My whirlpool dehumidifier fan runs, but no water is being taken out of the air; cleaned the filter and still no change; dehumidifier was purchased in August 2008.

Kim, it may simply be a case of the humidity extraction level being set to HIGH. Lower it to 35%. If it's an analog unit (No LED Display) turn the humidity extraction knob to Maximum. More often than not, this will solve the problem. If it doesn't the humidity sensor may need to be replaced.

I hope this helped you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

Does it have a filter?
http://whirlpool.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/953

also:

"
It may be that the humidity level or temperature in the room where your dehumidifier is located is too low.

When the outdoor temperature is below 50 F, the indoor air will be dry even when the air inside is warm, therefore when it's cold outside the dehumidifier may collect little or no water.

Air conditioners will also remove moisture from the room, even if it's hot and humid outside, resulting in little or no moisture collecting in the dehumidifier bucket.

Some dehumidifiers have a deicer which turns off the compressor but keeps the fan running. When the compressor is off, moisture is not removed from the air. The deicer turns off the compressor when the room temperature is cold.

Some dehumidifiers do not have a deicer. If the room temperature is low enough, ice may form on the evaporator coil. The ice prevents the dehumidifier from removing and collecting water. If ice forms on coils, unplug dehumidifier until ice melts and room temperature rises."

Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote that will help you understand why and what you cando with a dehumidifier that ices up.

Dehumidifier is Freezing up and not working

heatman101

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Mr Bisson, there are several things that can casue the problem you have. All of which a usually solved very easily.

1. Dirty or clogged air intake filter. Remove and clean the filter per the manufacturer's instructions. Clean the filter once every two weeks, as part of routine maintenance.

2. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower the setting to 35% or lower.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12" clear air space on all sides of the unit, while in operation.

Any or all of the above can cause the problem and are easily solved. I hope this helps to troubleshoot the unit and solve the problem..

Keep in mind, that a dehumidifier only draws humidity from the air, if the level of humidity is higher than what the controls are set on. The fan running, may be the automatic defrost cycle, that defrost the coils, if they become frosted over. The defrost cycle, depending on the unit and how is was designed, can last any where from 15 minutes up to 45 minutes.

Also, a dirty air intake filter makes the unit strain to keep up and can't take in moisture as it should. So, if you haven't cleaned the filter on a regular basis, not is the time to do so. And while your at it, clean the cooling coils too.

The easiest and best way to test a dehumidifier at home, to see if it's working properly. Is to place it in the bathroom and turn the shower ON and don't operate the bathroom's exhaust fan. Set the humidity level low (45%), turn the unit ON and close the door when you leave. Wait 30 to 40 minutes and check the water collection bucket. If there's water in it, it's working as it should.

Hope this helped you to solve the problem. Please let me know.

Hi,

There are many reasons why a dehumidifier will not work or collect water.

Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrong with their dehumidifier

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket

heatman101

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It may be that the humidity level or temperature in the room where your dehumidifier is located is too low.

When the outdoor temperature is below 50 F, the indoor air will be dry even when the air inside is warm, therefore when it's cold outside the dehumidifier may collect little or no water.

Air conditioners will also remove moisture from the room, even if it's hot and humid outside, resulting in little or no moisture collecting in the dehumidifier bucket.

Some dehumidifiers have a deicer which turns off the compressor but keeps the fan running. When the compressor is off, moisture is not removed from the air. The deicer turns off the compressor when the room temperature is cold.

Some dehumidifiers do not have a deicer. If the room temperature is low enough, ice may form on the evaporator coil. The ice prevents the dehumidifier from removing and collecting water. If ice forms on coils, unplug dehumidifier until ice melts and room temperature rises.

The filter (on some models) may be dirty or clogged. If so, clean the filter. For instructions on cleaning the filter.

I hope this help to solve, if this answer solve it, remember to rate it. Good luck.

A dehumidifier works just the way an air conditioner works but in a reverse manner. If you encounter a problem with your dehumidifier then it would be repaired the same way you would repair an air conditioner. As such a dehumidifier does not require much cleaning apart from changing the filter. When the filter and coils of the dehumidifier are choked with dirt, it may not pull out moisture from the air properly. The efficiency of the dehumidifier gets decreased and the only solution is, to clean it thoroughly. In order to assist you with the cleaning procedure of a dehumidifier, following are a few tips:

1. Remove the water tank/container and clean it after draining the water. Depending on the usage the container must be cleaned regularly.
   
   
   
2. Cleaning or changing the filter is also important for the main function of ensuring a healthy atmosphere is performed by the filter. Mix some bleach with warm soapy and clean the filter. It will help to get rid of the bacteria, molds and mildew.
   
   
   
3. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the evaporative coil/hot coil. Scrub off the dirt using a brush but make sure that you don’t bend the fins while cleaning.
   
   
   
4. Clean the condenser or the cold coil the same way. If the humidifier is working in a room where the temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit then check the coils whether it is not icing up.
   
   
   
5. See to it whether the fins are bent or not, if they are bent then straighten them out using a fin comb otherwise it might obstruct the effective working of the dehumidifier.
   
   
   
6. And yes do not forget to clean the fan blades and other parts of the dehumidifier.
   
   
   
7. Keeping in mind the humidity level of your room, sets the humidistat of the dehumidifier as keeping it too low or too high may only make the dehumidifier to run longer than necessary.

Also before you start with the work of cleaning the dehumidifier, make sure that it has been unplugged.

Hi,
It could be a abad compressor, circuit board, or maybe even a sensor or dehumidistat...
Here is a tip about dehumidifiers that run but do not extract water from the air..

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101

Hi,
There are many reasons for a dehumidifier to not work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrong with their dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101