Causes & Solutions for Dehumidifier Blowing Hot Air

A dehumidifier is designed to remove moisture from your indoor air, helping maintain comfortable humidity levels in your home. But what happens when your dehumidifier starts blowing hot air? This problem is more common than you might think, making your rooms feel uncomfortably warm and possibly indicating an underlying issue.

In this blog post, the indoor air quality experts at McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning explore the top reasons why your dehumidifier might be blowing hot air and what you can do to stop this problem from wreaking havoc on your home comfort.

Why Is My Dehumidifier Blowing Hot Air?

If you’ve noticed warm air coming from your dehumidifier, you may wonder what’s going wrong. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common reasons why your dehumidifier may blow hot air:

Dirty Coils or Filter

One of the simplest explanations for a dehumidifier blowing hot air is dirty coils or a clogged filter. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris may gather on the coils or filter, leading to restricted airflow that can cause the dehumidifier to overheat and blow warmer air. Cleaning or replacing the filter regularly can help prevent this and keep your dehumidifier in proper working order.

Faulty Compressor

Dehumidifiers depend on their compressors to cool the air around them. If the compressor malfunctions, the unit may struggle to maintain the right temperature, causing the dehumidifier to release warm air. A damaged or worn compressor will need professional attention to restore the unit’s performance.

Low Refrigerant

A dehumidifier relies on refrigerant to cool and condense the air that’s being processed. If refrigerant levels are low, the dehumidifier may not cool effectively, resulting in warm air being blown. This issue requires professional repair as handling refrigerant can be hazardous without the proper tools or training.

Normal Operation

In some instances, the dehumidifier blowing hot air may simply be a part of its normal operation — especially in warm or humid environments. Dehumidifiers sometimes produce warm air as a byproduct, especially if they’re running continuously in a room with high humidity. However, if the warmth is excessive or uncomfortable, it could be worth investigating other potential issues.

How To Keep Your Dehumidifier From Blowing Hot Air

If your dehumidifier is blowing warm air, there are several steps you can take to help prevent this issue from reoccurring, including:

• Clean or replace filters regularly: A clean filter allows for adequate airflow, preventing overheating.
• Inspect and clean the coils: Dust and dirt on the coils can restrict airflow and cause the unit to blow hot air. Clean them periodically for optimal performance.
• Schedule regular maintenance: Routine inspections can help identify and fix minor issues before they become significant problems.
• Ensure proper placement: Place the dehumidifier in an open area with good ventilation to help disperse warm air more effectively.

Schedule Dehumidifier Repair With McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning

If the above troubleshooting tips don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to seek professional assistance. At McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in dehumidifier services, ensuring your indoor environment remains comfortable and free of excess moisture.

With on-time service and over 80 years of local expertise, you can count on us to deliver the timely, effective solutions you need to regain total comfort in your home.

Don’t let a malfunctioning dehumidifier disrupt your home comfort — contact our team to schedule dehumidifier services in Northern Virginia today.