How to Repair Dehumidifiers

Repair your dehumidifier with simple household tools.

If your dehumidifer is broken, do not call for service until you have tried a few simple steps to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Often, clearing debris preventing the filter or fan from working properly will fix the problem. You may have to refer to your owner's manual to find certain parts of the dehumidifier, as the configuration may vary by manufacturer and model. If you do not have your original owner's manual, download a new one directly from most manufacturers' websites.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Detergent
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Warm water
• Scrub brush
• Vacuum
• Crevice attachment
• Brush attachment
• Fin comb

Instructions

1. Unplug the dehumidifier's power cord from the electrical outlet. Take off the water tank according to the instructions in your owner's manual. Unscrew the screws holding the grilles onto the dehumidifier body. Check your owner's manual again for the exact procedure. Some dehumidifiers also have latches that you have to unhook before the grilles will come off.

2. Prepare a mixture of detergent, warm water and one or two capfuls of bleach in a large plastic bucket.

3. Search for the filter. This is usually near the dehumidifier's evaporative coils or attached to the front grille. Remove the filter and let it sit in the bucket until the dirt begins to loosen and float off. Use a stiff scrub brush to clean the filter.

4. Attach the brush tool to your vacuum and brush off the dehumidifier's evaporative coils. Scrub any stubborn dirt off with a stiff scrub brush, making sure not to bend the fins that cover the coils.

5. Inspect the fins for signs of damage or bending. Use a fin comb to straighten the fins.

6. Clean the condenser's coils and straighten its fins.

7. Remove screws that attach to the bottom of the rest of the cabinet to open the body of the dehumidifier. Depending on the model of your dehumidifier, you may also have to remove the drain tray and control panel.

8. Attach your vacuum's crevice attachment and vacuum out any debris inside the dehumidifier's body. Pay special attention to the fan blades, using the attachment to remove any caked-on dirt.

9. Reattach the filter, grilles and water tank.

Tips & Warnings

• Dehumidifiers do not work very well in cold weather. You may think the dehumidifier is broken, but it could just be malfunctioning because of cold temperatures.

References

• Aprilaire: Owner's Manual