Beyond Installation: Why Your Crawl Space Dehumidifier Needs Ongoing Care

Introduction

More Dehumidifier Maintenance in Franklin

WE LOVE TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH ANNUAL MAINTENANCE

I'm writing this from a job in Franklin, where I just finished replacing a fan in an AprilAire E80 dehumidifier.


This is exactly the kind of maintenance work I want to talk about today.


Because here's the thing - installing a dehumidifier is just the beginning.


What happens after that installation makes all the difference for your home's protection.


Too many companies just install equipment and disappear.


They might give you a warranty card, but when something breaks, good luck getting them back out to your house.


That's not how we do things. I believe in taking care of the equipment we install, and today I want to explain why that matters for your home.

(615) 265-0081
  • A basement filled with plastic and pipes.

What Can Go Wrong

Let me tell you what I see all the time. A homeowner calls me because their crawl space is feeling damp again. Their dehumidifier stopped working, and the company that installed it either won't return their calls or doesn't know how to fix it. Now they're looking at buying a whole new unit when simple maintenance could have prevented the problem.


Common issues I see include:

  • Fans stopping (like the one I fixed today)
  • Clogged filters reducing efficiency
  • Units running but not dehumidifying
  • Strange noises that get worse over time


The truth is, these are all fixable problems if you catch them early. But without regular maintenance, small issues become big expenses. And the worst part? Your crawl space moisture levels could be creeping up without you even knowing it.

  • The ceiling of a basement with a lot of pipes and insulation.

  • A basement with a lot of insulation and a light on the ceiling.

  • A basement with a lot of pipes and columns

  • An empty basement with a wooden ceiling and white walls.

Our Maintenance Program

Look, I keep things simple. For $200 a year, we'll take care of your dehumidifier and make sure it's doing its job. That includes swapping out filters and checking all the working parts. But here's what makes us different - we don't just service and leave.

We install a monitoring device in your crawl space that keeps track of humidity levels. You don't have to crawl under your house with a flashlight - you can check the readings right from inside. I'll set a threshold that's right for your home, and if the humidity goes above that, we'll come out and fix the problem.

The Warranty Difference

Here's something most companies won't tell you: not everyone who installs dehumidifiers knows how to fix them. I can take these units completely apart and put them back together. While I can't handle refrigerant issues (that requires special licensing), I can fix just about everything else.


When something breaks, you're not waiting weeks for service or dealing with multiple companies. You call me, I come out, I fix it. Simple as that. And for my maintenance program customers? These repairs are covered.

  • A man is working in a basement under construction.

Why Choose a Service-Focused Company

Let me be straight with you - there are a lot of "Chuck on a truck" operators out there. They'll install your system, cash your check, and you'll never see them again. Then when something goes wrong six months later, you're on your own.


That's why it's so important to choose a company that focuses on service, not just installation. We're not here for a one-time job. We're here to protect your crawl space for years to come.


When you work with us, you're getting a partner who:

  • Knows these systems inside and out
  • Shows up when there's a problem
  • Actually knows how to fix what breaks
  • Keeps an eye on your humidity levels
  • The ceiling of a basement with a lot of pipes and insulation.

  • A basement with a lot of insulation and a light on the ceiling.

  • A basement with a lot of pipes and columns

  • An empty basement with a wooden ceiling and white walls.

What to Ask Your Contractor

Before you hire anyone to install your dehumidifier, ask these simple questions:

  • Do you have a maintenance program?
  • What exactly does your warranty cover?
  • Can you fix the units yourself, or do you call someone else?
  • Do you provide humidity monitoring?


If they dance around these questions or give vague answers, that's a red flag. You want someone who can give you straight answers about how they'll take care of your system long-term.

The Bottom Line

Let's talk about costs for a minute. That $200 yearly maintenance fee might seem like an extra expense, but here's the reality: replacing a dehumidifier that wasn't maintained properly can cost thousands. And that's not counting the damage high humidity can do to your crawl space while the unit isn't working.


When you choose a company that provides real maintenance and service:

  • Small problems get fixed before they become big ones
  • Your unit lasts longer
  • You're protected from moisture damage
  • You have peace of mind knowing someone's watching out for your home
Crawl Logic

Ready to Talk About Your Dehumidifier?

If you're in the Middle Tennessee area and want to learn more about our maintenance program, give me a call. Whether you need service on an existing unit or you're thinking about installing a new one, I'll give you honest answers about what your crawl space needs.


Remember, a dehumidifier is only as good as the company that maintains it. Let's make sure yours keeps working like it should.

(615) 265-0081
A man is sitting in a car wearing a hat.
By Joshua Maynor May 9, 2025
This morning, I got a call that's unfortunately becoming more common. A homeowner chose a contractor who was $900 cheaper and could start "tomorrow." Now they're dealing with sloppy work, a poorly placed dehumidifier, and a contractor who won't return their calls.
A man in a blue shirt and hat is standing next to a wooden fence.
By Joshua Maynor May 9, 2025
I was out doing a crawl space inspection in Nashville the other day when I spotted something that needed immediate attention. The crawl space door was completely off its hinges, just lying there on the ground. Now, I hadn't even written up the quote yet, but I knew exactly what I needed to do.
A man is sitting in a car talking about maintenance.
By Joshua Maynor May 7, 2025
Let me tell you something about crawl space dehumidifier warranties that might surprise you: most of them are designed to be confusing. After 12 years in this business, I've seen too many Nashville homeowners get stuck with unexpected costs because they didn't understand what their warranty actually covered.