How to fix a dehumidifier that is vibrating excessively

Is your dehumidifier making more noise than it used to, rattling, shaking, or vibrating like crazy? You might think something’s come loose or worn out, but you’re not sure where to start. Excessive vibration is a common issue, and the good news is you can often fix it yourself. Let’s check out the top reasons your dehumidifier might be vibrating too much and how you can get it running smoothly and quietly again.

The info in this article might not perfectly match your specific appliance model. We try our best to offer helpful advice for all kinds of DIY appliance repairs, but different models and setups can mean differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, part replacements, and so on. For the most accurate guidance, we recommend checking the manufacturer documentation for your exact model or reaching out to us if you’ve got questions.

Why is your dehumidifier shaking so much?

If your dehumidifier’s vibrating excessively, there could be several reasons, maybe something as simple as a loose screw or a cracked mount. Let’s go over the most common causes so you’ll know where to begin troubleshooting.

• Screws and hardware are loose: When parts inside aren’t secured tightly, vibrations can get worse because components jiggle against each other. Even a tiny gap in a screw hole can let internal pieces move more than they should.  
• Parts are unbalanced or misaligned: The fan blade, motor, and compressor all have to be aligned properly to run smoothly. If the fan blade gets slightly bent or shifts on its mount, it can throw off the whole unit’s balance. Similarly, if one of the feet or pads underneath is missing or uneven, the machine can rock or wobble on the floor.  
• Mounts and brackets are broken: Rubber mounts that have hardened or cracked stop cushioning the unit like they should, and metal brackets might make direct contact with the frame, making the rattle worse. Faulty brackets or mounts could be the metal frames for the compressor, the motor mounts for the fan assembly, or the brackets holding the casing together. 
• Compressor and motor cause issues: The compressor is often the heaviest part of your dehumidifier and can cause quite a bit of vibration if something’s off. If internal valves or springs wear out, or if the compressor starts working harder than normal, it might vibrate more vigorously. The motor that drives the fan can also develop problems if its bearings wear out or if it gets misaligned from its mount.

How to get your dehumidifier running smoothly again

We know it’s annoying to hear your machine vibrate loudly. Let’s walk through how to pinpoint and fix the most common sources of vibration so you can enjoy a quieter, more efficient dehumidifier. 

Turn it off and unplug it

1. Switch off your dehumidifier using the power button or dial, then unplug it from the outlet.
2. Place it on a work surface where you’ve got enough room to move around and check every side.
3. Wait a few minutes before opening any panels to avoid any electrical hazards.

Check the base and leveling

Your dehumidifier often sits in a damp basement or a corner where the floor might not be perfectly level. An uneven surface puts extra stress on the unit’s feet and can amplify vibration. Here’s what to do:

1. See if all the feet or rubber pads on the bottom are intact. Replace any missing pads.
2. Place a level on top of the dehumidifier to see if it’s sitting flat. Adjust its position or slide a wooden shim under a foot to level it out.
3. Make sure it’s on a solid, stable surface. Avoid carpeting that can cause uneven support.
4. Once you’ve leveled it, run the dehumidifier again to see if the vibration improves.

Look for loose external parts

After making sure the unit is level, check for any loose screws or components on the outside:

1. Inspect all visible screws on the exterior housing to make sure they’re tight. Use a suitable screwdriver to snug them up if needed.
2. Ensure the water collection bucket is properly seated and locked in place.
3. Check for any external panels or grilles that might be loose or vibrating.

Check for loose internal components

If the vibration’s still there after checking the outside, you might need to peek inside:

1. Remove the water collection bucket to get a better view, and unscrew any panels blocking the fan or compressor area.
2. Carefully look for any obviously loose or rattling parts inside.
3. Inspect all visible screws and brackets inside the unit to make sure they’re secure. Tighten them with a screwdriver or wrench as needed.
4. Look for worn-out washers or rubber grommets that might compromise stability.

Examine the fan blade and motor assembly

Your dehumidifier’s fan is key to pulling moisture out of the air. A misaligned fan or damaged blade can cause a lot of shaking. Here’s how to check for problems:

1. Gently spin the fan blade by hand to see if it’s catching on any part of the housing.
2. See if the blade looks warped or bent. Minor bends can sometimes be carefully adjusted, but severe warping might mean you need a new blade.
3. Make sure the fan blade’s set screw or bolt is secured to the motor shaft. If it’s loose, tighten it to prevent any wobble.
4. Check the motor mounts. If they’re damaged, you might need to replace them to stop vibration at the source.

Replace faulty mounts or brackets

If you’ve found a mount or bracket that’s cracked, or a rubber grommet that’s beyond fixing, swapping in a new part is your best bet. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Identify the part by locating it in your dehumidifier’s diagram (refer to the manufacturer’s documentation or use our handy guide on finding your appliance’s model number if you need to confirm the exact part).
2. Order the correct replacement from AppliancePartsPros.com to make sure it’s compatible with your model.
3. Carefully unbolt or unscrew the old mount, keeping track of washers or any small pieces.
4. Install the new mount, bracket, or grommet in the right position, securing it firmly.

Inspect the compressor (optional)

If you’ve ruled out everything else and still hear significant vibration, you might want to take a closer look at the compressor. Although compressors do vibrate when running, unusual noise could point to a mounting issue or internal problem. Diagnosing compressor issues is more advanced, but here’s a quick check:

1. Locate the compressor, usually a black metal cylinder near the coils.
2. Examine the rubber mounts or springs that hold it in place. Make sure each mount is intact and attached to the base.
3. Gently press on the compressor to see if it moves too freely or knocks against other components.
4. If the mounts look good and the compressor still vibrates excessively, it might have internal issues.

Final thoughts and next steps

If you need replacement parts to fix your dehumidifier’s vibration issues, visit AppliancePartsPros.com for genuine components that fit your specific model. You can also find more detailed repair guides and step-by-step help in our repair help section.

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