Dehumidifier runs but does not collect water; bucket remains dry even after hours of operation.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the unit. Do not cut or open any sealed copper lines.
Steps:
- Check environment: Confirm the room humidity is actually high (use a separate hygrometer). In very dry conditions, little or no water will be collected.
- Verify compressor operation: When powered and set to dehumidify, listen for the compressor starting (a deeper hum) and feel for slight vibration. If only the fan runs, suspect a compressor or start relay issue.
- Clean coils and filter: Remove and clean the air filter. Inspect and gently clean the evaporator and condenser coils to restore airflow.
- Observe coil temperature: After 15–20 minutes of operation, the evaporator coil should be cold and may have light condensation. If it remains warm while the compressor is running, the sealed system is likely compromised.
Next steps: Sealed system repairs (compressor or refrigerant) on Honeywell portable dehumidifiers are usually not economical; replacement of the entire unit is typically recommended. Have a licensed technician confirm before disposal.