
Originally Posted by
richmod
Wow - quick replies - thanks!
Also, any recommendations for a decent, inexpensive dehumidifier for about 1700 square feet, average 2 feet high crawl space? I've seen the Sante Fe models for almost $1000 - wondering if there's anything around $500 or so.
The other spot to check for mold in above your insulation aroung the cold air supplies. The moisture condenses above the insultation on the underside of the subfloor. Closing the crawl after putting a good vapor barrier on all of the earth, and maintaining 55% RH will fix all of that.
Considering that you going to get a dehumidifier anyway conside ther following. If you are able to maintain 50%RH in your home during cool wet weather, you are not getting enough fresh air in your home to purge indoor pollutants and renew oxygen. If you get a Santa Fe, you will have enough capacity to bring in a small amount of fresh air into your home to assure indoor air quality. Check my data logging on my home regarding fresh air. It's worth investigating. It will improve the comfort level in your home. The cost to operate the Santa Fe keeping your crawlspace dry and providing fresh dry air to your home will be less than a cheap resid. dehu dealing with the crawlspace. The Santa Fe is also more durable. I will come back with the thread with the data on ventialtion and energy useage. Regards TB
Bear Rules: Keep our home <50% RH summer, controls mites/mold and very comfortable.
Provide 60-100 cfm of fresh air when occupied to purge indoor pollutants and keep window dry during cold weather. T-stat setup/setback +8 hrs. saves energy
Use +Merv 10 air filter. -Don't forget the "Golden Rule"