The dehumidifier is one of the most common household appliances. If you have one in your home, then chances are that it's been a trusted companion for a long time now.
Well, dehumidifiers are not known for being maintenance-free. If you want it to last even longer, then here are some of the common dehumidifier problems and works repair tips that you might find useful.
How to Repair a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifier Does Not Work Well
If either one of your old dehumidifier brands or your brand new dehumidifier is not producing the kind of results that you would like it to, you may want to consider having a free repair or check-up done on it by an expert.
The best thing about finding someone like this is that they can also give expert advice in detail as to what caused the problem and how it was fixed so that next time, you will know what to do if it happens again.
Dehumidifier Won’t Start
If your dehumidifier won’t start, you may need to have it rewired or a replacement power cord. Sometimes this is all that needs to be done for your entire unit to work again.
You can check and see if you have any power coming into the unit by using a voltage meter, but if there isn't, then you will need expert repair help on the problem lies.
Dehumidifier Won’t Stay On
If you feel that your dehumidifier is working fine but then sometimes stops working, this may mean that the problem has to do with the fan motor or compressor. You should have these parts looked at and checked by a professional because experienced technicians know what to do in such situations.
They can repair or replace the parts and then have the unit up and running again so that you no longer have to deal with it on your own.
Years of use may cause a dehumidifier to break down, but at least there are ways for you to get it up and running again if you learn how to do it.
For safety and health reasons, you should not attempt any repairs unless you are sure of what you are doing because the last thing that is needed is for someone to get hurt.
Read more: Who Repairs Portable Dehumidifiers?
The Humidistat Is Broken
Over time, the humidistat may break and need to be replaced but if this happens to you, don't worry because there are professionals who can help you with this.
The Humidity Level Is Set Too High or Too Low
If the relative humidity level is too high or too low, then there is no way for the unit to get it back to normal. There are times when your dehumidifier won’t work and it is usually because the filter is clogged with dirt and other particles.
Unfortunately, this tends to happen over time and you will need to replace the filter if this happens. You can get your filter replaced by having a service provider come out or you can do it on your own, but either way, the sooner that you fix the problem, the better it is for everyone.
Refrigerant Fluid Is Too Low
If your refrigerant fluid is too low, then you will need to have it refilled or replaced before using the dehumidifier again. You can take it to a professional and have them give it an inspection so that they can tell you exactly what needs to be done for you to use the dehumidifier normally again.
If there is a gas leak, then it may be too dangerous to have the unit repaired so you should have an expert repair on this case.
The Fan Stopped Working
If your dehumidifier's fan stops working, then several things are going to need to be looked at.
The first is whether or not the fan motor has stopped working which can be fixed by getting it replaced or repaired.
Another problem may have to do with the centrifugal switch that has broken down and needs to be replaced.
The last thing that may have gone wrong is with the fan blade. If the blades are cracked or broken, then they will need to be fixed before you can use the whole house unit normally again.
Some of the issues that could be causing this include a dirty filter or broken gears and belts, then have a request form for it to be worked on by an experienced technician.
The Dehumidifier's Compressor Is Overloaded
If the dehumidifier's compressor is overloaded, it will get too hot to the point where it can cause a fire. You may need to clean out your unit or even replace the compressor if this happens to you.
There are some steps you can take to make sure that the compressor won’t get overloaded which is by keeping your dehumidifier in a central area and not blocking the air vents.
Also, this includes not putting too much moisture into the unit at one time. You may need to clean your dehumidifier more often if you are putting a lot of moisture into it and this can help prevent it from getting overloaded.
If you have tried cleaning out your unit but only a few moments it still happens, then you may want to look into getting it fixed before it breaks down and causes a fire.
Unit Says Bucket Is Full When It Isn’t
If you believe that you placed the bucket properly and it isn't full, but the dehumidifier says it is, then this indicates a problem with either a sensor or a control board. Some of these parts are electronic so if this is the case, you will need to get them replaced and handled by someone who knows what they are doing and how to handle such situations.
Electrical Parts or Connections Have Gone Bad
If any electrical parts have gone bad, you will need to get them replaced. The power cord can become snapped or melted so if this is the case, you should consider getting a new one and replace it before using the dehumidifier again.
There could be a loose connection too if this happens but sometimes, these are not noticeable right away. It is important to keep an eye on the cord and make sure that it isn’t getting too warm or hot especially if it is in a place where someone could get hurt by touching it.
Unit No Longer Pulling Water From Air
Despite your dehumidifiers have tax exemption certificates and you still notice that it is failing to pull or collect water from the air, it may be time for you to replace the evaporator coils and rubber seal.
If this happens, you will need to use a professional because if not done correctly, then there are chances that water could start leaking out which in only a few moments would cause a lot of problems with your home.
Dehumidifier Is Noisy
If your Dehumidifier is too loud or strange noises are coming from it, then this could be caused by a few different things.
First of all, it may be that the fan belt is too tight so if this is the case, you will need to loosen it up and then try using your dehumidifier again.
You will also want to look at other parts such as pulleys or bearings that have gone bad because these could cause the noise as well.
If there are any loose parts or screws that are making noises, then tightening them back down or using a screwdriver may solve the problem.
If there is a crack in the unit or it needs to be tightened up, this can also cause a lot of noise so if you notice any of these things, then you should contact someone to help fix your dehumidifier right away.
How to Clean a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifier Smells Bad
If your dehumidifier smells bad, then it is probably time for you to clean the evaporator coils. You may think that it will smell better after a while but this isn’t true.
To get rid of the smell, you will need to locate and clean out any food particles or dirty coils that have built up, and then you will need to wipe down the coils with a rag.
This should do the trick in getting rid of the bad odor. If there is mold or mildew, you will need to clean it up as well before having your dehumidifier fixed and cleaned out once again.
Many times, these smells are caused by using tap water so if possible, you should use distilled water instead so that the dehumidifier doesn’t start to stink again.
Unit of the Tank Is Full
If your dehumidifier started to frost over because the tank became full, then you will need to empty it.
Start with unplugging the unit and collecting water that may be sitting in the bucket properly that allows excess moisture to drain away from your home. If there is ice blocking this spot, you will need to use an ice pick or a hot glue gun to melt the ice.
Once you have emptied this bit of water, you will then want to go ahead and add another two gallons of water back into your unit. This will ensure that it doesn’t stop working again because the tank is full. This is to ensure that your dehumidifier works again and to effectively maintain the desired relative humidity.
Something Is Blocking Airflow
If you notice that your unit isn’t putting moisture into the air as well as keeping the relative humidity anymore, this could be caused by a few different things such as dirt or dust in the filter and coils which is blocking the airflow.
You can easily remove this problem by cleaning your dehumidifier using a wet rag. This will allow for better or enough air to flow and will help with removing moisture in your home.
Dehumidifier Overflows or Leaks
If this happens while you are using the unit, then stop it and collect water or empty the excess water right away so that you don’t end up with a huge problem on your hands and have to worry about damage or mold growing inside of your walls.
To prevent leaks, look at any cracks in the hoses. If there is any damage, then you will need to get that fixed right away so that it doesn’t cause poor airflow.
Dehumidifier Freezes Up
If your dehumidifier freezes up, then you can easily fix this problem by cleaning out the evaporator coils and removing any dirt or food particles that are collected in them.
You should also empty the bucket or tray if it becomes full of water to prevent this from happening again. You will want to make sure that there is no excess water sitting in the tray or bucket because this could cause your dehumidifier to freeze up.
Coils Icing Over
If the evaporator coils or condenser coils are iced over or need to be defrosted, you will want to start by unplugging your unit and then flipping it upside down so that any water can drain out. You will also want to remove moisture from the tray or bucket to prevent this from happening again in the future.
Afterward, you will then want to make sure that you vacuum the coils out and wipe them down with a rag. Once you have this done, put your dehumidifier back together and plug it back in to ensure that it is working without any problems.
Related Article: Dehumidifier Icing & Freezing Up: What, Why and How to Fix?
Dehumidifier Repair FAQ
Is It Worth Fixing a Portable Household Dehumidifier?
Sometimes it is worth repairing your dehumidifier because you don’t want to pay for something that is brand new just yet or you need extra dehumidifiers to use in a new space. But if it isn't cost effective, it probably won’t be worth your time or money.
How Often Should You Clean a Portable Dehumidifier?
You should clean your dehumidifier every few months. This way, a dehumidifier works effectively in removing excess moisture from the air in your home.
Related Article: Portable Dehumidifier
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Dehumidifier?
The cost to fix a dehumidifier will depend on the problem. Some problems such as coils icing over or ice blocking the bucket may not cost much at all while other issues could cost you hundreds of dollars if they need to be fixed by a professional.
Would a Dehumidifier Without an Air Filter Remove Smoke Odor?
No, because dehumidifiers without an air filter may pull moisture from the air but it will leave behind any odors or chemicals that are causing your home to smell bad. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that your dehumidifier has an air filter so you can remove any smells.
