Author Topic: Dehumidifier issues  (Read 703 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline 30calflash

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 128
Dehumidifier issues
« on: June 13, 2012, 01:27:12 PM »
 Hello all, this is one that's got me going at the moment.

 I have a few Sears brand dehumidifiers that worked very well for about a year to two years. Off in the winter when humidity isn't a problem. Fire it up in the summer or when the basement is wet and one will run on and do nothing but freeze. Another just runs, no water, no freezing.

 I know that some units are set up to run at around 55 degrees minimum. This has been noted and when it freezes up I've brought it upstairs where it is warmer and let it cycle thru the day, no water.

 I've been told that when they freeze it's because the refrigerant has leaked out. Any thoughts on this? And, if I could acquire the stuff to recharge it that would be the best. I currently have 3 of the same model, no electronic or touch pads on the face, and one with the above.

 They are less than 5 years old. I guess they don't make em like they used to.
Hold still while I overthink this.

Offline PowPow

  • Trade Count: (16)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1838
  • Gender: Male
Re: Dehumidifier issues
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2012, 03:59:58 PM »
Generally, a frozen coil is either low airflow (dirty filter or clogged coil) or low refrigerant charge.
The difference between people who do stuff and people who don't do stuff is that the people who do stuff do stuff.

Offline Cornbelt

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 673
  • Gender: Male
Re: Dehumidifier issues
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2012, 03:10:28 PM »
  Whenever mine freezes up, I know its time to give it a thorough cleaning. Like a high pressure washer at the carwash, and one of those long twist brushes for the coils. Then I let a fan blow on it for a couple days before plugging it in. You might also check to see if the fan is running. I've had to replace those from time to time ($10). But its over 30 years old, so I can't complain.

Offline 30calflash

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 128
Re: Dehumidifier issues
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2012, 01:37:07 PM »
 Thanks for the replies. I didn't think it was dirty but...

 The car wash deal should be like a pressure washer, I've access to that. And letting it dry a few days before use sounds good also.

 Where would one acquire a fan motor? Appliance repair, Grainger?

 I hope to get into it this weekend. Thanks again.
Hold still while I overthink this.

Offline Cornbelt

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 673
  • Gender: Male
Re: Dehumidifier issues
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2012, 03:53:37 AM »
I just bought a cheap desk fan at wally world and put that in there.