If you’ve noticed that your dehumidifier has stopped collecting water as it should, you’re likely wondering what could be causing this perplexing issue.

Dehumidifiers are designed to remove excess moisture from the air around you, clearing up your allergies and keeping your house cool and dry in the process, but when they fail to do so, it can leave you scratching your head.

Before you jump to conclusions and assume your dehumidifier is broken, it’s essential to explore the various factors that could be hindering its water collection capabilities. 

Let’s look at the reasons why your dehumidifier is not collecting water and I will provide you with some troubleshooting tips to help you get it back on track. So,

Why Is Your Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water?

If your dehumidifier is not collecting water properly verify that the air filters are clean and not obstructed, as clogged filters can hinder water collection.

You should also ensure that the humidity level in the room is high enough for the dehumidifier to function properly.

Additionally, check if the unit is operating within a suitable temperature range.

]Finally, consider the age and condition of the dehumidifier, as it may require maintenance or repair.

By addressing these potential issues, you can improve the performance of your dehumidifier and restore its water-collecting capabilities.

Causes For Dehumidifier Water Collection Issues

When we find ourselves staring at a seemingly functional machine that fails to collect any water, we are often left perplexed. So it becomes essential to understand the underlying factors that might hinder their water-collecting capabilities.

In this section, we will explore and unravel the mysteries behind why your dehumidifier might not be gathering the expected moisture.

By shedding light on various possible causes, we aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to diagnose and resolve the issue at hand.

Check the filter of your dehumidifier

Clogged Or Dirty Filters

Clogged or dirty filters can significantly impede a dehumidifier’s ability to collect water effectively. Filters play a vital role in the dehumidification process by trapping airborne particles and impurities, ensuring that the air coming through the grill is cleaner and healthier.

However, over time, these filters tend to accumulate dust, debris, and other contaminants, which end up restricting the airflow within the unit and even cause the fan motor to overload.

As a result, the dehumidifiers’ performance is hindered, often leading to water collection problems. This is because the clogged filter creates a barrier that inhibits the free flow of moist air through the system, preventing the condensation process from taking place efficiently.

To restore your dehumidifier’s functionality, regular maintenance, and cleaning of filters are essential. 

By ensuring clean filters, the fan is able to provide unrestricted airflow, to cool the coils, enabling the machine to extract moisture from the air more effectively and efficiently and resume its optimal water-collecting performance.

Not Enough Moisture in the Air

The humidity level in a room is a critical factor that directly impacts the dehumidifier’s water collection efficiency.

Remember that most dehumidifiers work by drawing in humid air, condensing the moisture on coils, and collecting the water in a reservoir. As such, if the humidity level in the room is too low, it means there won’t be enough moisture present in the air for the dehumidifier to extract water efficiently. 

The ideal humidity range for most indoor environments is typically between 30% to 50%.  Check to see if the humidity levels in your home fall below this range, the air may be too dry for the dehumidifier to extract a significant amount of moisture.

A Dehumidifier will not collect water if it is too cold

Too Cold

Another crucial variable that can significantly affect your dehumidifier’s water collection capabilities is the ambient temperature in which it operates. If the room temperature is too low, meaning the environment is too cold, the efficiency of the dehumidifier’s moisture removal and collection process will be significantly reduced.

This is because a dehumidifier’s water collection relies on the process of condensation. In other words, when warm, humid air passes over the dehumidifier’s compressor coils (unless you have a desiccant dehumidifier), the excess moisture in the air condenses, forming water droplets that are collected.

However, if the environmental temperature is too cold, below 60°F degrees Fahrenheit for most dehumidifier models, the process of condensation is hindered, resulting in a noticeable reduction in water collection. 

To ensure that your dehumidifier operates efficiently and collects water as designed, it’s important to consult your manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the recommended temperature range for your specific model.

Most modern dehumidifiers work optimally within the range of 65°F and 80°F.

This means that you have to pay extra close attention when running your dehumidifier during the colder winter months. You should also avoid placing your unit in basements, garages, or other areas of your home that are not temperature-controlled.

If you live in an area that deals with consistently low temperatures, you should consider investing in a dehumidifier that has been specifically designed for low-temperature environments to ensure optimal water collection, such as this 2500 sq. Ft – 30 Pint Dehumidifier from RUWORA.

Age and Condition

The age and condition of your dehumidifier are essential considerations when troubleshooting issues with decreased water collection. Your dehumidifier, like any other home appliance, will wear out over time as it accumulates hours of operation, resulting in a gradually declining performance.

So, if your dehumidifier is old or displaying signs of wear and tear, it is crucial to assess its condition to identify any potential issues.

The most common signs to look out for are strange noises during operation, leaks, reduced airflow, reduced water collection, and inconsistent humidity control.

In such cases, maintenance or repair may be needed to restore the faulty dehumidifier’s water-collecting capabilities. This can include cleaning coils, checking and replacing filters, and clearing any debris or blockages from the drainage line.

However, its not always worth it to diagnose and fix a dehumidifier that is significantly aged, it may be best to consider it lost and you should start looking for a new dehumidifier. Older models are likely to be much less efficient than newer ones, and investing in a new unit could provide you with better performance and energy savings.

The water collection tank on a dehumidifier

Summing Up – Dehumidifier Stopped Collecting Water Resolved!

If you notice that you have a dehumidifier that won’t collect water properly, it may not necessarily be a problem.

In some instances, it could simply mean that there isn’t enough humidity in the air at that specific time. To determine if this is the case, you can wait for a day with higher humidity levels and observe if the dehumidifier resumes normal operation. 

However, if your dehumidifier continues to have issues collecting water, more troubleshooting is likely necessary.

Understanding why your dehumidifier may stop collecting water properly is crucial for resolving the issue and optimizing its performance. Consider factors such as clogged filters, low humidity, cold temperatures, and the general condition of the unit.

If all troubleshooting fails, it may be time to consider replacing your defective dehumidifier and buying a new model.

Remember, a well-functioning dehumidifier not only improves indoor air quality, it also promotes healthy and comfortable living.