Reasons Your GE Dehumidifier Keeps Shutting Off, and Simple Fixes
The air is thick and sticky, and your once-comfortable haven feels like a sauna. Your trusty GE dehumidifier, one of the best humidity fighters, sits silent, refusing to budge.
Don’t despair! Before resigning yourself to another night of clammy misery, let’s crack the code of your malfunctioning appliance.
This comprehensive guide will reveal the top 10 reasons why your GE dehumidifier might be playing hooky, along with simple fixes to get it humming happily again.
10 reasons your GE dehumidifier is not lowering humidity
- Power Issues
- Incorrect humidity setting
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty condenser coils
- Thermostat glitch
- Refrigerant Leak
- Defective fan
- Faulty control board
- P1 code pump not working
- The dehumidifier is too old
Dehumidifiers will always misbehave, you know, as anything that can go wrong will go wrong. For instance, a dehumidifier blows cold air when it is faulty. Also, a dehumidifier blows hot air instead of warm air, when it is faulty.
But if something goes wrong with your unit, it does not mean that is the end of its life. Most of these problems are fixable, as you will see here.
But first, the main causes of your GE dehumidifier failing to work properly are:
1. Power Issues
The simplest culprit might be the most overlooked. Check if the plug is snug in the outlet, the power switch is on, and there’s no tripped breaker. Also, check that the socket is not broken, there are no blown fuses, and so on.
2. Incorrect humidity setting
Did you accidentally bump the humidity setting past your desired level? The dehumidifier might be “done” its job prematurely. Adjust the setting to match your comfort level.
3. Clogged air filter
A clogged filter restricts airflow, hindering efficiency and triggering the auto-shut-off function. In some cases, the dehumidifier might keep running, but the high humidity level inside still remains. Remove, clean, or replace the filter according to the manual.
4. Dirty condenser coils
Dust and grime can build up on the condenser coil, reducing its ability to cool and condense moisture. Gently clean the dehumidifier coils with a soft brush and vacuum.
5. Thermostat glitch
Dehumidifiers work best at a temperature of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 29 degrees Celsius).
A faulty thermostat might misinterpret the room temperature, prompting the dehumidifier to stay inactive. Consult the manual for troubleshooting tips, or consider professional help.
6. Refrigerant leak
Sometime in the past, dehumidifiers used Freon. Today, the R-410A refrigerant has become the refrigerant of choice for dehumidifier manufacturers.
Nonetheless, there is still the risk of a refrigerant leak.
A leak is characterized by hissing sounds or a faint chemical odor. If you suspect this to be the case, immediately unplug the dehumidifier and contact GE for service.
7. Defective fan
A malfunctioning fan won’t circulate air properly, hindering the dehumidifying process.
Listen for unusual noises or excessive heat emanating from the fan area. The good thing is that you can order a new fan and replace it. If your unit is still under warranty, consult GE.
8. Faulty control board
The control board acts as the dehumidifier’s brain, which coordinates all the functions, as displayed in the dehumidifier symbols.
With time, the control board could go wrong.
Diagnosing and fixing complex electronic issues is best left to professionals; understanding this potential culprit can guide your service call.
9. P1 code pump not working
Like the Hisense dehumidifier pump not working, you can experience the same with your GE unit.
If your dehumidifier displays a “P1” code, it indicates a pump malfunction. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, and ensure the drain pan is level too. You can also check the small tube that comes from the drain tank to the pump. If it is worn out, replace it.
Remember, a dehumidifier with a pump is better than one without. It can dispose of water at a vertical height.
10. The dehumidifier is too old
The lifespan of a portable dehumidifier is about 10 years. Thereafter, it will start developing issues. If you suspect this to be the cause of your GE dehumidifier not lowering humidity, you can start arranging for a new one.
Depending on the usage, some dehumidifiers might not last as long, especially if you use the dehumidifier in Florida, where you might need to use it almost daily.
If your unit has seen better days and served you for at least 7 years, consider replacing it with a newer and more energy-efficient dehumidifier.
GE dehumidifier hose not working
A kinked, clogged, or improperly positioned drain hose can prevent water from draining properly, triggering a shut-off.
Check the hose for kinks, clear any blockages, and ensure it runs downhill to the drain. Refer to the manual for the recommended drain hose height and position.
It is also a good idea to place the dehumidifier up high, where gravity can help with the water flow. This is especially helpful if it does not have a built-in pump.
GE dehumidifier pump not working
If your GE dehumidifier isn’t draining even with a clear hose, the pump might be the culprit.
Start by checking the power supply and the drain pan level. If both are fine, check whether the pump is overheating.
A very dirty pump can also fail to work properly, so you need to give it a proper cleaning.
Remember, dealing with complex electrical components like pumps is best left to qualified technicians.
Is there a way to reset a GE dehumidifier?
After cleaning your dehumidifier, you might need to reset it to get it to work properly. This is also required if you replace the filters.
On the control panel, you will find a Filter Timer button. Hold and press it for about 5 seconds, and the dehumidifier will reset.
Of course, the reset procedure is different for some GE models, so be sure to check your specific model’s manual for instructions.
Please, also note that resetting the unit is not going to solve other underlying issues, like faulty components.
If you love this brand name, you can order the GE Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier 22 Pint on Amazon.com. It is a small portable unit that does not have a built-in pump, but it does a wonderful job of lowering indoor humidity level in spaces below 1500 square feet.
Conclusion
If your GE dehumidifier is not working, well, it can be very frustrating, but remember, most issues have simple solutions.
You need to know the GE dehumidifier troubleshooting tips, such as I have shared here.
Most importantly, if your efforts prove unsuccessful, don’t hesitate to contact GE for professional assistance.
