5 min read
March 12, 2026
What you’re reading is a copy of an email newsletter sent by Stephen Simmons, Owner + Primary Mitigator at Umpire. This is an archive, so some links may be missing or expired.
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Is your dehumidifier working?

These 3 tips can help.

Quick question: Have you used a dehumidifier recently?

If yes, did it seem to work well, or did the air in your house still feel heavy with moisture?

Here’s why I ask: I’ve received a few calls recently from folks who are using dehumidifiers at home to combat excess moisture in the air - but the dehumidifier doesn’t seem to be helping. 

Sometimes, that’s because there’s a serious moisture problem that needs professional attention. But often, it’s because the dehumidifier settings haven’t been adjusted properly.

When it comes to dehumidifiers, you can’t just “set it and forget it.”

Without proper placement, maintenance, and monitoring, your dehumidifier can grow dirty and ineffective, even if you’re running it around the clock.

Here are 3 commonly overlooked tips for making sure your dehumidifier is actually working for you: 

👉 Tip #1: Place your dehumidifier at least 1 foot away from walls. This helps ensure that the unit has plenty of air circulating around it, which makes it more effective.

👉 Tip #2: If your dehumidifier is set up in your basement or crawl space, be sure it’s positioned for easy monitoring and cleaning. Humidifiers need to be monitored to make sure they’re running properly and accessible for regular cleaning. This ensures that they’re operating at max capacity and circulating clean and fresh air. 

👉 Tip #3: Scale your dehumidification solution for your home. How big is your space? How well ventilated is your home already? Do you see signs of water damage now? The size, number, and placement of dehumidifiers will depend on factors like these. (Bonus tip: Call us anytime if you have questions about the best dehumidifier strategy for your home!)

If you’ve tried all of the above, but you’ve still got elevated moisture levels in your home, call us. Excess moisture in your basement, crawlspace, or other areas of your home can lead to mold and costly repairs if gone untreated.

Have a question about your dehumidifier or unusual levels of moisture in your home? Call me directly at (703) 665-1129.

Take care,

Stephen

Stephen Simmons

Owner | Umpire Mitigation

Call or text us 24/7 at 703-665-1129

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