Frigidaire Dehumidifiers Not Collecting Water: How to Fix It Yourself
When a Frigidaire dehumidifier runs but doesn't collect water, the most common cause is iced-up coils from running the unit in a room that's too cold (below 65 degrees F). A dirty filter that blocks airflow can also cause freezing. The fix is usually just cleaning and letting it defrost.
⚠️ Safety First
- Unplug the dehumidifier before cleaning or working on it.
- If you see ice on the coils, unplug it and let it thaw completely before diagnosing further.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Check the room temperature
Most dehumidifiers don't work well below 65 degrees F. The coils freeze over and the unit can't collect moisture. If your room is cold, you need a dehumidifier rated for low temperatures.
- 2
Check for ice on the coils
Unplug the unit and remove the rear filter to see the coils. If they're covered in ice, that's your problem. Leave it unplugged until all ice melts (2-4 hours). Place towels underneath to catch dripping water.
- 3
Clean the filter
Remove the air filter (usually behind the front or back grille). Vacuum it or rinse it under water. A dirty filter restricts airflow, which causes ice buildup and poor performance. Clean it every 2 weeks during heavy use.
- 4
Clean the coils
While the filter is out, use a soft brush to gently clean dust off the evaporator coils. Dirty coils can't transfer heat efficiently, reducing moisture collection.
- 5
Check the water bucket and float switch
Make sure the bucket is seated properly. There's a float switch that tells the unit when the bucket is full — if it's stuck in the up position, the unit won't run the compressor. Jiggle the float to make sure it moves freely.
- 6
Reassemble and test
Reinstall the filter, plug in the unit, and set humidity to a low target (like 40%). Give it a few hours and check if water is collecting in the bucket. The unit should cycle on and off as humidity drops.
If That Didn't Work
- The compressor may have failed — the unit runs the fan but no cold air comes through the coils.
- The humidity sensor may be reading incorrectly, making the unit think the room is already dry.
- Low refrigerant (due to a leak) prevents the coils from getting cold enough to condense moisture.
When to Call a Professional
If the compressor has failed, the unit is not worth repairing — a new Frigidaire dehumidifier costs $150-250, which is less than a compressor repair. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, disposal and replacement is the way to go.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
See our full Terms of Service for complete legal details.