Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water
The modern finest dehumidifiers are durable. But like all electronic devices, you cannot tell when any default will arise in the case of a dehumidifier as well.
So, is your dehumidifier out of order? Or are you finding less water in it than it should be? Then our article will be beneficial for you in solving the issues.
We will focus on the prime reasons why such problems occur and how you can resolve them. Also, we will recommend you when to stop trying DIY methods and contact the experts for helping you out.
Before you start troubleshooting your dehumidifier, let us find out its types available in the market. It will help you recognize the kind of machine you own so that you can take steps according to that.
Types of Dehumidifiers
1. Refrigerant Dehumidifier: It is the most common type of dehumidifying gear in the United Kingdom. However, it is a bit noisy but does a great job at extracting extra moisture from the air.
It also uses a very minimum level of energy in warmer conditions. It works by passing the warm air over the cooler coils.
Thus, the water concentrates and trickles into the water-containing tank. Though it is an efficient gear in extracting humidity, it is more prone to develop faults.
2. Desiccant Dehumidifier: It is less power-efficient but does better in cooler weather. It is a popular choice for use in unheated rooms or garages.
It is smaller in size dehumidifier and quieter than the prior model. The desiccant machine does not equip a compressor since it has one less thing to become faulty.
Common Causes Why a Dehumidifier Stops Accumulating Much Water as It Should Do
If your dehumidifying gear is not working as it should do, there may be several issues rather than just electrical or mechanical fault. The other probable conditions can be as such-
1. Low Temperature: The Refrigerant dehumidifier needs a difference of temperature between the coils and air. When the warmer air and the cooler ring collide against each other, moisture compresses and drops into the water-containing tank. As soon as the outer temperature decreases, the coils must become cooler to maintain the temperature variation.
So, this type of dehumidifier becomes less effective with the decreasing state of temperature. Therefore, if you ever face such an issue, check the surrounding weather condition. Your gear probably is not working due to the lower temperature; as in such weather, the coils start to freeze up.
2. Large Extraction Volume: A dehumidifier with a higher extraction rate dehumidifies the entire house. However, if you use it for a smaller-sized room, it will not extract as much water as it usually does.
It is not the fault of the machine; instead, it has just completed its work more quickly. So, only use dehumidifier in vast bedroom room or the entire house.
Also, every dehumidifier will usually remove more humidity during its earliest week of function. Once the humidity level drops to a controllable level, it extracts less water.
3. Impractical Expectations from The Machine: Every manufacturer has mentioned a maximum water-extracting capacity for every dehumidifier.
However, this theoretical capacity becomes practical only under the ideal condition. This condition is 30 degrees Celsius for a refrigerant dehumidifier with a high humidity level of around 80%.
And, usually, you do not get such a situation in the United Kingdom. So, if you expect the machine to extract as much water as the manufacturers mentioned, it will be an impractical expectation from your poor device.
Potential Defects That Stop a Dehumidifier to Working
If you already have checked the previous reasons and yet your machine is not working, there may be one or more than one component that has become faulty.
In such a case, you should contact the maker of the dehumidifier. Even if the machine is currently not under the coverage of warranty, the support team of the manufacturer can help you out in the best possible way.
If taking this step seems impossible, check the following reasons for faults and how you can solve them by yourself.
1. Restricted Fan or Blocked Filter
Problem: A dehumidifier blows air over the internal coils for removing air and preventing ice build-ups. If it lacks enough airflow across the dehumidifying machine, it will struggle in extracting moisture.
Solution: It is a comparatively easy issue to detect. It will help if you put a hand close to the grill to check the volume of warm air blowing out from the dehumidifier. If you feel a weak airflow, this may be the reason why your dehumidifier is struggling.
Then check the filter to see whether there is any blockage or not. If you find the filter clogged with fluff and dirt, clean it so that the air can pass spontaneously. It will be best if you cleanse the filters regularly to avoid such occurrence. Also, check whether the fan has become blocked or caught. It should spin without hindrance to maintaining the proper airflow.
Always check your machine without plugging it in. Also, if you feel uncomfortable while doing it, call an experienced person who can deal with electricity in a better way.
2. Blocked Drainage Pipe
Problem: Almost all dehumidifying machines come with a drainage pipe that continuously drains out the accumulated water rather than storing it in the tank. This function may not work if the line gets blocked. Also, the position of the pipe and the flowing path of water should comply with gravity.
Solution: If such problems occur, check whether there is any blockage in the pipe. Also, check whether the position of the tube is water flowing supportive or not.
3. Leakage of Refrigerant Fluid
Problem: Of course, it is not an issue related to the desiccant dehumidifier. The refrigerant dehumidifier develops such cases if even if a small leakage occurs. You will need to check the leakage from the inner of the machine after switching off the power supply.
Solution: In such a case, contact a professional to help you out.
4. Faulty Compressor
Problem: It is a vital part of the refrigerant dehumidifier. If it becomes faulty, the machine will become unable to collect moisture.
Here, the most common indicator is recurrent buzzing. It often causes because of the compressor & capacitor. Also, a failed overloaded device can be the reason.
Solution: Unfortunately, you will need to replace your machine or call a specialist to repair it.
5. Faulty Humidistat
Problem: Most dehumidifying gears come with a built-in humidistat to measure the relative humidity. If this part becomes flawed, the machine receives erroneous information regarding the current humidity level.
The most frequent reason for this issue is a defective electronic control board. In such a case, the machine stops collecting water because of the wrong signal it gets from the humidistat.
Solution: Again, you must contact a professional to test and fix this issue.
Summary
The problems and solutions described above are not so hard to detect and solve.
Yet, always keep in mind that you should contact the manufacturers or follow the manual if you suspect a severe default in your dehumidifier since trying DIY repairing methods can nullify the warranty.
Also, it may be a hazardous act for you as well as your gear.
