The smallest model they make doubles my requirements for sq footage. Would be nice to be able to get a smaller dehumidifier for a lower price because I can’t afford to Overkill.
When you get a larger dehumidifier, it is actually better. The larger dehumidifier will not run as long to bring down humidity. This means energy consumption will be the same. However, the larger dehumidifier will have chances to rest thus will last longer.
Chad, great question! Michael actually wrote a blog article on this very subject: crawlspaceninja.com/faq/should-i-dehumidify-my-crawl-space/ We hope this answers your question. Please let us know if you have any others. Thanks for watching and have a happy and blessed day!
What’s the perfect combination with a hvac system with a dehumidifier? Air on circulation or on auto and what percent should I have the dehumidifier on? I’m in Florida
You state that "50% of the crawlspace air makes it into the home". We had our floor spray foamed. Doesn't that stop the airflow between the crawlspace and the home?
Hope that the following helps --- Durability and warranty - Five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, 15-plus year system life expectancy and e-coated coils that resist corrosion.
I got my crawl space encapsulated about a year ago, verified I have the right size AC unit, and my humidity level is still high upstairs, (60% to 70%) mainly during the spring & fall when I don’t usually run the AC. I’m in Virginia where temp are pretty mild. I had my house checked for piping leaks and was told my attic looks ok, however it is a vented attic with a electric fan. Any ideas on what can be the cause of the high indoor humidity?
Hey Gospel Beats, High humidity in a house can be caused by many things, but the biggest reason is poor ventilation-in other words, air isn’t being circulated properly, which causes the air in your house to become stagnant and humid. The other major reason? Too much air exchange with the outside. If your house isn’t properly air sealed and insulated, air from the outside gets drawn into the home-making everything pretty uncomfortable. (This can be a problem in both warm and cold climates, as well as during different seasons.) Thanks for watching and have a blessed day
@@CrawlSpaceNinja thanks for the response, based on your response I’m gathering that maybe I need to encapsulate my attic as well? In which, the crawl space and attic will be encapsulated which should make a difference or even solve my high humidity issue? Or is it drawbacks to doing both?
Hey Gospel Beats, Check out these two video 5 Problems Caused by Crawl Space Encapsulation and Things To Know Before Insulating Your Attic. th-cam.com/video/cNmQZQR_2pk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/ao8KnAgTbfo/w-d-xo.html
Hello sir, I really liked your video - still have one question in mind. I've a room in the ground floor (no air at all kind of closed area) which is relatively cooler and only issue is the extreme damp and moister. Do you suggest to use a Air Conditioner in Dry mode or buying a dehumidifier with be a right choice - Im asking this question only from the power consumption standpoint. AC with Dry mode vs Dehumidifier - which one will save power. Below is the Dehumidifier specification that I want to compare with {AC in Dry Mode} Input: DC 9V/2.5A Power consumption: 25 W max
We would recommend a dehumidifier, especially if you're not trying to condition the space. The AC will likely be running based off the temperature and not the humidity level or dew point and may not be as effective at getting the humidity down to an acceptable level.
I purchased the Aprilaire 1850 and have it set to 40% RH. At this setting is it possible for the unit to reach this level. My home is only 1100 Sq. Ft.
I have a slab foundation and my a/c unit keeps my indoor humidity around 48-55 percent when running. This is my first winter in Mississippi and am wondering if I'll need a dehumidifier to keep the indoor humidity down in the winter. It's less humid here in the winter but still have winter storms. I'm tracking it the first year
You would need to see what the humidity is in the winter. However every home needs a dehumidifier to keep the humidity down. What we suggest is if the humidity is above 50% then you should definitely get one!
I had my crawl encapsulated and the air still smells musty. They recommended I cut a hole in a duct down there and install a vent so that the hvac puts air down there and that will dry the air. I did that and now instead of it only smelling in the crawl and creeping up in a couple spots on the first floor, the entire house is completely filled with the smell. It’s hard to breathe it’s so foul. Is the next step a dehumidifier?
We recommend a dehumidifier over using the HVAC system. It will work more efficiently, can be properly sized for the space (unlike your HVAC that is likely not sized to cover the additional square footage in the crawl space), and will work year round regardless of if your HVAC is running or not.
They can and normally the tank holds way less than they can produce daily which means constant emptying unless it is installed to drain out as it dehumidifies.
Do dehumifers kill mold spores or do they just stop new mold appearing I have mold in my bedroom and I use dehumifers also are small dehumifers ideal for a small bedroom I use dehumifers or should I use medium or large dehumifer also do dehumifers work and are they worth using
I need my crawl space encapsulated but I’m in the Memphis area (Olive Branch) and finances are tight so I need to do what I can as I can afford it. I have vapor barrier down on the dirt and I’m currently running a vent fan and learned from you that in our humid area fans can be horrible due to bringing in more humid air than was already in the crawl space. Is the dehumidifier the next step for me, before adding any kind of insulation and before vapor barrier up the walls, and when I plug that in do I then close and seal the vents? Also, after the encapsulation is complete, can and should I create vented openings between the crawl space and the living space? I’ve heard of that being done, but what are the pros and cons?
Hi Michelle, when the humidity outside your crawl space is higher than inside, we recommend sealing the vents, having the vent fan blow out of the crawl space, and installing a dehumidifier. That's the best place to start, and you can follow with encapsulation to better control humidity. We have a dedicated DIY Specialist available to help with the best steps to take an encapsulation in phases and answer all questions regarding our DIY products. You can reach her at 865-357-3627 or by requesting help here: diy.crawlspaceninja.com/contact/. Hope this helps!
If the dehu loses power and then the power comes back on do you have to crawl back to the unit to turn it on again on it's own? If not is there a way to turn it on remotely?
In our north western Virginia home with a full underground basement and we have a central AC unit with dehumidifier - but it is for the upstairs only. As of right now we run a portable dehumidifier downstairs but the humidity can be 75% down there in the summer. In winter with the same set up we can have a 50% humidity level. I just set up the dehumidifier on continuous drain since we were having to dump the bucket every 36 hours or loose the gains we made overnight. Thinking about a portable AC unit to assist or replace the dehumidifier in summer or installing a air return for the central AC / heat pump. I'm not sure what would be more energy efficient.
If you find the air in your basement already a comfortable temperature, I'd recommend sticking with the dehumidifier. The HVAC will not be running constantly and may not be running when you need dehumidified air down there the most. Hope this helps answer your question!
Weini, not yet, but we are always expanding. Keep checking back our website to see if we open a location in your area: crawlspaceninja.com/service-area/ Thanks for watching!
I'm finding a heatpump does a better job dehumidifying compared to a standalone portable unit. They run cheaper, quicker and don't seem to add the heat like a portable unit. And 74 vs 68 degrees with that math it would be cheaper to run air con. Not to mention I would never go above 71
When I went to Navy bootcamp in Great Lakes from Anchorage Alaska, I was way colder in the Chicago region. And now that I have lived in Florida about 20 years, the other hot end of the spectrum is very real to me.
3:26 and this logic works downward as well. You can turn your thermostat down during winter because you feel less cold in a dry home than in a damp home. When there's no moisture seeping in your clothing then your clothes do more of the heavy lifting as they isolate the heat better.
Thanks for sharing.
Have you been wondering if you should invest in an Aprilaire dehumidifier? Hopefully, this video answers some of your questions! Dont forget to check out our other videos with Brian here: th-cam.com/play/PLxsYiAum9ovwj0kvpt06-hNI6srL8RJH1.html
On a golf trip to Arizona a few years ago, the afternoon temperature each day was over 100°. While it was bearable, I definitely wouldn't say I was 'extremely comfortable'. 😟 The worst heat I ever experienced was July 2009 in San Antonio, TX. It got up to 103° with 90% humidity. I'd walk outside and immediately I would be soaked. I must have changed clothes 7 times a day. 🥵
We see that in TN too, the winter is also difficult. I was in Colorado -12 but no humidity and felt fine but 20 degrees in TN with high humidity is bone chilling. Thanks for sharing and watching.
My rooms are warmer from 2 dehumidifiers, I'm in Florida. Humidity bad 2022 June. But great information, and you are correct, the AC isn't on all the time. I may look at your 50 pint systems.
Glad it was helpful!
We have closed off our vents and used spray foam to seal the foam board in place. We seal other inlet holes as well. We immediate saw the humidity go up to 85% in the winter. We installed an 1830. We made sure there is no standing water and that the existing vapor barrier clear plastic is covering the ground completely. Our 1830 runs a lot, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off 24/7. Does this mean that the vapor barrier needs to be replaced with a better, thicker one up the walls?
I feel like April Aire is missing out on a portion of the market. I have a 900 square-foot tight crawlspace. The smallest model they make doubles my requirements for sq footage. Would be nice to be able to get a smaller dehumidifier for a lower price because I can’t afford to Overkill.
When you get a larger dehumidifier, it is actually better. The larger dehumidifier will not run as long to bring down humidity. This means energy consumption will be the same. However, the larger dehumidifier will have chances to rest thus will last longer.
My question: If you dehumidify at ground kevel, will that affect the crawlspace?
Chad, great question! Michael actually wrote a blog article on this very subject: crawlspaceninja.com/faq/should-i-dehumidify-my-crawl-space/ We hope this answers your question. Please let us know if you have any others. Thanks for watching and have a happy and blessed day!
@@CrawlSpaceNinja Thanks!
What’s the perfect combination with a hvac system with a dehumidifier? Air on circulation or on auto and what percent should I have the dehumidifier on? I’m in Florida
For expert advice on that please fill out a Ask a Ninja Form - crawlspaceninja.com/ask-a-ninja/
Hi, what is the answer about running a dhume in my crawl space during the winter in North Carolina. I am getting all kinds of different answers.
You state that "50% of the crawlspace air makes it into the home". We had our floor spray foamed. Doesn't that stop the airflow between the crawlspace and the home?
Depends on what type of foam. If you did closed cell then most of the air is blocked. If you did open cell it’s passing right through.
What is the life expectancy of a whole house dehumidifier?
Hope that the following helps --- Durability and warranty - Five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, 15-plus year system life expectancy and e-coated coils that resist corrosion.
Thanks for the information. From what I found it looks like we are outside of your service area. We are in far western Kentucky.
I got my crawl space encapsulated about a year ago, verified I have the right size AC unit, and my humidity level is still high upstairs, (60% to 70%) mainly during the spring & fall when I don’t usually run the AC. I’m in Virginia where temp are pretty mild. I had my house checked for piping leaks and was told my attic looks ok, however it is a vented attic with a electric fan. Any ideas on what can be the cause of the high indoor humidity?
Hey Gospel Beats, High humidity in a house can be caused by many things, but the biggest reason is poor ventilation-in other words, air isn’t being circulated properly, which causes the air in your house to become stagnant and humid.
The other major reason? Too much air exchange with the outside. If your house isn’t properly air sealed and insulated, air from the outside gets drawn into the home-making everything pretty uncomfortable. (This can be a problem in both warm and cold climates, as well as during different seasons.)
Thanks for watching and have a blessed day
@@CrawlSpaceNinja thanks for the response, based on your response I’m gathering that maybe I need to encapsulate my attic as well? In which, the crawl space and attic will be encapsulated which should make a difference or even solve my high humidity issue? Or is it drawbacks to doing both?
Hey Gospel Beats, Check out these two video 5 Problems Caused by Crawl Space Encapsulation and Things To Know Before Insulating Your Attic.
th-cam.com/video/cNmQZQR_2pk/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/ao8KnAgTbfo/w-d-xo.html
Hello sir, I really liked your video - still have one question in mind.
I've a room in the ground floor (no air at all kind of closed area) which is relatively cooler and only issue is the extreme damp and moister. Do you suggest to use a Air Conditioner in Dry mode or buying a dehumidifier with be a right choice - Im asking this question only from the power consumption standpoint.
AC with Dry mode vs Dehumidifier - which one will save power.
Below is the Dehumidifier specification that I want to compare with {AC in Dry Mode}
Input: DC 9V/2.5A
Power consumption: 25 W max
We would recommend a dehumidifier, especially if you're not trying to condition the space. The AC will likely be running based off the temperature and not the humidity level or dew point and may not be as effective at getting the humidity down to an acceptable level.
@@CrawlSpaceNinja that makes sense thank you for clarifying
I purchased the Aprilaire 1850 and have it set to 40% RH. At this setting is it possible for the unit to reach this level. My home is only 1100 Sq. Ft.
I have the same question. Do we want it that low or will we be shocking each other all day?
Elaine Nilsson I have a aprilaire 1830 whole house I set mine at 55 rh today . I spoke to Aprilaire that is what they advised me to do .
I have a slab foundation and my a/c unit keeps my indoor humidity around 48-55 percent when running.
This is my first winter in Mississippi and am wondering if I'll need a dehumidifier to keep the indoor humidity down in the winter.
It's less humid here in the winter but still have winter storms.
I'm tracking it the first year
You would need to see what the humidity is in the winter. However every home needs a dehumidifier to keep the humidity down. What we suggest is if the humidity is above 50% then you should definitely get one!
I had my crawl encapsulated and the air still smells musty. They recommended I cut a hole in a duct down there and install a vent so that the hvac puts air down there and that will dry the air. I did that and now instead of it only smelling in the crawl and creeping up in a couple spots on the first floor, the entire house is completely filled with the smell. It’s hard to breathe it’s so foul. Is the next step a dehumidifier?
We recommend a dehumidifier over using the HVAC system. It will work more efficiently, can be properly sized for the space (unlike your HVAC that is likely not sized to cover the additional square footage in the crawl space), and will work year round regardless of if your HVAC is running or not.
@@CrawlSpaceNinja after I get the dehumidifier, should I close off the vent I added?
Portable dehumidifiers seem to suck a lot of power.
They can and normally the tank holds way less than they can produce daily which means constant emptying unless it is installed to drain out as it dehumidifies.
Do dehumifers kill mold spores or do they just stop new mold appearing I have mold in my bedroom and I use dehumifers also are small dehumifers ideal for a small bedroom I use dehumifers or should I use medium or large dehumifer also do dehumifers work and are they worth using
They don't kill the mold
I need my crawl space encapsulated but I’m in the Memphis area (Olive Branch) and finances are tight so I need to do what I can as I can afford it. I have vapor barrier down on the dirt and I’m currently running a vent fan and learned from you that in our humid area fans can be horrible due to bringing in more humid air than was already in the crawl space.
Is the dehumidifier the next step for me, before adding any kind of insulation and before vapor barrier up the walls, and when I plug that in do I then close and seal the vents?
Also, after the encapsulation is complete, can and should I create vented openings between the crawl space and the living space? I’ve heard of that being done, but what are the pros and cons?
Hi Michelle, when the humidity outside your crawl space is higher than inside, we recommend sealing the vents, having the vent fan blow out of the crawl space, and installing a dehumidifier. That's the best place to start, and you can follow with encapsulation to better control humidity. We have a dedicated DIY Specialist available to help with the best steps to take an encapsulation in phases and answer all questions regarding our DIY products. You can reach her at 865-357-3627 or by requesting help here: diy.crawlspaceninja.com/contact/. Hope this helps!
Do you need to run the dehumidifier year round or only during hot humid months?
That will depend on where you live, its humid here year round. with the april air you can get a wifi remote and monitor it from inside your house.
Get a 14 dollar Bluetooth govee off amazon and you can monitor temp and humidity
Hey .. .I"m going to encapsulate my crawl space (just some damp blocks along 1 wall). Do I need a de-hu?
More than likely yes.
If the dehu loses power and then the power comes back on do you have to crawl back to the unit to turn it on again on it's own? If not is there a way to turn it on remotely?
They make a remote that works with WiFi to control with your smartphone or a wired remote to control it from the crawl space entrance door.
Very helpful video
Bay area native with condensation on the walls in the wintertime. Central air and heat but i hardly turn both on. Am I still your customer?
Give us a call at 865-659-0390 and we can get your information and answer your question(s)
Good talk
In our north western Virginia home with a full underground basement and we have a central AC unit with dehumidifier - but it is for the upstairs only. As of right now we run a portable dehumidifier downstairs but the humidity can be 75% down there in the summer. In winter with the same set up we can have a 50% humidity level. I just set up the dehumidifier on continuous drain since we were having to dump the bucket every 36 hours or loose the gains we made overnight. Thinking about a portable AC unit to assist or replace the dehumidifier in summer or installing a air return for the central AC / heat pump. I'm not sure what would be more energy efficient.
If you find the air in your basement already a comfortable temperature, I'd recommend sticking with the dehumidifier. The HVAC will not be running constantly and may not be running when you need dehumidified air down there the most. Hope this helps answer your question!
I live in MD do you have an office here
Weini, not yet, but we are always expanding. Keep checking back our website to see if we open a location in your area: crawlspaceninja.com/service-area/ Thanks for watching!
How much is running 3 humidifiers in my house for 3 days gonna jack up my electric bill ?
Degrees / Farenheit ?
we set it to humidity level
I'm finding a heatpump does a better job dehumidifying compared to a standalone portable unit. They run cheaper, quicker and don't seem to add the heat like a portable unit. And 74 vs 68 degrees with that math it would be cheaper to run air con. Not to mention I would never go above 71
It’s never “extremely comfortable” at 100 degrees.
LOL, very true