Why Your Crawl Space Dehumidifier Isn't Working: Location, Location, Location
Introduction
An All Too Common Installation Mistake
SO SIMPLE TO DO RIGHT - YET SO OFTEN IGNORED!
Is your crawl space still feeling damp even though you have a dehumidifier?
You're not alone.
I just inspected a crawl space where the homeowner was having this exact problem.
Their dehumidifier was running, but it wasn't doing much good - and the reason was pretty simple: it was stuck in the wrong spot.
I've been fixing crawl spaces for 12 years now, and here's something I see all the time: good equipment installed the wrong way.
It's like putting a ceiling fan in the corner of your room and wondering why the whole room isn't getting air flow.
Location matters, and in crawl spaces, it matters a lot.
The Real-World Example
Let me tell you what I found today. I was called out to look at a five-year-old crawl space installation done by a big corporate company. The homeowner was having moisture problems, and as soon as I got under there, I could see why.
The dehumidifier was crammed up against the wall - about four feet from it, actually. Why? Because they wanted to use the same electrical outlet as the sump pump. That's like parking your car where it's convenient for the mechanic instead of where it works best for you.
To make things worse, the unit was sitting right on the ground instead of being raised up on risers. This wasn't just a small mistake - it was cutting corners in a way that affected how well the whole system worked.
And the homeowner had been living with reduced performance for five years without knowing why.
Why Proper Placement Matters
Think about your crawl space like a room that needs air conditioning. If you put the AC unit in a corner, only that corner stays cool. It's the same with dehumidifiers - they need to be in the center of your crawl space to do their job right.
When a dehumidifier is properly placed, it can pull moisture from all directions. It creates a kind of circular air flow that helps dry out your entire crawl space evenly. But stick it in a corner or against a wall? Now you're just super-drying one small area while the rest of your crawl space stays damp.
More Than Just Location
But here's the thing - it's not just about where you put the dehumidifier. It needs to be up off the ground on risers. Why? Because sitting directly on the ground can lead to rust and early breakdown. Plus, raising it up helps with better air flow underneath the unit.
Then there's the power situation. Every dehumidifier should have its own dedicated outlet. Sharing power with a sump pump might save on electrical work, but it's asking for trouble. Both these machines need reliable power to protect your home.
The Cost-Cutting Impact
Look, I get it. Running an extra electrical line costs money. Installing risers takes more time. Putting the dehumidifier in the center might mean more work during installation. But these shortcuts end up costing more in the long run.
When your dehumidifier isn't working right:
- Your energy bills go up because it's running constantly
- Parts of your crawl space stay damp
- You might need repairs sooner
- You're not getting what you paid for
And the kicker?
Most folks don't even know their system isn't working properly until problems start showing up elsewhere in their home.
Getting It Right
So what does a proper dehumidifier setup look like? Here's what I tell my customers:
Your dehumidifier should be:
- In the center of your crawl space where possible
- Raised up on proper risers
- Connected to its own dedicated power source
- Easy to access for maintenance
And speaking of maintenance - that's crucial. A well-placed dehumidifier still needs regular check-ups to keep working right.
You should be able to tell it's working by checking the humidity levels and making sure you're seeing consistent moisture removal.
Ready to Talk Service?
If you're worried your crawl space dehumidifier isn't doing its job, here are some signs to watch for:
- Uneven moisture levels in your crawl space
- Dehumidifier running constantly
- Musty smells in your home
- High humidity readings
Don't wait until small problems become big ones. Give me a call, and I'll take a look at your setup. I'll tell you straight if something needs fixing or if your system just needs a few adjustments to work better.
No sales pitch, no pressure - just honest advice about getting your crawl space moisture under control. And unlike some companies, you won't have to wait weeks for an appointment. Unless it's a major holiday, I'll get back to you fast.
Remember, you get direct access to me once we start working together, no deposit required, and you don't pay until you're completely satisfied with the work.
Contact Info
Serving all of Middle Tennessee
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joshuamaynor1988@gmail.com
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