The humidistat in a Whirlpool dehumidifier regulates indoor humidity by controlling the compressor. It activates or deactivates the unit based on the desired humidity level set by the user.
If the humidistat malfunctions, the dehumidifier may not operate properly. Fortunately, replacing the humidistat is a straightforward task that you can handle on your own.
Purpose of the Humidistat
The humidistat is an essential component that monitors the room’s humidity levels. It determines when the dehumidifier should operate by sensing changes in moisture. If the air becomes too humid, the humidistat signals the dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.
Benefits of Replacing a Faulty Humidistat
Replacing a malfunctioning humidistat offers several advantages:
- Improved Efficiency: A properly working humidistat ensures the dehumidifier operates only when necessary, saving energy and reducing wear on the appliance.
- Better Indoor Air Quality: Maintaining optimal humidity levels prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, contributing to a healthier living environment.
- Extended Appliance Lifespan: Replacing the humidistat before it causes further issues can help avoid strain on other components, prolonging the dehumidifier’s service life.
Common Symptoms of a Faulty Humidistat
If your humidistat is failing, you may notice the following issues:
- Inaccurate or inconsistent humidity readings displayed on the dehumidifier.
- Continuous operation or failure to start.
- Difficulty adjusting settings or unresponsive controls.
- Unusual clicking or buzzing noises coming from the unit.
Safety Tips Before You Begin
Always prioritize safety when working on appliances. Follow these precautions:
- Disconnect the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker.
- Drain any remaining water from the dehumidifier to avoid leaks during maintenance.
- Work slowly and carefully to avoid accidents.
- Ensure proper lighting in your workspace for better visibility.
- Keep your area organized and free of clutter. Make sure children and pets are away.
- Dry your hands and workspace to eliminate the risk of electrical shocks.
- Consult your user manual for model-specific instructions or precautions.
- Handle parts gently to prevent damage.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting the replacement, gather the following tools and supplies:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Multimeter
- Replacement humidistat (ensure compatibility with your specific dehumidifier model)
Read more: Easy DIY Fixes for a Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water
How to Replace a Dehumidifier Humidistat
Step 1: Remove the Old Humidistat
- Turn off the dehumidifier and unplug it from the power source.
- Remove the water bucket, empty it, and set it aside.
- If present, pull the air filter down and out from behind the front exhaust shutters.
- Remove the two screws on the front of the cabinet using a screwdriver.
- Remove the screws on the left and right sides of the cabinet.
- Unscrew the bottom screw and the two top hex-head screws from the back of the cabinet.
- Carefully separate the front and back halves of the cabinet and set them aside.
- Pull the knob off the humidistat shaft located on the control panel.
- Remove the two hex-head screws that secure the control panel.
- Unsnap the four tabs on the top cover of the control panel and remove the cover.
- Disconnect the brown wire and the connector with the two black wires from the humidistat terminals (use pliers if necessary).
- Unclip and remove the humidistat from the cover.
Step 2: Test the Old Humidistat
- Ensure the dehumidifier is off and unplugged.
- Disconnect the two wires from the humidistat terminals.
- Turn the humidistat control counterclockwise to its lowest setting.
- Set a multimeter to the R x 1 scale.
- Touch the multimeter leads to the humidistat terminals (one lead per terminal).
- Check the multimeter reading:
- If it shows an open circuit or infinite resistance, the humidistat is functional.
- If it shows any other reading, the humidistat is defective.
Step 3: Install the New Humidistat
- Clip the new humidistat onto the cover or secure it using the appropriate tabs.
- Reconnect the brown wire and the connector with the two black wires to the humidistat terminals.
- Align the cover with the control panel and snap the four tabs into place.
- Secure the control panel to the dehumidifier body with the two hex-head screws.
- Push the knob onto the humidistat shaft until snug.
- Reassemble the cabinet:
- Align the front and rear halves with the dehumidifier body.
- Insert and tighten the bottom screw and the two top hex-head screws on the back.
- Reattach the screws on the left and right sides of the cabinet.
- Secure the two front screws on the cabinet.
- Reinstall the air filter behind the front exhaust shutters.
- Slide the water bucket back into place.
- Reconnect the power cord, turn on the dehumidifier, and check for proper operation.
Tips for Maintaining Your Dehumidifier After Replacement
To ensure your dehumidifier continues to operate effectively, consider these maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the air filter and water collection bucket periodically to prevent buildup and blockages.
- Inspect Components: Check for signs of wear or damage, such as frayed wires or rust, during routine maintenance.
- Monitor Humidity Levels: Use a separate hygrometer to verify that the humidistat is providing accurate readings.
- Store Properly: If not in use, store the dehumidifier in a dry, safe location to protect it from damage.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the maintenance recommendations in the user manual to keep your unit functioning optimally.
Read more: How to choose the right size dehumidifier for your home
Swapping out your Whirlpool dehumidifier’s humidistat is totally doable and can make a big difference in keeping your home comfy and mold-free. Plus, you get the satisfaction of handling it yourself and saving a few bucks along the way.
Just follow the steps we laid out, take your time, and don’t forget those safety tips. With a little effort, your dehumidifier will be back in action, working smarter and lasting longer.