The Dehumidifier Placement Test: How to Spot Lazy Crawl Space Work
Introduction
One Simple Check That Reveals Everything
WHY DEHUMIDIFIER PLACEMENT MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK
Want to know if your crawl space contractor actually cares about quality?
Look at where they put your dehumidifier.
I know that sounds too simple, but after 12 years in this business, I can tell you that this one detail says everything about a contractor's work ethic.
If you go into an encapsulated crawl space and see the dehumidifier sitting right next to the door, you're looking at lazy work.
It's that straightforward.
This isn't about being picky - it's about whether the equipment will actually do its job.
And more importantly, it's about whether your contractor took the time to do things right or just did what was easiest.
The Problem: Convenience Over Correctness
Let me tell you why contractors put dehumidifiers by the door - because it's easier. Dehumidifiers are heavy. Crawl spaces are tight. So the lazy approach is to carry it in, set it down as soon as possible, hook it up, and call it done.
I get it. Crawling through a tight space with a 70-pound unit isn't fun. But that's the job. Your contractor is supposed to install equipment where it works best, not where it's most convenient for them.
Here's what happens when a dehumidifier sits by the door: the area right near the unit stays dry, but the far corners of your crawl space? Not so much. The unit is working based on the conditions right around it, not the conditions throughout your entire space. You paid for a dry crawl space, not just a dry entrance.
This is the difference between doing a job and doing a job right. Moving that unit to the center of your crawl space might take an extra 10 minutes of work. But those 10 minutes determine whether your encapsulation actually protects your home or just looks good at first glance.
How Dehumidifiers Actually Work
Think of a dehumidifier like an air conditioner for moisture. It pulls air in, removes the humidity, and pushes dry air back out. But here's the key - it can only work on the air that actually reaches it.
These units are rated by square footage and cubic feet. That means they're designed to handle a specific amount of space. But they can only do that if they're positioned where air can flow to them from all areas of your crawl space.
When a unit sits in the corner by the door, it's like trying to cool your entire house with a window unit stuck in one room. Sure, that room gets cold, but the rest of the house? Not so much. Same principle applies under your home. Central placement means even air distribution. Corner placement means some areas stay damp while others are bone dry.
Proper Unit Sizing
Not all crawl spaces are the same size, which is why we use four different AprilAire units depending on your specific space. These aren't random choices - each unit is designed for a specific coverage area.
The AprilAire E50 handles 1600 square feet. The E70 covers 2200 square feet. The E80 works for 2600 square feet. And the E100 takes care of spaces up to 3200 square feet.
Why AprilAire? Because after years of trying different brands, these are the ones that actually last and do what they're supposed to do. But even the best equipment won't work right if it's not sized properly for your space or placed where it can actually function.
Here's what I see too often: a contractor installs an E50 in a 2500 square foot crawl space because it's cheaper. Or they use the right size unit but stick it in the corner, which means it can't effectively cover the whole area anyway. Either way, you're not getting what you paid for.
The Right Way to Place a Dehumidifier
The center of your crawl space - that's where your dehumidifier belongs. Not right in the mathematical center necessarily, but in a centralized location where it can pull air from all directions evenly.
Now, I'm not going to pretend every crawl space is a wide open space. Sometimes you've got ductwork running through the middle. Sometimes plumbing is in the way. Sometimes there's a support beam or pier right where the unit should go.
When that happens, we work around it. We find the best centralized location possible. And if we have to offset the placement because of obstructions, we compensate by going up a unit size. That way, the stronger unit can still effectively cover the entire space even from a less-than-ideal position.
But "there's stuff in the way" is never an excuse to just drop the unit by the door. That's lazy, and it doesn't work.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you already have an encapsulated crawl space, here's what to look for. Walk to your crawl space entrance and take a look inside. Is the dehumidifier sitting right there by the door? That's red flag number one.
Next, check the unit size against your crawl space square footage. If you have a large space with a small unit, someone cut corners. Also look at how it's set up - is there proper drainage? Is it level? These details matter.
And here's a big one: if your contractor never mentioned placement or sizing during the sales process, they probably weren't thinking about it during installation either. Good contractors explain why they're doing what they're doing.=
What Good Work Looks Like
Proper dehumidifier installation means the unit is placed where it can actually do its job. You should see it positioned centrally, not shoved in a corner for convenience. The drainage should be set up correctly so the unit can run without issues.
Quality work also means the right size unit for your space. Not the cheapest option, not whatever was on the truck that day - the right unit for your specific square footage.
But here's what really matters: the long-term performance. A properly installed dehumidifier keeps your entire crawl space dry, not just the area around the unit. You won't see moisture collecting in far corners. You won't smell dampness. The whole space works together.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
If you're getting crawl space work done, ask these questions before anyone starts: How do you determine what size dehumidifier I need? Where will it be placed and why? What happens if there are obstructions in the ideal location?
A good contractor will have clear answers. They'll explain their sizing process and placement strategy. If someone seems annoyed by these questions or brushes them off, that tells you something about how they work.
Ready for a Second Opinion?
If you've already had work done and you're not sure it was done right, I'm happy to take a look. We'll check your dehumidifier placement, verify the sizing is correct, and let you know if your system is set up to actually protect your home.
For new installations, we'll show you exactly what size unit your space needs and where it should go. No shortcuts, no convenience over correctness - just honest work done the way it should be.
Give us a call for a free inspection. Because doing it right doesn't cost extra - it's just the standard we've always held ourselves to.
