Troubleshooting a Dehumidifier: 7 Common Problems and Solutions

If your dehumidifier isn’t working correctly, you might wonder whether it can be fixed or if it needs to be replaced. Most of the problems homeowners face can be resolved without professional help. 

However, sometimes you should seek professional assistance if the issue is more technical in nature. In some cases like ice buildup, a quick fix, like turning off your unit for a while, may help. 

Or you just need to enable the auto-defrost feature if you are using an auto-defrost dehumidifier.

However, some problems are more complicated. For example, you will need professional help to address refrigerant leaks or electrical component faults.

Let’s explore the common dehumidifier issues and how to resolve them.

How to Troubleshoot Your Dehumidifier?

There are several factors that can cause your dehumidifier to malfunction. 

Let’s take a closer look at 7 most common issues and how to solve them effectively:

1. The Dehumidifier Not Turning On

If your dehumidifier is not turning on, there may be a few reasons: 

• There could be an issue with the power supply. 
• The circuit breaker may be tripped, or the fuse is blown. 
• There might be a fault with the power cord.

Make sure your power outlet is working and that your unit is properly plugged in. Check the power cord. If there are any signs of wear or damage, replace it. If the issue persists, Inspect your circuit breaker and fuse. Reset any tripped circuit breakers and replace the fuse if it’s blown.

2. Dehumidifier Freezing Up

The possible reasons why your dehumidifier is freezing up include:

• The temperature is too low for the dehumidifier to operate.
• There is too much dirt on the dehumidifier filter or coils.
• The auto-defrost control isn’t working if you are using a dehumidifier with auto-defrost control.

Check the temperature of your room. Refrigerant dehumidifiers are designed to operate in temperatures above 18°C. If your space is too cold, the coils may freeze up. An easy fix is to move your unit to a warmer place for some time. Clean the dehumidifier coils and filter as they can also restrict the airflow and cause ice buildup. If your dehumidifier features an auto defrost control, inspect it. If it’s not working, get it repaired by a professional.

3. Dehumidifier Leaking Water

If your unit is leaking water, the reasons may include: 

• The drainage hose is clogged. 
• The water basin is not properly aligned. 
• There might be a crack in the water basin.

Inspect the dehumidifier drainage hose and remove any clogs that could obstruct water flow. Unaligned water tanks can also cause leakage. So, ensure that the water basin is properly aligned in its position. If there is a crack in the water tank, you need to replace it.

4. Dehumidifier Shutting Off Too Early

Here are some possible factors if your dehumidifier shuts off too early: 

• The humidity setting is incorrect. 
• The water basin is full. 
• There might be some problems with the humidity sensors.

Set the humidity level correctly on your unit typically between 30% and 50%. Make sure the water tank is not full. Some units automatically turn off when the tank reaches its maximum capacity. So, regularly empty it. If you find your dehumidifier isn’t maintaining the required humidity level, check the humidity sensor and replace it if it is faulty.

5. The Dehumidifier Making Unusual Noises

Is your dehumidifier making too much noise? There might be a few factors causing this. 

Here are some common factors: 

• The unit's fan is blocked. 
• Some parts may not be properly tightened. 
• The compressor might be worn out.
  

When troubleshooting dehumidifier noise issues, It is important to tighten any loose components, such as screws and fittings. Remove any dust or debris from your fan. If the issue continues and seems to originate from the dehumidifier compressor, seek professional help.

6. The Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water

The possible reasons why your dehumidifier is not collecting any water include: 

• The humidity level is set too high. 
• The air filter is too dirty. 
• The compressor is not working properly.

If your dehumidifier is not collecting water, check the humidity control system. The humidity setting should be lower than the current humidity level of your room, so adjust the settings accordingly to achieve optimal performance. Next, clean the air filter, as dust and dirt buildup restrict airflow. If the dehumidifier's compressor is not working, have it repaired by a technician.

7. Dehumidifier Running But Not Reducing Humidity

It's one of the common problems that many homeowners face. 

Here are the reasons why your unit is running but not reducing humidity: 

• Too much dirt has accumulated on the coils, blocking them. 
• The airflow is too low. 
• The fan motor is not functioning properly.
  

If there is too much dirt on the coils, it reduces their ability to extract moisture from the air. Therefore, you need to unplug your unit and clean the coils with a soft brush or cloth. Moreover, ensure there aren’t any obstacles hindering the airflow. Check that the fan motor is functioning properly. If there is a fault with the fan motor, call a technical expert.

How Can I Make My Dehumidifier Last Longer?

You can make your dehumidifier last longer by focusing on regular maintenance. Check your unit frequently to avoid potential damage. 

Here are a few things that help prolong the life of your dehumidifier: 

• Clean the filter or replace it regularly, whichever suits your unit based on the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Check the evaporator and condenser coils regularly. Clean them frequently and don’t let dust accumulate, as dust buildup greatly affects the performance of your device. 
• Always check the water reservoir. Empty the water basin and clean it regularly to prevent mold growth. 
• Properly place your unit in an area with adequate ventilation and ensure there are no obstacles hindering the airflow. 
• Monitoring humidity levels is also very important. Use a hygrometer for this purpose if you aren’t using a dehumidifier with an LED display.

Proper maintenance is key for your unit to function properly. Prioritizing maintenance not only improves the efficiency of your device but also prolongs its overall lifespan.

Conclusion

Now you know that troubleshooting your dehumidifier is easy in most cases. You can handle most fixes yourself without needing technical help. By following the troubleshooting steps we discussed, you can resolve the most common dehumidifier problems and get your unit back in order. 

That said, some problems, such as malfunctioning compressors or electrical components, are too technical and require professional help to fix them safely. 

If you encounter any issues with your dehumidifier, feel free to contact us anytime. At Aloraircommercial, our dedicated team is here to assist with everything from choosing the best dehumidifiers to addressing any technical issues.