Isn't running properly

Depending on the time sequence you have this unit set to run, Fredrich's are designed so that the fan runs almost constantly, to keep the air moving. When it senses a rise in humidity above the level you have it set on, the compressor turns ON and runs until the level of humidity is lowered. This is especially true, if you are operating this unit in continual mode.

Hope this helps you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

Lyle, your particular model is designed for the fan to function constantly. However, the fan running doesn't mean the compressor is always running. The reason the unit was designed this way, is for the air to be continually moving, and when the humidity sensor picks up a rise in the humidity level (above where you have it set) the compressor will turn ON and extract that humidity.

Your unit is working as it should. Thanks for choosing FixYa.

Kathy, I'm not sure you have a problem with the dehumidifier. Depending on which mode you're operating it in, the fan will run in an effort to recirculate the air. If the humidity level rises above the level you have the unit set on, the compressor will then turn ON. This is particularly true, if the unit is operating in continual mode. Then there are other times the fan isn't active, but the compressor turns on when the humidity sensor feels a rise in humidity. So, for the most part, I don't think it's a problem.

Just be sure that you clean the air intake filter at least once every two weeks, during times of daily operation.

Hope this helped you. Please let me know. Thanks.

Chucke - Depending on which mode you're operating the unit in (Continual Mode), yes that is normal.The fan continues to run in an effort to recirculate the air. If it senses a rise in humidity above the level you have it set on, the compressor will turn and remove that humidity.

Hope this helped you.

Several things can cause this problem. The leading one, is that the humidity extraction level is set to high. Lower it to 35%. One of the others, is a dirty or clogged air intake filter. Followed by obstructed air flow. You need to maintain at least a minimum of 12" clear air space around the unit. Also, most humidifiers struggle to operate correctly, if the ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 to 60 degrees F. This will also cause the fan to run a lot if the unit is set in continuous mode, rather than a timed mode. And finally, if any doors or windows are open, the unit will run forever. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.

Here's an in home test to see if it's working properly. Move the dehumidifier to the bathroom. Plug it in turn it ON and set the humidity/moisture extraction level to 35%. Turn the shower ON hot enough to generate steam. Do Not turn the bathroom exhaust fan ON and close any windows that may be open. As you exit the bathroom, close the door. Wait 15 to 20 minutes before returning to the bathroom. Once you do, turn the shower OFF and allow the unit to run for 5 minutes more. Then check the bucket for any signs of water. If you find some, the unit is working as it should.

If you don't see any signs of water, the unit's compressor may need to be recharged with refrigerant.

Hope this helped you to troubleshoot and solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

There is some service that you can do ... Clean the filter and the cooling coils, regularly. Check the humidity level that you have the unit set on. It may be set to low and there's just not that much humidity in the air at this time, for it to collect. From what you said, it sounds like you may have it set on continuous cycle which could account for the lack of a lot of water in the bucket. In continuous run, the fan stays ON all the time. It's supposed to do that, so that the air is constantly moving and the sensor only turns the compressor ON, if it senses a humidity level 5% higher than what you have it set for. Try running the unit on a 1 or 2 hour cycle (if your model will do that) rather than continuous cycle.

Hope this helped you troubleshoot and solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

Part of the problem may be that you have the humidity level set to high. The fan runs constantly to move the air around. When the unit senses a humidity level higher than what you have it set for, the compressor turns ON. Once it's ON, if the humidity level is short lived, it turns OFF.

Try setting the humidity level to the lowest possible setting. Usually, that 45%. If the humidity level in you home is higher than that, the compressor should turn ON and run until either the bucket is full or the humidity level reaches 45%. If this doesn't solve the problem, turn the Master ON/OFF Switch to OFF and unplug the unit from the wall outlet for 12-15 minutes. Plug the unit bakc in, turn the Master ON/OFF Switch to ON and set the humidity level at it's lowest setting. Allow the unit to run until it cuts OFF and check the bucket for water. Hopefully that 12-15 minute time out allowed the unit to reset itself.

Hope this helped you to troubleshoot and solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

Sounds like you've lost a lot of freon. Find the pump on your unit. Be careful, but after running it a while, touch the tube somewhere between the pump and cooling coils. If it is not hot then you have lost fluid. What happens is under normal working conditions the compressor would compress the freon making it hot, which then gets cooled by the radiator coils. In your case, there isn't enough fluid to compress to make it hot. Unfortunately, you need to have it refilled by a repair shop. Try your local A/C or HVAC shop. Don't be surprised if they can't refill with freon as it's bad for the ozone and being phased out.

Is the compressor running or is it just the fan? If its just the fan it is because it is cycling the air and it uses that air flow to check the humidity in the air. If the fan runs non-stop and the compressor does not turn on or the fan does not shut off there is a problem with this unit and you will need to replace it. Since it is brand new you should still be able to return it to the store.

I just picked one up at a tag sale, seller said it worked sometimes. Seems to have the same problem as yours. I took the time to tweak all of the connections and then re-soldered the control board with no luck. I finally disconnected the humidity control and it worked fine. By disconnecting the humidity control the unit defaults to it's highest setting and you have to unplug the unit to turn it off. Conclusion so far is that the humidity control rheostat is bad.
Note: Now while running the fan runs continuously and the compressor cycles on and off every 10 to 15 minutes. This may to be normal since the unit appears to be doing its job and I'm not sure how it is supposed to run since a purchased it broken.