The dehumidifer doesn't

Bonnie, there are 5 basic, but solvable reason for what you described. Please pay particular attention to numbers 1 & 2.

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%.

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

4. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
clean the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

5. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level
in basement applications . Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

If none of the above solves the problem, it may be a case of the compressor needs to be recharged with refrigerant gas or that the humidity condenser sensor has failed. These things usually occur in units that are 5 years old or older. It's rare in a unit younger than that. But, it can happen.

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

Mike, the LT in the model number, usually indicates that it's a low temperature model. If you root cellar has an unpaved or unfinished floor, I would highly recommend that you raise the dehumidifier at least up a foot or two, off the floor. As the ground temperature is colder than the air temperature at shoulder level. Plus, it will help keep insects and critters out of it. Use something sturdy, that can handle the weight of the unit, plus a full bucket of water. Even if you are going to use the hose drain feature, rather than the bucket, I would still get it up off the floor.

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

Hi,
Dehumidifiers freezing up can be causes by a few different problems.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people with the freezing dehumidifier problem....

Dehumidifier is Freezing up and not working
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662033-dehumidifier_freezing_up_not_working

heatman101

MOst likely the room the dehumidifier is operating is is too cold for proper dehumidification to take place. Try warming up the room and I believe then your dehumidifier will work fine.

Unless equipped with special equipment most dehumidifiers will produce little if any water under 65-70 degrees. Many state operation down to 50-60 degrees but this was under lab conditions and therefore a marketing tool. The best performance is gained when the air temperature is above 70 degrees. The water you are finding is from melting frost, if you have a humidity problem you should be adding heat to the area to be dried, warm air holds much more moisture than cold and drying is much more effective if you can heat the area to around 80 degrees.

Most dehumidifiers need warmer air to work properly. The temperature in a basement is usually 60 - 65F; too cool for standard models. You could buy a "basement" dehumidifier. They're designed to work at lower temperatures; some as low as 40 F. Costs are about the same as a standard dehumidifier; you just have to find it.

For a cheap fix, try this; it seems to be working for me.

Since the condensate coil (the one icing up) is cold, the air entering it is too cool and the condensate frosts up the coil. Additional condensate freezes to the frost and before you know it, you've got a block of ice. Since the air coming out of the front is very warm take a large piece of cardboard around 6' x 3') and form a V. Placed it in front of the dehumidifier so it channels some of the warm air back to the rear where it warms the moist air up before it hits the cooling fins. It's helped keep the ice down.

If you want something attractive, any screen that redirects some of the air back to the rear will work. Just leave the top open so it doesn't get too hot and the some of the drier air gets out into the room.

plug it in

The following statement is a parameter for all dehumidifiers and some of the control issues may vary, but the theory is the same.

Most dehumidifiers have a "Frost Guard" mounted on the condensor coil. If frost accumulates on the condensor coil the frost guard turns the compressor off until the frost melts, then comes back on again. For the dehumidifier to work properly, the surrounding (ambient), temperature must be higher than 65 degress. This temperature allows the moisture in the air to condense on the coils and drip into the reservoir without freezing up on the condensor coil. Also, if the humidity is too low, (below 45%), the same condition will occur. So it will help to keep the parameters in mind when you have this issue.
If your model does not employ a "Frost-Guard" the condition you describe will avail itself when the above parameters are not met.
Simply unplug, or turn off the unit, until the above parameters are met or exceeded.


Thank you for your allowing me to advise you on this issue.

Dave E. (Illeagle)

Make sure the coils are clean. (check the inside part of the coils. If they look ok then see if your compressor is running. if its not running then it could be any number of things. I recommend that you have a pro look at it

have you turned them off, waited a long time, and restarted? if yes, but still problem, both have developed freon leaks. the coils may have "frozen over", verified by looking at them-do they appear frosty? caused by humidistats that are not functioning properly (starting to corrode)...try turning down the stats to allow motors to rest (and frost to melt)