it's not pulling any water out of the air, bucket stays dry, but the fan is running. humidity in the room is high.

— asked by Taylor

Quick answer: If the fan runs but no water collects, the compressor (the part that does the actual cooling and dehumidifying) isn't kicking on. This could be due to a cold room, a clogged coil, or a faulty start component.

Diagnosis

If the fan runs but no water collects, the compressor (the part that does the actual cooling and dehumidifying) isn't kicking on. This could be due to a cold room, a clogged coil, or a faulty start component.

How to Fix It

First, check the set point. Press the 'Humidity' button until the display shows a number lower than the current room humidity. If you have it set to 60% and the room is at 55%, it won't run the compressor. Set it to 35-40% as a test. You should hear a distinct 'click' and a deeper humming sound as the compressor engages within a minute.

If That Didn't Work

The evaporator coils inside might be frozen solid. Turn the unit off, unplug it, and let it sit for 12-24 hours to completely thaw. Before restarting, check that the air filter (behind the grille) is clean. A dirty filter restricts airflow, which leads to freezing.

Heads Up

These units have a minimum operating temperature. If the room is below about 65°F (18°C), the efficiency plummets and it may not run the compressor at all to prevent damage. It's really designed for warm, damp basements, not chilly spaces.

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