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.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DEHUMIDIFIER PROBLEM
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
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.
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
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
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
Symptoms common to all dehumidifiers
Repair guides common to all dehumidifiers
If the humidifier sensor doesn’t properly detect humidity or evaporator temperature, install a new sensor assembly, following these steps.
If the dehumidifier doesn’t respond when you try to set it, follow these steps to replace it.
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.
Articles and videos common to all dehumidifiers
Find out what’s wrong with your appliance by following a circuit.
Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.
How to clean a dehumidifier for more efficient operation.