A crawl space may not be the most visible part of your home, but it plays a major role in the health of your entire property. High humidity in this area can lead to mold growth, wood rot, unpleasant odors, and even higher energy bills. That’s where a 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifier comes in.
“PPD” stands for pints per day, meaning a 70 PPD model can remove up to 70 pints of moisture from the air every 24 hours under optimal conditions. For most mid-to-large homes, this is a reliable capacity for maintaining dry, healthy air circulation in tight crawl spaces or basements.
This buying guideline will walk you through what to consider, pros and cons, who should invest in one, and how to choose the right unit for your needs—while staying fully compliant with ethical affiliate standards.
Devices | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
120 Pints Crawl space Dehumidifiers | Drain Hose |
What to Consider Before Buying a 70 PPD Crawl Space Dehumidifier
1. Moisture Levels in Your Crawl Space
Before you invest, it’s important to assess how damp your crawl space is. A 70 PPD unit is best for moderately to heavily damp environments where condensation, standing water, or visible mold may appear.
- Slightly damp (50–60% humidity): A smaller unit may work.
- Moderately damp (60–70% humidity): A 70 PPD model is ideal.
- Very damp or wet (70%+ humidity): Consider additional drainage support or higher-capacity options.
2. Crawl Space Size
A 70 PPD dehumidifier typically works well for areas up to 2,500–3,500 sq. ft., depending on the ceiling height and insulation. Larger crawl spaces or basements may require multiple units or a higher-capacity model.
3. Drainage Options
Because crawl spaces rarely allow easy manual emptying of a water tank, drainage systems are essential:
- Gravity Drain: Simple but requires proper floor slope.
- Pump Drain: Automatically pushes water out to a designated drain or outside the house.
4. Energy Efficiency
Look for units with Energy Star certification or high energy efficiency ratings. This ensures you save money in the long run without sacrificing performance.
5. Noise Level
Although crawl spaces are out of sight, some units may create vibrations or humming. A quieter design ensures minimal household disturbance.
6. Maintenance Needs
- Washable Filters: Reduce recurring costs.
- Easy Access Panels: Simplify cleaning.
- Automatic Defrost: Prevents coil freezing in cooler climates.
7. Installation Flexibility
Since crawl spaces are tight, compact models with side or top-mounted airflow are usually easier to install.
Product Summary
Here’s a comparison table of general features you can expect from most 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifiers.
| Feature | Standard 70 PPD Dehumidifier Expectation |
|---|---|
| Coverage Area | 2,500 – 3,500 sq. ft. |
| Drainage | Gravity or pump |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star options available |
| Noise Level | 45–60 dB (moderate) |
| Airflow | Side or top mounted |
| Defrost System | Automatic defrost for cold climates |
| Filter Type | Washable or replaceable |
| Control Panel | Digital humidity control |
This overview helps you quickly spot what matters most to your needs before comparing specific models.
Pros & Cons of 70 PPD Crawl Space Dehumidifiers
✅ Pros
- High moisture removal capacity: Ideal for damp crawl spaces.
- Improves air quality: Reduces mold, mildew, and odors.
- Protects home structure: Prevents wood rot and foundation damage.
- Energy savings: Lower humidity reduces strain on HVAC systems.
- Compact size: Designed for low-clearance spaces.
❌ Cons
- Initial cost: Higher than smaller units.
- Drainage setup required: Not always plug-and-play.
- Maintenance needed: Filters and coils must be cleaned regularly.
- Noise potential: Some models hum noticeably.
Who It’s Best For
A 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifier is best suited for:
- Homeowners in humid regions: Especially the Southeast, Gulf Coast, or areas with heavy rainfall.
- Older homes: Where crawl spaces lack modern vapor barriers or insulation.
- Allergy sufferers: Cleaner air circulation helps reduce triggers.
- Property managers: Prevents damage in rental or vacation homes.
- Those with musty odors indoors: Crawl space humidity often spreads into living areas.
FAQs About 70 PPD Crawl Space Dehumidifiers
1. How do I know if my crawl space needs a dehumidifier?
Signs include condensation on walls, musty odors, warped flooring, or visible mold. A hygrometer can confirm if humidity exceeds 60%.
2. Is a 70 PPD model too powerful for a small crawl space?
Not usually. Most units have adjustable humidistats, so you can set a target humidity (around 50%).
3. Where should I place the unit?
Ideally in the center of the crawl space with adequate airflow clearance. Ensure drainage routing is secure.
4. Do I still need a vapor barrier?
Yes. A dehumidifier works best alongside vapor barriers or encapsulation for long-term protection.
5. How often do filters need cleaning?
Generally every 2–3 months, but this depends on dust levels in your crawl space.
6. Can it run year-round?
Yes. Many units include auto-defrost features, making them suitable for cold seasons as well.
Final Recommendation
If you’re struggling with damp crawl spaces, wood damage, or persistent indoor odors, investing in a 70 PPD crawl space dehumidifier can make a huge difference.
When buying, focus on:
- Moisture removal capacity vs. crawl space size
- Drainage method (gravity vs. pump)
- Energy efficiency and noise level
- Ease of maintenance and installation flexibility
Ultimately, this type of dehumidifier is a long-term investment in your home’s health. It safeguards against mold, improves air quality, and can even save you money on energy costs. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected from hidden humidity damage.