What Do I Do When My Dehumidifier Stops Working?

It’s frustrating when your dehumidifier stops working just when the humidity level is high and you need it the most. Sometimes, you can’t figure out the problem even if the problem is minor. You might need technical help in some cases. But often, even a small fix can solve the problem.

So, if your dehumidifier quit working, don’t worry. You can fix it yourself, as the most common issues are easy to resolve. Understanding how to fix these common problems can save you time and money.

Let’s find out why your dehumidifier stops working and what you can do to fix it and ensure effective mold dehumidification without interruptions.

Why Does My Dehumidifier Quit Working?

If your dehumidifier quit working, there could be several causes. Understanding them helps you fix them and prevent future issues.

The common reasons include:

• When the water tank is full, the auto shut-off feature turns the dehumidifier off to prevent overflow.
• A clogged dehumidifier reduces airflow and strains your unit if you're using a dehumidifier with air filter.
• Frozen coils can be another reason why your unit isn’t working.
• Incorrect humidity settings or faulty humidistat can also cause malfunction.
• Your unit will not function if the compressor is broken or faulty.

Sometimes, dehumidifiers fail to function due to electrical issues. For instance, damaged cords or faulty wiring can lead to power failure.

What Do I Do When My Dehumidifier Stops Working?

What could you do when my dehumidifier stopped working? There is no need to panic. There are several steps you can take to identify and resolve the problem.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Check the Power Source

If your dehumidifier is turning on, there might be some issues with the power source. Therefore, you need to test the power outlet with the help of another appliance. Also,  check the power cord for any visible damage. If the cord is damaged, repair or replace. You can consult a professional to handle the repairs.

Make sure your device is connected to the network if you have a smart dehumidifier with wifi. Remember some units require a hard reset. So, unplug your unit for some and plug it back.

2. Empty the Water Reservoir

One of the common reasons why a dehumidifier quits working is that the water tank is full. Some models come with an auto shut-off feature. They shut off automatically when the water tank reaches its full capacity.

Therefore, you need to regularly empty the water reservoir. If you’re using a dehumidifier with an auto pump or drain hose, make sure the drainage is clear. Regularly checking the drainage is important, especially when dehumidifying basements and garages.

3. Check the Humidisat

A humidistat monitors and controls the humidity level in your home. It compares the moisture in the room to your desired setting. If it malfunctions, your unit may not operate even when the indoor humidity is too high. 

You can use an external tool, such as a multimeter, to check the humidistat if you're comfortable doing so. Otherwise, it's best to seek help from a technical expert.

4. Ensure the Fan is Functioning

The fan is responsible for drawing in humid air for moisture removal. Your unit won’t function properly if the fan isn’t working. This could be due to debris accumulation on the fan or broken or damaged blades. 

This is more common with commercial dehumidifiers used in spaces like construction sites, where there is more dirt in the air. To ensure proper functioning, you need to frequently clean the fan.

5. Ensure Proper Airflow

The next step is to check the airflow. Make sure that there isn’t any obstruction around the dehumidifier that restricts the air from entering the unit and coming back into the room. Also, there shouldn’t be dust around the vent. 

Moreover, dust and debris, such as pet hair, can also block airflow in a dehumidifier with an air filter. So, you need to clean the filter or change it based on the manufacturer's recommendations.

6. Check for Frost Or Ice Buildup

If your unit seems to run but isn’t collecting water, it may be due to ice buildup around the dehumidifier coils. It usually happens in colder climates or when you use your device in cooler environments such as dehumidifying a garage, basement, or crawl space.

When this happens, unplug your unit to defrost it. Let it thaw completely before restarting. To defrost fast, you can consider increasing the temperature. Or you can place your unit in a warmer space for some time.

7. Look for Low Refrigerant Levels

What type of dehumidifier are you using—a desiccant dehumidifier or compressor? If yours is a compressor dehumidifier, check the refrigerant level. Compressor or refrigerant dehumidifiers rely on refrigerant to cool down the coils. If the refrigerant is low, your unit may not work properly.

It happens due to leakage. Fixing such issues can be difficult and may need professional help. Also, it can be expensive as well. So, you need to consult a professional before fixing the low refrigerant issue.

8. Test the Dehumidifier Compressor

If your unit turns off automatically, test the compressor. Sometimes the overload switch shuts down the dehumidifier when it overheats to prevent potential damage. 

You can locate the overload switch with the help of the user manual. If the issue persists, you might need to seek professional support. 

When to Seek Professional Help?

You can solve many issues at home such as ice buildup. Sometimes just hard restarting your unit can help. If the water reservoir is full, empty it then try to restart. Similarly, just shifting the dehumidifier would be enough to defrost the ice buildup.

However, you need professional support to fix complex issues such as fixing low refrigerant levels.

Contact a technician if: 

• Your dehumidifier's compressor is malfunctioning or there is refrigerant leakage. 
• The same issues persist even after you have repaired your dehumidifier. 
• There is an electrical problem, such as sparks, and you don’t feel comfortable addressing it yourself. 

If you've followed all the steps and the issue persists, you may expert help. Remember, it is recommended to seek professional help for problems related to electrical components and internal wiring.

To avoid potential damages, you need to focus on the maintenance of your unit. 

Read this if you want to know how to clean your dehumidifier.

Conclusion

Now you know what to do when your dehumidifier stops working. Diagnosing dehumidifiers can be easy in most cases. Doing so yourself at your home not only saves you money, it can also save you time.

Try to diagnose your unit at home yourself when your dehumidifier quit working before looking for a new dehumidifier for sale. Simple fixes such as adjusting humidistat settings, emptying the water reservoir, cleaning the air filter, or turning off your unit for some time can resolve most problems.

However, you can seek professional help if the problem lies with the compressor or refrigerant. In the worst-case scenarios, your technician may suggest replacing the whole unit.

If you are unsure which dehumidifier best fits your space, you can contact our support team. At Aloraircommercial, our dedicated members will help you find the best dehumidifier that best fits your home or workplace.