A treated crawl space outfitted with a specialized dehumidifier is a great defense against humid conditions. For Roanoke, VA crawl space owners, this is great news because the summer of 2025 was the most humid summer on record for the Eastern United States. In June and July, the average dew point hovered around 66 degrees, which the National Weather Service classifies as “oppressive.”
Crawl space dehumidifiers fight even the muggiest conditions and protect your home against mold, pests, and rot. However, all machines require occasional maintenance to ensure they’re running optimally. And with the recent, record-breaking humidity, there’s no better time to consider crawl space dehumidifier maintenance.
Signs Your Crawl Space Dehumidifier Might Need Maintenance
As our expert team notes, “crawl space dehumidifiers work by drawing in moisture from the crawl space and passing it over its cold coil. As the air cools, the moisture in the air condenses and drips into a collection tray or is pumped out through a drain hose. The dry air is then released back into the crawl space, which helps to reduce the overall humidity level, in turn giving you and your family clean air to breathe.”
Since extreme humidity has plagued the area, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs that your dehumidifier is working harder to keep up. If you’ve noticed any of these tell-tale warnings, it may be time to call a professional to undertake some routine maintenance:
- Noticeably higher humidity: Your crawl space air should be at about 55% humidity. If the air under your house feels damp or musty, there’s a good chance your crawl space dehumidifier needs some TLC.
- Unusual Unit Performance: issues could range from the unit running constantly or never running at all. You might also hear strange noises or observe excessive vibration or shaking, which indicates an issue.
- House-wide Symptoms: if your energy bill is suddenly higher, you notice musty smells in your basement or living spaces, then call a professional asap. It’s a sign that your dehumidifier needs support.
Risks of Skipping Crawl Space Dehumidifier Maintenance
For the most part, crawl space dehumidifiers are low-maintenance machines. But they aren’t maintenance-free. These hardworking units help prevent damage associated with unwanted moisture. If you skip regular maintenance, you risk the following:
- Less effective performance, leading to higher electricity bills and possibly a shorter lifespan for your machine.
- Higher humidity in your crawl space. This can invite problems like mold, pests, and wood rot underneath your home.
- Poor air quality throughout your house. As moisture levels rise, so does the risk of mold that can rise into living areas thanks to the stack effect.
Be Prepared for Extreme Humidity with Dehumidifier Maintenance
Generally, crawl space maintenance or repair takes place in a single visit from a qualified professional. These experts will examine your unit and perform a variety of checks and maintenance tasks, including:
- Examination of the unit to ensure proper operation
- Check the drop and position of the discharge line
- Check and clean the air filter
- Install a pump if necessary to support proper drainage
- Check the evaporator coils
- Visual inspection of the crawl space condition
If you suspect that your crawl space dehumidifier needs maintenance, the professionals at Crawl Space Care can help. They’ve worked with hundreds of Roanoke homeowners to keep their crawl spaces clean and dry and are well-versed in the intricacies of dehumidifier units. Stay prepared for humid conditions.
Call us to schedule maintenance for your dehumidifier today.