A dehumidifier is an important part of the HVAC system that helps maintain air quality by lowering humidity levels. Check the electrical connection, thermostat, and blower belt condition if your dehumidifier doesn’t turn on. Also, replace the defective float assembly, sensor, and bucket level switch. You can also contact professionals for dehumidification services, repairs, and maintenance.
Six Solutions to Handle a Faulty Dehumidifier
Do you always have trouble with your dehumidifier not turning on? There are several reasons for this. Let’s look at the six most common causes of this problem.
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Dehumidifier Doesn’t Turn On
If your dehumidifier is not turning on, first check if the main power panel switch is in the ON position. Then, check that the dehumidifier’s circuit breaker is working and that the fuse is intact. Make sure that the controls are in the ON position. Carefully adjust the settings between 50-60% relative humidity to ensure a smooth dehumidification process.
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Humidity Does Not Reach Set Point
If your dehumidifier is not reaching the set point, the following might be the causes. The blower in the dehumidifier may be working, but the compressor is not. Ensure that the indicator light on the dehumidifier shows that the compressor is working.
You can also find the actual relative humidity in the pool room using a separate calibrated hygrometer for better results. If this actual humidity lies between 50 and 60%, there must be some problem with the humidity sensor or control. Check that the pool water temperature falls 2 degrees less than the room temperature. The room heating source is defective if the room temperature feels cool or is more than 5 degrees below the water temperature.
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Very High Head Pressure
Very high head pressure can affect the normal operation of your dehumidifier, which may not even turn on and require dehumidifier repair. If the blower belt in the dehumidifier shows signs of wear or stretching, replace it and tighten it to the proper tension. Ensure the diffusers for the dehumidified air are clean and obstruction-free. Also, check that no dampers have closed off accidentally. These clogged return air filters in the dehumidifier restrict airflow back to the system.
Replace the return air filters according to the instruction manual for your dehumidifier. If the dehumidifier works without the return air filters, debris may plug the condenser or the evaporator coil.
If lint, grass, or leaves clog the condenser coils during the cooling mode, the dehumidifier may trip the high-head pressure switch. Also, check the blower belt for any necessary adjustments. Regularly maintaining the dehumidifier is essential for its normal operation and ensures a trouble-free service life.
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Defective Float Assembly
Your dehumidifier might not start due to an issue with the float assembly. This part is near the bucket and controls the auto shut-off or bucket-level switch. For safety purposes, a float assembly prevents the entire unit from overflowing. If the switch trips, the power to the compressor and fan motor circuits is disturbed, leading to the dehumidification process repair. So, next time your dehumidifier is not starting, check the float’s operation to ensure it properly contacts the level switch.
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Faulty Humidity Sensor
If your dehumidifier is not starting, check the humidity sensor. Most electronic control models use a sensor to monitor the relative humidity and send that information to the control board. The control board then uses this information to power the compressor and fan circuits when needed.
A defective sensor cannot accurately measure relative humidity, preventing the unit from turning on normally. In some models, a thermistor is present in the sensor harness. This thermistor actively monitors the evaporator temperature. When examining the sensor, carefully check the harness connections to the control board to avoid dehumidification problems.
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Defective Auto Shut Off and Bucket Level Switch
Your dehumidifier might not start because of a problem with the automatic shut-off switch. The bucket switch, or the water level switch, is a safety device that mainly prevents the dehumidifier from overflowing. When the water level in the bucket rises or is out of position, the float mechanism trips. When this switch trips, it disturbs the power of the compressor and fan motor circuits until it is adjusted properly.
An indicator lamp or display should flash to tell the user about proper operation. If the bucket indicator light is off, check the shut-off switch for issues. Check that the bucket is not overflowing and is in the correct position. Also, you should check the float assembly to ensure it contacts the switch properly to prevent dehumidifier problems. Don’t forget to test the switch for continuity using a multimeter.
How Do I Reset The Dehumidifier?
Disconnect the dehumidifier’s power supply for 3 minutes, wait, and reconnect it. Your device will reset to its default settings. Then, adjust it to continuous mode or the lowest setting to see how it operates. The drain hose or bucket will not fill if the relative humidity is too low, so it is important to set your dehumidifier accordingly.
Conclusion
If your dehumidifier is not turning on, try these solutions. The most important thing to remember is to figure out the cause and understand why it is not working. Then, you can take appropriate action to fix the causes mentioned above. If fixing the sensor, float assembly, sensor, bucket level switch, and electric connection does not help, consider hiring professionals to help repair and maintain dehumidification services.
