Dehumidifier runs but does not collect water; humidity in the room remains high.

Safety first: Unplug the unit before inspection. Do not attempt to open the sealed refrigeration system unless you are a certified technician.

• Check basic settings: Ensure the humidity setpoint is lower than the current room humidity and that the unit is in dehumidify mode, not fan-only.
• Verify compressor operation: After the unit has been running for 10–15 minutes, feel the condenser coil (should be warm) and the evaporator coil (should be cool and may have light condensation). If both coils are near room temperature, the sealed system may not be working.
• Listen for compressor: A healthy compressor will produce a steady hum and slight vibration. If you only hear the fan, the compressor may not be starting.
• Clean coils and filter: Clean the air filter and both coils thoroughly. Poor airflow can mimic sealed system issues.
• When to call a technician: If the compressor runs but the evaporator never gets cold, or if there is oily residue on tubing (sign of a leak), the sealed system likely has lost refrigerant. This requires specialized tools and EPA certification. Contact a qualified appliance technician; replacement of the unit is often more economical than sealed system repair on small dehumidifiers.