7 Common Industrial Dehumidifier Problems and How to Fix Them Fast

When a stable industrial dehumidifier suddenly stops working, displays an error, or performs poorly, it can cause serious disruptions to production and storage operations. In urgent situations, waiting for a technician can lead to unnecessary damages.

However, not all problems are complex. This article will serve as a quick "first-aid guide," walking you through the steps to safely check and resolve the 7 most common issues yourself, helping you save time, minimize downtime, and become more proactive in operating your equipment.

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Safety is the number one priority. Before touching the equipment, ensure you strictly follow these rules to avoid electrical and mechanical risks:

• Always completely disconnect the power supply: Turn off the main circuit breaker for the machine and ensure no one can turn it back on while you are working.
• Never open the machine's casing while it is in operation.
• Do not handle electrical parts or plugs with wet hands.
• If you are not professionally qualified, do not attempt to interfere with the electrical cabinet, compressor, or refrigerant system.

7 Common Problems and Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Problem 1: The Machine Does Not Turn On at All (No Power)

Symptom: The machine shows no signs of life; the control panel is dark, and the fan is not running.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

1. Check the main power supply: Ensure the main circuit breaker is in the ON position.
2. Check the connection: For single-phase machines, check if the plug is loose. For three-phase machines, check if the wiring connections are secure.
3. For 3-phase machines: Check the phase indicator lights on the electrical panel (if available) to ensure there is no phase loss or phase reversal.

2. Problem 2: The Machine Runs But Collects No Water (Poor Performance)

Symptom: The fan is running, the compressor may be on, but little to no water is collected, and the room humidity does not decrease.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

• Dirty Air Filter (Most common cause): A clogged filter reduces airflow across the cooling coil, preventing the machine from condensing water. Solution: Disconnect power, remove the filter, and clean it thoroughly.
• Incorrect Humidity Setting: Ensure the set humidity (SET) is at least 3-5%RH lower than the current ambient humidity (CURRENT). Otherwise, the cooling cycle will not start.
• The space is not sealed: Open doors, windows, or ventilation fans are allowing outside moisture to flood in. Solution: Close all openings.
• Airflow is blocked: Check for any obstructions (boxes, tarps) around the air intake and outlet.
• Refrigerant Leak: Place your hand over the dry air outlet. If the exhausted air does not feel slightly warm, the system may have a refrigerant leak. Solution: This is a serious issue; contact DeAir's technical service immediately.

3. Problem 3: The Machine is Leaking Water onto the Floor

Symptom: Condensed water is leaking from the unit instead of flowing through the drain hose.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

• The unit is tilted: Causing water to overflow from the internal drain pan. Solution: Reposition the machine on a level surface.
• The drain hose is blocked: The hose is kinked, twisted, or clogged with debris. Solution: Inspect and straighten the hose; use water or compressed air to clear any blockages.
• Insufficient slope on the drain hose: Water cannot flow out naturally. Solution: Ensure the hose has a minimum downward slope towards the drain point.

4. Problem 4: The Machine Makes Loud Noises or Vibrates Abnormally

Symptom: The machine is louder than usual, makes rattling noises, or vibrates heavily during operation.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

• Uneven placement: Causing vibrations. Solution: Move the unit to a solid, flat surface.
• Foreign object in the fan: A piece of paper, plastic, etc., may have been sucked in. Solution: Disconnect power and check for any obstructions inside the fan cage.
• Loose screws: Screws holding the casing, compressor, or fan may have loosened over time. Solution: Disconnect power and tighten any loose screws.

5. Problem 5: The Evaporator Coil is Icing Up

Symptom: A layer of white frost is visible on the fins of the cooling coil when looking through the air intake.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

• Extremely dirty filter: Obstructs airflow over the coil, causing its temperature to drop too low. Solution: Clean the filter immediately.
• Very low ambient temperature: The machine is operating in an environment close to 5°C.
• Fan is weak or not running: Insufficient airflow for heat exchange.

6. Problem 6: The Machine Constantly Cycles On and Off

Symptom: The compressor runs for just a few minutes, then shuts off, and quickly starts again in a repeating cycle.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

• This is normal operation: The machine will automatically shut off when the room's humidity reaches the set point and will turn back on when the humidity rises 3-5% above the set point.
• The room is not properly sealed: This allows outside moisture to constantly enter, forcing the machine to restart frequently. Solution: Check for and seal any gaps (windows, doors, crevices...).

7. Problem 7: The Display Shows an Error Code

Symptom: The LCD screen displays error codes like E1, E2, E3... instead of the usual humidity reading.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

• This is the machine's self-diagnosis feature, usually related to temperature or humidity sensor failures.
• Solution: Write down the exact error code being displayed, then turn off the machine and disconnect the power. Contact DeAir's technical support immediately and provide the code for an accurate diagnosis and guidance.

Visual Troubleshooting Guide (Video)

When Should You Call a Professional Technician?

While self-checking basic issues is useful, for safety and to avoid causing more damage, you should stop and immediately call DeAir's technical service team in the following situations:

• The machine still doesn't work after trying the basic steps.
• You suspect a refrigerant leak (the outlet air is not warm).
• The machine displays complex error codes on the screen.
• There are signs of electrical problems (burning smell, sparks...).
• The machine is making loud mechanical noises from inside.

With our nationwide technical team and ISO-standard processes, DeAir is committed to responding and supporting customers as quickly as possible to minimize production downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)