Potential Malfunctions & Repair Methods
The guide below is comprised in an order as if a technician would inspect the device. However, since some solutions are cost effective it is worth exploring them as they can save you the cost of brand new dehumidifier.
Note: This guide would generally apply to all dehumidifier brands such as Danby, Costway, Frigidaire, Afloia, Honeywell, TOSOT, hOmeLabs, and many others.
Intent of this guide is to help homeowners troubleshoot and correct issues when dehumidifiers fail to collect water. We also encourage if you find other solutions or issues while troubleshooting to please let us know via commenting below.
Part Notes: It is best to purchase any parts directly from the manufacturer as it will meet the product requirements.
Low Temperatures Or Type of Dehumidifier
Other types, however, especially those that use evaporator coils require relatively higher temperatures to function effectively. These are often equipped with a fan that blows warm air over the coils.
Nevertheless, when the dehumidifiers are placed in extremely cold places, the coils are likely to freeze up, which lowers their ability to remove excess moisture from the air.
- WARNING: Before you begin to troubleshoot any further, it is recommended to unplug the dehumidifier from power source.
Note: If the low temperature or type of the dehumidifier being used is not the issue and intake/exhaust fan is running (i.e. dehumidifier is taking in air and throwing air out) it is potentially possible that the Compressor is not running.
Following should be checked to troubleshoot the compressor.
The Capacitor
There are 2 Capacitor located inside each type of Dehumidifier.
- Capacitor for a compressor – This one helps run the compressor.
Capacitor for a fan motor – This one helps run the fan.
If the dehumidifier is running and both intake/exhaust fans are also running there is a very high chance your capacitor is gone bad for the compressor as the compressor is no longer able to rotate the refrigerant.
Compressor Grill is Filled with Dust
The Overload Device
This component is responsible for protecting the compressor motor from becoming damaged. It accomplishes this by preventing excessive power flow within the device.
Therefore, if the overload isn’t working, the compressor won’t receive any electrical power and thus it will not start even when it’s fully functional.
Potential Cause: In addition to various reasons, overload devices mostly fail when there’s short-circuiting within the system.
- First inspect the dehumidifier circuit board for any sign of burning or shot-circuiting.
- Locate the overload device and test it with the multimeter to see if it is functional if not then replace it.
Malfunctioning Compressor
Compressor is tasked with the responsibility of circulating the refrigerant throughout the system. When it’s broken, the refrigerant won’t be rotated, meaning that the coils will fail to condense humidity from the saturated air and thus send it out of the system while it still has water.
A broken compressor can manifest through a clicking sound when the device is turned on. Besides a faulty compressor, a dehumidifier may also become ineffective when related components like the capacitor or the overload device fail (both are discussed above as they are cheap repair solutions).
Low Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant denotes the liquid contained in the evaporator coils, which helps to trap moisture from the air circulated within the dehumidifier. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that without the refrigerant, the dehumidifier cannot function.
Potential Cause: While coils are designed to resist leakage, the refrigerant’s vibrations and progressive aging of the equipment can cause perforations and breakage, which can lead to refrigerant leakage.
When these tiny holes go undetected for long, the refrigerant might decrease to dangerous levels. This, in turn, reduces the ability of the dehumidifier to collect water.
Leaks in the refrigerant coils can be corrected, but for this professional dehumidifier repair technician is required. However, it would be recommended to invest in a brand new unit due to the repair costs.
Faulty Fan System
A fan is tasked with drawing in air from the environment into the system. This air goes through the condenser coils that help with condensing the humidity within it. Therefore, if the fan isn’t blowing in enough air, the equipment will have a low output. Some of the factors that contribute to this issue include:
- Faulty Fan Blade
This component is susceptible to breakage, which mostly happens when it rubs against the housing.
To troubleshoot this issue, homeowners should try to turn it by hand and see if it’s moving freely.
Solution: The best way to correct this issue is by replacing the fan blade which can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. In addition to inspecting for breakage, users should also wiggle the motor shaft to see if it’s loose. If the fan blade wiggles, they should tighten the screws.
- Defective Fan Motor
If the blades are okay but the dehumidifier still doesn’t draw in enough air, the motor is the next likely culprit. You should first determine whether the motor is getting enough power. If power is not the issue, the motor could be broken, at which point it requires replacement.
Solution: For defective fan motor it is recommended to get professional dehumidifier technician. This is still a cost effective solution.
Other possible culprit preventing the dehumidifier from drawing enough air could be a blocked grill. As such, homeowners should inspect the grill for debris, dust or dirt and subsequently clean up such barriers. They should also remove any clothing that could be blocking the grill from outside. This is the same grill that was shown in the Capacitor troubleshooting process above.
Electrical Issues
If none of the above components have a defect, the problem could be within the electrical system. The electrical board, also known as PCB contains sensors that automatically detect the levels of relative humidity (RH) and kick starts the system when the desired moisture level is exceeded.
When the homeowner’s preferred humidity levels are exceeded but neither the fan nor the compressor work, the problem lies on the PCB.
Solution: For defective PCB, dehumidifier should be checked by professional refrigeration technician.
That’s it folks, this is almost everything for a DIY dehumidifier repair. If you are unable to fix it and need to get a new dehumidifier then check out this guide for some very good dehumidifiers in the market.
Take Care & Good Luck!
Updates: Jun 30 2019, Post was reviewed and edited by certified heating and cooling technician.
Updates: Sep 24 2019, edited.
I have gone through three basement dehumidifiers in five years. In each case the compressor and fan run but no water is removed from the air. It is as if each has lost its refrigerant. Does that seem possible?
Hi Dan,
Sorry to hear that you have gone through 3 dehumidifiers in last 5 years.
I have used and test many dehumidifiers and I find this one is really good https://amzn.to/36uqmCe
Also, keep in mind you must size the dehumidifier based on the sqft of area that you are covering. If you overload the dehumidifier i.e use a smaller size for a larger area that is going to have an issue with the dehumidifier.
Good Luck. And Stay Safe!
I’m sure I can speak for many, that have had to replace their unit because of its short and unexpected life span. I’ve said, “oh not again” so often. However, I’d like to thank Dan for providing us with very valuable information. It has taken some of the mystery out of t/s a unit.
We have a Vremir. I started taken it apart and possibly causing some damage. So, before proceeding on, I
tried the usual sources to get a copy of a Vremir service repair manual. But could not find one.
Would you be able to lead me to a source for a manual? The manual that came with the unit wasn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. The manual did not taken into account, that there are some seasoned veterans out here.
My dehumidifier’s fan is running, the coil is collecting frost on all coils but there is not water any where. Please help! I guess the hot coil may not work but no idea how to fix it. Thx. I have a Frigidaire 70 pint dehumidifier
I had this on mine too, when I opened the dehumidifier I could see green leaks around the coils which means probably even though the coils were getting slightly cold probably not cold or effectively enough because of the leak.
I have a garrison dehumidifier I noticed its not drawing water I was told it was the capitator I ordered a new one replaced it and my humidity level was at 65 and is now at 54 but still no water in bucket
Hi,
I got a ProBreeze 12L Dehumidifier which last for 5 months only. The thing is everything looks like working without issue, the digital control remain the same, the fan still working, still taking air and releasing air, but it just stop collecting water entirely even when the humidity still relatively higher than target (60) at regular temperature (20-25 degrees).
Is it a compressor problem? I’ve contacted the manufacturer but they said I can discard it and they will refund it. But I feel bad if I have to discard an item that is still reparable. Please advise.
Hi Samuel,
That is great that manufacturer is standing by their product! However, it is most probably the compressor may be leaking or out of gas as you describe that most the system is functional. However, it is quiet difficult to diagnose without inspection the dehumidifier.
Unit was working. I shut it off 3 weeks ago. Today I pushed the start button and saw a flash where the power cord exits the unit lower back right bottom.
Took plastic cover off and inspected cord but no evidence of fraying. Whats going on?
Hi Steve, I would recommend you follow our step by step guide above and test individual elements in order to diagnose the issue.
I have a Honywell 30pint dehumidifier. Was working fine and now my start button flashes on and off and when l pull out the container that has no water l have a P2 on the display window and the full container button is lit red but the container is empty??
Got Honeywell 70 pin 2year old quit making water. Whats wrong? Help! Bought at Lowes.
Hi James, sorry to hear. We have had tons of Honeywell that we tested and have been using them for about a year with out any trouble.
It is hard to say what is wrong with your unit without actually seeing it. Based on what you are telling me it is possible that Refrigerant might have leaked but I have not personally seen that happen this early.
Try contacting Honeywell customer service at sales@honeywellstore.com; depending on your unit if it is sealed Honeywell does offer 5-Year Limited Warranty on sealed unit which would cover the refrigerant leak.
Good luck.
I have a GE model a ADEL 70 LWL 1that is not removing moisture from the air. It is four years old. Removed covers, very clean, fan runs compressor runs but coils are not cool. Any suggestions?
Hi Tom,
It is possible that refrigerant may have leaked. This can only be tested by a professional with right equipment.
Also, GE APEL 70 LWL 1, may uses Freon gas which should be handle with proper care.
Here is a small guide for you https://www.veranda-interiors.com/freon-in-a-dehumidifier
I have had two of that model. The first failed within the warranty and was replaced . The second one is now 4yrs old and has failed. Both related to leaking refrigerant and compressor failure. No more GE products for me. I’ve been using dehumidifiers for 41 years and if you get more than 5 yrs out of one you’re fortunate.
I have a Frigidaire FFAD7033R1A dehumidifier. Had this same model before & loved it. I have been in San Antonio with a new one for 4 years now. I keep it set at 50% & usually the bucket is full around 3am. This spring however, it is not full & keeps running into the day. The hygrometer on the wall still shows high humidity, too. FYI, I clean the filter & tank on a regular basis. What can I do?
Hi Kenley,
Somehow I missed your comment. Well from what you are describing it seems that the dehumidifier is functioning however, the rate of moisture withdrawal has slowed. This can be due to various reasons, i.e. room temperature or the refrigerant pressure in the system. If the refrigerant is slowly leaking then you may want to contact Frigidaire and see if you still have warranty on this unit.
Good luck.
Hello
I have a Waykar model and after not needing it the past few months, I pulled it out and plugged it in. Everything seemed to be like usual, but today I noticed water all over the floor and no water in the water bucket part. Any suggestions on what might be wrong?
Hi Susan,
Sorry for a delayed response. I had been away due to some health issues.
I would recommend you check your outlet and see if you are closing the bucket properly. Since that is the only possibility that can cause this.
Nothing is happening. No fan noise or compressor noise. Nothing What could be wrong.
I recommend start with capacitor if you want to DIY.
Ted,
Is it even turning on? If its not then you may want to check fuses.
I have a Toshiba TDDP7011ES2 50 pt. It is working well, but the water collected in the reserve is always blue. Could this be some type of leak?
That could be a possibility that your refrigerant is leaking. If you are covered under warranty I would reach out to Toshiba Customer Support
I have a Winix 70 pint that keeps triggering the bucket full light or when I have the automatic pump turned on it keeps trying to pump from an empty bucket frequently. It does work and will collect water if I can keep it from erroring while pumping or triggering the bucket full light if I turn off the pump. I have to fiddle with it constantly to get it to stay in run mode. Any ideas on that scenario? Thanks
pulled an old kenmore out of the trash , made in 1994 . fan was stuck , gave it a spin and a bit of oil all good . the old models were built to last.