Delonghi is a company founded in Treviso, Italy, in 1902. This company is renowned for its quality and stylish designs for its home appliance products. However, they are particularly dominant in the domestic dehumidifier market. Delonghi dehumidifiers are highly reliable in removing the moisture from a room as they have the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Dehumidifying the air hinders the growth of mold and mildew, improves air quality for people with respiratory issues, and makes the room more comfortable on hot days. However, as with most home appliances, Delonghi dehumidifiers do not always work as intended. It helps to understand this brand’s common problems to know if you can fix it yourself or contact a maintenance specialist. The article below is a detailed guide on how to run your Delonghi dehumidifier correctly and troubleshoot the most common issues.
How to set up your Delonghi dehumidifier
There are several models in the Delonghi dehumidifier series, which makes them work differently, too; however, the installation process is generally similar. Here’s how you can install your Delonghi dehumidifier.
- Unpack your dehumidifier and check for breaks and damages.
- Choose a proper location for the dehumidifier and then allow at least 12 inches(30 cm) of space on all sides of the appliance for good air circulation.
- Position your unit on the floor or shelf. Make sure the stand is strong enough to support the weight of the dehumidifier.
- Install caster wheels for easy movement; unplug the unit and ensure the tank is empty.
- Make sure not to tilt the unit by more than 45° pull out the rubber caps from the base of the dehumidifier using pliers.
- Fix the castors and secure them in place with the pins provided.
- Then wait at least one hour before turning on the dehumidifier.
- You can drain the condensate using two methods:
- First, pull out the tank and empty it every time it fills up.
- Alternatively, you can use the continuous drain facility on the unit. First, remove the continuous drain cap by turning it counterclockwise and then pull the rubber bung from the spout.
- Insert the rubber hose into the spout securely.
- Direct the other end of the hose to a floor-level drain.
- Ensure the end of the hose is not higher than the spout; otherwise, the water will not flow out of the tank. Also, make sure the hose has no kinks or breaks.
- After installing the continuous drain, wait at least an hour, plug the unit into a power outlet.
- Verify the “tank full/tank missing” light is off. If it is on, reposition the unit correctly until the light goes off.
- The dehumidifying standby light will illuminate during the first three minutes, and then the unit will start working.
Why is my Delonghi dehumidifier not working?
A working dehumidifier should remove moisture from the air in a room. But if you suspect your Delonghi dehumidifier is not working, here’s how you can fix the issue depending on the signs you notice.
- Ensure the power cord has securely plugged into a power outlet.
- Plug another electrical appliance into the power outlet to test if the outlet is receiving power. If the other electrical device doesn’t turn on, there is an issue with the breaker box. If the electrical device turns on, the problem is with the dehumidifier.
- Open the breaker box and reset the circuit breakers. If that doesn’t work, check for blown fuses and replace them.
- Check that the humidistat setting is above “Minimum.” The “Minimum” setting programs the dehumidifier to work intermittently depending on the amount of humidity in the room. Increasing the humidistat level should turn on the unit immediately.
- Check if the water tank is full and empty it. The Delonghi dehumidifier has a safety feature that switches the appliance off when the water tank becomes full. Install a continuous drain facility if you often forget to drain your water tank.
- If the dehumidifier uses a continuous drain, check if the hose is blocked. Then, remove the obstruction to allow the unit to start running.
- Reposition the dehumidifier correctly. The Delonghi dehumidifier will also not turn on if it is not in the proper position.
- If that doesn’t work, remove the water tank and reinstall it correctly. The unit will not run if the water tank is not correctly seated in the dehumidifier.
How to reset a Delonghi dehumidifier
Resetting your Delonghi dehumidifier could help fix any errors causing the appliance not to work. Although the Delonghi dehumidifier does not have a reset button, you can reboot it by disconnecting the unit from power for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. Next, program the settings and see if it is working correctly.
Delonghi DNC65 dehumidifier stopped working.
The Tasciugo AriaDry Light DNC 65 dehumidifier is probably the best from their line. It is highly effective at taking out moisture from the air and a desiccant, which works best in lower temperatures. It is also powerful enough to dehumidify areas up to 75 cubic meters. Here’s how you can troubleshoot your Delonghi DNC65 when it stops working.
- Check the power cord connection and ensure the power outlet is working. If the outlet is not working, reset the tripped circuit breaker or replace any blown fuse.
- Remove the water tank from the dehumidifier, empty it, and replace it.
- Open the access panel at the front and remove the air filter from the unit. Clean the filter with warm water and dry it thoroughly before reinstalling it into the dehumidifier.
- Check the grill on the sides for any obstructions and wipe any dirt and dust with a damp, lint-free cloth.
- Reposition the dehumidifier correctly, ensuring about 12 inches of space all around it.
- If the Delonghi DNC65 is not reaching the desired humidity level, close all the doors and windows in the room. Then check its performance after a while.
Delonghi dehumidifier is not collecting water.
If your Delonghi dehumidifier is a refrigerant model, you’re likely to experience issues with collecting water. The first step to fixing this issue is knowing the type of dehumidifier you have; refrigerant or desiccant. Below are the reasons your dehumidifier stops pulling water and how to solve the problems for both types.
Refrigerant models (DEX14, DEX16, DEX12)
Frozen coils
When the ambient temperatures drop too low, the moisture on the coils will freeze and reduce or stop water collection. Usually, the dehumidifier has an auto-defrost feature that melts the ice before the issue gets worse. But if there is ice on the coils, it means the defrost feature is also malfunctioning.
Check this too: Hisense Dehumidifier Troubleshooting & How-to Guide
Low refrigerant
Delonghi has models that use refrigerant fluid, and these users can develop leaks. First, remove the outer casing of your unit and check for leaks or damage. Once you fix the leaks, you can refill the refrigerant.
Failed overload
If your unit is producing a buzzing sound every once in a while, but there is little to no water extraction, then you should check the compressor. The compressor has an overload device that protects the compressor motor from damage. Therefore if the overload fails, the compressor won’t operate. Test the overload for continuity with a multimeter and replace it as necessary. Also, a common cause for a defective overload device is connecting the dehumidifier to a long or short extension cord.
Failed fan motor
The Delonghi units need adequate air circulation around the evaporator coils to prevent ice build-up like other dehumidifiers. Check the fan if the filter is clean and there is no air coming out of the grille. Ensure the fan motor rotates freely and the fan blade is securely attached to the motor shaft.
Run the unit in a fan-only mode and observe the fan motor. If it hums and doesn’t rotate or rotates slowly, it is defective and needs replacing.
Faulty capacitor
When the room temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dehumidifier is not pulling water from the air, there is likely a problem with the capacitor in the unit’s compressor. The compressor is a pump that circulates the refrigerant through the evaporator to extract moisture from the air. The capacitor in the compressor helps the compressor motor to start. If the capacitor fails, the compressor will not run. The first sign of a failed capacitor is the overload device will trip continually. The best way to fix a faulty capacitor is to replace it.
Desiccant dehumidifier models (DNC65)
Blocked and loose components
Check if the air filter has clogged with dirt. A blocked filter will cause the unit to work harder and make water extraction more difficult. Regularly cleaning the air filter will ensure optimal dehumidifier performance.
Here are other common factors between the Delonghi refrigerant models and desiccant models that cause moisture extraction problems.
Wrong size dehumidifier
It is essential to use the right dehumidifier size for your area. A too-small unit will not be powerful enough to extract moisture efficiently from a large space.
Dry air
If the air in the room is too dry, there will be very little moisture for the dehumidifier to extract. If the issue is not the weather, settings such as the Laundry model will pull the humidity levels to as low as 30% to 35%. You should always check the humidistat to check humidity levels and program the dehumidifier appropriately.
A faulty electronic control board
The latest Delonghi dehumidifier models have an electronic control board that controls the compressor and fan motor. This control board has sensors that monitor relative humidity. When humidity is higher than the control setting, the control board will send signals to turn on the compressor and fan motor. If the compressor or fan is not working, there may be an issue with the electronic control.
The Delonghi dehumidifier pump is not working.
All Delonghi dehumidifier models come with a water tank that collects water. If this water tank becomes full, the unit will automatically stop dehumidifying until you empty it. Even if your dehumidifier uses the continuous gravity drain or drainage with an internal pump, the unit will not work if the water tank or full or not properly seated. If your dehumidifier with a built-in pump is not working, check the following: ( DDX45PE and DDX45E models)
- Ensure the drain hose has securely connected to the drain port. There is a sensor at the drain port on the back of the unit where the pump drain hose is connected that detects if the drain hose is sitting correctly. If the sensor is not correctly engaged, the dehumidifier will not activate the pump. Reattach the pump drain hose until it clicks into place.
- The pump will not turn on until the water tank is nearly full. Then, the pump will extract some of the water from the top and remain inactive until the tank is full again.
- Inspect the drain hose, check for kinks, knots, and breaks and ensure the water flows freely through the hose.
- Reset the dehumidifier to clear any errors causing pump sensor issues. Next, unplug the dehumidifier for five minutes, reconnect the power cord, and test the unit.
Delonghi dehumidifier is running, but the humidity does not reduce
When your Delonghi dehumidifier turns on but doesn’t dehumidify the room, you should:
- Check for a clogged air filter. A clogged air filter will limit airflow through the machine and prevent it from working correctly.
- Clean the filter with warm water and rinse it thoroughly. Then let the air filter air dry before installing it into the dehumidifier.
- Remove any airflow obstructions all around the dehumidifier.
- Check if the defrosting device is engaged. The defrosting device turns on automatically when ice forms on the compressor and shuts off any dehumidifying processes. Unplug the appliance and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. Then, to prevent your dehumidifier from frosting up, raise the room’s temperature.
- The dehumidifier may not operate sufficiently in large rooms or if there are too many sources of humidity, such as a boiler room. You will have to move the dehumidifier to a smaller room, reduce the sources of moisture or get a more powerful dehumidifier for the larger room.
Why is my Delonghi dehumidifier not working for the first few minutes?
The Delonghi dehumidifier has a security feature that won’t allow the unit to start for the first three minutes after plugging it to power. This safety feature prevents damage to the unit components if there is a power surge from the socket.
If it doesn’t work for longer than three minutes, plug it into another socket. If that doesn’t work, check the humidistat using a multimeter. The multimeter will tell you if the overflow switch is functioning.
Why does my Delonghi dehumidifier make the room cold?
High humidity causes the air to feel heavy and musty. But dehumidifiers are not like air conditioning systems that generate cold air. Instead, dehumidifiers draw moisture from the air in the room and release dryer but warmer air. The air temperature coming out of your Delonghi dehumidifier should be between 70°F and 90°F. Your Delonghi dehumidifier will stabilize the relative humidity of a room to an appropriate level, and as a result, the air will feel drier, cooler, and more comfortable to breathe.
However, as explained earlier, a working dehumidifier blows out hot air, lowering humidity. Therefore, if your unit generates cold air, there is probably a problem. Several reasons can cause your Delonghi to produce cold air. They include:
Defrost mode
Check if the unit is on defrost mode. We recommend running your Delonghi dehumidifier at a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit on the lowest. At temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the coils in your unit freezing up, and the dehumidifier will automatically switch to defrost mode to protect the unit.
When your dehumidifier is on defrost mode or fan mode, the compressor shuts off, and the fan will continue running to speed up the defrosting process. During this defrost mode, the unit will blow cold air back into the room until all the ice melts from the coils.
You can accelerate the defrosting process by;
- Turning off the dehumidifier to warm up the room.
- Turn on a heat source.
- Repositioning the dehumidifier to a higher place because warm air rises and air near the floor is the coldest.
Once the unit defrosts, the dehumidifier will go back to generating warmer dry air. If your unit coils are not frozen but it’s on defrost mode, disengage it, and it should start blowing warm air. If the unit continues to blow cold air, something is wrong.
Faulty compressor
The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the humidifier coils. These coils then condense the moisture from the hot air, which collects in the water tank or drains out. The air without humidity then goes through a warm coil that heats it, and the dry air is released back to the room.
Therefore if you feel cold air coming out of the vents, a bad compressor should be the first suspect. When the compressor is malfunctioning, you will hear a clicking noise when you turn on the unit. This is because a defective compressor will prevent the refrigerant from circulating, the coils will not condensate the moisture, and the unit will blow out cold air, making the room feel colder. The best way to fix a bad dehumidifier compressor is to replace it.
Leaking refrigerant
The refrigerant condenses vapor in the air to water. But if the coils do not have refrigerant, there will be no condensation; therefore, the air coming back into the room will be cold and humid. You will need to repair the leak and then refill the refrigerant.
No air coming from my Delonghi dehumidifier
When you hold your hand over the vents of your unit, you should feel warm air coming out. If no air is blowing, then it means your dehumidifier is not working. Follow the troubleshooting instructions below to get your unit working correctly.
- Check the position of your dehumidifier. For instance, a dehumidifier placed against the wall or next to a chair might not draw enough air; therefore, it will not blow out any air either. Position the appliance at least one foot away from walls, furniture, curtains, and other items.
- If the problems persist, there’s probably something blocking airflow. First, check for dirt, dust, lint, or pet fur build-up on the grill covering the fan. If the grill is clogged, unplug the unit, remove the grill cover and spray it clean with a hose. If there is dirt in the interior case of the unit, dust it away using compressed air.
- Dehumidifiers have a fan that pulls air from the room and over the coils. If there is no air coming out of the unit, but the dehumidifier is on, the fan motor has likely burned out and needs replacing.
- If the fan is working, you can check the humidistat. The dehumidifier has a humidistat that detects humidity in the room and turns on the unit when the air reaches the preset level. If the humidistat breaks down, the dehumidifier won’t turn on. You should use a multimeter to test the humidistat for continuity. If it has zero resistance, you need to replace the humidistat.
- Your Delonghi dehumidifier has electrical parts that become faulty and stop the unit from working. These electrical parts power the compressor, fan motor, and other appliance parts. The internal wiring can be short or have loose connections. Because of the complexity of the unit’s wiring, you will need a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
How to clean and maintain your Delonghi dehumidifier
Although the Delonghi dehumidifier doesn’t require much cleaning and maintenance, it needs some upkeep to function correctly. Below are our tips for cleaning and maintaining your Delonghi dehumidifier.
Cleaning your Delonghi dehumidifier
Regularly cleaning your dehumidifier will get rid of odors and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Here’s how you can clean your Delonghi dehumidifier:
Water tank
- Unplug the dehumidifier from power.
- Empty the water tank and dry up any damp areas around the appliance.
- Clean the water tank with warm water and dishwashing soap, then rinse it thoroughly.
- Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide.
- Spray the inside of the water tank with the hydrogen and allow it to sit for 10 minutes to disinfect it and then rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
- Allow the water tank to air dry.
- Air intake and grille
- At least once per season, use a shop vac with a brush attachment to clean the air intake and exhaust grills.
Air filter
- Clean the air filter in the dehumidifier at regular intervals to ensure the unit’s efficiency. We recommend cleaning the filter once a week if you use the appliance constantly.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean off dust from the filter.
- If the filter is too dirty, run it under warm water and air dry completely before reinstalling it into the unit. The water should not exceed 100°F (40 °C).
- You should also clean the filter when you take it out of storage.
Maintaining your Delonghi dehumidifier.
- Proper use and regular maintenance of your dehumidifier will keep it running smoothly for longer.
- Allow a space of at least 6 inches from any wall or furniture all-around your dehumidifier to avoid blocking the air intake and exhaust.
- Unless your unit model is for lower temperatures, ensure the room temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid freezing the coils or burning up the fan motor.
- Set the humidistat between 40% and 50% for optimal efficiency and comfort.
- Do not turn the unit off and then back on too quickly; otherwise, the compressor might overheat. Instead, allow the appliance at least 10 minutes after turning it off to allow the pressure in the system to equalize.
- Make sure to replace the air filter in your unit every six months, but it will depend on the number of pollutants in the indoor air. Always check the filter light to know when to change the filter.
The Delonghi dehumidifier fan is not working.
The fan turns to pull in air from the room for dehumidifying. So if the fan doesn’t work, the unit won’t run at all. Below are common solutions when your Delonghi dehumidifier fan is not working.
Fan blade
Check the condition of the fan blade; look for bending or breaks. Then, turn the fan blade manually and ensure it is not rubbing against the fan housing. If the fan is rubbing against the fan housing or sowing resistance when it moves, the fan blade is defective and needs a replacement.
Also, try to wiggle the fan motor shaft to check if it is loose. If the motor shaft moves slightly, the blade is loose and needs tightening. Tighten the set screw to keep it in place.
Fan motor
If the fan blade is moving freely, use a multimeter to test power to the motor. If there is current to the fan motor and the dehumidifier is not working, the fan is bad and needs replacing.
Blower wheel
Turn the blower wheel by hand. If the blower wheel doesn’t turn smoothly, replace it. If the blower wheel shakes as it spins, it is loose. You can tighten it or replace it. Inspect the condition of the blower wheel; if it is damaged, replace it.
Check this too: Honeywell Dehumidifier How to & Troubleshooting Guide
Humidistat
The humidistat monitors the level of moisture in the air. When humidity is high, the contacts in the humidistat close and send signals to the dehumidifier to start pulling air from the room. So a faulty humidistat will prevent the dehumidifier fan from running. Therefore, you’ll need to replace the humidistat to fix the dehumidifier.
Conclusion
Delonghi makes very durable dehumidifiers for both desiccant and refrigerant options. With proper care and maintenance, your Delonghi dehumidifier can control the humidity of your home for years. However, if your dehumidifier starts malfunctioning, you can always use our tips guidelines and tips to diagnose and troubleshoot.
