I recently noticed that my dehumidifier compressor is running more often and the humidity level in my basement is higher. Upon investigating I discovered that the coils on the dehumidifier are icing up. I 'fixed' the problem by changing the dehumidifier setting so the compressor run less often which results in no ice forming on the coils. But now humidity level in the basement is pretty high at 59%.

If the temperature in the basement gets to above 62 degrees then this problem of icing up goes away. I can run the unit at a lower humidity level setting which bring the humidity down to around 52% and the coils don't get iced up.

This particular model is supposed to have a low temperature operation capability which allows it to operate in air temperatures down to 38 degrees.

I am taking a guess here but perhaps whatever it is that controls the low temperature operation is broken which is causing icing to occur? Or it possible that after three years it's simply worn out and I have to get a new one?

The model is Whirlpool AD50USS0.

Thanks for your input

Joe

 

Off the shelf dehumidifiers do a poor job at removing RH under about 68 degrease. Your basement at 62 is chilly for a cheap dehumidifier. If coil and filter or clean it would be time to get a new one. Average life of a cheap dehumidifiers is 5 years. Spend the money and get a good one and you will have extra capacity, cheaper electric rates, and filtered air.

 

Dumb question, but if a refrigerator lasts for years, and even decades, then why does a dehumidifier only last a few years? I had in my mind the idea that you buy either one and chances are it will last a very long time.

As for an expensive dehumidifier I'm not aware of any one brand which is dramatically better than the rest. I could get a 70 pint unit for about $50 more than another 50 pint unit. Spending the extra money might make sense if it meant the unit would need to run less often and therefore last longer due to lower wear an tear over the years.

I'm leaning towards LG units because they come with a 5 year parts warranty which is better than Whirlpools 5 year limited warranty which only covers the sealed unit.

In the meantime I've put the unit on a timer that goes on for 30 minutes and off for 30 minutes all day long. That is keeping it from icing up since it never runs for more than 30 minutes. The humidity is now going back down to nice dry 52% which is keeping the musty smell away. The timer is a cheap lamp timer but it's rated for 1000 watts and the dehumidifier is 630 watts. But I'm wondering if from a saftey perspective what may seem like a smart idea could really be a dumb idea.

 

Off the shelf dehumidifiers only last about five years because they are cheaply made. A larger unit will not last any longer because of being off more, in fact it should not last as long because the off on cycles. But a larger unit will have more capacity for non load times. a good dehumidifier would be Santa Fe Classic Dehumidifier