Why ATMOX for Crawl Spaces
Your common sense crawl space moisture solution starts with ATMOX. Protect your home while optimizing air quality and energy efficiency.
At ATMOX, we understand that a healthy crawl space is the foundation of a safe, efficient, and comfortable home. With over 25 years of expertise, our intelligent moisture control solution is engineered to address crawl space moisture, ensuring your home remains a haven for both its structure and the well-being of its occupants. Let’s explore how the ATMOX system works.
Effective crawl space management lies in a balanced strategy that integrates ventilation, improved circulation, and targeted dehumidification. The ATMOX system is using sophisticated software based on common sense principles. This means using the benefits of outside air only when conditions are optimal and relying on dehumidification only when necessary—thus protecting your home and saving energy.
The goals of ATMOX are very simple. First and foremost, moisture control is key. The home needs to be protected from this silent villain lurking in your crawl space. Second, air quality in the home can be directly affected by the air below the house, and air exchanges are a critical component of improved indoor air quality. Third, energy efficiency should be considered in all aspects of the moisture control solution.
Moisture Control
Moisture levels need to be controlled to protect your home and its structure from wood rot, pests, mold, and other damage. There are generally two ways to measure the crawl space and its health as it relates to moisture – humidity and wood moisture content.
Humidity is a measurement of the moisture in air at a given temperature. It is a good indicator of overall crawl space moisture conditions. Humidity can vary by temperature but most healthy crawl spaces will target a range of 55-75% humidity.
Wood moisture content is the measurement of how much water is present in the wood compared to the dry matter of the wood. Research shows that ideal crawl space wood moisture content should be between 10-16%. Content of 18-20% for extended periods of time may lead to mold growth and decay-producing organisms.
Wood with a moisture content of 20 percent and above is susceptible to decay.
– North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Learn more about problems caused by untreated moisture.
How Does ATMOX Tackle Moisture?
Intelligent Ventilation
Crawl space ventilation allows for targeted air exchanges to improve conditions within the crawl space. The ATMOX controller directs PROPER operation of ventilation fans.
Comparison of Conditions to Ensure Beneficial Ventilation
The ATMOX controller uses advanced software logic to improve crawl space conditions through proper and beneficial ventilation. Unlike fans that rely on a simple humidistat – and may actually worsen humidity, the ATMOX controller compares the moisture levels (dew point) inside and outside the crawl space. This ensures ventilation only occurs when the outside air is truly drier and beneficial. That is the key difference that makes ATMOX stand out. Ventilation with fresh outside air improves air quality regardless of the crawl space type, and ATMOX has custom settings for every configuration.
Seasonal Adjustments for Optimal Drying
Ventilation is especially effective for reducing moisture during cooler, drier seasons and in certain climates. While some misunderstand the use of outside air, nature offers the perfect example—trees and wood dry naturally through the cycle of wet and dry air. The same principle applies to crawl spaces: in fall, winter, and spring, outside air can often dry more efficiently than a dehumidifier. No matter where you live, weather patterns bring changing dew points, and smart ventilation takes advantage of these natural shifts.
Enhanced Circulation
Circulation or distributed airflow creates even drying throughout the entire space to avoid neglect in one corner and overdrying in another. Crawl spaces are rarely a perfect rectangle and may have compartments, sections or corners that are not getting consistent air movement.
Improved Dehumidifier Reach and Effectiveness
Dehumidifiers have built-in fans that circulate air to the unit, drying the closest air first. The air continues to move and dry as it works its way through the space. However, depending on the size and layout of the crawl space (especially when very low), a dehumidifier may struggle to move air to far corners on its own. Circulation fans, which hang from joists, assist air movement to those areas, making the dehumidifier more efficient in its operation. The fans push and pull air from far-reaching corners to the dehumidifier, allowing it to dry larger spaces effectively.
Balanced Air
When the dehumidifier is not operating, the circulation fans keep the air circulating within the crawl space to maintain a more consistent temperature. This prevents air from settling around cold ducts, which can lead to condensation. The ATMOX controller also uses these fans to avoid stagnant air build-up and to balance temperature and humidity levels within the space.
Airflow Within Tight or Compartmentalized Spaces
Internal fans can create air movement in and out of sections of crawl spaces that may have been compartmentalized by construction, such as room additions, or by low crawl spaces with large HVAC trunk lines. These compartmentalized spaces are often starved of airflow, creating pockets of moisture problems.
Targeted Use of Dehumidification
Crawl space dehumidification is a powerful tool in extracting moisture from the crawl space in warm, humid environments.
Accurate Humidity Readings for Precise Control
The ATMOX controller uses a highly accurate sensor, strategically placed away from the dehumidifier unit, to measure humidity levels in the crawl space. This ensures precise control based on actual conditions, rather than relying on the readings from a sensor located on the dehumidifier itself.
Prevention of Dehumidifier Damage from Freezing
The ATMOX controller protects your dehumidifier from damage by preventing it from operating outside of its safe temperature range. In cold crawl spaces, a dehumidifier may continue to run and attempt to reach unattainable humidity levels, potentially leading to a frozen compressor and damage. The ATMOX controller monitors the temperature and only operates the dehumidifier when it is safe to do so.
Controls for Multiple Dehumidifiers
For larger crawl spaces that require multiple dehumidifiers, the ATMOX controller can manage and coordinate their operation to ensure optimal humidity levels.
Note: ATMOX does not manufacture dehumidifiers, but the system will command the dehumidifier for integrated operation. Your installer will select a dehumidifier sized for your space.
Air Quality
Conditions in your crawl space directly affect your living space. Air within your crawl space rises and infiltrates your living space through small openings or gaps. This is known as the stack effect. The air that seeps into your living space acts as a transport for heat, moisture, odors, and any toxins that may be present.
Homes are increasingly airtight, trapping stagnant air in living and crawl spaces. This prevents pollutants from escaping, causing buildup and potential health issues. Consequently, indoor air quality has gained significant attention.
“Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.”
– Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
How Does ATMOX Improve Air Quality?
Reduced Humidity Levels
Moisture control is the initial step to enhance the air quality in your crawl space. Excess moisture can cause mold, fungi, wood rot, and pest infestations, which can all negatively impact your health and air quality. Just like in your home, musty odors in a crawl space are not just unpleasant but generally an indication of a moisture issue.
Air Exchange
Good indoor air quality needs an exchange of air. When you burn food on the stove, for example, you open windows and use the exhaust fan to remove odors. This same principle applies to your crawl space – to improve air quality, exchange inside air with fresh outside air. Any toxins in the air will not be addressed with a reduction in humidity – they must be expelled to the outside to avoid drifting upwards with the stack effect.
Energy Efficiency
How is ATMOX energy efficient?
Reduced Dehumidifier Operation
While a dehumidifier is a great tool for drying and is often essential for managing moisture, it can use a lot of energy (580-850 watts). This energy usage and cost should be considered when implementing a long-term solution.
The ATMOX controller logic uses outside air to dry the crawl space instead of the dehumidifier whenever possible. This reduces dehumidifier usage, which saves energy costs over time. Additionally, using circulation fans with a dehumidifier increases its reach and effectiveness, improving its overall efficiency.
Effective Temperature Constraints
Temperature affects the dehumidifier’s effectiveness. It becomes less effective below 50-60 degrees and may need an alternative drying solution. Using outside air is only efficient at certain temperatures, as extreme temperatures will affect the home’s internal conditions. The ATMOX controller evaluates the outside air’s temperature before ventilating.