Dehumidifiers vs. Air Purifiers: Do You Need Both in Your Crawl Space?
When it comes to protecting your crawl space—and the air your family breathes—many Georgia homeowners wonder: Should I install a dehumidifier, an air purifier, or both? At Atlanta Basement Systems, we hear this question a lot, especially in our humid Southern climate where mold, mildew, and allergens can thrive if left unchecked.
Let’s break down the difference between these two systems, what each one does, and whether you actually need both in your crawl space.
What’s the Difference?
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air. High humidity levels (above 60%) in your crawl space can lead to:
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Mold and mildew growth
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Wood rot and structural damage
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Dust mites and pests
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Musty odors that rise into your living space
By keeping the relative humidity below 55%, a crawl space dehumidifier—like our powerful SaniDry Sedona—prevents moisture-related problems before they start.
Air Purifier
An air purifier cleans the air by trapping airborne particles like:
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Mold spores
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Dust and allergens
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Pet dander
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Bacteria and viruses
At Atlanta Basement Systems, we often pair our dehumidifier with the Aspen Air Purification System. It uses a 3-stage filtration process to significantly improve indoor air quality—particularly useful for homeowners with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities.
Do You Really Need Both?
The answer depends on your crawl space conditions and your air quality goals:
You Need a Dehumidifier If:
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Your crawl space has high humidity or standing water
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There’s visible mold or wood rot
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You want to protect your home’s structure and energy efficiency
You Need an Air Purifier If:
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You or your family members suffer from allergies, asthma, or sinus issues
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You notice musty odors in your home
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You want to reduce indoor pollutants and improve overall air quality
You Need Both If:
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You want the cleanest, driest crawl space environment possible
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Your home has a history of moisture and mold issues
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You're investing in a full crawl space encapsulation system for long-term protection
Think of it this way:
A dehumidifier handles the source of the problem (moisture), while an air purifier cleans up the result (poor air quality).
Bonus: They Work Better Together
At Atlanta Basement Systems, we recommend pairing the SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier with the Aspen Air System for homes with serious moisture and air quality concerns. These two systems are designed to complement each other—removing humidity while actively cleaning the air.
Together, they create a healthier home from the ground up.
Ready to Breathe Easier?
If you’re not sure what your crawl space needs, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Schedule a free crawl space inspection with Atlanta Basement Systems. One of our experts will evaluate your space, check humidity levels, and recommend the best solution for your home.
Call us today or fill out our online form to get started.
