Is It Worth Repairing A Dehumidifier? 2 Deciding Scenarios!

Is it worth repairing a dehumidifier? When your unit stops working like it used to, this is a common question that comes to mind. Well, in some cases, it definitely is.

But in other cases, it might be more cost-effective to simply buy a new one. So here we will discuss when you should and shouldn’t repair your unit.

Is It Worth Repairing A Dehumidifier? 2 Scenarios!

People invest in dehumidifiers to help control the moisture in their homes. They serve as a basic device in humid environments.

Excess moisture can lead to many problems, from musty odors and mold growth to allergies.

There is no doubt that a dehumidifier can be a valuable appliance. But what happens when a dehumidifier breaks down? Like any other appliance, it may get damaged or need help.

A defect in your dehumidifier can be a right pain. Is it worth repairing a dehumidifier? Some people need clarification about whether they should buy a new one or repair their own.

In some cases, the answer is yes– get that dehumidifier fixed! However, sometimes repairing fails to resolve the issue.

Today, we will share when it is worth repairing a unit and when replacement is better. 

1. Conditions When It Is Worth Repairing A Dehumidifier:

If your dehumidifier has stopped working or got any damage, you need to make a decision. Now, we will help you in picking a wise choice.

Here are some situations when repairing your dehumidifier makes the most sense:

1.1. When The Unit Is Still Under Warranty:

Warranty means that the company that made your unit guarantees to fix any issues. But, this policy applies within a certain period– usually one year.

If your unit is still under warranty and isn’t working right, contact the manufacturer. Many times, they will either repair or replace the unit for free.

The company that sold you the unit should make any necessary repairs, as this is the rule. If this is the case, repairing a dehumidifier is worth it.

1.2. When The Unit Is New:

Repairing a brand-new unit makes the most sense since it’s covered under warranty. Also, the parts are still in good condition.

It could void your warranty if you wait too long to fix an issue. So if you notice something wrong with your new unit, don’t hesitate to call for repairs.

Nobody wants to buy a new dehumidifier every few years. So it’s worth it to keep your unit in good condition by repairing it when necessary.

1.3. When The Problem Is A Minor One:

Sometimes, the problem with your dehumidifier is a small one that can be easily fixed.

For example, if the unit isn’t draining properly. It might just be because the drainage tube has become clogged. In this case, you can save a lot of money by simply unclogging the tube yourself.

Further, an example of a minor repair includes damaged coils. If the coils have an issue, you can usually replace them without replacing the entire unit.

So, if you’re facing a minor repair, it’s definitely worth fixing your unit rather than buying a new one.

1.4. When Replacement Parts Are Readily Available:

Another factor to consider is whether replacement parts are readily available or not.

Sometimes, parts for a particular model can be difficult or even impossible to find. This happens more often with older models. In this case, it may not be worth repairing a unit.

However, if parts are easily available at a reasonable price, it’s worth fixing your device.

Mostly, parts of dehumidifiers are not too expensive and available in the market. So you don’t need to worry about it.

1.5. When The Dehumidifier Is Less Than 5 Years Old:

Age is an important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to repair a dehumidifier. If your unit is less than five years old, it’s probably still covered under warranty.

Moreover, a unit last usually for 3-5 years. So in case anything happens, it is still young to bear the issue and get repaired.

You only have to repair a particular issue, and other parts are healthy. So, it will be worth nothing to repair a 5-year-old unit, as the parts and service will cost you less than buying a new one.

1.6. When You Have Experience Fixing Similar Appliances:

If you have experience fixing appliances around the house, you may feel confident. It will help you to take on the task of repairing your unit.

However, be aware that dehumidifiers are complex machines with many delicate parts. If you’re confident in your ability, you should only fix it.

Also, with some knowledge, you will be able to buy the right parts for your machine. Further, you won’t get ripped off by dishonest sellers.

Additionally, ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment to fix the issue.

1.7. When The Cost Of Repairs Is Less Than Half The Price Of A New Unit:

Price is an important factor in whether to repair or replace a dehumidifier.

If the damage is not too severe and the repair cost is less than half the price of a new unit, then it’s worth repairing.

You can easily find out the average cost of a new dehumidifier by doing some research online. Simply compare the features and prices of different models before settling on one.

Then, decide what goes in your favor. In case of a close call, it may be worth going with the repair option to save some money.

2. Conditions When You Should Not Repair Your Dehumidifier:

Repairing a device is far from being free. In some cases, the cost of repairing a dehumidifier may even exceed the price of a brand-new unit.

So, when you have used your unit for a long time and it is starting to show wear and tear, it may be time to replace it.

Here are some other conditions when you should not repair your dehumidifier:

2.1. When The Unit Is More Than 10 Years Old:

Electronics have a shorter lifespan than most other household appliances. While a good dehumidifier should last you at least ten years, repair costs may start to pile up after this point.

It makes more sense to buy a new unit at a certain point rather than keep throwing money at repairs.

This is because a unit is rarely worth it after a specific time. Thus, after an age, the technology will be outdated, and a new unit will be much more energy-efficient.

So, a wise decision goes in favor of buying a new unit.

2.2. When The Dehumidifier Is Significantly Damaged:

Another factor to consider is the severity of the damage to the unit.

If your dehumidifier has sustained major damage, then it’s better to replace it. Like, repairing a cracked housing or a burned-out compressor will not work longer.

Moreover, if the compressor has a problem, this is a major repair that could end up costing almost as much as a new unit.

Another example of a major repair is a leaky tank. If the tank leaks, you’ll probably have to replace the entire unit.

Here, it is probably not worth repairing. Therefore, it would be more cost-effective to simply buy a new unit.

2.3. When The Dehumidifier Is Starting To Show Its Age:

After a certain age, everything starts to show its age. The dehumidifier is no different.

If your dehumidifier shows wear and tear, it is probably not worth repairing. Instead, it would make more sense to buy a new unit at this point.

For example, if the unit is rusting, this is a sign that it is reaching the end of its lifespan. Similarly, if the plastic housing has cracked or discolored, this is also a sign that the unit is getting old.

In these cases, it may be best to buy a new dehumidifier simply. Otherwise, no matter how many repairs you make, the unit will eventually need to be replaced.

2.4. When The Cost Of Repairs Is More Than Half The Price Of A New Unit:

As a general rule of thumb, if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new unit, it’s not worth repairing the old one.

For example, if a new dehumidifier costs $200 and the repair costs $100 or more, you’re better off just buying a new unit.

The same goes if you need to replace multiple parts on the unit. In these cases, it’s usually best to buy a new dehumidifier.

Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll also get peace of mind. In addition, knowing your unit is new and under warranty has a relief.

2.5. When The Repair Company Is Unfamiliar:

The last thing you want is to get ripped off by a repair company that overcharges its services.

If you’re not familiar with the company and their rates seem high, just buy a new unit. Also, you can always call around different companies to compare rates before making a decision.

Also, it’s best to contact the company that manufactured your dehumidifier.

In case your warranty has expired, paying for repairs out of pocket is probably not worth it. Warranties exist for a reason – to protect you from having to pay for costly repairs.

If your unit is no longer under warranty or you are unfamiliar with the company, go for a new unit.

Final Thoughts:

Is it Worth Repairing a Dehumidifier? The answer to this question depends on various factors, such as the severity of the problem, the model of your unit, how old it is, etc.

In some cases, buying a new unit might be better rather than spending money on repairs. Some people say that it’s never worth repairing an old dehumidifier.

However, this isn’t always true. Sometimes, you can resolve the issue just by repairing a particular part. Therefore, you can spend money on the only part of the replacement of a unit rather than the whole unit.

Whatever suits you, weigh all your options before making a decision.