New dehumidifier runs very hot...back of unit is extremely hot to the touch, and the space around it becomes uncomfortable to live in. With hot summers like this one (and maybe future ones?) we don't need it any warmer! Also...there doesn't seem to be any difference between "high" and "low" fan speeds. Shouldn't you be able to hear a difference?

Clean the coils

Your description indicates a loss of refrigerant in the dehumidifier. The metal heat exchanger above the water collector should become cold when the compressor is running - if it does not, your dehumidifier likely has lost it's refrigerant charge. You will have to take it to a certified (refrigerant handling) technician to repair. It may make more sense to replace with a new dehumidifier.

Check the CPSC website for dehumidifier recalls. they will have details of the brands/models/serial numbers of recalled units.

Wayne, 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%. If you have an analog unit
(no LED screen) set the humidity extraction knob on maximum.

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 helps you to troubleshoot & solve the problem. Thanks for choosing FixYa.

Three things can cause the problem you're having:

1. A dirty or clogged air intake filter.

2. The humidity extraction level (percentage) is set to high. Lower it to 35%. Or minimal if you don't have an LED display.

3. Not enough clear air space around the unit. Maintain a minimum of 12" clear space around the entire unit.

Number 1, should become a part of a every two week routine maintenance program.

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

Yes it should if it is a window unit. How long it runs depends on how much room space you want cooled and what size unit you have. If you live in an area that has high humidity you will want it to run more often to remove the humidity. Some units have a setting so that it is running all the time to circulate air, but the compressor is only on when the air is too warm.

This may be caused by running the unit in continuous mode, rather than timed mode. The heat is generally is generated when the defrost mode cycles on, to defrost the cooling coils. This happens more frequently, if the air space around the unit is obstructed or it's operating in a temperature range of 40 to 60 F. Cleaning the air intake filter at least once a week, can help solve this problem, too.

Maintain a minimum of 12" free air space around all sides of the dehumidifier. Use a timed mode rather than a continuous mode. Make sure the room is within the proper operating temperature range and clean the air intake filter weekly.

Hope this helped you troubleshoot and solve the problem.

Hi,
There are many reasons for a dehumidifier to not work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrong with their dehumidifier.

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket
http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in

heatman101

is the compressor in the unit hot to the touch,or are the coils freezing and thawing when it runs<if so you probably need to add some R-134a refrigerant,these type of units are notorious for losing all or part of their refrigerant charge,but unless you have the equipment to remove old refrigerant and vacuum the system down and recharge it it can get costly

i'm having the same problem

doubt if there is a fault. if something gets cold ie freezing section then something else gets hot