M·FMoisture
Field Guide
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FIELD NOTE 01 / SIZING

How to size a crawl-space dehumidifier

Square footage starts the estimate. Moisture load decides whether it survives contact with your building.

01

Start with the air boundary

A dehumidifier in an open or heavily leaking crawl space may spend its life processing outdoor air. Close obvious vents and penetrations only as part of a building-appropriate moisture plan; do not seal active water inside.

02

Use AHAM capacity

AHAM ratings are measured in standardized warm, humid conditions and are the better comparison between models. Saturation figures are useful for describing an extreme test, not an ordinary crawl space.

03

Choose drainage before capacity

Continuous gravity drainage is simplest when a reliable downhill route exists. Otherwise, choose an integrated condensate pump and plan where the water will discharge.

WHEN EQUIPMENT FITS

Now compare the machine to the job.

Check AHAM capacity, operating temperature, drainage, filter access and warranty before price.

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Reference bench

U.S. EPA · Mold, Moisture and Your Home ↗ENERGY STAR · Dehumidifier Buying Guidance ↗ENERGY STAR · Testing and Capacity ↗