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What's the Ideal Humidity Level for Your Crawl Space? Tips to Keep It Dry!

Most of us neglect crawl spaces, even if they are imperative for your home's structural integrity, but also its energy efficiency. Installing a dehumidifier in your crawl space is a great idea, as it can help remove a lot of the accumulated humidity and prevent mold from taking over. It's very important to learn how to avoid very high humidity levels in your crawl space, and we are here to help. Why is it crucial to keep your crawl space's humidity under control? Around 50% of the air you breathe within your home comes from your crawl space. It might not seem like much, but the truth is that keeping the crawl space free of allergens, humidity, and bacteria is crucial. After all, that's most of the air you breathe, and if it's infected, filled with mold and dangerous compounds, that can affect your health. Thankfully, there are different ways to tackle this problem, and investing in a good dehumidifier for your crawl space can be ideal here. What's the ideal humidity level for your crawl space? Generally, the best humidity level for your crawl space should be anywhere from 30% to 60%. A lot of the time, it goes well beyond that number. And if that's the case, it can bring in various problems that it's a good idea to avoid. We recommend checking the humidity levels and keeping them under control with a good dehumidifier. If you can keep the ideal relative humidity levels between 45% and 55%, then that's great. If you have the humidity level in your crawl space over 60%, then mold growth risks are increased. However, if the humidity levels go below 30%, that means wood in your crawl space can shrink or crack. So yes, it can be quite problematic to have either too low or too high a humidity level. It’s easy to access great results with a product like the Hurricane 85P, as it has great effectiveness and it even has its own drain hose and pump. Things you can expect when the humidity levels are too high in the crawl space It's imperative to try and keep those humidity levels under control, as otherwise things can easily get very problematic. For example, one of the things that happens is that mold and mildew take over very quickly. On top of that, the insulation deteriorates, and any of your floors get either warped or they are sagging quite a lot. Additionally, high moisture levels always attract pests, with termites being a prime example. Another issue that can arise is that your indoor air quality suffers. That means you will be dealing with asthma and allergies, which can be quite challenging to deal with. Plus, the HVC workload increases due to high humidity levels, and that leads to high energy bills. How can you measure your crawl space humidity? It's a good idea to keep those humidity levels under control. But how can you measure the overall humidity in your crawl space? The best approach is to buy a remote humidity sensor or a hygrometer. Place that in the crawl space, and then you will have remote access to the sensor's data. In doing so, you know when to use your dehumidifier and ensure that humidity levels stay within the right parameters. What leads to a high humidity level? There can be lots of factors: You have outdoor air that comes in, which introduces moisture. That becomes a problem in regions with a warm climate. Ground moisture can also influence crawl space humidity, and the same is valid for plumbing leaks. A very poor drainage system could allow foundation water to seep into your crawl space. And yes, it's also valid for condensation, whenever warm air hits cool surfaces, it creates moisture. It can also be caused by HVAC ducts not being sealed properly, as they might introduce moist, warm air. How can you know there are any moisture problems? Before buying a good dehumidifier, it's a good idea to see whether there are any moisture issues in your crawl space. A lot of people look for mildew or mold, and you should also check for musty odors or HVAC condensation. If your insulation is sagging or you see bouncy/warped floors, that can also be a sign that there are issues. In case you see any of these, it's clear that you must take action as quickly as you can. Tips and tricks to help reduce your crawl space humidity Even if your crawl space humidity levels are over 50-60%, there are ways to lower them. It comes down to using the right tips and ideas: Invest in a good dehumidifier and monitor humidity levels as much as you can Try to install a vapor barrier, usually that will block ground moisture from evaporating and getting into your breathable air Moreover, it's imperative to improve drainage, because it will allow you to keep moisture levels under control In addition to that, it makes sense to try and insulate the crawl space, you can use rigid or closed-cell spray foam because it will prevent condensation Does it make sense to encapsulate your crawl space? It does, because you get permanent moisture control, enhanced energy efficiency, not to mention the indoor air quality can improve quite a lot, and that does help quite a bit. You can also have improved pest and mold prevention if you encapsulate the crawl space, which is always helpful. Most of the time, getting a dehumidifier is ideal because it can operate even at low temperatures, and these units have a digital humidistat so you can monitor humidity levels. Getting a dehumidifier built for crawl spaces is particularly useful because it's compact, it comes with a built-in pump and automatic drain, which is extremely helpful. Closing thoughts It's very important to make sure that the air in your crawl space is fresh and also free of any allergens. That's why you need to keep those humidity levels under control, something that a dehumidifier can excel at. If you're able to keep those humidity levels between 45% and 55%, then you can stay away from mold and other dangerous compounds. That's why it comes as highly recommended to find an excellent, high-quality dehumidifier for your crawl space, as it can have a very positive impact when it comes to your health and wellbeing!

Dehumidifier vs Air Conditioner: Best Basement Moisture Solution

Basements tend to be humid areas due to the lack of airflow. That’s why mold tends to accumulate in the basement first, at least for most homes, and then it will continue taking over the entire home. Plus, concrete is a material that can absorb water, and the lack of airflow can become rather problematic here. What you can do is figure out whether an AC unit or a dehumidifier is the better option. What can each type of unit do? The thing to note here is that the dehumidifier is meant to help remove excess moisture from the air. It draws the damp air, then it condenses the water vapors into liquids, and then it collects the water in a tank or it gets drained via a hose. It can be good for improving the air quality while preventing things like rotting, mildew, or mold. On the other hand, an AC unit is designed to help cool air in an indoor space. Due to the cooling process, it can help reduce humidity levels. However, that’s a byproduct, and it’s not meant to do that specifically. It can work well both in humid and hot climates, and it’s particularly useful for enhancing comfort in living spaces. Moisture removal efficiency When we talk about removing moisture from a basement, a dehumidifier is usually the better option. An AC unit needs warm air so it can operate properly, and it mostly controls the overall temperature, not moisture levels. By comparison, the dehumidifier can reduce the room’s humidity levels by up to 50%. It’s clearly a more effective and reliable solution, and it can do wonders. Energy consumption That’s the thing: whether you use a dehumidifier or an AC unit, you do need to be wary of energy consumption. And in this case, the AC is the one that usually consumes more power, since it has fans, larger cooling compressors, and so on. With a dehumidifier, you have improved energy efficiency. The AC unit is better if you want both dehumidification and cooling; however, if you just want to remove moisture from the basement, your dehumidifier is a better solution. Where do you live? It’s just as important to think about your climate, as that matters just as much here. For example, if you live in a warm, humid climate, then an AC unit will be enough. But if you live in a damp, cool climate, then a dehumidifier is better since it works all year round without issues. In general, if the basement temperatures are very low, the air conditioning unit is not going to be the most effective option. The Hurricane LGR85 is a prime example of a good humidifier that can do wonders for any basement! Comfort and air quality Whenever you want to avoid basement moisture, you want to think about ways to improve air quality and comfort. A dehumidifier can be ideal if you want to avoid dealing with mold spores or dust mites. It can also be great for removing moisture that eventually leads to odors. The AC unit can be ok at times, but realistically, it can lead to overcooling or even dryness. Dehumidifiers are meant to improve air quality, and they do provide better comfort levels as well. Basement size Yes, the basement layout and size matter just as much. If you have a large basement, you may need to get a whole-house dehumidifier. Some people choose to go with a mobile dehumidifier because it’s easy to carry around, and you can move it anywhere you want. That’s why a dehumidifier is usually the best approach in a situation like this. Use cases For most people, a dehumidifier is ideal if you have a basement that’s damp and cool most of the year. It’s also good if you have mold risks and persistent humidity. If you use the basement for storage or various utility purposes and not daily living, it certainly makes a lot of sense to go for the dehumidifier option. The same thing is valid if you want to increase structural longevity, stay away from musty odors, while protecting items that you’re storing there. An AC unit can be good if the basement is humid and hot in the summer, and you use it often. You can also use one if you live in a hot climate zone and you need to dehumidify, but also cool the air. Now the question is, should you or do you need to use both of these together? As you can imagine, there are certain situations when it could actually make sense. For example, they can enhance the indoor comfort, you keep humidity levels under control, and you’re also improving the air quality. In order to make the most out of this, it’s a good idea to place the AC unit near the occupied zones of your basement, and then you can also place the dehumidifier close to any moist area. That way, you have the best of both worlds. Other things to consider if you want to keep great moisture control It’s a very good idea to seal any cracks in your floors and foundation walls Installing a sump pump can help a lot, especially if you have any water intrusion, so keep that in mind You can also use a vapor barrier for your floors and walls, and try to improve drainage as much as possible Keeping the downspouts and gutters clear is not a lot to do, but it can greatly enhance how you deal with moisture And of course, store items on pallets and shelves, not on the basement floors Closing thoughts So, if you have a basement and want to eliminate moisture from it, should you use a dehumidifier or an AC unit? Generally, if you want great moisture control, a dehumidifier is ideal. It can reduce humidity levels quite a bit, and it’s great for protecting the basement against mildew or mold. Sure, an AC unit could work in humid/hot climates and a finished basement where people don’t just store stuff. However, for the most part, a dehumidifier is better, more effective, and delivers excellent reliability!

Best Way to Dry a Room After a Leak – When to Use a Commercial Dehumidifier

Water damage can arise at times, and it’s very important to dry the room as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you can deal with mold, structural damage, and a lot of repair costs. Thankfully, drying a room after a leak is a lot easier if you invest in a commercial dehumidifier. Not only is it effective, but it can ensure that the room can be reused quickly, without expensive repairs. After all, property damage costs can vary anywhere from $1000 to millions of dollars, so purchasing this equipment has the potential to save you a huge amount of money! What tools can you use to dry a room? If you have any water leaks or damage within your property, there are different tools and methods you can use for drying. A common solution is to use a wet/dry vacuum, or maybe even a mop and towel. However, those methods won’t really help if you are dealing with extensive water damage. Dehumidifiers are the most effective way of drying a room after a leak, since they lower the humidity levels, all while preventing mold damage. How does a dehumidifier work? Before investing in a commercial dehumidifier, it’s a good idea to narrow down how it works and whether it can help you. Normally, the device will go through a repeatable process, which involves: First, the moist air is being pulled into the machine The air then goes over cold coils, which forces the moisture to start condensing After that, the condensed water goes into a tank, or it gets drained via a hose, depending on the dehumidifier type that you are using at the time Lastly, the unit starts releasing dry, warm air into the room In doing so, the humidity levels are lowered significantly, and you will have dry air in the room. That will speed up the process of removing any wetness, which could lead to mold accumulation, structural damage, and many other issues. You can avoid dealing with these problems firsthand just by investing in a great commercial dehumidifier. Drying a room after a leak If you’re dealing with a severe leak or water damage on your commercial property, it’s very important to figure out what actions you need to take. Aside from getting a commercial dehumidifier, you can also do a variety of other things, as follows: First, you need to remove any standing water. After all, the quicker you remove standing water, the better it will be to deal with that process. Removing any wet materials is the next step to focus on. Any drywall, curtains, furniture, rugs, or items that are wet need to be removed from the room. Make sure that you open the area so you can have adequate airflow. Remove baseboards, open the windows, everything that could help you dry the room quickly. Positioning some air movers will help because those will increase evaporation. That’s important, especially when we talk about dealing with lots of water damage. Now, you want to install the commercial dehumidifier(s). Upon doing that, you have to close the doors and windows so that the unit can do its job properly. Once that’s done, you will need to monitor the moisture levels. When is it necessary to go for a commercial dehumidifier? A lot of the time, a regular dehumidifier will do just fine if you’re dealing with a smaller room. However, when we talk about large, commercial properties, a regular unit won’t help that much. Commercial dehumidifiers are meant to tackle large spaces, and they are very powerful. You should consider using a commercial unit when you are dealing with multiple rooms that are affected, if you have dealt with flooding, or if you are detecting a musty smell, which is indicative of mold. Not only that, but it also helps if you live in a humid climate, or if the water soaked your insulation, subflooring, or walls. Whenever these issues arise, you want to tackle them the best way that you can. How long can it take for you to dry a room? That depends on the situation. Things like the amount of water involved, airflow and ventilation, the dehumidifier you want to use, but also building materials, can be a major factor. It’s incredibly important to understand these things, as it will make a difference. But for the most part, you can expect a room to dry in 3-5 days if you use commercial equipment. Without commercial units, it might take a week or more, which means you might encounter mold. If you had a water leak or any water damage, it’s a good idea to know how to avoid mold from spreading. A good idea is to do these things: Act quickly, clean the space, allow great airflow, and of course, use a dehumidifier right now. A commercial-grade unit is usually the best possible option. Keeping great ventilation even after you solved the leak issue is crucial here. Another thing to keep in mind is to replace materials. Some of them might be prone to mold, so that’s certainly an issue that you may want to tackle right away. Use antimicrobial cleaning products to remove any bacteria and microbes that could spread and cause harm. That’s especially true in the case of a warehouse or commercial space where you store items that people might consume later on. Using a professional, commercial dehumidifier can help you solve these issues and prevent any concerns or problems that might arise. There are always challenges when it comes to dealing with water damage or leaks in a room. Thankfully, a good dehumidifier is only going to make things better, since it can help prevent mold from appearing and spreading. Just that alone is worth its weight in gold. We highly recommend using commercial dehumidifiers like the Abestorm LGR85 because they are reliable, effective, and can provide an exceptional return. When you deal with water damage on any property, acting quickly can make a huge difference between $1000 and $50000 in repair costs. Cleaning the room/space and using a dehumidifier to remove moisture can help you save money and time, while also making it easier to restore the room to its former state!

Everything You Need to Know About Air Scrubbers

Do you know what an air scrubber is? If not, you're in for a treat! An air scrubber is a device that cleans the air. It removes particles from the air, including dust, smoke, and pollen. This can be really helpful for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Air scrubbers are also great for removing unwanted smells from a room. If you're looking for a way to improve the quality of the air in your home or office, then an air scrubber may be just what you need! How does an Air Scrubber Work？ Air scrubbers use special filters to capture the particles in the air and trap them. Some models also use ultraviolet light or ozone generators to eliminate bacteria, mold, and other pollutants from the atmosphere. The filter then captures all of these particles so they can be removed from the air you breathe. Air scrubbers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs. They are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and can help you keep the air in your home or office healthy. So if you want to breathe easier, consider investing in an air scrubber! The Parts of an Air Scrubber Like most filtration systems, an air scrubber uses purification filters to help remove contaminants as the air within the space is circulated through the system. Several times each hour, the scrubber draws the contaminated air from the space while also pumping in fresh air that is free of chemicals. The HEPA filters used in our units are able to filter a considerable amount more than a regular filter. The HEPA filter will capture small particles such as mold, bacteria, asbestos, lead, dust, and many other airborne contaminants. Air scrubbers will continuously clean the air and provide a clean, healthy and productive environment.An air scrubber pulls in air, and the air travels through a series of filters. Learn more about these important pieces that make of an air scrubber:Pre-FiltersIn the first stage of filtration, the pre-filters capture the larger particles that are sucked in. Removing these larger particles helps the unit maintain airflow, process more cubic feet per minute, and increase the filtration efficiency.Optional Carbon FilterMany air scrubbers include an optional carbon filter, which captures gas and vapor molecules, which we otherwise know as odors. This is accomplished through a process called adsorption, where the gaseous molecules are physically attracted to the surface of the carbon.Primary FilterThe final stage of filtration occurs when the primary filter removes the smallest particles from the air, and these particles can be as small as 0.3 microns in diameter. With a HEPA filter, the air scrubber is guaranteed to capture 99.7% of all 0.3-micron particles that pass through the filter.BlowerAir scrubbers require a dependable blower, which pulls air through the filters and exhausts the filtered air out of the unit. The blower’s power level must work well with the efficiency of the installed filter system, as a blower that is too powerful may actually decrease the system’s efficiency. Using an Air ScrubberIt's important to use your air scrubber regularly to make sure it is working correctly. Be sure to check the filter often and replace it when necessary. It's also a good idea to keep the fan blades clean and free of dust, as this can help the air scrubber to operate more effectively. Finally, make sure the motor is working correctly and not running too hot or too cold. What Does an Air Scrubber Do? Air scrubbers (depending on their capabilities) work to remove chemicals, gases, fungal spores, dust particles, pet dander, pollen, smoke, bacteria, viruses, and other airborne pollutants. Depending on their capabilities and capacity, they can have different purposes. Industrial strength air scrubbers are often used to remove airborne emissions such as smoke, chemicals, and gases in commercial or industrial spaces. Portable air scrubbers can be found with a wide range of capabilities. They are usually designed for residential or small office use; some have been designed to travel with you on public transport or to sit on your office desk. Is an Air Scrubber worth it? If major indoor air quality improvements are your goal, an air scrubber is certainly worth the investment. The EPA states that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the outdoor environment. Since Americans typically spend 90% of their time indoors where pollutants are higher, the air we’re breathing can definitely have negative effects on our health. Air scrubbers are also a good investment for anyone working on home renovations since the dust, mold, and VOCs being released can have lasting detrimental effects. In conclusion Air scrubbers are an essential component of a healthy home environment, particularly for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. By eliminating harmful particles from the air, an air scrubber can significantly improve the health conditions within your dwelling. If you're uncertain about whether an air scrubber is the right choice for you, we encourage you to read our other blog posts on this subject. In these articles, we delve into the specifics of what each type of air scrubber does and how it can contribute to enhancing your health. Additionally, we offer guidance on selecting the most suitable air scrubber for your specific needs. Ultimately, the decision to invest in an air scrubber is yours to make. However, we hope that after reading this post, you'll have a clearer understanding of their function and potential benefits.