You have a dehumidifier at home, but it puzzles you when your dehumidifier running but not collecting water. You know that the machine is extremely helpful, especially when you live in a humid area. Not only it improves breathability, but it can also help keep the air within the room clean and free from allergens.
The machine would remove excess moisture from the air, so it’s only logical when collecting water. So, when you run the machine yet don’t see it collect water, you start wondering whether it’s functioning well or experiencing damage.
How the Dehumidifier Works
‘In the simplest words, the dehumidifier’s main function is to collect moisture from the humid and dense air (there is a specific and certain fan to do the work) and then’‘squeeze’ the moisture effectively out of the air. It would use coils to cool it down.
In the simplest words, the dehumidifier’s main function is to collect moisture from the humid and dense air (there is a specific and certain fan to do the work) and then ‘squeeze’ the moisture effectively out of the air. It would use coils to cool it down.
Afterwards, the coils should drop the moisture into a tank within the dehumidifier. Such a design is created in such a way, that the tank can contain the water.
Will a Dehumidifier Always Collect Water?
First of all, it depends on the dehumidifier. Most people think that all humidifiers are the same, but they are actually not. Only condensation-type dehumidifiers would collect water while desiccant type won’t. In condensation humidifier, it would collect water only when the level of humidity is higher than the one set within the dehumidifier. If the room’s humidity level has reached the desired level, the machine will stop working.
Moreover, let’s not forget about the humidity level. When the humidity is high, there is a lot of moisture in the air, which can be ‘collected’ and stored within the tank. However, if the level somewhat drops or it isn’t as high as usual, there is always a possibility that the machine won’t be able to collect the moisture.
So, when your dehumidifier is running but not collecting water, you should also check the room’s humidity level. If there is no moisture to collect, then naturally, there won’t be any water present.
Read also: What Caused the Air Conditioner Sounds Like Running Water?
Normal Running Time
How long should a dehumidifier run normally and properly? Keep in mind that it shouldn’t run non-stop. The machine should be running from 8 hours a day to 12 hours, max. However, if the machine is able to perform well and you can get the desired humidity level, it may only need to run for several hours – not up to 12 hours window. If you want your machine to perform well and last for a longer time, it shouldn’t operate 24/7.
Read also: Why is My Portable AC Producing so Much Water?
Humidifier Running but No Water Possible Scenarios
There are some possible issues that are related to your machine not collecting water. you may want to check on them before calling a pro.
- Stuck Float Switch
This component would prevent the machine from overflowing; spilling water as a result. When the water has reached a certain level within the collection tank, it activates the float switch. The float switch will trigger another series of actions that will turn the dehumidifier off.
However, when the switch is stuck, the machine’‘thinks’ that the water level is full, so your machine will refuse to work properly. You need to check the collection tank and find the switch assembly.
- Full Water Tank
When the water tank is full, the machine won’t work because it can ‘detect’ that the collection tank won’t be able to accommodate more. Check whether it’s full or not. It’s also a good idea to schedule water tank emptying if it hasn’t been done.
Final Words
If you are completely clueless about the machine and you are too afraid to do anything with it (inspect it, do something with it, etc.), then it’s always better to hire an experienced professional. Your dehumidifier running but not collecting water doesn’t always mean that it’s broken if you know what to do with it.
AirconMag is an experienced author and Air Conditioner expert. With years of practical experience in the field authored several informative articles on various aspects of AC unit, including installation, maintenance, and repair
