Crawl space pondering

[RuneB2]

Considering my house foundation, which needs a dehumidifier according to Polygon/Anticimex, but before I purchase it.

Thought:
I'm a new owner for 1 month now. There was an elevated risk noted during the inspection and there's evidence of growth/significant salt deposits.
What struck me the other day was that the stove, which is a Contura 350 (I think), takes its air from the foundation.
It hasn't been used for nearly 10 years, inspection ordered and coming next week.
It's the only change that has occurred since the house was built in '72 as far as I know.

Am I right in thinking that if I start using the stove -> increased air flow = lower humidity?
Admittedly, it's not usually used in the summer, but perhaps it was from time to time in the past?
It's aging-resistant plastic, cuprinol-treated boards.
I've noted that a little patchwork is needed in some spots on the plastic down there.

 

[Kane]

Take the air to the stove outside the foundation.
Put plastic on the ground, close the vents, and measure the humidity level you have before proceeding.

 

[RuneB2]

Take the air to the stove from outside the foundation.
Put plastic on the ground, close the vents, and measure the humidity before you proceed.

Yes, I understand that the air needs to be taken from outside if I seal it.
But did people occasionally use the stove in the past to draw moisture out of the foundation?

 

[Kane]

Yes, I'm with you on taking the air from outside if I close it off.
But did people occasionally light fires in the past to draw moisture from the foundation?

No, but they had the chimney stack which was warm more or less year-round and kept the moisture away.

 

[RuneB2]

However, there has never been a chimney in the house. Mostly wondering what has changed in 50 years, or if time has simply done its part now.

 

[Kane]

Am I right in thinking that if I start a fire -> increased airflow = lower humidity?

No, then you're bringing warm air (which contains more moisture) into the foundation.

 

[Kane]

There has never been a chimney in the house, though.
Mostly wondering what has changed in 50 years, or if time has taken its toll now.

Seal any vents and start measuring Rh.