However if your dehumidifier is blowing cold air, it may not function properly and cause further issues.
This article will explore possible reasons why your dehumidifier may be blowing cold air and what you can do to fix the issue.
Dehumidifier is broken
One possible reason why your dehumidifier is blowing cold air is that it is simply broken. If you have ruled out all other potential causes and believe that your dehumidifier is broken, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new unit. Keep in mind that the average lifespan of a dehumidifier is about ten years so if your unit is older than this, it may be time for an upgrade.
On Fan or defrost mode
Another reason why your dehumidifier may be blowing cold air is that it is in the wrong setting. If your dehumidifier is set to one of these modes, it may be blowing cold air rather than warm, humid air. To fix this issue switch your dehumidifier to the appropriate mode to remove excess moisture from the air.
You have a desiccant dehumidifier
Another possibility to consider is the type of dehumidifier you have. There are two main dehumidifiers: mechanical (compressor) dehumidifiers and desiccant dehumidifiers. If you have a desiccant dehumidifier, it is normal for the air coming out of the unit to be cold, as this type of dehumidifier does not use a refrigerant to remove moisture.
The outside temperature is too low
The outside temperature can also explain why your dehumidifier is blowing cold air. This is because the refrigerant in a mechanical dehumidifier needs to be at a certain temperature to effectively remove moisture from the air. If the outside temperature is too low, the refrigerant may not be warm enough to properly remove moisture resulting in cold air being blown out of the dehumidifier.
Check if the compressor is broken
If you have ruled out the above potential causes and your dehumidifier is still blowing cold air, it may be worth checking to see if the compressor is broken. If the compressor is broken, it may cause your dehumidifier to blow cold air instead of warm humid air. To check if the compressor is the issue, you can try listening for any unusual noise from the dehumidifier.
You can also try feeding the compressor to see if it is warm to the touch.
Check if the evaporator coils are frozen
Another potential issue is whether the evaporator coils on your dehumidifier are frozen. To check if the evaporator coils are frozen, you can try turning off the dehumidifier and allowing it to thaw for a few hours. If the coils were frozen, this should allow the dehumidifier to function properly again. If the issue persists it may be worth contacting a professional to diagnose and repair it.
Should the air coming out of a dehumidifier to be hot or cold?
The air coming out of a dehumidifier should typically be warm and humid. However, as mentioned above there are certain situations in which the air coming out of a dehumidifier may be cold. For example, if the unit is in the wrong setting, if it is a desiccant dehumidifier or if the outside temperature is too low, the air coming out of the dehumidifier may be cold. It is important to check for these potential issues if you notice that your dehumidifier is blowing cold air.
Why is my dehumidifier blowing cold air and not collecting water?
If your dehumidifier is blowing cold air and not collecting water, it could be due to various issues. One possibility is that the unit is not set to the correct mode for removing excess moisture from the air. It is also possible that the unit is broken and in need of repair or replacement. If you have ruled out these potential causes and your dehumidifier is still not collecting water, it may be worth contacting a professional for further diagnosis and repair.
What temperature should the air be coming out of a dehumidifier?
The temperature of the air coming out of a dehumidifier will depend on various factors including the type of dehumidifier you have and the ambient temperature of the room. Generally, the air from a mechanical dehumidifier should be warm and humid, as the unit uses a refrigerant to remove moisture from the air. It is important to note that if your dehumidifier is blowing cold air, there may be an issue with the unit that needs to be addressed.
Why does a dehumidifier make the room cold?
It is not uncommon for a dehumidifier to make the room feel cooler especially if it is a mechanical dehumidifier. However, if your dehumidifier is making the room excessively cold, it may be due to an issue with the unit. In this case, diagnosing and addressing the issue is important to ensure that your dehumidifier is functioning properly.
How does a dehumidifier work?
A dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from the air to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of mold and other moisture-related issues. There are two main dehumidifiers: mechanical (compressor) dehumidifiers and desiccant dehumidifiers. Here is a more detailed look at how each type of dehumidifier works:
The refrigeration process
Mechanical dehumidifiers work by drawing in air from the room and passing it over cold evaporator coils. This process is known as the refrigeration process and is similar to how a refrigerator or air conditioner works. The compressor in a mechanical dehumidifier is responsible for compressing and expanding the refrigerant which helps to remove moisture from the air.
Desiccant dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers work differently than mechanical dehumidifiers. Rather than using a refrigerant and compressor to remove moisture, these units use a moisture-absorbing material, such as silica gel, to remove moisture from the air. Desiccant dehumidifiers do not use refrigerant and do not rely on the refrigeration process, so the air coming out of these units is typically colder than the air from mechanical dehumidifiers.
Conclusion
If your dehumidifier is blowing cold air, it could be due to a variety of issues, such as being on the wrong setting, being a desiccant dehumidifier or having a broken compressor. It is important to diagnose and address the issue to ensure that your dehumidifier is functioning properly and removing excess moisture from the air. Normal humidity levels vary from 30 to 60 percent and slightly less in colder climates during heating seasons, so it is important to maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home or business. The comfortable humidity level for your home is 30 to 55 percent, so if the humidity level in your home is higher than this it may be worth considering using a dehumidifier to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of moisture-related issues.
If you are unsure about the cause of the issue with your dehumidifier or cannot fix it, it may be worth contacting a professional for further diagnosis and repair. Keeping your dehumidifier in good working order can help to improve indoor air quality and make your home or business more comfortable and healthy.
References:
- https://www.thespruce.com/average-lifespan-of-a-dehumidifier-4687178
- https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/room_air_purifiers_and_dehumidifiers/portable_dehumidifiers
- https://www.thespruce.com/ideal-home-humidity-levels-4686781
