Why does my dehumidifier keep shutting off

Humidity control is an absolute must in a home, especially in a place like a basement which is known for its high relative humidity level. The desired level of humidity can be met with the help of a good dehumidifier. Dehumidifier units are famous to keep the space moisture-free. Different units come with different capacities and features.

The important aspect to remember is that it does stop with how a dehumidifier works, rather it must be consistent. A dehumidifier that is running smoothly can give proper humidity control and not when it is defective. Hence, dehumidifier understanding is essential to know how to handle a defective dehumidifier unit and help it stay running. Knowing why a dehumidifier keeps shutting off and exactly what can be done will make sure your problem is easily fixed.

Let us take a look at the step-by-step reasons for why a dehumidifier keeps shutting off and how a dehumidifier works, and the ways you can simplify things to ensure your dehumidifier keeps running smoothly and consistent with humidity level maintenance.

Does a dehumidifier go on and off?

Yes! Some homeowners who are new to having dehumidifiers at home often question themselves why does my dehumidifier keep shutting off. It is not uncommon when a dehumidifier turns Off. Let us see why.

A dehumidifier unit can turn off when the relative humidity level of desired humidity level that has been fed into the unit has been reached. The automatic electronic control models can turn the dehumidifier On and Off.

Most dehumidifiers have a control board setting with an On and Off. Based on the relative humidity level set in the dehumidifier units and the level of water in the water collection bucket, the unit will turn Off. This automatic turning off of the unit will prevent the water collection bucket from overflowing.

Machines shutting off and on are common and that is how some electrical units perform. When the desired level is attained the unit turning off is how a part of the dehumidifier work is done.

There can be several reasons why a dehumidifier keeps shutting off if it is not an automatic setting. A few of the reasons could include; electrical repairs, ice buildup in the cold coils, compressor circuit loose connection, defective removal bucket, dust blocking fan blades or fan motor, faulty control board, defective humidistat or humidity sensor, silica gel in need of replacement, overheated unit, the refrigerant needs refilling, etc.

Most of the time, simple repairs like cleaning the device’s outer cover using a soft brush or soft cloth or its cooling coils and evaporator coils (if there is dust blocking their functioning), repairing electrical parts or changing the spare parts, quick filter clean routine, etc., should be sufficient to get the dehumidifier working again. Expert repair, custom troubleshooting, or even a free repair from the company are other options that will help you to solve the problem.

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If you often find yourself asking why does my dehumidifier keep shutting off, it is time you look into it. Maintaining humidity levels properly is important to have a home free from excess moisture and the accompanying problems. Seamless humidity control and relative humidity level maintenance can be done only when the dehumidifier work is carried out.

All the important parts of the dehumidifier, like the air filter, fan motor, control board, air condensing coils, cold coils, compressor circuit, removal bucket, fan blades, silica gel, refrigerant, etc., must be under the perfect condition to ensure the dehumidifier can stay running.

Different units function differently, hence, to simplify things we should begin adding your concerns to a list and quickly work on them step by step before the repairs get out of hand. Improve dehumidifier understanding by learning its spare parts and its refrigerant if it’s a desiccant model. Ensure you have researched the specific model number you have purchased. Proper maintenance of the dehumidifier will help the machine keep the air moisture free be it a hot season or cold winter.

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If your dehumidifier keeps shutting off and you are unable to maintain humidity level properly, there are many reasons that could be causing them. Your unit may either shut off only a few moments or could turn OFF completely for long hours. No matter the reason, there is always a solution. Minor electrical repairs might be able to find a solution to exactly what causes your dehumidifier to shut off.

Let us take a look at a few reasons that hinder seamless humidity level maintenance of most dehumidifiers. Here we will see how to help the unit perform with ease to carry out humidity control and to keep the air free from excess moisture.

Blocked air filter

A blocked air filter in a dehumidifier seems like one of those simple repairs but it can cause big damage. It does not just reduce the quality of the air being circulated across the room, but it also damages the evaporator coils.

When air filters are blocked with accumulated dust, the filtered air reaching the room is not going to take place. You will notice a warmer room and humidity levels that are unaltered. Air filters that are blocked and left unclean will cause poor air condensing on the evaporator coils. Overheated cooling coils and evaporator coils mean the compressor circuit and the unit are under immense pressure.

The unit will have to work harder to keep up the airflow and hence you will have more energy and power usage. Other problems include ice buildup on the cooling coils. When frost forms on the cooling coils, the unit operation will dip and you will also have an empty removable bucket consistently (which is a sign that the filter clean routine is due).

Usually cleaning the filters is simple and does not require expert repair. Some companies offer free repair on filters as one of their services. For the step-by-step method of cleaning filters; you begin adding mild detergent to the water and set aside. Wipe clean the outer cover of the dehumidifier and then remove the filters. Use a soft brush to dust off the dirt and wash with soapy water. Wipe clean and dry using a soft cloth and then keep track if the machines’ shutting off has reduced.

If the unit finds it difficult to stay running even after cleaning the filters, you might need electrical parts or spare parts replaced. You can even move the location of the dehumidifier from a warmer area to the basement or vice versa. Once the problem is easily fixed, meaning the desired level of humidity will be easy.

Fan speed

Another reason what there is a disruption in how a dehumidifier works and finds it hard to stay running is fan blower trouble. Defective fan motor or fan blades will also make frost form on the cold coils. When this happens the dehumidifier will go into defrost mode and you cannot have the relative humidity level maintained in the room.

The cold coil will take up the warmth from the air the fan blows into the unit and then form droplets of water via condensation takes place. When air does not enter adequately or does so at the wrong moment, you find that the dehumidifier keeps shutting off. Filtered air and desired humidity level; neither of these will be met.

Less of refrigerant

Refrigerant leaks are another reason that causes dehumidifiers to shut off quickly. A nifty step to solve this problem and ensure the dehumidifier can stay running to meet the desired humidity levels is to begin adding refrigerants.

Check the model number of your dehumidifier on what refrigerant is used and refill it quickly. A desiccant model might have silica gel that can need a recharge to stay running. When there is a sudden change in humidity level and temperature and you notice a warmer area around you, you will know the refrigerant needs a recharge.

Clogged coils

Humidity control will reduce and the relative humidity levels cannot be maintained if the coils in the unit are clogged. The cold coils within the unit can be clogged with frost or dust. If your dehumidifier keeps shutting off that lasts only a few moments or longer, you must get professional repairs done in the coils.

They will be able to throw full light on the problem and let you know if you can just repair parts or more expert repair is needed.

Defective humidistat

One of the important requirements for effective humidity control is a humidistat. The desired humidity level can be maintained only when the relative humidity of the room is known. Some dehumidifiers come with their own built-in humidistat which makes work easier.

If you have a defective humidistat, humidity sensor, or control board; the device will identify faulty readings. A humidistat decides when the dehumidifier should stay running or when it must turn Off (only for a few moments or until the air needs excess moisture removed again).

Control board settings

When electronic control models operate with a control board, it is common for the machines to shut down. This does not indicate that a problem with the dehumidifier exists, rather it can be a simple issue of faulty settings on the board.

The desired level of humidity set on the device can be wrong. If your dehumidifier keeps shutting down only a few moments but it happens more than once a day; do not forget to check the control board.

Excess moisture removal from the air and humidity control can be seamless only if the relative humidity level set on the board is accurate. Prevent your dehumidifier from turning Off at the wrong moment but setting the desired level of humidity on the unit correctly.

What do you do when your dehumidifier stops working?

If your dehumidifier keeps shutting off or has stopped working completely, it is time to act quickly with a nifty step. Check what may have caused the unit to shut down. If it was a change in temperature (moving the dehumidifier to a warmer room), hot season or cold season where the unit was left unattended, etc.

Check the unit for immediate problems you can identify. Once you have checked the connections, wire, emptied water from the removable bucket, etc., call in for expert help or fill out a request form at the service center for assistance.

A step-by-step approach to the dehumidifier, for the specific model number that you have, will make sure the dehumidifier can stay running. When you repair parts and spare parts with minor issues you will get fast delivery of results. Maintaining relative humidity levels properly can be done once the problems are fixed.

Wrapping Up

With this, we have reached the end o the article. Hope this answered everyone who wonders why does my dehumidifier keep shutting off. Let us know which model dehumidifier you have and how it works to execute relative humidity control.