Fixing a dehumidifier that’s not reaching the desired humidity level

Your dehumidifier’s supposed to keep your space comfy, but sometimes it just doesn’t hit that humidity level you’ve set. There are plenty of reasons this might happen, from simple setting mistakes to more serious mechanical issues. We’re going to explore some common reasons why your dehumidifier might not be reaching the desired humidity and share practical steps you can try yourself.

The info in this article might not apply exactly to your specific appliance model. We aim to offer helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, but different models and setups can mean different troubleshooting steps, error codes, part replacements, and so on. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s documentation for your specific appliance or get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Understanding your dehumidifier’s settings

Wrong settings are often the first and easiest problem to sort out. Maybe you’ve accidentally set the humidity level too high or turned on a mode that’s stopping the unit from working properly. Let’s check how to make sure your dehumidifier’s set up the right way.

Checking the humidity set point

Every dehumidifier lets you pick a humidity percentage you want to keep. If you’ve set it at 60% but need around 40-50%, the dehumidifier might never shut off because it’s chasing that higher setting, or it might struggle if its internal hygrometer doesn’t match the room’s actual conditions. To adjust your settings properly:

1. Find the control panel on your dehumidifier and look for the humidity level setting.
2. If your current set point’s too high, like above 50%, change it to a lower percentage (say, 40-50%).
3. See how your dehumidifier behaves over the next few hours. A unit that’s working right should cycle on and off to maintain the humidity you’ve set.
4. Humidistats, the devices that measure humidity, can vary between models. If you notice your dehumidifier isn’t running enough, or it’s running nonstop without hitting your set point, the humidistat might need calibration. 

Checking fan settings or continuous modes

Some dehumidifiers have a continuous operation mode that keeps the fan running, no matter the humidity levels. If you’ve turned on this mode without realizing it, the dehumidifier might keep circulating air but not actually adjust the moisture to your set level. Likewise, some models have different fan speeds that affect how quickly they remove moisture. Higher fan speeds can move air faster, while lower speeds might allow for more thorough moisture removal. Check your manual’s recommended settings, since each manufacturer designs their machines a bit differently.

Ensuring your dehumidifier has adequate capacity

If your room’s large or you’ve got persistently high humidity, your dehumidifier might not be up to the task. Every unit has a rated capacity in pints per day (or liters per day in some places). If a unit’s underpowered, it might struggle endlessly without reaching the desired humidity, especially in open-concept spaces or basements that cover multiple rooms. This capacity tells you how much moisture the unit can remove in 24 hours under ideal conditions:

• Room size: Bigger spaces need dehumidifiers with higher capacity.
• Environmental humidity: Really damp conditions require more powerful units.
• Ventilation: Drafty rooms or ones where doors are opened a lot can bring in more moist air, making your dehumidifier work harder.

The best way to confirm your model’s capacity is to check the manufacturer’s documentation or look up the specs using your model number. If you’re not sure how to do that, check out our helpful article on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Checking for system inefficiencies

Sometimes it’s not about settings or capacity, the dehumidifier itself might not be working efficiently. Parts like the compressor, evaporator coils, or fan motor can wear out over time and affect how well the machine removes moisture from the air. Let’s look at a few common issues and how you can check them at home.

Checking the air filter for clogs

A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your dehumidifier work harder and reducing its efficiency. Filters are usually accessible from a panel on the back or side of your unit. Here’s what to do:

1. Unplug your dehumidifier for safety.
2. Find the filter panel and take out the filter.
3. Gently vacuum off any dust and debris, or rinse it with water if it’s washable. Let it dry completely before putting it back.
4. Check the filter’s overall condition. If it’s torn or really worn out, replace it with a compatible one.

Checking for dirty coils  

The evaporator coils need to be clean and free of ice to extract moisture properly. Dust buildup or icing can hurt performance. To check the coils:

1. Again, unplug the unit before starting to avoid any shocks.
2. Access the internal parts by removing the outer housing (check your manual for the right way to do this).
3. Look for dirt or frost on the evaporator coils. If you see ice, let it melt on its own. Wipe up any water with a soft cloth.
4. If they’re dirty, gently clean the coils using a soft brush or compressed air. Be careful not to bend the fins.

Best placement and airflow

Even a dehumidifier that’s working perfectly can struggle if it’s not placed right or if the surrounding environment isn’t ideal. Things like placing it too close to walls or furniture, ventilation, and ambient conditions can affect performance more than you’d think.

Ensuring proper clearance around the dehumidifier

Airflow is key to efficient moisture removal. If your dehumidifier’s jammed up against a wall or tucked behind other items, the intake and exhaust might be blocked, leading to poor air circulation. Follow these placement tips:

• Keep the unit at least a few inches away from walls or furniture.
• If you can, place it in a central spot in the room.
• Avoid putting it near open windows or really dusty areas.

Checking room temperature and ventilation

Many dehumidifiers don’t work efficiently in temperatures below 65°F. If you’re using a regular home dehumidifier in a chilly basement or garage, the coils might freeze up. Some models have “low-temperature operation,” but you still want the environment to be above 41°F for safe use. Also, think about how often you open doors or windows, fresh outside air can bring in extra moisture. In these cases, your dehumidifier has to work harder and might not easily reach the target humidity.

Moving forward

If you’ve still got questions about your model’s specific components or setup, feel free to visit AppliancePartsPros.com for more resources, including step-by-step instructions and genuine replacement parts. We hope you find this guide helpful and encourage you to follow us on Facebook and on Twitter for more tips and updates. You can also reach out through our website or contact our customer service team if you need further assistance.