Why Your Dehumidifier is Not Collecting Water – Solution

Is your dehumidifier not collecting enough water or any water at all? It’s a common issue many homeowners like yourself face. Sometimes, this can happen even without any technical fault in your unit. However, it may also be due to technical issues or mishandling of the dehumidifier.

In many cases, the solution is easy you can do it without technical help. For instance, sometimes just turning off your dehumidifier for a while helps if you aren’t using a dehumidifier with an auto-defrost feature. 

Let’s find out in detail why your dehumidifier is not collecting water, what steps you should take, and when to seek professional help.

Types of Dehumidifiers: How Do They Differ?

There are two main types of dehumidifiers. And they both function differently. You need to know how each type works to understand fully the causes that stop them from collecting water.

Desiccant dehumidifiers use hygroscopic materials such as silica gel to remove moisture from the air. These units are energy efficient and perform well in low temperatures, usually below 15°C.

Compressor dehumidifiers use a refrigerant or compressor cooling coil to extract moisture from the air. These units consume more electricity than desiccant dehumidifiers and perform well in warmer conditions, usually above 15° Celsius.

Why is a Desiccant Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water?

As desiccant dehumidifiers don’t feature a compressor, they are generally easier to troubleshoot than desiccant dehumidifiers that come with complex compressor systems.

Here are the most common reasons that cause water collection issues in desiccant dehumidifiers and their solutions:

Blocked Filter

A dehumidifier with air filter features a filter that needs to be clean to pass the air easily. A dirty filter significantly reduces the airflow. This means the dehumidifier can’t process and cycle enough amount of air and extract humidity. As a result, it doesn’t collect any water.

A dehumidifier doesn’t function properly if the filter is not clean. So, regular maintenance helps you avoid this issue. Either clean the dehumidifier filter regularly or replace it based on the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Fan Issue

The fan is responsible for drawing humid air into the dehumidifier. If the fan isn’t functioning properly, the dehumidifier will not collect any water.

Check if the fan is properly positioned and make sure no obstacles are preventing it from spinning freely. Sometimes, too much dirt also causes the fan to malfunction. So, remove if there is any dirt or other obstacles around the fan.

 

Why is a Refrigerant Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water?

A compressor or refrigerant dehumidifier requires warmer temperatures and relatively higher humidity levels than a desiccant dehumidifier to operate efficiently. Reasons why your refrigerant dehumidifier is not collecting enough water could be many

Here are some common factors:

Low Temperature

A compressor dehumidifier uses a series of coils to condense air and extract moisture. When the temperature is too low, condensed air starts accumulating around the coils, and after some time, the condensation process stops. As the fan continues to draw in humid air, the compressor releases the same humid air back into the room. 

Keep in mind that the ideal operating temperature for a compressor dehumidifier is between 18°C and 30°C. If the temperature drops below this range, it may eventually cause the unit to malfunction.

You can fix this issue by using a compressor dehumidifier with an auto-defrost feature. The auto-defrost feature stops the dehumidifier when the coils get too cold, allowing it to thaw and warm up again. Once the unit is warm enough to dehumidify the air, it restarts automatically. If you are already using such a unit, the problem might be something else, so you should seek professional help.

Defective Compressor

One of the common problems that causes water collection issues in dehumidifiers is a defective compressor. The role of the compressor is to cool down the coils, allowing air to pass through them and cause condensation, which removes moisture from the air. A faulty compressor may create odd sounds, and the unit won’t be able to remove enough moisture from the air.

You might need professional help to deal with this problem. Some faulty compressors create a buzzing sound. But if there is an issue with the capacitor within the compressor, it can stop completely. Try to avoid using an extension cord, as it may cause malfunctioning of the dehumidifier sometimes.

Insufficient Refrigerant

The refrigerant cools the coils to extract moisture from the air as it passes through them. Insufficient refrigerant, due to factors like leakage, reduces the dehumidifier's ability to remove moisture from the air.

Make sure there are no leakage issues. If there are, have them checked by a professional. Leakages can be repaired, and the dehumidifier can be restored by refilling the refrigerant fluid.

Common Reasons Why Dehumidifiers Don’t Collect Water?

Here are some common reasons that affect the efficiency of both the refrigerant as well a desiccant dehumidifiers:

Low Humidity

If the existing humidity level is too low, your dehumidifier may not be able to extract moisture. Humidity levels below 30% are usually considered too low for a dehumidifier to effectively remove moisture.

Low humidity levels mean there isn't enough moisture in the air that needs to be extracted. Use a hygrometer to measure the indoor humidity level. If your dehumidifier has an LED display, it will clearly show the current humidity levels.

Wrong Capacity

Not all dehumidifiers are designed for the same spaces and conditions. They vary in capacity. If you are using a low-capacity dehumidifier in harsh conditions, it will not function properly.

Use a dehumidifier that suits your space conditions. For instance, a small portable dehumidifier won’t work well in a harsh basement. In this case, you need to opt for a good dehumidifier for basemen for effective dehumidification.

Faulty Humidistat

A faulty humidistat may also prevent your dehumidifier from collecting water. If you are using a dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat, it may sometimes cause the unit to run without extracting water. 

Check and ensure the humidistat is set to the required humidity level. Sometimes, simply adjusting the setting can fix the issue. If the issue persists, look for any visible damage or wear. You may need to replace it if it is faulty. Still can’t figure out the problem? You can consult the user manual for specific troubleshooting steps related to the humidistat for your particular model.

Blocked Drainage Hose

If you are using a dehumidifier with a drainage hose, a blockage can cause water collection issues once the water basin is full. 

Check your unit’s drainage hose for any blockages that might restrict the water flow. If there are any obstructions, disconnect the hose and remove them using a long flexible brush or piece of cloth. You can rinse the hose with a warm soap solution to remove debris buildup.

Conclusion

Is your dehumidifier not collecting any water? The first step is to identify which type of dehumidifier you have—a desiccant or refrigerant dehumidifier. 

Once identified, the fix is often simple. If you can’t figure out the actual problem, seek professional help. To avoid potential damage, regular maintenance is highly recommended.

Are you looking to replace your dehumidifier? We can help you find the best dehumidifier for sale. At Aloraircommercial, we help our visitors like yourself choose the best product at the best price.