Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air in your home, reducing the level of humidity for more comfortable living and preventing the buildup of mold and mildew. While dehumidifiers are easy to maintain, things can occasionally go wrong so we’ve detailed the most common dehumidifier problems here with some helpful troubleshooting tips for you to try.

If you find yourself having issues or are shopping for a reliable dehumidifier, read on to learn how to troubleshoot dehumidifier problems.

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Common problems with dehumidifiers

As with any device, every now and again you might find that your dehumidifier does not appear to be functioning correctly. Typical problems encountered can include frost on the coils, a leaking tank, noisy operation, little or no water being collected, no air coming out of the unit, a bad smell, and a faulty humidistat. One of the most common issues encountered is that it won’t run at all.

Many of these common problems can be easily fixed yourself without needing to consult a professional. Once you’ve identified the problem, following some simple steps quickly rectifies the issue, and we’ve detailed how to deal with the top seven dehumidifier issues below.

How to troubleshoot the top 7 dehumidifier issues

1. Dehumidifier is not running

First, check that the power is switched on and that a fuse hasn’t blown. Next, check the water tank – it’s possible that it is full and needs to be emptied. Most dehumidifiers feature a switch that’s triggered when the water reaches a certain level and this turns the device off, preventing the water from overflowing and causing damage to your floor. If your dehumidifier has an empty tank and it won’t run, move the tank slightly within its housing to reposition it. The tank may not have been placed correctly, and if it is pressed against the wrong switch the system may be tricked into thinking the tank is full and automatically turning the unit off.

2. Dehumidifier is too noisy

One of the most commons issues that many people run into is that their dehumidifier is making too much noise. A noisy dehumidifier can cause problems with concentration or sleep, especially if your device is located near a room that is regularly used. However, as many people do not know what a dehumidifier should sound like, they ignore these warning signs. If your dehumidifier is making a loud buzzing. rattling, or clicking noise, this may be a sign that your dehumidifier is running into problems.

There are multiple reasons why the operation of a dehumidifier can become louder than it usually is. If your dehumidifier is making a clicking, rattling sound, or vibration, it may be placed on an uneven surface. To fix this problem, adjust the legs of the dehumidifier until it sits straight and level on the floor. Your dehumidifier could also have loose screws that may be causing this noise. Check your device for out-of-place screws or other parts that could possibly make noise. Make sure all the covers are tightly screwed shut. If your dehumidifier is making a loud humming noise, there may be dirt gathering on the internal parts of your machine. This can impede normal operation, so make sure that you clean and vacuum your dehumidifier right away.

3. Dehumidifier is not collecting water

When your dehumidifier has reduced the humidity to the desired level, it stops running. When the humidity level rises, the unit starts working again. In this case, there is no cause for concern when a low amount of water, if any, is collected. However, there could be other reasons for a lack of water in the tank. If your dehumidifier is running constantly, there could be a problem with the refrigeration system. Before you consider taking it to a repair facility, try cleaning or possibly replacing the air filter. On the other hand, if your dehumidifier is operating infrequently and the air feels humid, simply alter the humidistat so that it’s on a drier setting.

If that doesn’t solve your problem, it’s possible that the fan motor or compressor may be broken or faulty. Your compressor is the pump in the device that circulates coolant throughout your machine’s evaporator, which leads to the removal of moisture from the air. If your compressor has failed (most commonly due to long or undersized extension cords) you may need to contact a professional or consider purchasing a new unit if the repair cost isn’t worth it. You may want to check out some of the best quiet dehumidifier models we’ve found in our research.

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4. The coils have frozen

Dehumidifiers works by pulling in the surrounding warm, moist air and passing it over coils that rapidly cool the air. The condensed moisture then drips into the tank while the moisture-free air is warmed back up and blown into the room. If the temperature of the air sucked into the unit is too cold, the condensation freezes and frost forms on the coils. It’s important to deal with this straight away otherwise the compressor can become damaged.

To rectify frozen coils, there are a few simple tips to follow. Increase the room temperature so that the air temperature is warmer. Turn off your dehumidifier to help the air temperature increase. Raise the dehumidifier to a higher level, such as from the floor to a table or shelf. Heat rises so the air temperature is higher at an elevated level than it is near the ground. Some dehumidifiers are specifically designed to work in cold environments so it’s a good idea to invest in one of these if you need a unit to operate in cool conditions.

To prevent this problem from recurring, look up manual with the manufacturer of your dehumidifier to double check the suggested operation temperatures. Do not operate the dehumidifier in a space in which the temperature is too low. Cleaning your coils every once in a while can also help reduce the risk of freezing. Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the coils and spray them with a mixture of water and vinegar.

5. The tank is leaky

As the tank is constantly being filled with water removed from the air, leaks in your tank will almost definitely appear. Leaks in the tank may cause water to spill into important components of your dehumidifier and damage them. In order to prevent this, empty the water tank as soon as it gets filled. After emptying the tank, ensure that you are checking for dirt or cracks. Clean your tank often to prevent dirt from settling in. If you decide to use a drainpipe to allow for water evacuation, regularly check for drainpipe clogs, as these may also cause leaks.

6. Fan is broken or motor not running

A dehumidifier’s motor is a critical component. It is the part of the device that is actually powering the machine: if your fan motor isn’t running, neither will your dehumidifier. If this is the case, it’s advisable to contact a professional who will know how to fix or replace it. If you are not an authorized technician, you should not try to fix it yourself. You may void your warranty, or you could do more damage to your machine.

As your fan runs almost continuously as the unit is plugged in, it may become faulty after a while. If it stops working, check to see if any of the fan blades are broken or loose. Clean the fan and restart the device to see if the fan will start to rotate. If the manufacturer suggests, you can lubricate the fan to allow it to rotate in a smoother manner. If the problem persists, it’s best to call a technician.

7. It smells bad

If you haven’t replaced or cleaned your filter in a while, you may begin to notice a heavy, musty smell. The simplest way to resolve this issue is by removing the filter and spraying it with some vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to dry before reinstalling it. Use baking soda in the water tank to prevent mold and mildew in the future.

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Cost to repair a dehumidifier, vs. buying a new one

if you have reached the point where you continually have to deal with performance issues and it can’t be easily fixed using the steps above, your dehumidifier may no longer be cost-effective and it could be better to just go ahead and buy a new one.

When you can’t fix your dehumidifier yourself, call a professional first before taking it to a repair center. It’s likely the expert will know what the issue is from your description and can give you a quote. Depending on the quote, you can decide if it’s worth fixing the unit or it makes more sense to just buy a new one.

If you don’t already love the model you have, and you are running into issues with it, you may want to consider one of our top picks below. Each of these are very highly rate by at least a hundred users on amazon, check out the links below for more detail.

The top tip for maximum dehumidifier efficiency

The room placement helps with the efficiency of your dehumidifier so place it in the center of a room if you can, rather than next to furniture or walls. A humidity setting of 40 to 50% is ideal but check with a professional if you have valuable items in the room that could be adversely affected by the wrong humidity level. Empty the tank regularly so that the water doesn’t stagnate.

How to maintain your dehumidifier

Looking after your dehumidifier properly should ensure trouble-free operation for years. As parts begin to deteriorate with wear and tear, replace them to avoid having to buy a completely new device. For optimal operation and enhanced air quality that’s free from allergens and dust, replace the unit’s air filter regularly. Check the manual for a guide on the frequency. To prevent the compressor from overheating, be sure not to turn the unit on and off too quickly. Wait for at least 10 to 15 minutes in between to allow the compressor to depressurize.

Most dehumidifiers operate best in room temperatures of at least 65 degrees. As mentioned earlier, this prevents frost from forming on the coils inside the unit and it also stops the motor from burning out. It’s best to set the humidistat to between 40 and 50% as this is the most comfortable humidity level for your room.

How to keep it clean

Your dehumidifier is comprised of numerous parts that attract dirt, which will build up and decrease the unit’s operating life if it’s not cleaned away occasionally. The unit’s air system, which includes the air intake and exhaust, needs to be cleaned each season. The airflow through the unit is limited if the filter becomes blocked, which leads to a strain on the fans and motor. Simply remove the filter and exhaust grill, then use a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris.

As well as emptying the water tank frequently, it needs to be kept clean. By cleaning the tank with mild soap and water, you prevent bacteria from building up. If you fail to keep the water tank clean, mold and mildew begin to form inside the tank. While the dehumidifier is running, they are gradually circulated back out into your room, creating a problem that you were trying to avoid in the first place.

Looking for a reliable dehumidifier?

After considering the above you decide you need to look for a new dehumidifier that is more reliable, be sure to check out our articles below.

Danby uses a number of suppliers to help manufacture our products. One of our suppliers New Widetech has initiated a voluntary recall due to the possibility of overheating and catching fire, posing fire and burn hazards of select dehumidifiers.

If you do have a Danby dehumidifier, please see the models below or click here to see if your model is on recall.

If your model is affected by the recall, please stop using the dehumidifier immediately and call the toll free number 1-877-251-1512 between 8:00am and 7:00pm Eastern Time or register your product at https://www.recallrtr.com/nwtdehumidifier/.

This recall has also affected other brand name dehumidifiers. If you do not have a Danby dehumidifier, and you have heard about a dehumidifier recall please check the links provided below to see if your dehumidifier brand has also been recalled. To check if your dehumidifier brand is on recall and you’re residing in Canada, please check the Health Canada Website for recalls and safety alerts. If residing in the US, please check the consumer product safety commission recall list.

Recall Details

This recall involves 25, 30, 35, 45, 49, 50, 60, 65, 70, and 74-pint dehumidifiers with the brand names including AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire (Danby), Classic (Danby / Home Hardware Stores), Commercial Cool, Danby, Danby Designer, Danby Premiere, De’Longhi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Generations (Danby), Haier, Honeywell (JMATEK / AirTek), Idylis, Ivation, perfect aire, SuperClima, Whirlpool, and Whynter. The brand name, model number, and pint capacity are printed on the nameplate sticker on the back of the dehumidifier.

Danby Models Affected

Canada

USA

Manufacturer: New Widetech, of Taiwan

Manufactured in: China

For more information see New Widetech’s full press release here.