If you’ve just set up your dehumidifier and it doesn’t seem to be working, remember this:

It takes about 24 hours for most people to notice a significant difference in humidity.

Give it a chance to work.

However, if your dehumidifier was running fine and then seemed to stop working, there are several things you can check.

First, see if the fan is running.  If it’s not working at all, that’s the problem.  The fan sucks the moist air into the dehumidifier, and pushes the dry air out.  If the fan needs to be repaired, call an authorized service mechanic, especially if your dehumidifier is still under warranty.

However, if the fan seems to be working, maybe your dehumidifier is located where air can’t freely circulate around it.  You can fix that yourself:  Move the dehumidifier away from walls and furniture.

If that’s not the issue, unplug your dehumidifier before examining it more closely.

The next thing to check is the filter, if your dehumidifier has one.  Be sure it’s not blocked.  Many dehumidifiers have a washable filter, or you can replace the clogged filter with a new one.

Check the hose or outlet for the water.  Since many dehumidifiers are processing air that’s dusty or laden with mold or mildew,  the hose can become blocked.  If this happens regularly, consider replacing the hose with clear plastic tubing.  Then, you can easily see when the hose needs to be cleaned.

If everything seems to be working but the air still remains too humid, the refrigerant may need a recharge.  In most cases, this should be serviced by a professional.  Older dehumidifiers — definitely those made before 1995 — use a refrigerant that’s strictly controlled by environmental laws.

If the repairs will be expensive, consider replacing your old dehumidifier with a new one.  There are many reasons for this, including the improved, “greener” coolants that causefewer environmental problems.

In addition, new dehumidifiers often carry the Energy Star, and they can be far less expensive to run — and more efficient — than older models.

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Dehumidifiers have few moving parts.  Most of them should be repaired by a professional.  This is always true when you’re working with an appliance that involves both water and electricity.  A short circuit can be deadly.

However, most new dehumidifiers rarely if ever need repairs.

As long as the air circulates freely around your dehumidifier and the filter and hose are kept clean, it should keep running well for years.