Owens Corning
How to Operate a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is actually a small air conditioner with both the condensing and evaporator coils inside its cabinet. The compressor cools the evaporator coil just like an air conditioner. The fan draws damp air over the coil, cooling the air and forcing the excess moisture to condense on the coil. The air then passes over the warm condensing coil and is reheated to near room temperature.

Like an air conditioner, a dehumidifier processes a lot of air through its coils and requires regular cleaning. Unlike a humidifier, a dehumidifier condenses mineral-free water out of the air and therefore doesn't build up large mineral deposits.

Monthly summer maintenance will keep a unit running right. Dirt is a good insulator so any buildup on the coils will make them less effective. A dirty motor will run hotter than necessary and shorten its life, so vacuum up any dust and dirt from inside the case and around the coils and motor. Unplug the dehumidifier and allow the coils to dry. Then consult the owner's manual for direction about how to remove the cover.

Most of them lift or slide off, but some are held in place by a couple of sheet metal screws. Remove the cover and vacuum any dirt from both coils. Note that the dirt collects on the side of the coils that face the air flow. When the coils are clean, carefully straighten any of the small bent fins. Separate any of the fins that are pushed together so air can pass between each fin.

Many dehumidifiers have an overflow switch that shuts the unit off when the collection bucket is full. Check that this switch is free of dirt and that the float lever moves freely.

Once a season, lubricate the motor shaft with a couple of drops of 20-weight machine oil placed on the fan shaft where it enters the motor. Check your owner's manual because many of the newer units have motors with permanently oiled bearings. In any case, don't over-oil because the excess will attract dirt and do more harm to the motor than help it. The compressor motor doesn't require any maintenance since it is a sealed unit.

If there is a drain hose connected to the unit, check to see that the drain hole in the water collection bucket is not clogged. In the off season, remove the hose and store it in a loose coil so it's not bent or twisted.

written by the editors of HouseNet
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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