Dehumidifier: Why won't my dehumidifier turn on?
If the dehumidifier doesn't turn on, first test that the electrical outlet works by plugging a lamp or small appliance into it. If there's no electricity to the outlet, reset the house circuit. If the electrical outlet works, the problem could be in the dehumidifier's internal wiring, electronic control board or the user interface control board in the control panel. To solve the problem of the dehumidifier not turning on, see the repairs listed below.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DEHUMIDIFIER PROBLEM
Replace the dehumidifier electronic control board
The electronic control board regulates the dehumidifier's compressor and fan motor. If the electronic control board doesn't activate the compressor and fan properly, replace the electronic control board.
Dehumidifier electronic control board
How to replace a dehumidifier electronic control board
If your dehumidifier won't turn on, the electronic control board might be to blame. The DIY repair guide shows how to replace a dehumidifer electronic control board.
Replace the dehumidifier user interface control board
The user interface control board in the control panel houses the selection buttons you push. A wire harness connects the user interface control board to the control board. If the selection buttons don't respond when you push them, replace the user interface control board.
Dehumidifier user interface control board
How to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board
If the buttons on your dehumidifier don't work, the user interface control board could be the issue. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board in less than 30 minutes.
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 humidistat
The humidistat is a sensor on the front of the evaporator coil that monitors the humidity of the room air being pulled in through the evaporator. The humidistat communicates the humidity to the electronic control board through a wire harness connection. If the thermistor is defective, the electronic control won't properly detect humidity and dehumidify the room. Replace the humidistat if it doesn't sense the humidity.
Dehumidifier humidistat
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
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.