Hisense Dehumidifier E1 Error: Humidity Sensor Fix

Quick Answer

The E1 error signifies a humidity sensor failure or a communication break between the sensor and the control board. Most often, this is solved by cleaning the sensor or ensuring the wiring harness is securely plugged into the main board.

Here's what I tell people when this code shows up: don't panic, but don't ignore it either. The unit's completely locked out and doing nothing useful sitting in your basement. Leave it long enough and you risk damaging the electronics from sitting in a damp space with no airflow. Most of the time I'm looking at a $15-25 sensor swap that takes about 20 minutes. One of the cheaper fixes I see all year.

HisenseDehumidifierSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate

Time to Fix

15–45 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$10 – $30

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Can of compressed air

What Does the E1 Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal with E1. Your dehumidifier doesn't know how wet the air is, so it just stops. Shuts down completely. The good news? The compressor's almost definitely fine. This is usually a dirty or disconnected sensor, not a dead machine. I've seen these units sit in dusty basements for two or three years and the only thing wrong was a sensor absolutely caked with pet hair and dust. Pretty common, pretty fixable.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Humidity sensor failure65%

Loose or corroded wiring25%

Control board glitch10%

Symptoms You May Notice

The display shows E1 and won't clear no matter what buttons you push or how many times you unplug it
Unit is completely dead, no fan running, no compressor kicking on, just that error code sitting there mocking you
Machine ran totally fine for a while then suddenly threw the code right in the middle of a humid stretch
The filter's clean, the bucket's empty, everything looks normal, but it still refuses to run
You might notice the room feels noticeably more humid than usual before realizing the unit hasn't been running for a while

Can you reset a Hisense dehumidifier to clear the E1 code?

Unplug the unit from the wall and wait a full 30 minutes. Don't cheat this, the control board needs enough time to fully discharge and reset. Plug back in and watch for a humidity reading on the display within the first 5-10 seconds. If E1 comes right back, the board's detected a real hardware fault and it won't clear until the sensor circuit is actually fixed. There's no button combination that overrides a hard fault on these units.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverCan of compressed airElectronic contact cleaner (CRC QD or equivalent)Digital multimeter with resistance/ohm settingWork gloves (evaporator fins are sharp)Pencil eraser or fine-grit sandpaper for corroded connector pins

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Humidity Sensor (Hygrostat)undefined · $10–$30	undefined	$10 – $30

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still run my Hisense dehumidifier while it shows the E1 code?

Short answer: no. The E1 code is a full lockout. Compressor won't kick on, fan won't run, nothing. Some people ask if they can bypass the sensor to get the unit running temporarily, and I don't recommend it. The sensor's there to protect the compressor from cycling in ways that could damage it, so you'd be trading a $20 sensor repair for potentially burning out a $200+ compressor. Just fix the sensor. It's not worth the risk.

Where can I find a replacement humidity sensor for my Hisense unit?

Search your model number plus 'humidity sensor' on PartSelect, AppliancePartsPros, or Amazon. The sensor board typically runs $15-30 depending on your model. Make sure you get the exact part for your specific model number, not just a generic Hisense one. The connector style changed between production years and I've had parts that looked right but didn't plug in correctly. Your model number is on a sticker on the side or back panel of the unit.

Does the E1 error mean my compressor is broken?

Almost certainly not. E1 is a sensor code, not a compressor code. The compressor just won't run while the error's active because the unit doesn't know when to cycle it. Think of it like your car not starting because the fuel gauge sensor failed. The engine's probably fine. Replace the humidity sensor, clear the code, and in about 95% of cases the unit comes right back to life like nothing happened.

How often should I clean my dehumidifier to prevent E1 errors?

Clean the air filter every two weeks if you're running it constantly in a dusty basement. Vacuum around the sensor area every three months or so, especially if you've got pets. Pet hair is honestly the worst offender I see. It migrates past the filter and settles right on the sensor electronics. I've seen sensors buried so deep in hair and dust they looked like little gray pillows. A quick blast of compressed air during your regular filter cleaning takes 30 seconds and can easily buy you another year or two of sensor life.

Is the E1 error covered under the Hisense manufacturer warranty?

If you're within the first year, yeah, this should be covered under their standard 1-year parts and labor warranty. Call their support line and have your model number and purchase receipt ready. If you bought it from a major retailer like Home Depot or Costco, sometimes they'll swap it outright without even involving Hisense directly. Worth calling the retailer first, honestly, it's usually a lot faster than going through the manufacturer.

What's the typical repair cost for an E1 error?

If you're doing it yourself, a replacement humidity sensor is usually $15-30 online. Paying a tech? Expect a service call fee plus 30-45 minutes of labor. Total might run $80-120 depending on where you live. Given that a new dehumidifier costs $200-400, it's almost always worth repairing. Only exception is if your unit is really old and you're also dealing with a refrigerant leak or a bad compressor at the same time. Then the math changes.

Models Known to Experience E1 Errors

This repair applies to most Hisense dehumidifiers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

DH-50KP1WG, DH-70KP1WG, DH-50K1SDLE, DH-70K1SDLE, DH50K1G, DH70K1G, DH-50KD2WE, DH-70KD2WE

Written by

Raj Patel

HVAC & Water Systems Specialist · 15 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026