Dehumidifier Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Solutions

When it comes to controlling humidity levels, dehumidifiers play a crucial role in preventing the growth of mold and mildew, enhancing air quality, and ensuring a comfortable home environment. However, it’s not uncommon for dehumidifiers to encounter issues from time to time. If you find that your dehumidifier is not functioning as expected, there are several dehumidifier troubleshooting steps you can take to address the problem effectively.

1. No Power/Unit Not Turning On
2. Not removing moisture
3. Dehumidifier making the room dry
4. Noisy
5. Frost or Ice Build-up on Coils
6. Leaking water
7. Commercial Dehumidifier emits unusual odors
8. Not shutting down
9. Displaying error codes

Dehumidifier Troubleshooting in Detail

Welcome to our blog, dedicated to assisting our readers in resolving their dehumidifier issues. Here we provide different solutions related to dehumidifier issues. Let’s dive in and explore the remedies for a well-functioning dehumidifier.

1. No Power/Unit Not Turning On

Dehumidifiers not turning on is the most common problem which users face. We share the reasons why the dehumidifier is not turning on.

1. Power supply
2. Control panel
3. Power cord (Damage or not)
4. Internal component fault

For solving dehumidifier not turning on issue, follow these steps:

Ensure that the dehumidifier is properly plugged into a functioning power outlet. Inspect the dehumidifier’s control panel for error codes, indicators, or settings that may affect its operation. Refer to the user manual to understand the meaning of these codes and follow the recommended troubleshooting steps. Inspect the power cord for any damage such as fraying or cuts. During use, the cord may become exposed, which can pose a fire hazard. If your dehumidifier power cord is damaged, it should not be used and should be replaced.

If the dehumidifier still doesn’t start after following the above steps, there is a possibility that one of the internal components is faulty.

2. Not Removing Moisture

Problem no 2 is dehumidifier not removing moisture, the reasons of dehumidifier not removing moisture are here;

1. Humidity settings
2. Dehumidifier’s placement
3. Air filter

To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

• You have set the desired humidity level on the dehumidifier’s control panel. The dehumidification process starts when the room humidity is higher than the set point on the machine. The dehumidifier may only operate if the room’s humidity exceeds the specified value. Adjust humidity level according to your desire on the dehumidifier.
• Placed dehumidifier in the proper location within the room. The dehumidifier requires free flow of air in and out to function effectively. Avoid placing obstructions such as furniture or curtains near the intake and outlet vents. Ideally, position the unit at the center of the room.
• Locate the air filter at the inlet vent of the dehumidifier. A clogged air filter can restrict the intake of humid air into the dehumidifier, reducing its moisture extraction ability. Refer to the dehumidifier’s manual to access, clean, or replace the air filter.

Remember to consult the user manual specific to your dehumidifier model for accurate instructions and guidance on accessing and maintaining the air filter.

3. Dehumidifier Making the Room Dry

To address the issue of excessive drying caused by the dehumidifier, follow these steps:

1. Check the humidistat settings
2. Calibrate the humidistat
3. Consider external factors
4. Check for water leakage

• The humidistat on your dehumidifier allows you to set the desired humidity level. If a very low humidity level is selected, the dehumidifier will continuously operate, resulting in an overly dry climate. Adjust the humidistat to a higher value so that the dehumidifier cuts off once the desired humidity level is reached.
• For accurate dehumidification, it is recommended to calibrate the dehumidifier’s humidistat. Hygrometers are designed to measure room humidity. Cross-check the dehumidifier’s humidistat with an external humidistat to ensure they provide similar readings. If there is a discrepancy, adjust or replace the humidistat of the dehumidifier accordingly.
• Excessive moisture removal can also be influenced by external factors. Factors such as high outdoor humidity, frequent door openings, or additional moisture sources in the room can contribute to the dehumidifier’s over-performance. Assess these external factors and adjust the dehumidifier settings accordingly to strike a balance.
• Ensure that there are no water leaks from your dehumidifier. Water leakage can lead to excessive moisture removal and potential damage to the surrounding area. If you notice any leaks, it is recommended to address them promptly by contacting customer support or a professional technician.

4. Noisy

To address a dehumidifier making a loud noise:

• Ensure proper placement on a level surface to prevent vibrations.
• Inspect fans and motors for damage, misalignment, or debris causing the noise.
• Tighten any loose fittings of the components.
• Clean fan blades and motor area to remove dirt or obstructions.

5. Frost or Ice Build-up on Coils

To address ice formation on the dehumidifier coils, follow these steps:

• Make sure that the room temperature is within the recommended range for your dehumidifier (typically 8 to 38 degrees Celsius). Ice can form on the coils if the room temperature falls below the specified range.
• Dust, dirt, or debris on the coils can impede the heat exchange process and lead to ice formation. Regularly clean the coils to prevent ice buildup. Be careful not to bend or damage the delicate fins on the coils during cleaning.
• Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coils to become too cold, leading to ice formation. If you suspect low refrigerant levels, it’s advisable to contact a professional technician specializing in refrigeration systems. They can recharge the refrigerant if necessary.

6. Leaking water

If you’re facing the water leaking issue in your dehumidifier due to;

1. Drain system
2. Drain hose
3. Inspect the condensate tank

Follow these steps for removing your dehumidifier water leaking issue.

• Inspect the drain system, including connections and fittings, for any damage. Check the hose pipe connections are tight and there are no blockages that could impede water flow. Clean out any debris present in the drainage system.
• Verify that the drain hose is not damaged or clogged and securely connected to the dehumidifier. Check for any blockages or kinks in the hose and clean it thoroughly or replace it if necessary.
• If your dehumidifier uses a water collection bucket, check the bucket for cracks, leaks, or improper placement. 

7. Commercial Dehumidifier emits unusual odors

In dehumidifier emits unusual odors cause, check;

1. Internal components
2. Clean or replace the air filter
3. Use aroma additives

• Check the internal components of the dehumidifier, including the coils and water collection area, for any signs of mold or mildew growth. Clean these components using a mild soap solution to eliminate the source of the smell.
• Clogged and dirty air filters are often the culprit behind unpleasant odors. Clean or replace the air filter regularly to prevent odor-causing bacteria or mold buildup and ensure proper airflow.
• If the smell persists, consider using aroma additives that can neutralize odors and prevent mold growth. These additives may contain activated charcoal or fragrance beads that absorb moisture and eliminate unpleasant odors.

8. Dehumidifier is Not Shutting Down

If the dehumidifier continues to run even after reaching the desired humidity level, the humidistat may need calibration. Adjust the humidistat settings to a higher humidity level and check if the dehumidifier shuts off accordingly. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on adjusting the settings for your dehumidifier model.

Dehumidifiers often have sensors that detect humidity or water levels. If these sensors are obstructed or dirty, they may not accurately measure the conditions and prevent the dehumidifier from shutting off. Clean the sensors and remove any obstructions if present.

Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve issues with the dehumidifier’s internal settings. By resetting the dehumidifier, you can restore it to its default settings and fix any software or programming glitches that may be preventing it from shutting off.

9. Error Codes

Here are some common dehumidifier error codes and their meanings:

• LO: The temperature is below to the range of operation of the dehumidifier.
• HI: The room temperature is above the operating range of the dehumidifier.
• FULL: The water tank is full.
• FILTER: The filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.
• CH: There is a refrigerant leak.
• E1: The internal RH/Temperature Sensor is open or shorted.
• E2: High Refrigeration Pressure.
• E3: Model 76 Remote Control Communication Loss.
• E4: Insufficient Capacity.
• E5 & E6: Temperature Sensor Failure.

If you see an error code on your dehumidifier, refer to the manual for the specific troubleshooting steps for your model. If you are unable to resolve the issue, contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Tips for Preventing Dehumidifier Errors

Here are some additional tips for preventing dehumidifier errors:

1. Read the manual
2. Clean the filters regularly
3. Place the dehumidifier in a well-ventilated area
4. Avoid overloading the unit
5. Have the unit serviced regularly