April 19, 2023

Dehumidifier: Why doesn't my dehumidifier remove moisture?

After you first plug in the dehumidifier, give it 3 to 4 days to reach and maintain the humidity level you set. To allow adequate air flow, place the dehumidifier at least 6 inches from walls. So the dehumidifier can work efficiently, clean the air filter and grille if it's dirty. If the dehumidifier's capacity is too small for the space, it can't remove humidity adequately; consider adding another dehumidifier to the area.

dehumidifier

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DEHUMIDIFIER PROBLEM

JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-evaporator-thermistor

Replace the dehumidifier evaporator thermistor

The evaporator thermistor is a temperature sensor on the evaporator coils. It communicates the temperature of the evaporator coil to the electronic control board; if the temperature is too low, the electronic control board detects excessive frost and begins the defrost cycle. If the thermistor isn't working properly, the electronic control won't defrost the coils. Replace the evaporator thermistor if it doesn't detect the evaporator temperature.

Dehumidifier evaporator thermistor

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-DEH-Replace-Dehumidifier-Sensor-Assembly-Intro-Image
January 01, 2014

How to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly

If your dehumidifier's bucket isn't filling with water, the sensor assembly might be the problem. This DIY repair guide has clear, step-by-step instructions that explain how to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-compressor

Replace the dehumidifier compressor

The compressor is a pump that compresses the refrigerant that runs through the sealed system in the dehumidifier. If the compressor doesn't run when activated, have a refrigerator service technician replace it; by law, an EPA-licensed technician must complete this repair because it involves refrigerant.

Dehumidifier compressor

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-fan-motor

Replace the dehumidifier fan motor

The fan motor rotates the fan blade that pulls air in through the front of the evaporator and pushes air out through the back of the condenser coil. The moisture in the air pulled in through the evaporator condenses on the evaporator coil. The air pushed out through the condenser causes the refrigerant to condense to a liquid. Replace the fan motor if it doesn't run when activated.

Dehumidifier fan motor

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-condenser-coil

Replace the dehumidifier condenser coil

The condenser is a heat exchanger that cools and condenses the hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas to a liquid state. The refrigerant then flows through the evaporator coil. If the compressor is running but the condenser cool and the evaporator is warm, the condenser or evaporator may have developed a refrigerant leak; by law, an EPA-licensed technician must to this repair because it involves refrigerant.

Dehumidifier condenser coil

Find the required part specific to your product.

Symptoms common to all dehumidifiers

Choose a symptom to see related dehumidifier repairs.

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, electronic control board failure, user interface control failure
Main causes: collection bucket not installed, collection bucket full of water
Main causes: room temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, control system failure
Main causes: clogged drain hose, drain hose not properly connected
Main causes: collection bucket not installed correctly, cracked collection bucket, loose drain hose connection
Main causes: loose fan motor mounting screws, loose compressor mounting bracket screws, bad fan, faulty compressor
Main causes: dehumidifier too small for the space, bad humidity sensor, faulty evaporator thermistor, low refrigerant, bad compressor
Main causes: weak or dead batteries, out of range, radio frequency interference
Main causes: dirty air filter, clogged grill, dehumidifier placed too close to the wall, dehumidifier too small for the space

Repair guides common to all dehumidifiers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dehumidifier.

How to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly

If the humidifier sensor doesn’t properly detect humidity or evaporator temperature, install a new sensor assembly, following these steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board

If the dehumidifier doesn’t respond when you try to set it, follow these steps to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dehumidifier electronic control board

If the dehumidifier won’t power up because the control board has failed, use the steps in this repair guide to replace the electronic control board and fix your dehumidifier.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all dehumidifiers

Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your dehumidifier.

August 18, 2021

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Find out what’s wrong with your appliance by following a circuit.

August 17, 2021

How to read a wiring schematic video

How to read a wiring schematic video

Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.

December 16, 2014

How to clean a dehumidifier

How to clean a dehumidifier

How to clean a dehumidifier for more efficient operation.