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FAQ: Understanding Common Issues with Dehumidifiers


Photo of a woman in front of her dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air and reduce humidity levels in areas where it exceeds 60 per cent. They also prevent health hazards like the formation of harmful mould. As appliance repair experts in Montreal and throughout Quebec, the Ateliers G. Paquette team knows all about the most common issues that affect these appliances. Here’s an overview.


  • There’s frost on the outside. This can happen if your dehumidifier is placed in a room that’s too cold, if the filter is clogged or if the humidity level is below 50 per cent. It may also indicate a problem with the compressor or the piping in the sealed system.

  • The reservoir remains empty. Does your dehumidifier’s reservoir remain empty after running for hours? There are several possible causes. For example, the unit may not be powerful enough to dehumidify the entire area, or the filter could be clogged.

  • There’s an error code. If an error code pops up, consult the user manual to find out what it means. If you can’t figure out the issue, contact one of our technicians.

  • There’s water overflowing onto the floor. Is the floor around your dehumidifier soaking wet? This could indicate a problem with the filter, drainage system or sealed system.

  • The unit is making strange noises. While it’s normal for certain parts to make noise while running, if your dehumidifier suddenly starts making new noises, this could indicate a serious problem.

  • The unit won’t start. Dehumidifiers are designed not to start if any of the key components are broken, such as the humidity sensor and control panel.

  • The filter is blocked. If your dehumidifier is running but the humidity level isn’t going down, the filter may be dirty or obstructed. Try cleaning or replacing it.

  • The condenser is faulty. The fan and condenser are the two parts of a dehumidifier that make noise. If you can only hear the fan, which makes less noise, you should take steps to find out why the condenser isn’t working.

  • The fan is broken. There should be air flowing through the grille of your dehumidifier. If you don’t feel any airflow, remove the grille to find out why the fan isn’t turning.

  • The unit is emitting unpleasant odours. If your dehumidifier is well-maintained, it shouldn’t emit unpleasant odours. This indicates the presence of mould and mildew. Give your unit a deep clean to resolve the issue.

If your dehumidifier is acting up and you feel comfortable fixing the problem yourself, Ateliers G. Paquette has replacement parts for dehumidifiers from major brands. If not, we can repair your dehumidifier — and all other appliances — in Montreal and throughout Quebec. Contact us today for more information.



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