Maytag Dehumidifier compressor makes "clicking" noises. What is the cause? and what is the fix?

Yes, they can. But, rarely do they need it. In any event, It must be done my a professional.
What makes you think the compressor needs to recharged?

The black cylinder is the compressor. It sounds like your unit is cycling the compressor for some reason. If the compressor starts, runs fine, and removes water when you set the humidity control to the driest setting the compressor is probably OK and the problem may be with the humidity control causing the dehumidifier to "short cycle" for some reason. You may need to change the humidity control or relocate the dehumidifier in your crawl space.
If the compressor attempts to start, and then sits quiet for 10 minutes, and then attempts to start again, you have a problem with the dehumidifier. There are a few things that can cause this problem:
Low refrigerant charge
Bad compressor capacitor
Bad compressor overload
Plugged capillary tube or broken expansion valve
are the common causes of this behavior. If you suspect one of these problems, call the factory service department at 1-800-533-7533 for help.

Good luck with your dehumidiifer.

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The compressor basically blew up inside...not worth fixing... chuck it and buy a new one...


There can be many reasons why a dehumidifier will not work or collect water.

Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrong with their dehumidifier

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101

It's a refrigerant leak. (very common with virtually all dehumidifiers) If it's out of warranty, it's time to buy a new one. (cost prohibitive to repair)

Hi,
The compressor is bad...

There are many reasons for a dehumidifier to not work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrong with their dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101

That part you identified is the compressor of the dehumidifier. Compressor is probably bad or going bad. When compressor go bad the valves start making noise and they lose alot of there efficiency.

A dehumidifier is basically an air conditioner, so some coils should feel hot, the others should feel cold.

If no water is collecting, then the unit's compressor is not starting. Typically you have four possible failures causing this: the switch/wiring for the compressor has an open circuit, the motor-start capacitor for the compressor has failed, the compressor itself has failed, or all the refrigerant has leaked out.

If there is evidence that it is 'trying to start', but then clicking repeatedly, this can be a symptom that the refrigerant has leaked out, as some devices have a pressure switch to prevent compressor damage.

Also, a failed start-capacitor can also cause the click-click noise if the device has a current limiter switch on the compressor.

So the short answer is, it's broken :)

Hi,
This noise is the vibration from the compressor...sometimes things can come loose and magnify the noise...check for loose parts and tighten as needed...
The compressor may also be going bad...

Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrong with their dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101

That's your compressor. (the condenser is the tubing just after the compressor) First, make sure you are not using an extention cord, or if you do, make sure it is a heavy enough cord. Low voltage can cause your problem, do to a light extention cord use. Second, you may have a bad relay. (inside the box on the side of the compressor) Third, your compressor may be bad. They can be direct tested with a compressor test cord by a service tech that knows what they are doing. Bad compressor = get a new dehumidifier (too expensive to replace).

The condition you describe usually indicates that either the compressor is working too hard and drawing too much current or the start relay is gone bad. The noises that you hear may just be a safety shut-off within the relay. A good place to start is changing start relay for the factory recommended one. you will have to access the compressor compartment to see this.

If the standard relay does not correct the problem, there is in most cases a temporary fix, it is called a hard start relay/capacitor. It is usually available from an appliance parts retailer for around $15 to $20. Installation instructions are included, just be sure to unplug your dehumidifier first and make sure that someone following you can repair from where you left off. This relay assembly can normally get you up and running but it should not be used as a permanent fix. This will not correct for a refrigerant leak in the system or a faulty compressor. Outside of this may require having a professional come in to fix the issue, it can range anywhere from a faulty compressor to a refrigerant leak.

Check your owners manual before making any repairs or modifications to your refrigerator. And there may be an extended warranty on the sealed system and compressor if needed.