Dehumidifier not keeping up? How to fix humidity level issues fast

Ever noticed your dehumidifier running for ages, but the humidity in your place just won’t drop to where you want it? It’s kind of a bummer, especially when you’re looking for a quick fix without bringing in a technician. Let’s check out some simple and practical steps you can try right now to get your dehumidifier back in action.

The info in this article might not match your exact appliance model. While we aim to dish out helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance repairs, different models and setups can mean different troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, and so on. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to consult your appliance’s manual or reach out to us with any questions.

How a dehumidifier works

Dehumidifiers tackle excess moisture by pulling in warm, humid air over cold coils. When that warm air hits the chilly coils, moisture condenses and drips into a tank or drains out through a hose. The now-dry air gets pushed back into the room, helping you keep things comfy. If your dehumidifier isn’t hitting the humidity level you set, it might be because of things like wrong settings, not enough capacity, or blocked airflow.

Why your dehumidifier isn’t reaching the desired humidity level

If your dehumidifier isn’t delivering the dryness you’re after, there are a few common culprits. Tackling these often sorts things out without any complicated repairs. Let’s dive into the usual reasons.

Incorrect humidity or fan settings

It’s easy to accidentally set your dehumidifier wrong. Some models let you pick a specific humidity percentage, while others just have low, medium, or high settings. If the humidity target’s set too high, your unit might not run long enough to get the room as dry as you want. Similarly, if the fan speed’s too low, it might not move enough air to remove moisture quickly.

Start by double-checking your dehumidifier’s control panel to make sure the target humidity and fan speed match what you’re aiming for. It sounds simple, but it often fixes performance issues. On some models, you might also need to look out for a child lock or special modes that override your adjustments.

Dehumidifier is too small for the space

If your dehumidifier doesn’t have enough oomph for a big or super damp room, it’s gonna struggle. Using a smaller unit in a large basement, for example, might mean it never reaches the setting you want. Dehumidifiers usually come with a recommended square footage and a pint rating that shows how much moisture they can remove in 24 hours. If your space is bigger than the guidelines suggest, the unit might have a tough time keeping up.

You can find your dehumidifier’s capacity in the manual or on a label near the model number. If you’re not sure where to look, check out How to find your appliance’s model number for some tips. This helps you see if your unit’s the right size for your room.

Airflow or venting issues

Dehumidifiers need good airflow to work right. If yours is jammed into a corner or surrounded by stuff, it might not be getting enough air, making it harder to reduce humidity. A dirty air filter can also block airflow. If dust or pet hair builds up, the dehumidifier struggles to pull air over the coils, which hurts efficiency.

Check your unit for anything blocking airflow. Leave some space around the sides and back so it can ventilate properly. Make sure to clean the air filter regularly. If it gets clogged quickly, there might be extra dust in the room. Vacuuming around the unit can help cut down on buildup and boost performance.

Environmental factors

Sometimes it’s the room itself or the weather messing with your dehumidifier. High temps, bad insulation, and big air leaks can add more humidity. Old windows or unsealed walls let moist air sneak in, so the dehumidifier has to work overtime. If you’re in a hot and humid area, it might seem like the unit’s lagging when it’s actually hustling hard.

Take a look around the room for worn-out seals or drafts. Sealing up leaks or adding insulation, especially in basements, can make a big difference in how fast a dehumidifier brings down moisture levels. You might also think about running an air conditioner alongside it, since cooler air helps the dehumidifier work more efficiently.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

If you think something’s up with your dehumidifier, you’ll want a clear plan. Let’s walk through some straightforward steps. Remember to stay safe by unplugging the appliance before opening it up or checking internal parts. If there’s water in the bucket, empty it first so you don’t spill while you’re inspecting things.

Step 1: Check settings and placement

1. Unplug the dehumidifier before messing with any internal parts. If you’re just adjusting settings, you can leave it plugged in, but be careful.
2. Look over the control panel. Make sure your target humidity is set right (usually around 40% to 50% for most homes) and that the fan speed isn’t too low.
3. Check where the unit is placed. Keep it at least a few feet away from walls or furniture so air can flow in and out. Avoid corners where circulation isn’t great.

Step 2: Clean and inspect the air filter

1. Take out the filter following your dehumidifier’s instructions. If you’re not sure how, peek at the owner’s manual or check out our repair help resources.
2. Gently rinse the filter with water or vacuum it to remove dust and dirt. Let it dry completely before putting it back.
3. Check the filter for any wear or tears. If it’s damaged, think about getting a replacement that fits your model. A messed-up filter can let debris through and hurt the coils’ efficiency.

Step 3: Check the coils for frost or debris

1. Unplug the dehumidifier and remove the front or back panel (depends on the model) to get to the coils. Be careful not to mess up any wires or sensitive parts.
2. Look for frost or ice on the coils. In humid or cool spots, the coils might freeze up, stopping the dehumidifier from doing its job.
3. If you see a bunch of ice, let the unit defrost by keeping it off and letting warmer air melt the ice. Gently clean off any debris or dust with a soft brush.
4. Make sure the coils are totally dry before putting the panel back on to avoid any electrical issues.

Step 4: Confirm the unit’s capacity

1. Check the dehumidifier’s capacity rating (in pints per day). You’ll find this in the manual or on a label near the model number. Can’t find it? Use How to find your appliance’s model number for help.
2. Compare that rating to your room’s size and conditions. If the space is bigger or wetter than what’s recommended, the dehumidifier might struggle to reach your set humidity.
3. If your unit’s too small, try running it more often and see if that gets you closer to your desired humidity. You can also cut down on sources of extra moisture, like drying clothes indoors or taking long, hot showers without ventilation, to lighten its load.

Step 5: Check the drain system

1. Look at the water bucket or drain hose for clogs. If the bucket isn’t seated right, the machine might shut off early, keeping it from running long enough to reach the humidity level you want.
2. If your model uses a continuous drain, make sure the hose is attached securely and water flows freely. Check for kinks or blockages in the hose. A clogged drain line can cause the dehumidifier to stop, cutting down on its effective operation time.
3. Clean the bucket and drain area with warm, soapy water if you notice mildew or gunk. A clean bucket helps water flow out smoothly without triggering any false “full” signals.

Step 6: Check the float switch and sensors

1. Find your unit’s float switch or water level sensor, usually inside or near the collection bucket. This sensor stops overflow by shutting off the machine when the water gets to a certain level.
2. See if the float is stuck or damaged. Gently move it to make sure it pivots smoothly. Sometimes junk or mineral deposits make it stay in the “full” position, which tells the dehumidifier to shut off.
3. Clean off any residue from the float and sensor parts with a damp cloth. Make sure everything moves freely and the sensor isn’t blocked by debris.

Wrapping up

We hope these tips help you troubleshoot your dehumidifier and get it running efficiently again. For more parts and resources, swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the loop on upcoming tips, no matter how big or small your repair projects are.

If you’ve got more questions or need personalized help, feel free to reach out through our website or give our customer service team a call. We’re here to support you every step of the way.