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If your dehumidifier is not working up to par, sometimes a simple cleaning of the condenser and evaporator coils can do the trick. Here are common dehumidifier problems with helpful tips on how to solve them:
Dehumidifier Doesn’t Work
If your dehumidifier shows no signs of life whatsoever:
1) Check the power. Be sure it is plugged into a working outlet and is turned on.
2) Unplug the dehumidifier unit and check the power cord. If necessary, replace the cord.
3) Remove the cover panel and look for ice. If you see any ice blocking parts, let the ice melt and do not use the unit until the room temperature exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit (most dehumidifiers are not designed for use in colder spaces and may freeze up). Many people find that by unplugging the unit and waiting about 30 days into the season the problem is solved.
5) Remove and test the overflow cutoff switch.
6) Remove the humidistat and check it. Replace it if necessary.
7) If the unit still doesn’t work, call a repairperson—the compressor motor or the relay and overload switch may be the problem.
Testing a Dehumidifier Humidistat or Overflow Cutoff Switch
You can test a dehumidifier’s humidistat fairly easily using a volt-ohm meter. Also using a volt-ohm meter, you can tell if the overflow switch works or not. See Testing a Dehumidifier’s Humidistat or Overflow Switch.
Dehumidifier Overflows or Leaks
Many dehumidifiers have a float switch that prevents the unit from spilling over with the water that has been drawn out of the air. Sometimes this switch goes bad and must be replaced. If your dehumidifier is overflowing, you can test the overflow prevention switch with a volt-ohm meter. See Dehumidifier Overflows or Leaks.
Dehumidifier Doesn’t Work Well
If your dehumidifier seems incompetent, it may be undersized for the space. Check the unit’s specifications to be sure it can handle the room size. If you don’t want to replace it with a larger one, try closing doors and dehumidifying the space a section at a time. After disconnecting the power cord, you can also:
1) Remove the cover and clean the condenser and evaporator coils.
2) Lubricate the fan motor bearings with a couple of drops of oil if the motor has oil ports (some dehumidifiers don’t need to be oiled). While you’re at it, make sure that the condenser isn’t clogged with dust or dirt.
3) Finally, make sure your humidistat is functioning properly by testing it with a volt-ohm meter. Just set the meter to RX1 scale and attach its leads to the humidistat’s terminals. Rotate the humidistat’s knob as far as it will turn in both directions. If the volt-ohm meter registers 0 ohms through only part of the humidistat dial’s range, the humidistat is working. If it registers 0 through the entire range, it’s broken and must be replaced.
4) If it still operates poorly, call an appliance repairperson for advice or take the unit into an appliance repair shop.
Dehumidifer Frosts Up
A dehumidifier will often frost up if room temperatures are colder than about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If your room temperature isn’t this cold, airflow to the unit may be restricted or blocked. To troubleshoot this:
1) Be sure the unit is set far enough from the wall so that airflow isn’t restricted but that it also is not in a drafty spot.
2) Clean the evaporator coils. To do this, unplug the dehumidifier and take off the outer cover. Allow excess moisture to evaporate from the coils. Then, using a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner, remove all dust buildup. If necessary, cover the motor and electrical parts with plastic sheeting and spray with water.
Dehumidifer Has an Odor
Odors are generally caused by stagnant water that has pooled in a hose or by chronically dirty condenser coils. After unplugging the unit, here’s what to do:
1) Empty the reservoir, mop up any damp areas, clean the coils with a brush and a garden hose, and allow the unit to dry in a warm place for at least 24 hours.
2) Alternatively, you can have a dehumidifier’s coils steam-cleaned at an appliance-repair or auto-repair shop, but if you do this have the unit checked after the cleaning to be sure the electrical components haven’t been disturbed.
Dehumidifier Is Noisy
Is your dehumidifier making strange noises? If it is, the noises are probably caused by loose, vibrating parts. After disconnecting the power:
1) Remove the cover and look for loose screws or vibrating parts and check to see if the rubber compressor mounts have hardened so that they no longer absorb the unit’s movement. If they have, replace them.
2) Wiggle the fan to see if it is loose on its shaft. If it is, tighten the mounting fasteners. Lubricate the motor’s bearings if suggested by your owner’s manual.
3) If it still makes noise, call an appliance repairperson or take the unit into an appliance-repair shop.
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Testing a Dehumidifier Humidistat or Overflow Cutoff Switch