How Long Does A Dehumidifier Last? 5 Factors And Key Causes

If you live in a high-humidity area, a dehumidifier is a necessity of life. But, many people who need to use a unit are conscious of how long does a dehumidifier last.

This is an important question for home and business owners alike. In this article, we’ll explore how long a dehumidifier last, the causes of failure, and how to prevent them.

How Long Does A Dehumidifier Last? – 5 Important Factors 

A dehumidifier is an appliance that helps remove excess moisture from the air. This is important for both homes and businesses, as too much moisture can cause a variety of problems.

Dehumidifiers usually have a lifespan of 3-5 years. But, their lifespan varies due to several reasons. For example, sometimes a dehumidifier last longer and vice versa.

There are several factors that can affect how long your dehumidifier will last. These include:

1. Brand Of The Unit:

There are many different brands of dehumidifiers on the market. Some brands have a reputation for their durability and quality, while others are not.

Higher quality dehumidifiers will usually last longer than lower quality units. This is because they use better materials and components.

Do research before buying a unit to see which brands have the longest lifespan.

If you can, buy a dehumidifier from a reputable and durable brand, it will likely last longer. So while it may cost more upfront, it will save you money in the long run.

Otherwise, you have to replace your dehumidifier more frequently because of poor quality.

2. Power Output:

Power output is a major factor in how long does a dehumidifier last. It shows how much moisture the dehumidifier can remove from the air.

A unit with higher power outputs has a shorter lifespan than those with lower power outputs.

This is because the higher power output units tend to overwork and overheat more easily. Also, the motor and other components will wear out faster due to overwork.

So, choose one with a lower power output if your dehumidifier lasts longer.

3. Frequency To Use:

The frequency of using a dehumidifier is another factor determining its lifespan. It is the number of times you turn on the dehumidifier in a day.

Dehumidifiers that are used infrequently tend to have a longer lifespan. This is because they don’t overwork and overheat as easily as those used more often.

In contrast, if you use your dehumidifier frequently, it will not last as long as if you only use it occasionally. This is because the more you use a unit, the more wear and tear it will experience.

4. Environment Around The Unit:

A dehumidifier absorbs moisture from the air. After, it accumulates the liquid inside and then expels it outside.

So, if you live in an area with high humidity, your dehumidifier will have to work harder and will not last as long.

On the other way, if you live in a drier climate, your dehumidifier will not work as hard and will have a longer lifespan.

Furthermore, if you live near the ocean, the salt in the air will corrode your dehumidifier faster than if you live inland.

That’s why the environment around a unit is very important. Especially when deciding how long does a humidifier last.

5. Maintenance Of A Dehumidifier:

Regular maintenance of your dehumidifier will also play a role in how long it lasts.

Follow the manufacturer’s guide for use and care to get the most out of your dehumidifier.

Typically, emptying the water tank and cleaning the filter on a regular basis is very helpful. It will help lengthen the lifespan of your dehumidifier.

Besides, regularly clean the unit and empty the water tank to prevent mold and mildew. They eat up the unit from the inside and damage the components.

Also, a unit will have to work more to remove moisture from the air due to mineral build-up and mold growth. Eventually, it will shorten the lifespan of a unit.

If you regularly clean the appliance, your dehumidifier will last many years.

Common Causes Of Early Failure

Here we will discuss common causes that reduce a unit’s lifespan and later lead to early failure of the unit.

A few common reasons why dehumidifiers fail include:

– Overwork of a dehumidifier: If your unit runs constantly, it will eventually wear out. To prevent this, you should only use it when necessary and give it a break every few hours.

– Frozen coils: This can happen if the temperature in your home is too low. To prevent this, you should keep the temperature in your home above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Power surge: Another common cause of dehumidifier failure is a power surge. If there is a sudden power surge, it can damage the electronic components in your device.

To protect against this, you should plug your dehumidifier into a surge protector.

– Overflow in reservoir: If the reservoir is full, the dehumidifier will stop working. To prevent this, you should empty the reservoir regularly.

In the long run, it can cause the overflow and shut-off switch to fail. As a response, the dehumidifier will cause failure before its age.

– Contaminated filter: A dirty filter can cause the dehumidifier to work less efficiently. Because it has to work harder to pull air through it. To prevent this, you should clean the filter regularly.

– Build-up of dust and dirt: If the coils are dirty, the unit will have to work harder to remove moisture from the air. To prevent this, you should clean the coils regularly.

– The unit isn’t ventilated: If the dehumidifier isn’t ventilated, it will cause the unit to work harder and overheat. To prevent this, you should make sure that the dehumidifier is properly ventilated.

– Humidistat isn’t working properly: A humidistat is a key component.

When the humidistat doesn’t work properly, the dehumidifier won’t regulate the air’s moisture. So, the flow will disturb and affect the unit badly.

To fix this, you should check the humidistat and ensure it is working properly.

These were some of the most common causes of dehumidifier failure. By knowing these, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them.

How To Prevent Failure Of Humidifier?

A dehumidifier is a complex machine; like all machines, it is susceptible to wear and tear. However, there are certain things that you can do to prevent failure and extend its lifespan, such as;

– The best way to prevent dehumidifier failure is to maintain the unit properly. This includes regularly cleaning the filter and emptying the water tank.

– One of the most important maintenance tasks is regularly cleaning the filter. A clogged filter will reduce the efficiency of the dehumidifier. Moreover, it strains the motor, which can lead to failure.

– You should ensure that the unit is properly ventilated. Also, they are not blocked by furniture or other objects. Also, check the air intake and exhaust vents to make sure they are not blocked.

– It’s also important to keep the coils clean and free of dust. You can do this by vacuuming the coils with a soft brush attachment.

– Another preventative measure is checking the humidistat and ensuring it works properly.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to call a professional for help. Dehumidifier failure can lead to serious problems, so taking care of the unit is important.

When To Replace Your Humidifier?

In some cases, it may be necessary to replace your dehumidifier.

This is usually the case if the unit is more than five years old or has sustained major damage.

In addition, if you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to replace your dehumidifier more often.

Consult a qualified repair service if you’re unsure whether you need to replace your unit.

Final Words:

If you have a dehumidifier and are curious about how long does a dehumidifier last? You have to know a number of things that decide a unit’s lifespan.

In general, most dehumidifiers have a lifespan of 3-5 years. Yet, this can vary depending on the make and model.

Additionally, how often you use a dehumidifier and its health can affect its lifespan.

Further, there are many factors that can cause a dehumidifier to fail. However, if you prevent them and be careful, you can surely benefit from your product for a long time.