How can I fix my dehumidifier?

my dehumidifier stopped working. The fans runs and it sounds like the compressor is running some tims but no water in the storage container. I'm not sure if it could be just low on freon??????????

Ac
November 2010

Let’s be clear – I am talking about the situation where a dehumidifier has been running happily in one place for a year or more (usually two or three) and then suddenly starts to ice up. There are an amazing number of low probability answers along with just plain crap out there. Here is the answer:

The condenser fins are dirty. The dirt stops the water from running off fast enough and so it turns to ice. So, how do you clean the fins?

First of all be careful. Unplug the machine before working on it and DO NOT plug it back in until it is completely dry. By the way, if your dehumidifier has a filter, remove it, wash it well with soap and water, dry it, and then try the machine again. If it still ices you are going to have to disassemble the machine. How you do this depends on the make and model. In the easiest case you can remove the front panel. Usually there are either two screws at the top and two at the bottom, or just two at the bottom and plastic hooks at the top. In the harder situation, you have to take off the whole case – usually this is attached by four screws, two on each side located at the bottom edge of the machine.
You need access so that you can use a hose with a strong spray nozzle to direct water from the inside of the fins toward the outside. You want to do this while minimizing the amount of water that gets on the fan motor. While you are at it, use a rag and soapy water to wipe all dirt from the fan blades – be careful, the blade edges can be sharp.
Working from the back with your soapy water and rag try to get as much soap on the fins as possible. If you work very gently, you can also use a scrub brush but remember that the fins are delicate and you don’t want to bend them. Then, using the hose nozzle from the inside of the machine (you will have to work around the fan blades) rinse the fins thoroughly.

Now, let the machine dry completely. I generally leave it out in the bright sunshine for a full day. The machine MUST be completely dry before you plug it in again. Then reassemble it and you are back in the dehumidification business.

geezer99
August 2009

The problem might be caused by any one of at least three situations. Air intake temp is too low. Most units require at least 60 to 70 degrees ambient intake temp to work properly. The unit may be suffering a shortage of the gas/liquid needed to operate. This might be Freon or a more environmentally stable additive. Some units employ a sensor to detect when the coils form ice. Ice can damage the coils and therefore lead to failure of the unit proper. The sensor detects the low temps and should shut down the compressor;or even the whole unit until the ice is abated, and then signal a restart of the process. If this sensor is faulty, ice will form while the unit is running.
The age of the unit is often an indicator of Freon loss. Try and run the unit in a warm environment. If ice still forms, any two of the latter can be suspected.
One important item to mention here is the cleanliness of the areas where air is meant to pass through. If these airways are too dirty; or plugged, the whole unit should be cleaned before considering that other causes.

Gadget
September 2006

most new dehumidifiers have a "temperature switch" that mounts to one of the cooling coils. They cost about $15/20. Find a parts manual for your unit, order and install a new switch. This almost always fixes the problem.

dave hudson
July 2006