- #1
kyphysics
- 676
- 436
So, my dad (non-scientist) was debating with his cousin over whether he needed to spend $$$ on a crawlspace dehumidifier and get closed vents.
It was both a heated/fierce debate and interesting. Mostly, I just listened to two old dudes arguing in partial amusement, but some intrigue as well. Curiosity got to me, so I thought I'd ask.
There is debate over whether a crawlspace's vents should be open or closed. That much I know. Some say open and some say closed. However, they have a third option of automatic temperature vents (which my parent's house has) that open when it's hot and close when the weather is cold. Supposedly, this vents the crawlspace during hot and humid times and traps in heat when it's cold. So, you get the best of both worlds .
My dad's inspector said he should replace his automatic temperature vents and go with closed crawlspace vents and buy a dehumidifier. The logic was that the automatic ones can sometimes let in warm air and humidity at times when it's not best to and over time that can lead to mold, wood rot, and moisture issues. Sealing the crawlspace with closed vents + installing a dehumidifier down there can best control humidity and rot problems he said.
$5,000 please!
My uncle, who has this exact set-up agrees with the inspector guy. However, my dad says no, b/c the previous inspector (they changed companies) said the automatic temperature vents give you the best of all worlds and already account for this. They open mostly when it's hot and humid and this allows good air flow that would make a build up of moisture issues not a problem (or, at least, a low probability issue). And in the cold, they do the reverse, which helps. He thinks the new inspector guy is just trying to make $$$. Secondly, he thinks having a totally sealed crawlspace (even with dehumidifier) may strap in "stale"/old/bad air (whatever that is or means).
Any idea if these "arguments" from both sides have any merit? Is one method better than the other?
It was both a heated/fierce debate and interesting. Mostly, I just listened to two old dudes arguing in partial amusement, but some intrigue as well. Curiosity got to me, so I thought I'd ask.
There is debate over whether a crawlspace's vents should be open or closed. That much I know. Some say open and some say closed. However, they have a third option of automatic temperature vents (which my parent's house has) that open when it's hot and close when the weather is cold. Supposedly, this vents the crawlspace during hot and humid times and traps in heat when it's cold. So, you get the best of both worlds .
My dad's inspector said he should replace his automatic temperature vents and go with closed crawlspace vents and buy a dehumidifier. The logic was that the automatic ones can sometimes let in warm air and humidity at times when it's not best to and over time that can lead to mold, wood rot, and moisture issues. Sealing the crawlspace with closed vents + installing a dehumidifier down there can best control humidity and rot problems he said.
$5,000 please!
My uncle, who has this exact set-up agrees with the inspector guy. However, my dad says no, b/c the previous inspector (they changed companies) said the automatic temperature vents give you the best of all worlds and already account for this. They open mostly when it's hot and humid and this allows good air flow that would make a build up of moisture issues not a problem (or, at least, a low probability issue). And in the cold, they do the reverse, which helps. He thinks the new inspector guy is just trying to make $$$. Secondly, he thinks having a totally sealed crawlspace (even with dehumidifier) may strap in "stale"/old/bad air (whatever that is or means).
Any idea if these "arguments" from both sides have any merit? Is one method better than the other?