Dehumidifier powers on but compressor never starts; fan runs continuously and no water is collected.

Safety first: Unplug the unit. Capacitors can hold a charge; discharge them properly before testing. If unsure, call a technician.

• Listen for compressor: When the unit calls for dehumidification, you should hear a distinct click and then a hum from the compressor. If you only hear the fan, the compressor is not starting.
• Check for error codes: If no codes are displayed, proceed with hardware checks.
• Inspect start components: Access the compressor compartment and locate the start relay and capacitor (if equipped). Look for burn marks, melted plastic, or bulging capacitors.
• Test relay and capacitor: Using a multimeter, test the relay for continuity and the capacitor for proper capacitance. Replace any components that test out of spec.
• Compressor test: A technician can test compressor windings for continuity and ground faults. If the compressor is open or shorted, replacement of the compressor or entire unit is required.