When you’re trying to get rid of humid air, the last thing you want is your dehumidifier blowing hot air. This is, of course, just going to create more issues with your humidity.
Your dehumidifier blowing hot air is a normal part of the dehumidification process.
If you suspect that your dehumidifier is blowing air hotter than normal, then your dehumidifier may be too small for your room, the airflow is blocked or the coils are frozen.
Read on to find out more about the causes and how to solve the issue so you can get rid of the excess humidity in your home.
Why Your Dehumidifier is Blowing Hot Air
Dehumidifier is too small
One reason is that your small dehumidifier can’t prevent moisture in the large living space you are trying to control the humidity levels in. If this is the case, you may need to buy a larger model or two smaller models to cover the desired area.
Airflow is restricted
Another possibility is that something is blocking the airflow, such as furniture or a curtain. Make sure that nothing is blocking the airflow to the unit.
Coils are frozen
Your dehumidifier might be blowing warm air if the coils are frozen. This can happen if the room temperature is too low or as the air passes, it’s not getting enough airflow.
To fix this, you can try moving the unit to a warmer location or increasing the unit’s airflow.
Filter is dirty
If your dehumidifier is blowing very hot air but not removing any moisture from the air, it may be time to clean the filter.
A build-up of dirt and dust on the filter can reduce the unit’s efficiency. Clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to replace it if it’s damaged.
If you have tried all of these solutions and your dehumidifier is still blowing hot air, it may be time to get a new dehumidifier or get an HVAC technician’s opinion.
What Temperature Should the Air Be Coming Out of a Dehumidifier?
The air coming out of a dehumidifier should be slightly warmer than the room air.
The ideal temperature for a dehumidifier’s air is between 10-15 degrees above the ambient temperature.
If the air coming out of the dehumidifier is too cold, it can cause condensation on surfaces in the room.
This can lead to mold and mildew growth. If the air is too hot, you should look into having your dehumidifier serviced.
How Much Moisture Should a Dehumidifier Remove?
The amount of moisture that a dehumidifier removes from the air will vary depending on the size of the unit, the humidity levels of the living space, and the temperature of the room.
As a general rule, a dehumidifier should remove between 25 and 50 pints of moisture from the air per day.
If your unit is not removing enough humidity, you may need to buy a larger model or increase the airflow to the unit.
If the unit is drawing excess moisture, you may need to decrease the room’s humidity level.
Check your dehumidifier’s instruction manual for more information on adjusting the humidity level.
Should a Dehumidifier Compressor Get Hot?
The compressor in a dehumidifier can get extremely hot, but it should not get too hot to touch.
If the compressor is getting too hot, this means you have an overworked compressor and will eventually fail.
To prevent this, make sure that the unit is not blocked by furniture or curtains and that the room temperature is not too high.
You should also clean the filter regularly and ensure that the coils are not frozen. If the compressor is still getting too hot, you may need an HVAC technician’s opinion.
Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly?
A dehumidifier should not run constantly.
It should only be on when it is actively removing moisture.
If the unit is running continuously, it may run itself to death and eventually fail. Additionally, continuous operation will increase your energy bills.
To prevent this, make sure that the unit is not blocked by furniture or curtains and that the room temperature is not too high.
What to Do If Your Dehumidifier is Blowing Too Much Hot Air
Step 1. Check to see if the unit is too small for the size of the room.
If the unit is too small, you may need to buy a larger model or two smaller models to cover the desired area. To choose the right size dehumidifier:
- Measure the square footage of the room or any other living space you are looking to remove moisture in.
- Look for a dehumidifier that is rated for the size of your room or larger.
- Check the relative humidity level of the room. A dehumidifier should remove between 25 and 50 pints of moisture per day, depending on the size of the unit, the humidity level of the room, and the temperature of the room.
Step 2. Check potential airflow blockage
Make sure that nothing is blocking the unit so it can get good air flow to get more cold air running in your humid room.
Step 3. Inspect the coils
Your dehumidifier might be blowing hot air if the coils are frozen.
This can happen if the room temperature is too low or if the unit is not getting enough airflow.
To fix this, you can try moving the unit to a warmer location or give your dehumidifier more airflow.
If neither of these solutions solves the problem, you may need to defrost the coils.
Check your dehumidifier’s instruction manual for more information on how to do this.
Step 4. Clean or replace the filter
If your dehumidifier is blowing hot air but not removing any moisture from the air, it may be time to clean the filter.
A build-up of dirt and dust mites on the filter can reduce the unit’s efficiency.
Clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to replace it if it is damaged.
Most dehumidifiers have an air filter that can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
Step 5. Consider replacing the unit
If you have tried all of these solutions and your dehumidifier is still blowing overly hot air coming from the unit, it may be time to replace the unit or get an HVAC technician’s opinion.
When to Contact an HVAC Professional
If you are not comfortable performing any of the steps above or not solving the problem, it is best to contact an HVAC professional.
A qualified technician will diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action as they know the ins and outs of how dehumidifiers work and the electrical components.
