Dehumidifier Installation
in Matsqui, BC

Matsqui Prairie is the flat agricultural floodplain west of Abbotsford proper, one of the most productive farming areas in BC and one of the most challenging environments for crawlspace moisture management. The prairie sits essentially at river level, protected from seasonal flooding by the Matsqui dyke system. Within the dyked area, the water table is close to grade through much of the year and can rise to near-surface levels during periods of heavy precipitation or high river levels.

Humidity management is the operational heart of any crawlspace encapsulation system. Sealing the crawlspace envelope stops the major sources of moisture entry, but the residual humidity in the sealed space — from the soil itself, from diffusion through concrete stem walls, and from any minor air leakage — needs somewhere to go. In most Lower Mainland crawlspaces, a properly sized commercial dehumidifier running continuously is the right answer. The target is to maintain relative humidity at or below 50 to 55 percent year-round, which is the threshold at which mold growth and wood-boring insect activity become effectively impossible.

Proper sizing is critical. An undersized dehumidifier will run continuously without reaching the setpoint humidity level, eventually burning out its compressor. An oversized unit is not a problem in terms of dehumidification, but it costs more upfront and uses more energy than necessary. We calculate required capacity based on crawlspace square footage, current moisture load (as measured during inspection), the vapor barrier coverage and sealing quality, and the seasonal humidity patterns typical for the specific location.