QA

Quick Answer: Why Do Dehumidifiers Fail So Quickly

Overload. If your dehumidifier is no longer pulling water from the air and you have verified that the ambient room temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, then the unit’s compressor may not be running. A common cause for the overload to fail is from operating the dehumidifier on long or undersized extension cords.

How long should a dehumidifier last?

Maintain Your Appliance The lifetime of dehumidifiers usually ranges from five to 10 years. To maximize the lifetime, it’s important to care for your dehumidifier. Be sure to regularly change the air filters, clean the condensing coils and exhaust grilles, and empty and clean the water bucket.

What causes dehumidifier to stop working?

The dehumidifier’s compressor is overloaded. If the compressor is struggling to operate or if heavy frost develops on the coils, the compressor can become overheated. Most dehumidifiers have an overload switch that will shut an overheated compressor down to keep from damaging it.

Are dehumidifiers worth repairing?

No, unless the repair is very simple, like cleaning the dust & mold out of the water drain. Dehumidifiers often fail because of a refrigerant leak. This is expensive to fix and almost never worth the cost. If its more than 10 years old, then it is definitely not worth repairing.

How long should a dehumidifier run per day?

We recommend running the dehumidifier for at least 12 hours a day. This is highly dependant on the room dampness condition, the unit’s capacity, and in-built features. If the room condition is extremely wet, you might need to leave the dehumidifier on the whole-day.

Should I leave a dehumidifier on all the time?

Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly? No, there is no need to keep the dehumidifier running constantly. It’s generally enough to run the unit when the humidity level is 50% or higher. A good rule of thumb to remember is to maintain a comfortable 30-50% humidity level for most homes.

Why does my dehumidifier run but not collect water?

If your dehumidifier is not collecting water, the unit is not operating properly: Try resetting the dehumidifier by disconnecting power to the unit for 30 seconds and re-connecting the power. Then, set the control settings and see if the unit operates properly.

What should I set my dehumidifier at?

You should set the relative humidity (RH) level of the dehumidifier between 30 to 50%. Many people reported 45% as an ideal relative humidity level. This percentage can be increased or decreased depending on your comfort level and your home’s needs.

How do I know if my dehumidifier compressor is bad?

Humidity will not reach the set point If the blower in the dehumidifier is running it is possible that the compressor is not operating. Check to see that the indicator light, on the dehumidifier, is confirming that the compressor is operating. If the compressor is not running call a competent HVAC company for service.

Why is my dehumidifier blowing cold air?

When the unit is dehumidifying, the compressor is generating heat as it operates. Note: When running in defrost or fan mode, the compressor shuts off, the fan will continue to run and the room air will accelerate the defrosting process. When the unit is in defrost mode, it will actually blow cold air into the room.

Can you add Freon to a dehumidifier?

Can refrigerant be added to a dehumidifier? Yes! It is possible to recharge a dehumidifier model with a refrigerant if its model permits that. On the other hand, you cannot add a coolant into a silica gel or silica desiccant dehumidifier unit since its mechanism is different.

How do I clean the coils on my dehumidifier?

Gently vacuum off the top layer of dust and grime or scrape it off with your hand. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to clean the coils with a spray detergent or mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse off any residue. Make sure you let the coils completely dry before using your dehumidifier again.

Why is dehumidifier leaking water?

It may seem like an obvious issue, but more often than not, a leaking dehumidifier is caused by a disconnected drainage hose. For new units, this often occurs because the drainage hose was never hooked up in the first place. But it is also possible for a functioning hose to become disconnected or loosened over time.

Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?

Dehumidifiers use energy (some more than others), but they can also reduce energy consumption in other ways. They are also the fastest way to reduce humidity, which has a range of benefits.

How quickly do dehumidifiers work?

On average, it could take up to 12 hours for a dehumidifier to work on the first attempt. But it really depends on the room size that you’re in. The smaller the room the faster the dehumidifier will work. Just remember to be patient and let it do its job and you feel a difference.

Can you dehumidify too much?

Turn off the dehumidifier at home. Don’t run it 24 /7. Homeowners need to realize that dry air can cause more harm than humid air. If there is too much dehumidification, say below 30%, it will result in the growth of several bacteria, mold, and dust mites that thrive in low humidity conditions.