ventilating a crawl space
ventilating a crawl space
(OP)
Given:
- NE Ohio (large seasonal variations in temp, humidity,etc..)
- 20'X30'X4'h (2400 CF)crawl space in split level with direct access from utility room in lower level. Crawl space is under the living/dining/kitchen area.
- It has a gravel floor with a vapor barrier.
- masonry walls are insulated
- dehumidifier broke and am loath to buy a new one that simply recirculated must laden air.
- damp and musty smell is present.
Problem:
I have looked at the possibility of ventilating the space with an exhaust fan but am sensitive to a large loss of treated (heated in winter and cooled in summer) air if I ventilate too much. I thought of using a Humidistat to control and only run the fan to get the humidity to an acceptable level. Any recommendations?
- NE Ohio (large seasonal variations in temp, humidity,etc..)
- 20'X30'X4'h (2400 CF)crawl space in split level with direct access from utility room in lower level. Crawl space is under the living/dining/kitchen area.
- It has a gravel floor with a vapor barrier.
- masonry walls are insulated
- dehumidifier broke and am loath to buy a new one that simply recirculated must laden air.
- damp and musty smell is present.
Problem:
I have looked at the possibility of ventilating the space with an exhaust fan but am sensitive to a large loss of treated (heated in winter and cooled in summer) air if I ventilate too much. I thought of using a Humidistat to control and only run the fan to get the humidity to an acceptable level. Any recommendations?





RE: ventilating a crawl space
RE: ventilating a crawl space
As mentioned, leave this one alone, or at most, put some sort of space heater down there to keep your floors warm in the wintertime!
RE: ventilating a crawl space
I will at least close it off and vent it for now. winter may find other options but your views will work for summer. Spring is the worst when groundwater levels are up.
Thanks again.
RE: ventilating a crawl space
you need to look at the drainage around your house, make sure the slope away from the house at all exposures are good. If not fix them. consider french drains
if the floor is not insulated ( you live in Ohio with no floor insulation - you only mention the walls ) them get them insulated. Ai (vent )r is good for the drier/ warmer summer months, do not recommend winter time air blown into the crawl space.