Overheating Hi was just wondering if the filter is dirty.. will the dehumidifier blow hot air and the top of the machine get really hot? Thanks.

It is normal for a dehumidifier to discharge warm air. A dehumidifier is really an air conditioner - a fan blows humid room air across a cold fin coil that causes the moisture to condense on it and drip into a container - thus cooling AND dehumidifying the air. The cool air is blown over the warm coil and discharged out the back. A dehumidifier WILL normally increase the temperature of the room it is in.
You can do the same thing with sitting an A/C unit on a stool in a room. Room air will be drawn in, cold air will come out the front, hot air out the back and water will drip on the floor. And, the room will get hotter, due to what is called "heat of compression" even though you're running an A/C unit.

A little condensation is not something to worry about. But, a lot can be caused by a dirty or clogged air intake filter. Which can also cause the cooling coils to freeze.

Turn the unit OFF & unplug it, before removing the filter for cleaning.

Also, maintain 12" to 18' of clear air space all around the unit.

If the unit is in an extremely moist or damp environment, 55% is not really a low setting. 35% would be more appropriate for this type of environment.

Hope this helps you to troubleshoot and solve the problem. Thanks for choosing FixYa.

Hi,

The most common cause of frost and ice buildup on a dehumidifier is because the unit is operating in temperatures that are too cold. Many dehumidifiers are not equipped to run at temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
To fix this problem, Position the dehumidifier in an area where there is at least one foot of clearance around the unit in order to allow for proper air circulation during its operation. Close all windows, doors and other outside openings to make sure your unit isn't attempting to remove moisture from areas outside of the immediate room. Determine the temperature of the room by checking a nearby thermostat or by using a hand-held thermometer.

Check the filter for dirt and buildup. Unplug the unit from the electrical source and check the filter by opening the filter compartment. If the filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow through the unit and lead to freezing. Soleus recommends lightly vacuuming the surface of the filter to remove dirt. The filter also can be washed in warm water if it is extremely dirty. Once clean, place the filter back in its compartment. Allow for the ice to melt and then restart your dehumidifier.

Yes, the first suggestion is I hope your dad can get it back together without any parts left over (LOL). Over heating is generally caused by an clogged or dirty air intake filter. Simply removing it and vacuuming it or if it's really dirty, washing it in warm water and mild dish washing liquid will clean it. Rinse it thoroughly, shake off excess water and allow to dry completely. Never operate the unit without the filter in place. Doing so, can damage the unit.

Getting back to the heat for a moment and where you're using your dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers do generate heat, it's not abnormal. Operating it in a basement can cause it to over heat. This happens because the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level. Dehumidifiers struggle in temperatures below 65 degrees F (unless you have a Low temp unit, designed for basement applications). Raising the unit up off the floor, on to a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that an handle the weight of the unit, plus a full bucket of water, will generally resolve the problem.
Actually, a basement application , higher is better.

I hope this helped you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

Possibly, but I doubt it. Because, there are 5 basic, yet solvable reasons for what you described. Please pay particular attention to numbers 1 & 2..

1. Operator Error - The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%. If you have a
mechanical unit, set the manual control knob to 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.

Not all of the above will apply to your situation. But, they are good know for future reference.
I hope this helped you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

It's not unusual for a dehumidifier to blow warm air. As it may be in defrost mode. Even so, they still blow warm air.

The model number you furnished is slightly helpful. Knowing what brand it is, would be even better.

Never-the-less, the filter should be located behind the front louvers of the unit. Turn the Master ON/OFF Switch to OFF and unplug the unit. Remove the water collection bucket and look up inside the bucket holder, just behind the front louvers. You may see a plastic pull tab handle. If so, that's the filter frame. Pull it straight down and out.

If you didn't find it there, look on the right hand side of the unit, just behind the louvers for what looks like a a flip open door. If you see that, flip the door open and remove the filter.

The filter can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner or if it's really dirty, wash it in warm water and dish washing liquid. Thoroughly rinse and allow to completely dry, before reinstalling it. NEVER operate the unit without the filter in place.

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

The problem you're having with your dehumidifier, may be the result of one or more of the basic, but solvable problems and solutions listed below:

1. The Humidity Extraction Level is set to High. Lower it to 32-35%.

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Remove, inspect the filter and clean if necessary. It it's a
Washable Filter, allow it to thoroughly dry before reinstalling it.

3. Obstructed Air Flow. A minimum of 12" to 18" clear air around the entire unit, must be
maintained.

4. The ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees F. This is particularly true in
basement applications. The air temp at floor level is colder than the air temp at shoulder level.
Dehumidifiers don't work well in that temperature range (Unless, it's a Low Temp model). Raise
the unit up off the floor on to a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight of the
unit, plus a full tank of water.

If you troubleshoot the 4 things listed above, it may quickly solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

Hi,
There are many reasons why a dehumidifier willnot work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrongwith their dehumidifier

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket

heatman101

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could have overheated the compressor if the filter was really dirty and blown it

was the filter dirty that will do it let it defrost and put it back on