How long do dehumidifiers last?

What wears out in a compressor dehumidifier

Compressor dehumidifiers work like a small fridge. The main parts are the compressor, the refrigerant circuit with its cold and warm coils, a fan, a humidity sensor and the control board. The compressor and fan motor are the parts that work hardest. A refrigerant leak, often from a tiny crack in a pipe, slowly reduces cooling until the unit runs but collects little water.

Running in a cold room causes frequent icing and defrost cycles, which add wear. Our guide on why a dehumidifier ices up explains the causes. Dust on the coils from a neglected filter makes the compressor work harder too.

What wears out in a desiccant dehumidifier

Desiccant units have no compressor. They use a slowly rotating wheel of desiccant material, a heater that dries the wheel, a small motor that turns it and one or more fans. The heater and the motors are the usual wear parts. Dust reaching the wheel can reduce its performance, which is why filters matter on these too.

Desiccant models are often bought for garages and caravans, where dust, cold and damp put extra strain on any appliance. Our guide on what a desiccant dehumidifier is explains how they work.

Care that extends its life

Clean the filter as often as the manual says, often every few weeks in heavy use. Keep the unit on a firm, level floor with space around it for air. Empty the tank promptly or use a drain hose, and clean the tank so slime does not build up. Set a sensible humidity target, around 50 to 60 %, so it is not running flat out all the time. Our guide on how to clean a dehumidifier covers the routine.

Use the right type for the room. A compressor unit in a cold garage works harder and ices more; a desiccant model suits that job better. When storing the unit for summer, clean and dry it fully, keep it upright and cover it from dust.

1. 1

   Clean the filter on the schedule in the manual

2. 2

   Keep it level with space around it

3. 3

   Empty and clean the tank regularly

4. 4

   Set 50 to 60 % rather than continuous

5. 5

   Use a desiccant unit for cold rooms

6. 6

   Store clean, dry and upright

Warranties as a guide

The warranty is the clearest sign of how long a maker expects a model to last without trouble. Warranties on home dehumidifiers vary between brands and models, and some brands offer longer cover when you register the product. Meaco lists a five-year warranty on the Arete Two, for example. Check the current terms for the model you are buying and register it if the maker asks.

Keep the receipt and manual. Most faults in the first year or two are covered, and many makers sell spares such as tanks, filters and float switches.

Repair or replace?

Simple fixes such as a cracked tank, a broken float or a new filter are cheap and worth doing. Compressor and refrigerant faults are usually not economical to repair on a small home unit outside warranty. If an older unit runs but collects very little water in a damp room, our guide on a dehumidifier not collecting water has checks to try first.

When you replace, consider a newer low-energy model; see our guides to the best low energy dehumidifiers and the best dehumidifiers for UK homes.

Compare low energy dehumidifiers →

Do pump models last as long?

Dehumidifiers with a built-in pump have an extra moving part that can wear or clog. Keeping the tank, pump inlet and hose clean helps it last. If you only need to drain to a lower point, gravity drainage with a hose avoids the pump altogether; see how to drain a dehumidifier continuously.

Frequently asked questions

How many years should a dehumidifier last? A well-cared-for unit often lasts many years, frequently beyond its warranty. Heavy use, dust and cold rooms shorten that.

How do I know if my dehumidifier is dying? It runs but collects little water in a damp room, makes new noises, ices up often or switches off unexpectedly.

Do desiccant dehumidifiers last longer? They have no compressor, but the heater and motors wear instead. Either type lasts well with clean filters and the right room.