Can I put a box fan in my crawl space?

For years, humidity- or time-controlled fans placed under a vented house have been the recommended way to help dry a too-wet crawl space. A simple box fan can be purchased economically to stimulate air circulation under a crawl space, but make sure its electrical source is suitable for that application.

When should I run my crawl space fan?

Fans should be running when they are beneficial to the crawl space. So, you may be asking yourself, how do I know if the air is beneficial? Outside fresh air will almost always help with air quality concerns, since it is exchanging stale air. However, the other main goal is to reduce moisture.

Do crawl spaces need ventilation?

Building codes generally require working vents in the crawlspace to allow outside air to circulate under the floor in the summer to prevent moisture buildup that, among mildew and mold, encourages wood rot.

Why do I need a fan in my crawl space?

Some place the fan to draw air into the crawl space. Some homeowners have the crawl space air being pushed out. Whether your fan is pulling in outside air or pushing it out, the effect is pretty much the same in an open or vented crawl space. The make-up air is still being pulled from the air outside.

Can a crawl space be used for air conditioning?

If the same principle applies with cold ducts in the crawl space, the hot non-humid air can still rob your home of air conditioning. This is where many get confused. For years, crawl space contractors have been sealing all the vents during encapsulation. In fact, many home builders create homes without foundation vents.

Why are there No vents in crawl spaces?

The crawl space companies and builders that close crawl spaces have created a problem while trying to fix others. When you seal all vents or build with no vents, the soil gases’ only route is in your home. Vented crawl spaces certainly create more mold and structural problems.

How does a crawl space dehumidifier keep humidity down?

A crawlspace dehumidifier is installed in the crawl space, positioned for optimimum air circulation. It’s fan circulates the clean & dry air throughout the space. This keeps crawl space humidity levels down. Keeping the right crawl space humidity level is crucial for the health of your home.

Can I put a box fan in my crawl space?

A simple box fan can be purchased economically to stimulate air circulation under a crawl space, but make sure its electrical source is suitable for that application.

What is the best way to ventilate a crawl space?

The following are more options for venting the crawl space:

1. Transfer a small supply of heated air from the HVAC system into the crawl space.
2. Use an exhaust fan to move air from the crawl space to the outside.
3. Install an air intake or dehumidifier system.

When should I run my crawl space fan?

Fans should be running when they are beneficial to the crawl space. So, you may be asking yourself, how do I know if the air is beneficial? Outside fresh air will almost always help with air quality concerns, since it is exchanging stale air. However, the other main goal is to reduce moisture.

How do you dry out a crawl space?

Here are some effective crawl space preventative measures you can take to ensure it stays dry.

1. Inspect for damage and repair.
2. Install a crawl space vapor barrier.
3. Insulate your crawl space.
4. Get a dehumidifier.
5. Cover vents.
6. Position gutters and downspouts properly.
7. Install a sump pump.
8. Be vigilant.

Why do you need a crawl space fan?

Using crawl space fans to blow outside air in and control moisture in the crawl space sounds like something that makes a lot of sense. After all air is known to dry things, therefore by increasing the amount of air that gets into the crawl space, things will dry out better and faster.

When do you need to vent your crawl space?

During hot weather, the vents would be left open to allow outside air to circulate in the crawl space, which would theoretically cool the rest of the house. In the winter, when the air is drier and there is less humidity, the vents could be closed so that the water and sewage pipes wouldn’t freeze.

What happens to the air in a crawl space?

Your crawl space is about 60 degrees, which is cooler. When that air from outside comes in, it will cool down too. When that happens, the relative humidity in the air will increase about 2% for each degree the air is cooled.

Do you need an exhaust system for a crawl space?

Homeowners are supposed to install a continuously operating exhaust system or provide access to their home’s conditioned air, including an air return via the ducts. Perimeter walls need to have air seals.