You have gone through the steps to install a crawl space dehumidifier. Now you're wondering if it will help cool your house during summer. It's a fair question, especially when you're trying to save on air conditioning costs.
Here's the short answer: dehumidifiers don't actually lower air temperature. But they can make your home feel cooler.
How Dehumidifiers Affect Air Temperature
Your dehumidifier removes moisture from the air. That's its only job. It doesn't blow cold air like an air conditioner does.
| Learn More: What Do Crawl Space Dehumidifiers Do? |
In fact, most dehumidifiers actually add a small amount of heat to your space. They have motors and compressors that generate warmth while running. Think of it like a refrigerator—the back gets warm while the inside stays cold.
But here's where it gets interesting. Even though the actual indoor temperature stays the same (or rises slightly), you'll feel cooler.
Humidity and Perceived Temperature
Humid air feels hotter than dry air at the same temperature. You've experienced this if you've ever visited Florida in August versus Arizona in August. Both might be 90°F or higher, but Florida feels miserable while Arizona feels bearable.
Why is this? Your body cools itself through sweat, and then the sweat evaporates. When humidity is high, sweat can't evaporate easily. It just sits on your skin making you feel sticky, damp, and hot.
When humidity is low, sweat evaporates quickly. This allows your body's natural cooling system to work properly. You feel comfortable even at higher temperatures.
A dehumidifier transforms your house from Florida to Arizona. It makes the air drier, and your sweat can evaporate. You feel cooler even though the thermometer hasn't changed.
Do Crawl Space Dehumidifiers Have Freon?
Most crawl space dehumidifiers use refrigerant (similar to freon) to remove moisture. The refrigerant cools metal coils inside the unit. When humid air passes over these cold coils, water condenses and drips into a collection bucket.
After the moisture is removed, the air passes over warm coils before returning to your crawl space. This reheating step prevents the unit from making your crawl space too cold, which could cause other problems.
Some dehumidifiers use a different method called desiccant absorption. These units pull air through moisture-absorbing materials instead of cold coils. They're less common for crawl spaces, but finding the best crawl space dehumidifier for your needs is crucial.
Crawl Space Dehumidifiers: Their Impact on Home Temperature
Your crawl space sits directly under your living areas. Air from your crawl space naturally moves up into your home through floor gaps, vents, and openings.
When you control crawl space humidity, you're indirectly improving humidity levels upstairs. Drier air flowing from below means less overall humidity in your home. This makes your entire house feel cooler and more comfortable.
Your air conditioner also works more efficiently. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity. When a crawl space dehumidifier handles the humidity, your AC only has to handle the heat. This saves energy and money.
Are Crawl Space Dehumidifiers Worth It?
Yes, especially if you live in humid climates. The benefits go beyond just feeling cooler.
Crawl space dehumidifiers prevent mold growth, which thrives in damp conditions. They protect your floor joists from rot. They reduce musty odors that rise into your living space. They even help prevent pest infestations, since many insects prefer humid environments.
You'll typically save $200-400 yearly on AC costs when you control crawl space humidity. The dehumidifier pays for itself within 2-3 years through energy savings alone.
Ready to Control Your Crawl Space Humidity?
A quality dehumidifier makes your home more comfortable year-round. It protects your investment and helps your HVAC system work more efficiently.
Check out our selection of crawl space dehumidifiers designed specifically for below-ground conditions. These units handle the unique challenges of crawl space environments better than standard basement dehumidifiers.
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Watchdog NXT 600C Crawl Space Dehumidifier