This guide walks you through safely bypassing the humidistat on a Kenmore dehumidifier to run it continuously. You’ll learn when it’s necessary, the tools required, and how to avoid damaging your unit.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Tip/Question?
Can I bypass the humidistat without cutting wires?
Yes, you can use a jumper wire or alligator clips to temporarily bridge the connection, but this is less secure and not recommended for long-term use.
Tip/Question?
Will bypassing the humidistat damage my dehumidifier?
It can, if the unit overheats or runs too long. Always monitor temperature and airflow, and avoid running it unattended for days.
Tip/Question?
How do I know if my humidistat is broken?
If the unit won’t turn on in high humidity or won’t turn off in dry conditions, the humidistat may be faulty. Test with a multimeter or replace it.
Tip/Question?
Is it legal to bypass the humidistat?
Yes, for personal use. However, modifying appliances may violate local codes if done improperly or in rental properties.
Tip/Question?
Can I reverse the bypass later?
Yes, if you labeled wires and didn’t cut them permanently. Reconnect the original wires and reassemble the unit.
How to Bypass the Humidistat on a Kenmore Dehumidifier
If your Kenmore dehumidifier isn’t running when you need it most—maybe during a damp basement flood or a humid summer week—you might be tempted to bypass the humidistat. The humidistat is the built-in sensor that measures air moisture and tells the unit when to turn on or off. While it’s designed to save energy and protect your home from over-drying, sometimes it malfunctions or doesn’t respond quickly enough to changing conditions.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely and effectively bypass the humidistat on your Kenmore dehumidifier. We’ll walk you through the tools you need, step-by-step instructions, safety precautions, and what to expect after the modification. Whether you’re dealing with a faulty sensor or simply need continuous dehumidification, this guide will help you take control of your unit—without calling a technician.
Why You Might Want to Bypass the Humidistat
Visual guide about How to Bypass the Humidistat on a Kenmore Dehumidifier
Image source: pickhvac.com
Before diving into the technical steps, it’s important to understand why someone would want to bypass the humidistat in the first place. The humidistat is a smart feature, but it’s not perfect. Here are common reasons users choose to bypass it:
- Faulty or unresponsive sensor: Over time, the humidistat can become inaccurate or stop working altogether. If your dehumidifier won’t turn on even when the air feels damp, the sensor might be the culprit.
- Emergency moisture control: After water damage, flooding, or during mold remediation, you may need the dehumidifier running 24/7. The humidistat might shut it off too soon.
- Inconsistent humidity readings: Some models struggle in extreme temperatures or high-dust environments, leading to erratic behavior.
- Older units with outdated controls: Older Kenmore dehumidifiers may have less reliable humidistats compared to modern digital models.
Bypassing the humidistat essentially turns your dehumidifier into a manual appliance—once it’s plugged in and turned on, it runs continuously until you unplug it. This gives you full control, but it also means you’re responsible for monitoring usage to avoid over-drying or energy waste.
Important Safety Considerations
Before you open up your dehumidifier, safety must be your top priority. These appliances run on household electricity and contain refrigerant, so improper handling can lead to electric shock, fire, or refrigerant leaks.
Unplug the Unit
Always disconnect the dehumidifier from the power outlet before starting any work. Do not rely on the power switch—physically unplugging ensures no electricity is flowing.
Work in a Dry, Well-Lit Area
Choose a clean, dry workspace with good lighting. Avoid working on carpet or near water sources. A wooden table or workbench is ideal.
Wear Protective Gear
Use insulated gloves and safety goggles. Even when unplugged, capacitors inside the unit can store a charge.
Check for Refrigerant Leaks
If you smell a sweet or chemical odor, or notice oily residue around the coils, stop immediately. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous and require professional repair.
Know Your Limits
If you’re not comfortable working with electronics or wiring, consider hiring a technician. Bypassing the humidistat involves handling live circuits and should only be done by someone with basic electrical knowledge.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
You don’t need a full toolbox, but having the right items will make the process smoother and safer.
- Screwdrivers: A Phillips head and flathead screwdriver for removing panels.
- Multimeter: To test continuity and ensure wires are live or disconnected properly.
- Wire strippers/cutters: For trimming and preparing wires.
- Electrical tape or wire nuts: To insulate exposed connections.
- Needle-nose pliers: Helpful for gripping small wires or connectors.
- Marker or label tape: To label wires before disconnecting them.
- Replacement fuse (optional): In case the bypass causes a blown fuse.
Most of these tools are common household items. If you don’t have a multimeter, consider borrowing one or purchasing an inexpensive model—they’re useful for many home repairs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bypassing the Humidistat
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get into the actual process. This guide assumes a typical Kenmore dehumidifier model (such as the 50-pint or 70-pint upright units). Exact steps may vary slightly depending on your model, so always refer to your user manual if available.
Step 1: Locate the Humidistat
The humidistat is usually housed inside the control panel, near the front or top of the unit. On most Kenmore models, it’s a small circular or rectangular module with a dial or digital display.
- Remove the front grille or control panel cover using a screwdriver.
- Look for a component labeled “humidistat,” “humidity sensor,” or “control board.”
- It’s often connected to two or three wires and may have a small fan or vent for air sampling.
Take a photo of the wiring before disconnecting anything. This will help you reassemble correctly if you decide to reverse the bypass later.
Step 2: Disconnect the Power and Access the Wiring
Safety first—double-check that the unit is unplugged.
- Remove any screws holding the control panel in place.
- Gently pull the panel forward to expose the internal wiring.
- Locate the wires connected to the humidistat. These are typically color-coded (e.g., red, black, white).
Use your marker to label each wire with tape or a sticker. For example: “Red – Power In,” “Black – Compressor,” “White – Fan.” This prevents confusion during reconnection.
Step 3: Identify the Humidistat’s Function
The humidistat acts as a switch. When humidity is above the set level, it closes the circuit and allows power to flow to the compressor and fan. When humidity drops, it opens the circuit and shuts off the unit.
To bypass it, you’ll need to create a direct connection between the power source and the components, effectively “jumping” over the humidistat.
Step 4: Test the Wires with a Multimeter
Before cutting or splicing wires, use a multimeter to confirm which wires carry power and which go to the compressor.
- Set the multimeter to continuity or resistance mode.
- Touch the probes to the wire ends. A beep or low resistance reading means the circuit is complete.
- With the unit unplugged, test between the power input and the compressor output. There should be no continuity unless the humidistat is closed.
This step confirms that the humidistat is the only thing interrupting the circuit.
Step 5: Bypass the Humidistat
Now it’s time to make the bypass. There are two common methods: a hardwire bypass or a switch bypass. We’ll cover the hardwire method first, as it’s simpler and more permanent.
Method A: Hardwire Bypass (Permanent)
- Cut the wire that runs from the humidistat to the compressor.
- Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends.
- Twist the exposed wires together and secure them with a wire nut or electrical tape.
- Repeat for the fan wire if it’s also controlled by the humidistat.
This creates a direct path for electricity, bypassing the sensor entirely. The unit will now run as long as it’s plugged in and the power switch is on.
Method B: Switch Bypass (Reversible)
If you want the option to restore normal operation later, install a toggle switch in line with the bypass.
- Cut the wire between the humidistat and compressor.
- Solder or crimp a small toggle switch into the gap.
- When the switch is “on,” the unit runs continuously. When “off,” it relies on the humidistat.
This method gives you flexibility but requires more skill and tools.
Step 6: Insulate and Secure the Connections
Any exposed wire is a safety hazard. Make sure all connections are fully insulated.
- Wrap each splice with electrical tape or use heat-shrink tubing.
- Secure loose wires with zip ties to prevent them from touching metal parts.
- Double-check that no bare metal is exposed.
Step 7: Reassemble the Unit
Carefully put the control panel and front grille back in place.
- Reattach all screws.
- Ensure no wires are pinched or caught in moving parts.
- Plug the unit back in—only after everything is securely reassembled.
Step 8: Test the Bypass
Turn on the dehumidifier and listen for the compressor and fan to start immediately. If they do, the bypass is successful.
- Let it run for 10–15 minutes.
- Check for unusual noises, overheating, or leaks.
- Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels—since the unit won’t auto-shutoff, you’ll need to unplug it manually when desired dryness is reached.
If the unit doesn’t start, double-check your wiring and connections. A blown fuse or loose wire could be the issue.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful work, problems can arise. Here’s how to handle the most common ones.
The Unit Won’t Turn On After Bypass
- Check the power cord and outlet with another device.
- Inspect the thermal fuse—some models have a resettable fuse that trips if overheated.
- Verify all wire connections are tight and insulated.
Compressor Runs but Fan Doesn’t
This suggests the fan circuit wasn’t properly bypassed. Recheck the fan wires and ensure they’re connected directly to power.
Unit Overheats or Shuts Down
Continuous operation can cause overheating, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
- Ensure the air intake and exhaust vents are clear.
- Place the unit in a well-ventilated space.
- Consider adding a timer to cycle the unit on and off.
Bypass Doesn’t Work on Digital Models
Some newer Kenmore models use digital control boards instead of analog humidistats. Bypassing these requires advanced electronics knowledge and may not be feasible without replacing the entire board.
Alternatives to Bypassing the Humidistat
Before making permanent changes, consider these safer alternatives:
- Replace the humidistat: A new sensor is often cheaper and easier than a full bypass.
- Use an external humidistat: Plug the dehumidifier into a smart plug or external hygrostat that controls power based on humidity.
- Set the humidistat to the lowest setting: Some units will run nearly continuously at 30% humidity.
- Install a timer: Run the unit on a schedule (e.g., 12 hours on, 12 off) to manage moisture without constant monitoring.
These options preserve safety and functionality while giving you more control.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Bypassing the humidistat on a Kenmore dehumidifier can be a useful fix in emergencies or when the sensor fails. However, it’s not a decision to take lightly. You’re removing a key safety and efficiency feature, which can lead to higher energy bills, over-drying, and potential damage to the unit.
If you do proceed, follow the steps carefully, prioritize safety, and monitor the unit closely. For long-term use, consider upgrading to a dehumidifier with a more reliable humidistat or using smart controls.
Remember: this modification may void your warranty. Check your model number and warranty terms before starting. When in doubt, consult a professional.
With the right approach, you can keep your home dry and comfortable—even when the humidistat says otherwise.