Dehumidifiers have complex inner workings and one of them is the compressor. It is the heart of a dehumidifier, responsible for cooling the coils and facilitating the dehumidification process. However, this crucial component can run into problems, sometimes.
Alright, you may be wondering, “But how do I know if my dehumidifier compressor is bad?”
If your device isn’t working properly, with humidity levels persistently high, or if it’s making unusual noises, check your compressor. It may be at fault.
In this post, we’ll look at the possible indications of a bad dehumidifier compressor. We’ll also provide you with some solutions to the issues so you can get your unit up and running again.
How Does a Dehumidifier Compressor Work?
The compressor is a component that plays a crucial role in the dehumidification process. It works by using condensation to draw humid air from the room. As soon as your unit extracts the moisture from the air, it circulates the warm air over the evaporator coils that contain a refrigerant.
In the coils is where a condensation process takes place. The warm air gets converted into water droplets, which are then collected into the dehumidifier’s inbuilt water tank that you need to drain or empty when it becomes full.
Now, what?
Now, you have drier air. Air that’s been cooled and is now ready to be released back into your room.
Common Signs of a Bad Dehumidifier Compressor
It’s not always easy to spot what’s causing the issue with your dehumidifier compressor. As we’ve mentioned earlier, the compressor is a crucial component that draws moisture over the cooling coils where it gets condensed and collected.
So if you notice any of these signs, don’t put it off and address the problem right away.
Constant Cycling
To maintain the proper humidity level, your dehumidifier’s compressor should cycle on and off. If it continues continually without stopping, it might be an indication of a bad dehumidifier compressor.
You need to address this problem right away because if your dehumidifier continues to run for too long, it can result in overheating. This can damage your entire unit in the long run.
Running But Not Collecting Water
So, maybe you’re wondering why the humidity levels in your living space are still at high ranges despite running the unit for hours. One of the most common issues is that your dehumidifier has probably stopped collecting water.
If the compressor in your dehumidifier is not faulty, it cannot draw the humid air into the evaporator coils properly. This means that there will be no moisture to condensate. When this happens, your unit will stop collecting water.
Faulty Overload
Another good indication of a bad compressor is a faulty overload. Your dehumidifier’s overload is an integral component that protects the compressor from damage. It’s essentially a device that shuts the compressor down to avoid overheating. If the overload device stops working, the compressor will not start.
In this case, you can use a multimeter to check the overload for continuity. Also, to avoid a faulty overload, avoid connecting your dehumidifier to a long or undersized extension cable.
Unit Does Not Cool the Air
This is one of the most obvious and common reasons why a compressor may have gone bad.
Your unit’s compressor pumps refrigerant fluids throughout the evaporator coils. So, if the compressor malfunctions, there will be insufficient fluid. The coils will not be able to do their job, which is to cool the humid air within the unit.
Defective Control Board
Your device’s compressor and fan motor work together to effectively dehumidify the air in your room. While the compressor pumps refrigerant through the evaporator, the fan is responsible for warm air blowing over the coils. Both of these components are connected to an electronic control board.
The control board has sensors that monitor humidity levels, which signals both the compressor and fan motor to do their job. When it stops working, it can result in both a faulty fan motor and compressor. This is one of the issues with modern dehumidifiers.
Loud, Rattling Noise
Dehumidifiers can produce a lot of noise. But it’s different when you have a noisy dehumidifier that produces a loud, rattling noise that interrupts your sleep. This isn’t exactly a case of a faulty compressor, but you may need to tighten the brackets that hold it in.
And if your dehumidifier has any loose parts, they can cause vibration, which produces a loud noise.
Tripped Breaker or Fuse
If the unit trips your circuit breaker or fuse, it’s likely that your compressor motor is having problems. This can restrict airflow and result in overheating.
The best solution for this is to disassemble the compressor and test for continuity with a multimeter. This should help you find out whether or not the electricity can flow through the internal components of your dehumidifier, including your compressor.
Faulty Fan Motor
If you notice that there’s not enough air blowing through the coils, it’s likely due to a faulty fan motor. Proper circulation of air is important for the condensation process. So, if it’s not blowing air, there’s no warmth for the compressor and coils to condensate.
In addition, it could also be due to dirt and debris buildup in the fan blade, so you need to clean it up. Check that the fan blades are rotating smoothly and that its blower wheel is properly attached to the motor shaft. A faulty motor can freeze the dehumidifier because there will be a disruption of airflow within the unit.
Frost Buildup
This happens when the temperature in the room is too low. Dehumidifiers work best in temperatures of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice any traces of frost on your unit’s cooling coils, it may be time to replace its compressor because it also tends to collect frost.
What Is a Common Problem With a Dehumidifier?
One of the most common problems among dehumidifiers involves a faulty compressor. This can be due to electrical issues, poor maintenance, and normal wear and tear. It is always important to look for signs of such an issue to determine the right remediation.
How Long Does a Dehumidifier Compressor Last?
If properly maintained, a dehumidifier compressor should last for about 5 to 10 years. Higher-end modes tend to last longer. So make sure to do regular maintenance on your dehumidifier such as cleaning filters and coils. It is also important that you keep it within the specified temperature and humidity levels all the time.
What Causes a Dehumidifier To Stop Working?
There are several possible reasons why a dehumidifier can stop functioning. For one, you may have been using your unit too often. It could also be due to the temperature of your room. Whenever there is a drop in the temperature drops, humidity levels are low so there’s not enough moisture for the unit to extract.
Other causes would be due to a clogged drain hose and other mechanical issues like a faulty compressor, filter, or fan.
Should Compressor in Dehumidifier Get Hot?
Yes, it is normal. In fact, it is normal for any type of home appliance to get hot or warm.
There will always be warm air coming from under or behind the unit, which is a crucial part of the dehumidification process. The compressor works hard at removing excess moisture from the air by compressing and circulating the refrigerant throughout the system.
All the work that a compressor does will cause it to produce heat and can become noticeably warm to the touch. However, if it is excessively hotter than usual or gets to the point where it emits a burning smell, there may be a problem within the unit.
In this case, you need to call for expert help to identify the issue with the compressor and other components within your dehumidifier.
How Do You Clean a Compressor Dehumidifier?
Routine cleaning is the key to making your compressor dehumidifier last for years. Make sure you clean the water collection tank to avoid buildups. You can soak it with a mixture of water and vinegar, let it sit for a while, then scrub it with a sponge to get rid of any dirt and debris.
For other components like air filters and coils, you can clean the grille using a soft bristle brush or vacuum. And don’t forget to wipe down the exterior parts with a clean, damp cloth.
Why Is My Dehumidifier Not Pulling Moisture Out of the Air?
If your unit is running but can’t collect water, you need to check for temperature and relative humidity in the room, which we have discussed above. You need to also test if the humidity sensor in your unit is properly working. Other causes might be due to dirty or frozen cooling coils, or just overall a filthy unit.
Key Takeaway
The compressor is a vital part of a dehumidifier. But if it is not working the way it’s supposed to, it can affect the unit’s efficiency and overall performance.
Identifying indicators of a bad or faulty compressor can help you in diagnosing the problem and decide whether it needs repair or replacement. Signs might include constant cycling, faulty overload, and loud rattling noise, among others.
If you notice any of these signs, it may feel tempting to pry your device open, but it’s best to consult with your manufacturer or repair service. Always have a certified professional handle issues with your dehumidifier so they can suggest the best solutions.
In the meantime, we hope you’ve found our post helpful. If you have more questions about your dehumidifier, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help you. Thanks for reading!
