Mildew in crawl space

[blueheeler47]

You all did such a good job helping with the high humidity in Peace's house, thought I would run our issue by you.

 

Our house has a big crawl space, the HVAC is a split unit, I guess that is what you would call it, quite a bit of condensation on the duct work in the crawl space. Lots of mildew.  I have been considering vent vans, would that hlep? There is plastic on the floor. I know the high humidity in TN is hard to deal with.

 

Thanks

 

Robin

[peejman]

Ducts in the crawl space should be insulated.  That should fix the condensation.  Mix up a mild bleach solution and spray all the mildew.  You can also try closing up all the vents.  When it's very humid outside the vents may adding to the humidity in the crawlspace.  

 

Otherwise, the big thing is drainage outside the house.  Make sure all downspouts run away from the house.  No puddles or soggy spots next to it.  

 

If that doesn't fix it you can seal it up and effectively make it a conditioned space, but that's not cheap.   http://epa.gov/iaplus01/technical/moisture/1_4.html

[NRA]

do you run a dehumidifier?

[Sam1]

Ducts in the crawl space should be insulated.  That should fix the condensation.  Mix up a mild bleach solution and spray all the mildew.  You can also try closing up all the vents.  When it's very humid outside the vents may adding to the humidity in the crawlspace.  

 

Otherwise, the big thing is drainage outside the house.  Make sure all downspouts run away from the house.  No puddles or soggy spots next to it.  

 

If that doesn't fix it you can seal it up and effectively make it a conditioned space, but that's not cheap.   http://epa.gov/iaplus01/technical/moisture/1_4.html

 

+1 for simple bleach and water to kill mildew/mold.  That stuff will kill it instantly, as for a addressing the cause insulate the duct and not sure what to do outside of that.  I would guess the plastic on the ground is causing some of it

[Howler]

NRA hit it on the head. A dehu will get rid of the moisture very fast. I run one under the house from May-September.

[blueheeler47]

Thanks for the replies, sounds like I am in the market for a dehumidifier.