My dehumidifier compressor has become very noisy
Home Nura guide — category: Smart Dehumidifiers
Diagnosis
A dehumidifier that has become noisy more often has an unstable stand, a clogged filter or frost on the coil than a genuinely failing compressor. A metallic rattle or a drone that keeps getting worse over time, however, deserves a closer check.
Possible causes
- Unit not level or standing on a hard floor — the compressor's vibrations travel into the floor and amplify the noise.
- Blocked air filter or dirty fan — air flows poorly, the motor strains and the drone gets louder.
- Frost on the coil or reservoir not seated — parts rub, click or strain on every restart.
- Worn mounts or compressor — the sound becomes dull, shrill or knocking, especially after several years of use.
Recommended steps
- 1Unplug the unit, check it stands flat and place it on a rubber mat or anti-vibration pad.
- 2Remove and wash the air filter in lukewarm water, then dust the grilles and the back with a vacuum and soft brush.
- 3Empty the reservoir, put it back firmly until it clicks and make sure no panel or cover has worked loose.
- 4If frost is visible, switch off and let it defrost at room temperature, then restart it in a warmer room.
- 5After any stop, wait three minutes before switching on again, and if the noise continues, do not open the cooling circuit: contact the manufacturer.
Repair or replace?
If the noise remains after levelling, cleaning and defrosting, and comes with weaker performance or repeated shutdowns, the compressor is probably near the end of its life. Out of warranty, replacing it costs nearly as much as a new unit.
If you decide to replace it
Smart Dehumidifiers: the shortlist from our buying guide
- View on Amazon →
Best overall
Meaco Arete Two 20L
20 L a day, 4.8 L tank, HEPA filter, Wi-Fi with Alexa and Google Home, and a reputation for low energy use and quiet running.
Photo: © Meaco
- View on Amazon →
Best value
Comfee MDDF-16DEN7-WF
16 L a day, Wi-Fi with Alexa support, laundry mode and continuous drainage in a compact entry-level body.
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Best for bedrooms
Xiaomi Smart Dehumidifier Lite
A small 13 L/day unit with a quiet sleep mode and Xiaomi Home app control, ideal for a bedroom or bathroom.
Photo: © Xiaomi
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Other common problems in this category
These issues affect the same type of appliance — each one comes with a diagnosis and the recommended steps.
- Smart DehumidifiersThe tank on my dehumidifier barely fills up anymore
- Smart DehumidifiersHow much power does a dehumidifier use when running continuously?
- Smart DehumidifiersThe heat exchanger on my smart dehumidifier frosts over and the unit stops
- Smart DehumidifiersMy smart dehumidifier shows the full-tank alarm even though the tank is empty
Frequently asked questions
Usually, yes, if the failure shows up during the warranty period and isn't caused by misuse. A product in the Smart Dehumidifiers category bought new from an authorized retailer normally comes with a manufacturer's warranty: check its length in the manual or on the brand's website. Consumer protection rules also vary by province and territory, so keep your proof of purchase.
If you're still within the store's return window, a return or exchange is usually the fastest fix. After that, the manufacturer's warranty takes over: its customer support can arrange a repair or a replacement. Even outside the warranty, the manufacturer can often repair the device for a fee. Either way, keep your proof of purchase.
Our public methodology lowers the Nura Score /10 of any model in the Smart Dehumidifiers category whose recurring failures are documented in owner reviews. A model that breaks down too often never tops our rankings, whatever the brand.
Generally, yes. Routine maintenance, such as cleaning, replacing a gasket or recalibrating, is part of normal use and doesn't usually affect your warranty. Irreversible changes to the hardware are what can cause problems. For a product in the Smart Dehumidifiers category, stick to the steps described in the manufacturer's manual and read the warranty terms before going any further.
When a product fails in its first few months of normal use, the cause is usually a manufacturing defect. Contact the seller or the manufacturer with your proof of purchase and a description of the symptom: for a model in the Smart Dehumidifiers category that is still under warranty, this is the typical case for a free repair or replacement. Warranty terms vary by brand, so read yours.