How to troubleshoot & fix a noisy dehumidifier
Samantha Bullington / Tuesday April 9, 2024
A dehumidifier can be a beneficial appliance in a home with high humidity levels. This machine sucks the humidity out of the air to keep your living space comfortable, especially during the hotter months of the year. They use a mix of parts like fans, motors, compressors and filters to work their moisture-removing magic. But when your machine starts making excessive noise or strange sounds, it can get on your nerves.
Let’s uncover the usual suspects behind the racket so you can fix your dehumidifier yourself and restore peace to your space.
If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your dehumidifier while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.
Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.
READ MORE: 6 Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Appliances In Top Shape Over Time
Possible causes of dehumidifier noise
Restricted airflow
A dirty or clogged air filter can interfere with how air flows over the inside parts of your dehumidifier. The fan motor might get a bit louder and you may hear a roaring sound as it works harder to make up for the decrease in airflow.
Always keep the filter clean and change it as advised by your machine’s manufacturer to help your dehumidifier run quietly.
Loose internal parts
If used regularly and for long periods of time, dehumidifiers can get a bit shaky and develop loose fan or housing panels. If these parts aren’t tightly fastened, they might start rattling loudly.
Make sure to install all dehumidifier parts correctly and give them a regular checkup to make sure everything is snug.
Damaged fan blade
The fan blade helps suck air inside so the unit can get rid of extra moisture through the dehumidification process.
If the fan blade becomes damaged, (cracked, bent, wobbly, etc.) it might start vibrating and making rattling or grinding sounds. If the blades are misaligned, they can make a loud rubbing noise as they rub against the housing.
Worn-out fan motor
The electric fan motor is like the powerhouse behind the fan blade, and unfortunately it can wear out over time. If the motor windings are damaged or worn out or if the bearings begin to give out, you could hear humming or grinding noises coming from your dehumidifier.
READ MORE: 5 Common Mistakes That Shorten The Lifespan Of Appliances
How to troubleshoot a noisy dehumidifier
Step 1: Identify the type of sound
Pay close attention to the sounds coming from your dehumidifier as it’s running. Is it a constant hum, a grinding noise that won’t quit, or a rattling sound that comes and goes?
Step 2: Check the surface
Your dehumidifier should be set up on a smooth, stable surface away from walls and other objects to minimize vibrations and noise transfer. You can also add rubber pads or an anti-vibration mat under your machine to reduce noise as needed.
Step 3: Inspect the filter and coils
Examine the air filter and condenser coils for any blockages or debris. Dirty or clogged filters or condenser coils can restrict airflow and make the fan run louder. Cleaning or replacing these parts can improve your dehumidifier’s overall performance and reduce the noise it makes.
Step 4: Check the internal parts
- Turn off the dehumidifier and unplug it from the power source.
- Remove the panels and internal parts such as the fan blade and motor.
- Look over each part for any signs of damage, misalignment or wear. If any parts are damaged, replace them.
Step 5: Tighten any loose parts
Make sure all screws and fasteners that hold internal components are tight and secure. If you find any loose pieces, tighten them with a screwdriver or nut driver.
READ MORE: How to prevent appliance fire hazards
Dehumidifier cleaning & maintenance tips
Follow these recommendations to prevent your dehumidifier from becoming noisy again. These can also help you keep it working correctly and lengthen its lifespan.
- Keep the unit on a level, even floor.
- Empty the water tank often. How often you’ll need to do this depends on how much moisture it’s pulling from the air and the size of the tank.
- Keep an eye on the air intake and exhaust grilles. Dust and debris can block them, which can negatively affect airflow and make your dehumidifier work harder than it needs to, which can strain its internal parts.
- Keep the dehumidifier away from walls and furniture so it can perform correctly.
- Check the air filter every month and clean or replace it as needed. A fresh filter stops dust from getting inside the unit and helps the air and the machine stay clean. Check your unit’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on cleaning and replacing the filter.
- Check and clean the coils at least once a year to clean off any dust or dirt.
- Clean the water tank regularly to ward off mold and mildew. Make sure it’s dry before you reinstall it.
- If your dehumidifier drains through a hose, regularly inspect it to make sure it’s not clogged.
- Check the power cord every now and then for damage. A frayed or damaged cord can be dangerous.
- Don’t try to hide the power cord. Keep it away from flammable materials like bedding, papers and boxes.
- If you’re not going to use the dehumidifier for a while, clean it thoroughly, empty the water container and clean the air filter before you put it away. Store it in a cool, dry spot.
- Consider investing in a hygrometer to check the humidity levels in your home. This can help you decide how much you need to use your dehumidifier.
- When in doubt, always look at the user manual and technical sheet for your unit. They are your best resources for specific maintenance instructions and troubleshooting.
READ MORE: 12 Easy DIY Ways to Lower Your Water Bill
More information
Thanks for stopping by! We hope this guide helped you fix your dehumidifier.
If you run into any issues, just give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or start a chat with a pro on our website so we can help you through it. We’ve got many more troubleshooting and repair guides on our DIY blog and YouTube channel and all the parts you need to do it yourself at AppliancePartsPros.com.
We can also help you troubleshoot common dehumidifier problems here.
Hey there, I’m Samantha and I’m super excited to be a part of the Appliance Parts Pros team! With 9 years of experience, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to assist countless customers in troubleshooting their home appliances and finding DIY repair solutions.