How to Maintain a Dehumidifier So It Keeps Pulling Water

A dehumidifier that is not maintained quietly loses capacity, pulling less water while using the same power. On a restoration job that means slower drying. In a facility it means rising humidity. A little routine maintenance keeps a dehumidifier performing.

Keep the Filter Clean

The air filter protects the coils from dust. A clogged filter chokes airflow, which drops the amount of moisture the unit can remove and makes it work harder. Check the filter regularly and clean or replace it on schedule, more often in dusty restoration environments.

Clean the Coils

Dehumidifiers remove moisture by passing air over cold coils where water condenses. If the coils are coated in dust, heat transfer drops and so does performance. Inspect the coils periodically and clean them according to the maker's instructions so they can do their job.

Manage the Water

• For units that drain to a pump or hose, confirm the drain line is clear and routed correctly
• Check the condensate pump works so the unit does not shut off on a full reservoir
• Keep the drain pan and lines free of buildup that can clog or grow microbes

Handle and Store It Right

1. Let a unit sit upright for a while before running it after transport, so the compressor oil settles
2. Do not run a refrigerant unit in temperatures below its rated range, where coils can frost
3. Store it clean and dry between jobs
4. Inspect the cord and controls for safety

Match the Unit to the Conditions

Even a well maintained refrigerant dehumidifier struggles in cold or very low humidity. For those conditions, a desiccant dehumidifier performs where refrigerant units fade. Maintaining the right machine for the job keeps drying on schedule. Browse our dehumidifiers and replacement filters.