Why does my dehumidifier keep turning on and off frequently

Dehumidifiers are champs at pulling moisture out of the air, but if yours keeps flicking on and off, something’s definitely off. Noticing your dehumidifier starting and stopping more than usual? You’re probably wondering what’s up and how to sort it out. In this article, we’ll dive into common reasons for short-cycling and give you some handy tips to get your dehumidifier humming along smoothly again.

The info here might not line up perfectly with your specific appliance model. We aim to offer helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, but different models can have different quirks, like unique troubleshooting steps, error codes, or parts. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or give us a shout if you’ve got questions.

So, what’s short-cycling anyway?

Short-cycling is when your dehumidifier kicks on for a bit, then shuts off too soon, only to fire up again shortly after. This stop-start routine can put extra strain on the internal parts and mess with keeping your space at the right humidity. If your dehumidifier isn’t running through full cycles, it might never reach the humidity level you’ve set. Plus, it’ll end up working harder than it should, sucking up more energy in the process. Figuring out why your unit is short-cycling is key to fixing the issue before it leads to bigger problems.

Thermostat or humidistat acting up

One common reason your dehumidifier might be turning on and off a lot is a wonky thermostat or humidistat. Most dehumidifiers, especially those where you can tweak the humidity settings, rely on an internal humidistat to gauge the moisture in the air. If this sensor is sending mixed signals, your dehumidifier might turn on or off at the wrong times. For instance, if the humidistat thinks the humidity is already at or below your target, it’ll shut off, even if the air is still pretty damp.

Checking the humidistat

To do a quick check, adjust the humidity setting and see how the dehumidifier reacts. Set it to a lower humidity, and it should run continuously until it hits that level. If it doesn’t, the humidistat might be on the fritz. Before you pop any panels open, make sure to unplug the dehumidifier. If you’ve got a multimeter handy, you can test the humidistat’s resistance at different settings to see if it’s giving accurate readings. A faulty one won’t show the right resistance changes when you adjust the humidity levels.

1. Unplug the dehumidifier and carefully remove any panels to access the humidistat, if you can get to it.
2. Disconnect the humidistat gently and grab your multimeter set to measure resistance (ohms). The resistance should shift as you tweak the humidity settings.
3. Test the humidistat by measuring resistance at different settings to see if it’s responding properly.
4. If the readings are all over the place or don’t change when they should, it’s probably time to replace the humidistat.

Electrical hiccups

Sometimes, the culprit behind your dehumidifier’s short-cycling is electrical gremlins. Over time, wires can corrode, fray, or come loose, leading to iffy power flow. A loose connection or a worn-out power cord might cause the dehumidifier to randomly lose power and shut off. If the power kicks back in moments later, the unit turns back on, and the cycle repeats. A dodgy control board or capacitor can also throw a wrench in the works.

Spotting electrical issues

Take a good look at the power cord for any signs of damage like cracks or splits. Check any plug adapters or extension cords you’re using. If you spot exposed wires or scorch marks, that’s a red flag for a short. Also, keep your nose peeled for any weird smells, failing electrical parts can sometimes give off a burning odor. If you suspect any electrical problems, turn off and unplug the dehumidifier right away.

1. Turn off and unplug your dehumidifier.
2. Inspect the power cord and internal wiring for any damage or loose bits.
3. Use a multimeter on the continuity setting to check if the wiring inside the unit is still in good shape.
4. If you find frayed wires or sketchy connections, replace them with the right parts.
5. Look over the control board and capacitor for any obvious damage like swollen components or burnt areas.

Airflow roadblocks

Proper airflow is a big deal for your dehumidifier. Without good ventilation, the coils might freeze up or the unit could overheat, causing internal sensors to shut things down. When the coils thaw out or the unit cools off, it starts up again, and the cycle continues. This on-off pattern is a classic sign of an airflow snag. A dirty or clogged filter is often to blame, but blocked intake or exhaust grilles can also choke airflow.

Boosting airflow

Check your dehumidifier’s filter at least once a month and clean or swap it out as needed. Make sure there’s a few inches of space around the unit so air can move freely. Look around the dehumidifier for anything that might be blocking the vents, like furniture, curtains, or boxes. If your unit has a removable grille, gently pop it off and clean out any dust buildup.

1. Unplug the dehumidifier before you start cleaning.
2. Take out a reusable filter and rinse it under running water, or replace it if it’s disposable and looking grimy.
3. Clean the intake and exhaust grilles with a soft brush or use a vacuum attachment to suck up lint and debris.
4. Remove any objects that might be blocking airflow around the unit.
5. Plug it back in and see if the short-cycling has stopped.

Bad spot for your dehumidifier

Where you place your dehumidifier can affect how it runs. If it’s in a spot with wild temperature swings, like a garage in winter, the internal sensors might pick up on low temps and shut the unit down temporarily. On the flip side, if the area stays warmer than expected, it might keep turning back on. Putting your dehumidifier near a heat source, like a dryer or a furnace vent, can cause it to cycle on and off due to uneven temperature readings.

Keeping conditions steady

Set up your dehumidifier in a place where the temperature stays pretty steady, ideally between 65°F and 85°F. Keep it away from direct sunlight or vents blowing hot air. If your area sees big temperature changes from day to night, the dehumidifier might react by shutting off early or trying to run non-stop. To minimize these swings, maintain some airflow in the space and seal up any drafts.

1. Pick a spot with consistent temperature and humidity.
2. Keep the unit away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
3. Leave a few inches of space around all sides of the dehumidifier.
4. Make sure doors and windows are reasonably sealed to cut down on temperature fluctuations.

Drainage woes

Lots of dehumidifiers shut off automatically when their bucket is full. If there’s a clog or the drainage system isn’t working right, the bucket might fill up faster than usual. The dehumidifier then turns off to avoid overflowing, and once you empty or reset the bucket, it starts up again. Any gunk in the drain line or float mechanism can cause this cycle of filling up and shutting down.

Unclogging the drain

If your dehumidifier uses a hose for continuous drainage, check the hose for any kinks or clogs, and make sure it’s sloping down to a proper drain. A blocked hose can push water back into the bucket, causing the machine to shut off early. If your unit has a float switch, a sticky or faulty switch might signal that the bucket’s full even when it’s not.

1. Unplug the dehumidifier before getting started.
2. Remove and empty the water collection bucket.
3. Give the bucket a good clean, checking for any gunk or mold that might mess with the float switch.
4. If you’re using a drain hose, disconnect it and flush water through it to clear out any blockages. Look for any bends or squished spots.
5. Put everything back together, making sure the float switch moves freely and the bucket is snugly in place.

Keep your appliances running smoothly

We hope this article helps you sort out any short-cycling issues. If you need specific parts or a bit more guidance, head over to AppliancePartsPros.com for all sorts of parts and resources. You can also catch us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the loop with handy DIY repair tips, product updates, and more. We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’ve got questions or need a hand.

You can get in touch with us directly by phone at 1-877-477-7278 or shoot us an email through our website. We’re always happy to help you get your appliances back up and running.