A dehumidifier is an invaluable appliance during humid summer months or in perpetually damp basements and crawlspaces. By removing excess moisture from the air, it protects your home and possessions from mold, mildew, and other moisture-related damages. However, like any appliance, a dehumidifier requires proper maintenance and care for peak operation. Neglecting minor maintenance now can lead to bigger, costlier repairs later. By understanding what a dehumidifier needs and establishing good maintenance habits, you can rely on quality performance for years.
This article will provide key maintenance tips, including:
- Reviewing owner’s manuals
- Proper placement
- Cleaning various components
- Following safety precautions
Armed with this knowledge, you can keep your dehumidifier running efficiently all season long.
Review Your Owner’s Manual
The first step in dehumidifier maintenance is reviewing your owner’s manual thoroughly. Your specific model may have unique care requirements, so understanding the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations is essential.
In your manual, pay special attention to:
- The maintenance schedule
- Timelines for cleaning various components
- Part replacement timelines
- Model-specific precautions
- Troubleshooting tips
Make notes of any maintenance tasks and timelines specific to your unit. Establishing a proper maintenance routine from the start will ensure your dehumidifier lasts its full lifespan.
Key Takeaways
- Carefully review owner’s manual for maintenance schedules
- Note any model-specific care requirements
- Establish a routine based on manufacturer guidelines
Properly Place Your Dehumidifier
Where you place your dehumidifier in a room can impact performance and requires some strategic thinking. Consider the following placement tips:
Airflow
Dehumidifiers require adequate airflow on both intake and outlet vents for proper operation.
- Allow at least 20 inches of clearance on all vented sides
- Never place the unit against a wall
- Don’t obstruct the airflow with furniture, curtains, etc.
Drainage
Most dehumidifiers condense water that collects in a bucket or empties through a drain hose.
- Place near a floor drain or sink if draining via hose
- Leave space to access the bucket for regular emptying
- Keep the unit level for proper water drainage
Central Location
For maximum efficiency dehumidifying the whole room, place the unit centrally. However, here are some location exceptions:
- Basements – Place near known damp areas
- Crawlspaces – Place towards the vents or louvers
- Bedrooms – Place away from bed to prevent direct airflow
With some strategic thinking, identify the ideal place to site your dehumidifier for room conditions, drainage, and airflow.
Key Takeaways
- Allow 20 inches clearance on all air intake/outlet sides
- Site near a floor drain if using continuous drainage
- For efficiency, place centrally in room
Clean the Condensate Bucket Frequently
The condensate bucket collects water condensed from the air by the dehumidifier. As this saturated air touches the cold dehumidifier coils, condensation occurs dripping into the bucket below.
This bucket requires frequent cleanings for two reasons:
- Prevent Mold & Mildew: The condensate water can allow mold and mildew to grow inside the bucket if not cleaned regularly.
- Avoid Overflow: A dirt- or slime-coated bucket can prevent the water level sensor from shutting off the unit when full. This causes water to overflow onto your floors.
Follow this cleaning routine to keep the condensate bucket fresh:
- Daily – Check bucket level, empty when 50% full
- Weekly – Clean bucket with mild detergent and water
- Monthly – Disinfect bucket with bleach solution (3⁄4 cup bleach + 1 gallon water)
By thoroughly cleaning the condensate bucket weekly and checking it daily, you can help keep your dehumidifier working efficiently and avoid big spills.
Key Takeaways
- Empty bucket when 50% full to prevent overflow
- Use mild detergent for weekly cleanings
- Disinfect monthly with bleach solution
Inspect and Maintain the Filter
The air filter is one of the most important yet overlooked components requiring frequent maintenance. This component removes air particulates as air passes through the dehumidifier to help extend the unit’s lifespan.
Here are air filter care tips:
Know Your Filter Type
Dehumidifier filters fall into two categories:
- Washable: Made of foam, mesh, or cotton layers that can be washed and reused.
- Disposable: Fibrous mat filters that must be replaced when dirty.
Check your owner’s manual to identify your unit’s filter style. Washing vs. replacing will depend on whether it’s reusable or disposable.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Washable Filters: Wash filters every 2-4 weeks with warm water and mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and air dry completely before replacing.
Disposable Filters: Check filters monthly and replace when visibly dirty every 6-12 months. Writing the install date on the filter can help track replacement timing.
Replace Missing Filters Promptly
Never run your dehumidifier without the air filter installed. Dust and debris can clog internal components causing reduced performance and early breakdowns. Purchase manufacturer-approved replacement filters ASAP if needed.
By routinely washing or changing the filter, any trapped moisture, mold, mildew and debris will be removed for hygienic air and long-term appliance life.
Key Takeaways
- Identify if your filter is washable or disposable
- Create a cleaning routine based on filter style
- Replace missing filters quickly to avoid damage
Inspect and Clean the Coils
The dehumidifier coils help remove moisture by cooling air below its dew point to condense water vapor out. For this vital component to work effectively, the coils must stay clean from dust buildup over time.
Here are some tips for maintaining clean coils:
- Inspect Annually: Check coils during annual maintenance for dirt or debris buildup. Use a flashlight to view the coils’ whole surface.
- Vacuum Clean: Use a soft brush attachment when vacuum cleaning coils once annually or whenever visibly dirty.
- Gently Brush: For sensitive refrigerator-style coils, use a soft bristle brush to gently brush away stuck-on debris.
- Air Blast: Use a pressurized air duster on heat pump, freezer, or other finned coil types annually to blast out debris between tight spaces.
Taking time once a year to thoroughly clean the condenser coils will maximize your dehumidifier’s moisture removal performance.
Key Takeaways
- Inspect coils annually for dirt buildup
- Vacuum clean using soft brush nozzle
- Gently brush refrigerator-style coils
- Air blast heat pump or freezer-style fins
Avoid Short Cycling
When turning your dehumidifier on and off, it’s important to avoid “short-cycling” the compressor.
What is short-cycling?
- Turning a unit on and off rapidly in succession
- Not allowing the compressor adequate on/off time
This can prematurely wear out the compressor and cause the following issues:
- Increased energy consumption
- Failure to properly dehumidify
- Permanent damage over time
Here’s how to prevent short cycling:
- Allow the unit to run continuously for a minimum of 10 minutes before turning off
- After turning off, wait at least 10 minutes before turning back on
- Use a hygrometer and only toggle power when humidity levels require it
Avoiding short cycling ensures efficient, long-lasting dehumidifier compressor operation.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t turn on/off rapidly in succession
- Allow 10+ minute on/off minimums
- Use a hygrometer to determine real-time humidity needs
Empty the Water Reservoir Regularly
In addition to the condensate bucket, some dehumidifier models feature an internal water reservoir that automatically empties into the bucket when full.
If this reservoir fails to empty properly into the bucket due to a clogged tube or sensor issue, overflow can unknowingly occur causing water damage.
To prevent reservoir overflow problems:
- Ensure the reservoir-to-bucket tube is kink and clog-free
- Frequently check reservoir water level
- Manually empty reservoir when over 50% full
Tip: If frequently needing to manually empty the reservoir due to improper auto-emptying, have your dehumidifier serviced to fix any sensor malfunctions.
Staying on top of reservoir drainage helps keep your floors dry and appliance working efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Check reservoir-to-bucket tube is draining properly
- Frequently check water level
- Manually empty when over 50% full
Use a Hygrometer
A hygrometer is an invaluable tool for monitoring the performance of your dehumidifier. This small device measures and displays the relative humidity level (percentage of moisture saturation) within a room.
Using a hygrometer allows you to:
- Monitor room humidity
- Gauge dehumidifier effectiveness
- Identify improper operation needing service
- Know when to turn your dehumidifier on or off
The optimal humidity level for home comfort and health is between 30-50%. By using a hygrometer, you can identify when that proper range has been reached and easily monitor your dehumidifier’s performance.
Key Takeaways
- Hygrometers measure and display room humidity percentage
- Monitor to identify improper dehumidifier function
- Adjust unit function based on hygrometer readings
Regularly Check for Mold and Mildew
In damp environments, mold and mildew growth is a possibility both internally and externally if proper maintenance is not performed.
During regular cleanings, inspect the following areas closely for any fuzzy black, green or gray mold/mildew growth:
- Condensate Bucket – Black growth can coat the bucket needing disinfection
- Air Filter – Gray mold from trapped moisture; replace filter
- Corner Ribs – Green mildew in cracks along plastic casings
- Coils – Black fuzzy mold from dampness
Check all dehumidifier surfaces and components during routine maintenance for any mold or mildew growth. Remove growth immediately using vinegar solutions or UV treatment then identify the underlying moisture source allowing growth in the first place.
By staying vigilant, you can keep mold/mildew from damaging your appliance’s appearance, function or air quality.
Key Takeaways
- Regularly check all components for mold or mildew growths
- Use vinegar solution to remove any identified growth
- Determine and address source of moisture allowing growth
Follow the Manufacturer’s Safety Precautions
In additional to maintenance tips, following your dehumidifier’s safety precautions is equally important for safe function.
Refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific safety notices, but general precautions include:
Electrical Safety
- Only use a grounded 3-prong outlet
- Never remove the grounding prong from cord
- Avoid using extension cords when possible
Equipment Safety
- Frequently check for any damage to cords or parts
- Ensure nothing blocks air inlet and outlet while running
- Position bucket/reservoir properly to avoid water spills
Usage Safety
- Turn off and unplug when not in use for long periods
- Follow all manufacturer instructions
- Keep children/pets away from electrical appliances
While dry technical reads, owner’s manuals contain invaluable equipment safety warnings to protect your investment. Following all guidance also ensures your product qualifies for warranty coverage should repairs be needed.
Key Takeaways
- Use a dedicated, grounded electrical outlet
- Check for any cord/part damage before use
- Never block air inlets/outlets when running
Also Read: Essential Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dehumidifier
Conclusion
By establishing regular maintenance habits, you can keep your dehumidifier running efficiently for years. Simple tasks like cleaning filters, coils and buckets take little time but make a major difference in extending appliance lifespan.
Be sure to thoroughly read and follow your owner’s manual care instructions. Seek out professional service annually or whenever technical problems arise. And always follow electrical and equipment safety notices.
With the proper care and maintenance, your dehumidifier will effectively and reliably control humidity in your home protecting against moisture damage and unhealthy mold growth. By understanding and committing to these essential maintenance tips, you can avoid unnecessary breakdowns and costly repairs down the road.