Have you noticed that your dehumidifier isn't drinking as much water as before? It's a common issue, so no stress! Dehumidifiers are important for keeping your place comfy, especially in those sticky summer months. But when they're not doing their job, it can be annoying.
Don't worry, though. In this article, we'll review why your dehumidifier might not work right and give you some tips to fix it.
How a Dehumidifier Works
Before we figure out why your dehumidifier might not work, let's review the basics. A dehumidifier takes out extra moisture from your home's air. It pulls in warm, humid air and moves it over coils filled with a refrigerant. The air cools down as it hits the cold coils, turning the moisture into water. This water either collects in a tank or goes out through a hose.
There's also another type that works differently. These use a unique method to pull moisture from the air. We'll dive into how non-refrigerant dehumidification works and give you the lowdown on desiccant-based dehumidifiers.
Mechanical Issues
If your dehumidifier is not collecting water, there may be some mechanical issues causing the problem. Here are some potential mechanical issues to investigate:
Make sure the float switch is working
The float switch is a safety feature that turns off your dehumidifier when the water tank is full. If the float switch is stuck in the up position, your dehumidifier may not collect water. Check to make sure the float switch is moving freely and not stuck.
You might have a clogged drain pipe
If your dehumidifier has a drainage hose connected, check to ensure the hose is not clogged. A clogged drain pipe can prevent the water from draining out of the unit.
Make sure your evaporator coil's not frozen
If the evaporator coil in your dehumidifier is frozen, it won't be able to remove moisture from the air. Check to see if there is frost buildup on the coils. If there is, turn off your dehumidifier and let it defrost before turning it back on.
Make sure the compressor overload isn't tripped
The compressor overload is a safety feature that shuts off the compressor if it gets too hot. If the compressor overload is tripped, your dehumidifier won't collect water. Check if the compressor overload has tripped and reset it if necessary.
The run capacitor needs to be checked
The run capacitor helps to start the compressor motor in your dehumidifier. If the run capacitor is bad, your dehumidifier may not collect water. Check if the run capacitor is faulty and replace it if necessary.
Is the relay stuck?
The relay is responsible for sending power to the compressor in your dehumidifier. If the relay is stuck, your dehumidifier won't collect any water. Check to see if the relay is faulty and replace it if necessary.
Make sure the fan motor is working
The fan motor is responsible for circulating air through your dehumidifier. If the fan motor is not working, your dehumidifier may not collect water. Check if the fan motor is faulty and replace it if necessary.
Compressor malfunctions? Check it out
The compressor is the heart of your dehumidifier and is responsible for removing moisture from the air. If the compressor is not working, your dehumidifier won't collect water. Check to see if the compressor is faulty and replace it if necessary.
By investigating these mechanical issues, you can identify the problem with your dehumidifier and take the necessary steps to fix it.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Now that you know why your dehumidifier may not work, let's discuss maintenance and care tips to prevent future problems. Here are some helpful tips:
- Regularly clean or replace the filter in your dehumidifier to ensure it works correctly.
- Keep your dehumidifier in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location.
- Empty the water tank regularly and ensure the drainage system works correctly.
- Keep the coils on your dehumidifier clean to prevent frost buildup.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your dehumidifier and prevent common problems.
Conclusion
A dehumidifier is an essential tool for maintaining a comfortable living environment. If your dehumidifier isn't collecting water, don't panic! Following the troubleshooting tips in this article and practicing proper maintenance and care, you can ensure your dehumidifier works correctly for years.
FAQs
How often should I clean the filter in my dehumidifier?
It's best to clean or replace your filter every three to six months, depending on usage.
What size dehumidifier should I buy for my home?
The size of the dehumidifier you need depends on the square footage you want to dehumidify. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for guidance.
How long does a dehumidifier typically last?
A dehumidifier can last up to ten years with proper maintenance and care.
Should I leave my dehumidifier on all the time?
It's best to use it only when needed rather than always leaving it on, but that's not always possible. Some situations demand constant use.
Can a dehumidifier make the room too dry?
Yes, using a dehumidifier can make the room too dry if you don't monitor the humidity levels.
Can a dehumidifier reduce energy costs?
A dehumidifier can reduce energy costs by making your AC work efficiently.
What is the ideal humidity level in a home?
The ideal humidity level in a home is between 30% and 50%.
What is the difference between a dehumidifier and an air conditioner?
A dehumidifier removes excess moisture; an air conditioner is designed to cool the air, although an AC unit somewhat reduces humidity.
Can I use my dehumidifier to dry wet clothes or carpets?
A dehumidifier helps with the drying process drying. They will not make a difference fast enough with carpet. Use fans instead and add as many as possible to the area; the dehumidifier will make a difference in this setup or configuration. We use them to extract moisture from the air while we run as many air movers (industrial strength fans) as possible in the location. The combination of the motors and fans heat the area to help evaporate it, and industrial dehumidifiers with drain lines.
