How to make the dehumidifier quieter?
3 Key Takeaways:
🚀 Dehumidifiers are built with motors similar to refrigeration systems and come with both static and movable components.
🚀 A dehumidifier compressor will generate vibrating noise while operating.
🚀 Dehumidifier noise levels can vary based on the type of the unit. A dehumidifier noise can range anywhere between 53 dB and 65 dB on average.
Too much noise output from any device in the room can be difficult to put up with. Dehumidifiers are units that are built with a mechanism that generates some amount of fan noise and compressor noise. The noise pollution from a dehumidifier can vary based on the unit and it can be handled as well.
In this article, we will look at why you might have a noisy dehumidifier and the ways in which you can reduce noise pollution from the dehumidifier unit you have at home. Let us get started.
Are all dehumidifiers noisy?
Dehumidifiers are built with motors similar to refrigeration systems. This means that they come with both static and movable components. A dehumidifier compressor will generate vibrating noise while operating.
If you suddenly notice that the noise level coming from the compressor or fan motor or fan blade is higher than usual, or if the manner in which the unit is making noise for higher fan speed settings is different, or if the usual humming noise has now tuned into loud noise from internal components that interrupt normal conversation; this calls for intervention. You must take a look at what is causing the loud noises and why the dehumidifier noise levels have suddenly increased.
How loud should a dehumidifier be?
As aforementioned, dehumidifier noise levels can vary based on the type of the unit. Some units might make more noise while others with a quiet dehumidifier compressor may generate a mild humming noise. Although most manufacturers intend to have silent functioning as a priory while extracting excess water content from the humid air, that compressor noise is unavoidable in certain cases.
A dehumidifier noise can range anywhere between 53 dB and 65 dB on average. Loud dehumidifier noise pollution can be marked within the range of 60 to 65 dB. Meanwhile, a unit with 57 to 60 dB can be called a mid-noise dehumidifier unit. The quiet dehumidifiers will fall within the range of 53 to 57 dB.
For a simpler understanding of this sound range we have comparisons to the usual sound levels we are exposed to:
60-65 dB is a noise level similar to the sound of laughter coming from the same room.
50-65 dB is a noise level similar to people having a normal conversation in the same room.
50-60 dB can be compared to a silent office.
If you notice loud sounds coming from your unit which is not usual, you must have the loud noises checked at the earliest. It might denote some deeper problem with the internal components or internal parts due to which you find the dehumidifier making loud sounds. Call an expert to take a look at your noisy dehumidifier unit to have the noise pollution resolved if you are unable to find a solution for it in the user manual.
7 Tips To Try Today To Make Your Dehumidifier Quieter:
Here are a few tips that will help you eliminate unnecessary noises that your dehumidifier makes. To have a unit that is effective in maintaining the relative humidity levels in the air, it is essential to ensure that it is trouble-free. Be it a new dehumidifier unit or an old one, if the dehumidifier makes loud sounds you can follow these tips to find a solution.
1. Uneven surface
Any unit placed on an uneven surface will make some rattling or humming noise while they operate. Whether they are mounted air conditioners, washing machines, or dehumidifiers. The uneven placement of the electrical device can cause a vibrating noise when they operate.
Check the surface the unit is placed on, including the legs of the unit. Tighten the legs if required. Another reason why your unit could be making noise is loose screws. Having loose screws in any part of the equipment, including internal parts and internal components can also be the reason behind the dehumidifier making a sound.
Make a quick check on loose screws and loose components and tighten them. Leaving loose screws and loose components unattended can also lead to serious problems. If the loose screws are on internal components that are important to keep the unit together, then it is essential to fix the loose screws without delay. Treat loud noise from a dehumidifier unit as urgently as you would treat loud noise level coming from an air conditioner.
2. Adequate airflow
When there is a disruption in the airflow, whether in exhaust air or the warm air from air conditioning systems or refrigeration systems; the unit will make a vibrating sound. You might usually notice a vibrating sound coming out of air conditioners and refrigerators as the exhaust air is pushed out. When there is a blow to this flow or lack of adequate airflow going inside and outside the unit, you will notice that the dehumidifier makes noise.
Before you reach out for professional help, you can check the dehumidifier’s filter yourself to rule out issues with the air filters. An air filter in any device, dehumidifier, or air conditioner must be free from blocks. If your dehumidifier makes more noise than usual and you want to reduce the noise coming from it, do a quick check on the air filters of the noisy dehumidifier.
Air filters are easy to be cleaned and inexpensive to replace. Get rid of old air filters and replace them with functional new ones that will help to reduce the noise level from the unit.
3. Blower wheel
Another one that needs a watch is the blower wheel. A loose blower wheel that is loose on the shaft can also be the reason for the loud noise output. Fixing a loose blower wheel can get rid of the loud dehumidifier issue. You can gain access to the blower wheel and unplug the system by spinning the wheel with your hand.
You might have to replace the blower wheel if there is difficulty turning the wheel, or any rubbing or scuffing sounds. If the dehumidifier noise is because of the wheel, fixing this issue will settle your complaint.
4. Fan blade
Unplug the dehumidifier unit and move the fan blades by hand. Loose fan housing, fan bearings, or fan blades are one of the common reasons for a noisy dehumidifier. Carefully check the fan blades, fan bearings, and fan housing if it is rubbing against anything. If the fan blade has scuff marks on them it is probably scrapping somewhere.
Loud noise from your dehumidifier can be from a fan blade that is loose and makes too much noise when switched between the high and lowest fan speed. Adjusting the fan blade correctly will reduce the fan noise while operating on the lowest fan speed and high fan speed.
5. Fan motor
The fan noise coming from a noisy dehumidifier is not from the fan blade, the next part to check is the fan motor. Once you gain access to the fan motor, use a multimeter to test the fan motor if it is receiving power. If the fan motor receives power but the fan blade isn’t spinning, the problem is with the fan motor.
A defective fan motor and fan blade can also be the reason why there is more noise pollution from your dehumidifier unit. Replace or fix the fan motor and fan blade if necessary to get rid of the loud noise that your dehumidifier makes.
6. Faulty compressor
A key component of a dehumidifier unit is the compressor. A faulty compressor will make a sound. If the dehumidifier compressor is worn out it must be checked at the earliest.
Most compressor models last for years together and it is not an inexpensive option to replace. Repair the compressor to get rid of a noisy dehumidifier due to compressor problems.
7. Dirt
It can be surprising to learn that the reason for a noisy dehumidifier can be dirt. Too much noise level coming from your dehumidifier can be from the dirt accumulation in many parts, especially the air filters. A dirty filter makes it difficult for the warm air and cool air to pass through. The function of the cooling coils becomes amplified, exerting more power consumption of the unit has a dirty filter.
Dirt accumulation in any part of the unit can lead to loud dehumidifier noise. The noise pollution due to this is not common in compressors of dehumidifiers alone but also in air conditioners and other devices that handle humid air, warm air, or cool air. Air conditioning systems are also found to function poorly if the air filter has been ignored without cleaning. Likewise, the air filters in dehumidifiers will also cause diminished performance in turning humid air into moist-free air.
Hence air filters must be cleaned regularly in an air conditioner and dehumidifier as often as required to reduce the loud sounds and also to maintain the relative humidity level with ease.
Do quiet dehumidifiers exist?
Thanks to technology we have quiet dehumidifiers available on the market. A quiet dehumidifier is built without a compressor or with the ability to function in a low decibel range. If you are keen on avoiding a noisy dehumidifier at all costs you can specifically look for a quiet dehumidifier. You can also try the following tips to get a quiet dehumidifier at home.
If the dehumidifier makes too much noise and causes interruption you can try using it on the lowest fan setting. If everything is fine with the dehumidifier’s filter and it is a new dehumidifier with no technical troubles, you can use the unit on the low fan setting to reduce the noise.
If the dehumidifier makes too much noise because it is in the higher sound range, try adjusting the distance between the dehumidifier and you. If the unit is placed in the same room as you, increase the distance at which the unit is placed from you.
Most Quiet Dehumidifier For Bedroom (According To Us)
Here we have the quietest unit available in the market according to our research that is the best choice to fix excess humidity trouble while keeping the sound levels at a bare minimum.
TOSOT Energy Star 50 Pint Dehumidifier
One of the best dehumidifiers in the market that comes with a sturdy unit to carry out excess moisture removal from the air seamlessly. It is designed to cover an area of 4,500 sq ft with ease. This 50 pint unit has an energy star rating that makes it an ideal choice to also keep energy consumption less. It can fix the high relative humidity struggles in any area effortlessly.
The positives in the unit include the large capacity water bucket that can hold the 50 pints of water removed, auto drain, auto restart, auto shut off, user-friendly control panel, full bucket indicator, and more.
The noise from this unit reaches a maximum of 51 decibels even when the fan motor runs the fan blade at a high speed. This compressor design is extremely quiet making it a highly recommended silent dehumidifier model.
The unit comes with a user manual that makes operation easy. You can remove and fix the bucket and even clean the air filters mess-free. You can purchase this unit at the best offer price on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of TOSOT Energy Star 50 Pint Dehumidifier
- One of the best silent dehumidifiers in the market that comes with a sturdy fan motor and fan blade; that can operate at high speed silently.
- Air filters can be cleaned effortlessly and are cost-effective to replace when required.
- A high-performing unit that can remove excess water content from the air and even improve the effectiveness of the air conditioner.
- The product comes with a user manual and energy star rating guarantee.
- The durable design of cooling coils and compressor.
FAQ Section
1. How do you know if your dehumidifier compressor is bad?
If the blower in the unit is loud and running but the effectiveness of the dehumidifier is not felt, it is a sign that the compressor needs to be checked
2. Is 50 dB too loud?
No. 50 dB is a safe sound range. Anything exceeding 70 dB is considered too loud and even hazardous to your hearing if you are exposed to it for long hours.
3. How to stop the dehumidifier from rattling?
To stop dehumidifiers from rattling all the loose parts and screws must be tightened. Ensuring all the parts, both internal and external, are tight and intact will prevent the unit from rattling when it operates.
4. Is the Frigidaire dehumidifier quiet?
Yes! Frigidaire dehumidifiers have a good reputation for manufacturing high-performing silent dehumidifiers. You can do thorough research on all their models before you purchase the silent unit with the right capacity to meet your need.
5. How to stop vibration noise on dehumidifiers?
Stopping the vibrating noise on a dehumidifier can be done in a number of ways as aforementioned in the article. The simplest among them includes tightening all the screws, and parts, and doing complete vacuuming.
Wrapping Up
That’s an end to the article. We trust you are learned how to make a dehumidifier operate silently. Share with us your experiences on the noise levels at which your dehumidifier operates and how you handle it.
About The Author
Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.