I have a dehumidifier that runs but does not pull moisture from the air in the basement. the application is about 3-5 years old. It is a Maytag and I purchased it at Home Depot. The Model is M3DG30B2A A. What could be the problem? Maytag said to contact Fedders Corp. Thanks, Jean Marchyok

Don, unless your dehumidifier is a Low temperature model, that very well may be the problem.
The air temp in a basement at floor level is colder than that chest level. Dehumidifiers don't work well at temperatures at 40 degrees F or less. Raising the unit up off the floor on to a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that is strong enough to handle it's weight, plus a full tank of water, will generally solve the problem. The higher up you can safely put it, the better. Also, lower the humidity extraction level to 35%. As 50% is just not low enough in a basement application.

Hope this helps you to solve the problem.

No, it's probably not shot. Just may need some adjustments. Below are the common causes of the problem you're having.

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32 - 35%

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged and needs to be removed and cleaned.

3. Clear air obstruction. Maintain at least 12" of clear air space around the entire unit, while in operation.

4. The ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees F. This is particularly true in basement applications. Raise the unit up off the floor, onto a sturdy table, cabinet, etc, that will hold the weight of the unit, plus a full tank of water. The air temp at chest level is warmer than floor level in a basement. Unless, your dehumidifier is what's called a Low Temperature Model (designed for basements) it may be contributing to the problem. Although, based on all the odds, numbers 1 & 2 above, are going to be the culprit.

Hope this helped you to troubleshoot and solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

Short on refrigerant... or a failed compressor. are most likely or a system problem, causing it to trip off.

There may also be a failed electrical component, you need to check for voltage at the compressor.

cheers

Hi,
There are many reasons for a dehumidifier to not work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrong with their dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101

Hi,
There are many reasons for a dehumidifier to not work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrong with their dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101

Sounds like your relay switch isn't connecting....

Possible cause it's out of gas.

you might have to get a refridgeration mechanic to regas it, or/and fix any gas leaks

Dehumidifiers and how they work
Heat pump dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers use a heat pump (similar to an air conditioner's heat pump) or chemical adsorbents to remove moisture from the air without cooling the air.

A heat pump dehumidifier uses a fan to draw indoor air over a heat exchange coil. The coil is almost freezing. The water in the air condenses on the coil and is drained. A second heat exchange coil reheats the air, which the dehumidifier exhausts into the room.

A heat pump dehumidifier dumps heat lost from the compressor and fan motors into the air. It returns to the indoor air the heat generated by the dehumidifier turning water vapour to liquid. I got this off the internet

After reading comments and complaints from other frustrated Maytag owners, I just went out and bought a new LG EnergyStar dehumidifier. I'm taping the receipt inside a plastic bag, along with the user manual, to the side of the machine. Hope this one works for a LONG time! Ronnisue

the freon has leaked out, must be replaced.