Cause # 1: Dehumidifier Won’t Turn On At All

In the event that there is no screen, no lights, and no activity whatsoever, it can be assumed that it is a power problem rather than a mechanical problem. The fact is that dehumidifiers use considerable current compared to other machines used in the same industry. This is one of the most common reasons, which people tend to forget, assuming the worst situation right away.

The next common reason is the internal thermal overload protection mechanism of the unit. It is designed to turn itself off in case of overheating to protect itself from any potential damage.

How to fix it?

• Ensure the power supply is on and the circuit is live

• Check circuit breakers and fuses to see if any are tripped

• Inspect the power cord for any damage, such as fraying or charring

• Make sure that the supplied voltage is correct for the appliance – an underpowered circuit will result in shutdown

• Wait for internal thermal overload protection devices to reset themselves if there was recent overheating

Cause # 2: Unit Runs but Isn’t Collecting Water

This is one of the most common types of problems faced in industrial units, and it encompasses a larger number of potential causes compared to mere power problems. In a lot of cases, nothing is actually wrong – the unit has already pulled the room down to its target humidity level, and there is simply nothing left to collect. Sometimes the problem occurs due to some sort of failure in the moisture collection process while the fan continues to spin.

The most common causes include:

• Room reached its humidity set point – room reached its humidity, so the compressor switches off, but the fan remains operating.
• Room temperature is too low for condensation to occur – below 60-65 °F, coils may become frosted over and unable to drain water.
• Dusty air filter – blocks the air flow through the coil, reducing its exposure to moisture.
• Freezing or dirty coils – freezes prevent condensation, and insulation prevents them from working.
• Faulty or dusty humidistat sensor – gives the false impression that the room is dry.
• Continuous draining hose diverts water away – unit works normally, but water is drained somewhere else. Low refrigerant or refrigerant leak – coils cannot get cold enough to condense moisture.

It is worth discussing the faulty or dusty sensor problem in greater detail because it is easy to diagnose. There is a trick known as a ‘dry towel’ test – take a slightly wet towel and put it close (several inches) to the air intake and the humidistat for a minute or two. If the unit’s sensors work correctly, it should increase the compressor power or show a higher value on the display. Otherwise, the sensors are most likely dusty or faulty.

How to fix it?

• Compare the readings of an independent hygrometer with the display on the device to verify that the room has truly attained its desired humidity level.
• Clear out the dirty air filter if necessary
• Switch off the machine and wait for the frozen coils to defrost; then clean them of any dust accumulation.
• Conduct the dry towel test on the sensor and clean it with a soft cloth or compressed air if there’s no reaction.
• Inspect the continuous drain hose to verify its correct installation and ensure that there are no blockages.
• Seek the help of a licensed technician if you think there is a refrigerant leak in the machine.

Cause # 3: Unit Shuts Off Mid-Cycle or Short-Cycles

In case your dehumidifier turns on for one operation and then immediately switches off or keeps turning on and off repeatedly, there is a good chance that something is physically obstructing the unit rather than a problem with electricity. Almost all commercial dehumidifiers are fitted with an automatic shut-off feature, which comes into effect in case of a full condensate tank, wrong positioning of the tank, or clogged drainage.

Limited flow of air near the dehumidifier can also have the same effect due to overheating.

How to fix it?

• Empty the water tank completely and then restart the appliance
• Pull out the tank and push it back in until it clicks
• In gravity drain models, make sure that the drainage hose is free of blockages and drains downhill
• Ensure that there is sufficient room around the appliance, preferably 12-24 inches all round
• Keep the intake grilles clean for adequate airflow

Cause # 4: Unusual Noises From the Unit

One of the earliest indicators that something may be wrong with an industrial dehumidifier is sound. Knowing what certain sounds signify could help identify problems early on before things get too costly.

• Clicking or humming – generally an indication that there is trouble with your compressor, which could signal compressor failure soon.
• Rattling – generally due to loose panels, screws, or even the motor in the fan
• Hissing – indicates that you have a refrigerant leak, particularly when associated with less condensation removal.

How to fix it?

• Secure any loose panels and ensure there are no rattling sounds from the fan motor assembly

• Take clicking, humming, or burning odors emanating from the compressor as an indication that you need to get it professionally diagnosed right away.

• Get hissing sounds evaluated by a professional because refrigerants require special handling

• Don’t continue to operate a machine that is emitting failure sounds

Cause # 5: Error Codes, Erratic Readings, or Control Malfunctions

The control systems of modern dehumidifiers consist of electronic components such as control panels, pressure sensors, humidistats, and control boards. Failure of any of them leads to malfunctioning of the device resulting in inaccurate humidity level readings, display of irrelevant error codes, and improper cycling based on room conditions.

The accumulation of corrosion in the control panel is a problem that is typical for humid industrial conditions in particular due to the ability of humid air to penetrate electronics over time.

The dry towel test can be useful again in order to identify this problem, not only because of the issue of condensation but also as a general tool to check the proper operation of the humidistat before deciding that it is the control board which causes problems. The reaction of the sensor to a change of humidity level under the influence of a towel must be checked in order to make sure that it works properly.

How to fix it?

• Revert the humidistat settings to default values and configure the unit again.

• Calibrate the pressure sensors according to the manual of the unit

• Check the control panels for the presence of corrosion buildup

• Check the humidistat operation with the help of a dry towel test

• If the unit behaves erratically even after these steps, seek professional help

Cause # 6: Running Constantly But Humidity Isn’t Dropping

The problem of an industrial dehumidifier not achieving its setpoint regardless of the time it runs indicates one of three issues. First, the unit could be too small for the space. Second, it might have lost efficiency due to clogged coils and dirty filters. Third, the ambient temperature of the room might be too high or low. Undersized units are most frequent in industries that have grown and added heating equipment as well as moisture-producing equipment, changing their floor plan.

How to fix it?

• Evaluate the capacity of the dehumidifying unit against the size of the space and moisture load

• Clean the coils and filters thoroughly, because build-up will reduce the efficiency of the unit

• Make sure that the ambient temperature of the room falls within the range at which the unit can operate effectively

• Consider whether another unit should be installed or a higher-capacity one should be installed

Preventative Maintenance Checklist for Industrial Units

The majority of issues listed above are much easier to prevent than diagnose. The following preventive maintenance will ensure that you do not need to call professionals frequently:

• Air filters should be cleaned or replaced every two or four weeks during peak usage periods

• Coils should be checked regularly for build-ups such as dust, mold, or ice

• Drainage hoses and the seating of the tank should be checked for blockages

• The humidity sensor should be cleaned and tested periodically with a dry towel

Requirements regarding the clearance of the dehumidifier should be verified whenever the floor plan changes because pieces of equipment and shelves tend to move closer to the units over time.

When Should You Call Professionals?

There are some problems that can be easily fixed independently, such as resetting the breaker, cleaning the filters, and adjusting the position of the dehumidifying unit. However, there are other problems that need professional assistance because they can be dangerous when fixed without appropriate knowledge and tools. They include refrigerant leaks, replacement of the compressor, and repairing the control board. Electrical issues, except for resetting the breaker,r are also to be solved only professionally.

Solving such issues independently without proper certification can lead to safety hazards and void the warranty of your unit. This is exactly what the Getairify.com professionals can offer.

Conclusion

Each of the issues related to any industrial dehumidifier can be attributed to four main reasons: power source, airflow, refrigeration system, or sensors and controls. Following the symptom map above, you will get to the correct section fast enough, and the dry towel test is something that you may use just in case of doubt whether the problem is caused by sensors or something else. Correct dehumidifier troubleshooting will help in determining the nature of the problem to ensure subsequent professional repair of the appliance. If the problem is not caused by a dirty filter or faulty breaker, we recommend taking a look at our website,Getairify.com, where you will find maintenance contracts and repair services for your dehumidifier.