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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
