Indoor humidity and the discomfort that comes with it can quickly become a nightmare. Investing in a good dehumidifier can help solve this issue. One of the most reliable brands is Frigidaire—yup, the one that’s synonymous with fridge makes the best dehumidifiers, too!
That said, even the most dependable appliance brands can encounter occasional hiccups. Some of the most common Frigidaire dehumidifier problems can range from a faulty bucket switch, control board, and compressor.
But don’t fret. There are easy ways to fix such issues without calling for an HVAC technician first.
Below, we’ll explore the different issues that first-hand users encounter with their Frigidaire dehumidifiers. We’ll also tackle some troubleshooting steps you can take to get your dehumidifier up and running again.
Common Frigidaire Dehumidifier Problems
Frigidaire is one of the most popular brands for dehumidifiers. However, like any other appliance in your home, your dehumidifier may encounter some issues over time, including:
Faulty Bucket Switch
The bucket switch plays a crucial role in keeping your dehumidifier’s water reservoir from overflowing. It’s essentially a safety feature that lets you know when the tank is full and needs to be emptied. If it gets stuck or fails to work, your dehumidifier may not turn on or may shut off unexpectedly.
The same thing happens when the bucket isn’t positioned properly. Also, when the water level in the bucket reaches the level you’ve set, your dehumidifier will shut off automatically.
Unit Doesn’t Turn On
A Frigidaire may not turn on due to a variety of reasons. However, most of the time, it’s caused by a tripped circuit breaker or a broken power or extension cords.
Sometimes, your unit may have reached the dryness level you picked and you didn’t know. Once your dehumidifier has collected moisture from the air at a certain amount, it automatically turns off.
Defective Control Board
Here’s another reason why your Frigidaire dehumidifier may not start or turn on. The electronic control board is an important part of your dehumidifier because it essentially regulates its functionalities. It monitors the moisture level in the air.
If the electronic control board fails or stops working, the unit will not respond to commands. It will also give you inaccurate readings on the display, or worse, your dehumidifier will stop working altogether.
Faulty Humidity Sensor
Ever wonder why, for some reason, your Frigidaire dehumidifier keeps shutting off?
It’s possible that the sensor is not correctly preparing the humidity level. The humidity sensor is responsible for indicating how much moisture is present in the air. If the sensor becomes defective or inaccurate, it will give your incorrect humidity readings.
Because of this, it won’t dehumidify the air properly. Your unit may also shut down before even reaching the suitable relative humidity (RH) in your space. If your dehumidifier has a thermistor that works with the sensor, that may be faulty too, causing the problem.
Failing Compressor
The fan compressor of your dehumidifier compresses and distributes refrigerant through its evaporator and condenser coils. It’s responsible for removing the humid air from your room. However, if the cooling coils are heavily covered in ice, they can overheat and fail to do their job.
As a result, your dehumidifier will not cool the air blowing into your room and won’t reach your desired humidity level. The problem may also lie in the capacitor in the compressor circuit, particularly when your dehumidifier is running but doesn’t collect water. This can also produce loud noise during operation.
Frozen Coil
The cooling coil is where the humid air condenses whenever the fan takes moisture. When there is a continuous drop in temperature in the room, over time, the cooling coil freezes. This is normal, though. Your unit will operate normally once the ice buildup defrosts.
Leaks on the Floor
Some users may experience leaks probably due to a broken pipe or overflowing reservoir from a faulty bucket switch. You may also want to check if there’s any open crack in your unit’s body that’s causing the leakage.
No Air Coming Out During Operation
Your Frigidaire dehumidifier’s fan blows air throughout its coil. So, if no air is coming out, it could be that the fan motor overheated or the fan blade may be damaged. In this case, replacing the motor or the blade will be your best solution.
Does It Run Too Much?
Maybe you’re not using the right size of dehumidifier for your room. If you need to dehumidify a large area, it would make more sense to invest in a higher-capacity unit. Otherwise, that small dehumidifier will keep running since it has to work twice as hard to get to the ideal relative humidity.
This will also cause the device to overheat, which will lead to a more serious problem.
Another possible reason for a dehumidifier to run continuously may be due to open windows or doors around the dehumidifier. Other problems could be caused by a filthy grille restricting airflow within your unit.
Basic Frigidaire Dehumidifier Troubleshooting
Calling a tech to diagnose the issue with your dehumidifier can be tempting. But before you spend money, there may be easy ways to remediate whatever is causing the problem with your Frigidaire.
One of the first and most basic maintenance steps is cleaning your dehumidifier in general. Make sure to clean the air filter and grill. Dust off any dirt and debris and always empty the water reservoir.
For a unit that won’t run, try pushing the plug firmly into the power supply. If something is wrong with the circuit breaker, you can replace the fuse with a time delay type or reset it.
If the evaporator coils in your Frigidaire dehumidifier freeze, turn it off and let the room temperature rise (between 41°F to 59°F. This helps the coil to defrost. During this time, the dehumidifier compressor will stop working and the fan-only mode will run at high speed. But, it will go back to normal operation once the frost is gone.
Note that dehumidifiers only function under specific conditions, so it’s important to check the temperature in your room. You’ll want to avoid running your dehumidifier in excessively cold temperatures. This will significantly impact the performance of your unit.
But you can’t run it when the temperature is too hot, either. The unit will still run, however, it will struggle to cool the air. In this case, you should turn on a larger dehumidifier or air conditioner.
FAQs
What Are Common Problems With Dehumidifiers?
Dehumidifiers, no matter the brand, may encounter some issues during their lifespan. The problems may come from the internal workings of your unit like the compressor, cooling coils, or control board so it’s always best to consult with your manufacturer.
How Long Do Frigidaire Dehumidifiers Last?
Frigidaire dehumidifiers typically last 5 to 10 years on average. However, the lifespan of your unit also depends on how well you maintain it.
How Do You Maintain a Frigidaire Dehumidifier?
Frigidaire dehumidifiers are some of the most dependable devices for eliminating excess moisture in the air. To ensure that your unit is running optimally, you need to properly care for it. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Selecting the best location for you Frigidaire is important. Make sure to place your device in an area that doesn’t restrict airflow in the rear of the unit. Maintain at least 12 inches of clearance around your dehumidifier.
- Clean the air filter in your device and don’t wait for dirt to accumulate. Either way, Frigidaire dehumidifiers come equipped with a clean filter indicator, which tells you when it’s time to clean it. Some models are also compatible with advanced filters that you can replace every 6 months.
- Your Frigidaire dehumidifier bucket will also require maintenance. Empty that reservoir from time to time to avoid odors and build-up.
- Clean any dust off your unit’s body. You can use a clean, damp cloth for this, and you can use a vacuum to clean the grille. If your dehumidifier uses a continuous drainage adaptor, check that it’s not clogged with dirt or debris.
Key Takeaway
Dehumidifiers can encounter problems along the way, and Frigidaire is no exception. Know that some problems can occur because they are normal, including frost formation or simply a loose plug. The simple issues can be easily resolved. However, there are more complex matters that may need expert help.
But in the meantime, we hope you’ve found this helpful in identifying problems with your dehumidifier. Remember that maintenance is key in keeping your dehumidifier running smoothly.
Good luck!
