April 19, 2023

Dehumidifier: Why won't my dehumidifier turn on?

If the dehumidifier doesn't turn on, first test that the electrical outlet works by plugging a lamp or small appliance into it. If there's no electricity to the outlet, reset the house circuit. If the electrical outlet works, the problem could be in the dehumidifier's internal wiring, electronic control board or the user interface control board in the control panel. To solve the problem of the dehumidifier not turning on, see the repairs listed below.

dehumidifier

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR DEHUMIDIFIER PROBLEM

JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-electronic-control-board

Replace the dehumidifier electronic control board

The electronic control board regulates the dehumidifier's compressor and fan motor. If the electronic control board doesn't activate the compressor and fan properly, replace the electronic control board.

Dehumidifier electronic control board

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RG-DEH-Replace-Dehumidifier-Electronic-Control-Board-Intro-Image
January 01, 2014

How to replace a dehumidifier electronic control board

If your dehumidifier won't turn on, the electronic control board might be to blame. The DIY repair guide shows how to replace a dehumidifer electronic control board.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-user-interface-control-board

Replace the dehumidifier user interface control board

The user interface control board in the control panel houses the selection buttons you push. A wire harness connects the user interface control board to the control board. If the selection buttons don't respond when you push them, replace the user interface control board.

Dehumidifier user interface control board

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-DEH-Replace-Dehumidifier-User-Interface-Control-Board-Intro-Image
January 01, 2014

How to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board

If the buttons on your dehumidifier don't work, the user interface control board could be the issue. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-evaporator-thermistor

Replace the dehumidifier evaporator thermistor

The evaporator thermistor is a temperature sensor on the evaporator coils. It communicates the temperature of the evaporator coil to the electronic control board; if the temperature is too low, the electronic control board detects excessive frost and begins the defrost cycle. If the thermistor isn't working properly, the electronic control won't defrost the coils. Replace the evaporator thermistor if it doesn't detect the evaporator temperature.

Dehumidifier evaporator thermistor

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-DEH-Replace-Dehumidifier-Sensor-Assembly-Intro-Image
January 01, 2014

How to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly

If your dehumidifier's bucket isn't filling with water, the sensor assembly might be the problem. This DIY repair guide has clear, step-by-step instructions that explain how to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-humidistat

Replace the dehumidifier humidistat

The humidistat is a sensor on the front of the evaporator coil that monitors the humidity of the room air being pulled in through the evaporator. The humidistat communicates the humidity to the electronic control board through a wire harness connection. If the thermistor is defective, the electronic control won't properly detect humidity and dehumidify the room. Replace the humidistat if it doesn't sense the humidity.

Dehumidifier humidistat

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-DEH-Replace-Dehumidifier-Sensor-Assembly-Intro-Image
January 01, 2014

How to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly

If your dehumidifier's bucket isn't filling with water, the sensor assembly might be the problem. This DIY repair guide has clear, step-by-step instructions that explain how to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-DEH-Replace-the-dehumidifier-compressor

Replace the dehumidifier compressor

The compressor is a pump that compresses the refrigerant that runs through the sealed system in the dehumidifier. If the compressor doesn't run when activated, have a refrigerator service technician replace it; by law, an EPA-licensed technician must complete this repair because it involves refrigerant.

Dehumidifier compressor

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Most common symptoms to help you fix your dehumidifiers

Choose a symptom to see related dehumidifier repairs.

Main causes: dirty air filter, clogged grill, dehumidifier placed too close to the wall, dehumidifier too small for the …

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, electronic control board failure, user interface control failure…

Main causes: dehumidifier too small for the space, bad humidity sensor, faulty evaporator thermistor, low refrigerant, b…

Main causes: weak or dead batteries, out of range, radio frequency interference…

Main causes: room temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, control system failure…

Main causes: clogged drain hose, drain hose not properly connected…

Main causes: loose fan motor mounting screws, loose compressor mounting bracket screws, bad fan, faulty compressor…

Main causes: collection bucket not installed, collection bucket full of water…

Main causes: collection bucket not installed correctly, cracked collection bucket, loose drain hose connection…

Most common repair guides to help fix your dehumidifiers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dehumidifier.

How to replace a dehumidifier electronic control board

How to replace a dehumidifier electronic control board

If the dehumidifier won’t power up because the control board has failed, use the steps in this repair guide to replace t…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board

How to replace a dehumidifier user interface control board

If the dehumidifier doesn’t respond when you try to set it, follow these steps to replace it.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly

How to replace a dehumidifier sensor assembly

If the humidifier sensor doesn’t properly detect humidity or evaporator temperature, install a new sensor assembly, foll…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your dehumidifiers

Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your dehumidifier.

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…

How does a dehumidifier work?

How does a dehumidifier work?

Discover how a dehumidifier works.…