My dusk to dawn light no longer goes off in the daytime. It stays on all the time. Makes a loud humming sound which has been going on for some time. It still worked before though. Do I need a whole new light?Would changing the bulb make any difference?

That capacitor, if it is the start up capacitor will cause the motor to hum loudly. If it is the 'run' capacitor and is open circuit the motor will not start.
That is an easy fix.
he flickering lights may suggest a different issue.

let it dry completely, disassemble as you would for cleaning, and remove filter unit. Inspect to make sure no paper or other debris like a seal has been dislodged. If you can see fan blade, see if it will turn with filter removed. If it moves easily, reassemble carefully and make sure the contacts are oriented correctly and any charcoal filter is on place as well. Try unit.

If noise persists, the unit has to be opened up to inspect bearings of fan/motor and to locate and remove any debris. At that time a drop of light sewing machine oil or pellet gun oil to lubricate the bearings is a good idea.

Replace the Aprilaire #4598 Ionizer Frame Assembly to correct this condition and return unit to operation with the green light now illuminated.

The light itself is likely bright enough to trip the photo cell back off. Rinse and repeat...

Hi Wendie286,

I just answered your other posting which described a low "humming" sound. A squeak is different. Then it's very likely the motor. You could try a _very_ small/light application of oil to the shaft where it goes into the bearings, but that's probably a short-term fix.

If the unit is over 10 years old, the motor will probably need to be replaced at some point. Below is the relevant portion of my response in your other posting.

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[fan motors]... are the only moving parts and do eventually wear-out. If it's still turning, it shouldn't be a problem - - if it starts turning slower and slower, it's time to plan a replacement motor. I have a couple, but I think FixYa's terms forbid me selling it to you directly. Recommended solutions in this case:
1) If you still know an active dealer, you might see if they have any, or if they know of a source (Ecoquest no longer supports them with spare parts).
2) You could probably find them on the web, though the last time I did this (in December), I couldn't seem to find them; I didn't have a lot of time to spend then.
3) Find another XL15 (maybe on eBay) and cannibalize a fan from the older machine (note: different versions of the XL15 had different motor mounting configurations, so me sure you know what you're getting - maybe ask for a digital picture of the prospective purchase showing how it's mounted).

If you write back with more details, I may be able to offer more precise guidance. If you want, I could try web-searching again.

If I can be of further assistance, or if you have questions, let me know before rating me.

If this solves the issue, please rate it accordingly. My goal is to earn a "FixYa" rating from everyone I help.

Thanks for using Fixya.com,

Jon

Hi jackkikay,

A faint buzzing sound is normal - - that's the high-voltage plasma discharge simulating lightning in a thunderstorm. If the room is dark you should be able to see a faint bluish-purple glow of the metal grid on the plate(s) inside. This should somewhat louder as you increase the setting.

It should not really be so loud that is stands out in the background of normal noises (refrigerator running for example). If the buzz is loud - - like something is shorting-out internally (loud crackling sound), that would signal a different problem - - I'd need more details about what you're observing. Approximate purchase day, specific model, number of plates, general condition of the interior would all be helpful if you deem the buzz to be too loud for normal operation.

If I can be of further assistance, let me know. If this helps or solves the issue, please rate it accordingly.

Thanks in-advance for using Fixya.com,

Jon

Ionic Breeze machines are no longer being supported. Sharper Image recalled the product several months ago after it was proven by Consumer Reports and the EPA that the product wasn't cleaning the air and can be harmful to use. Sharper Image took legal action and lost.

The Consumer Product Safety Comission is going to make a decision on all ionizers by the end of the year. It's looking like all ionizers will no longer be sold in the U.S. regardless of who makes them.

Ionic Breeze is no longer supported because Sharper Image went into bankruptcy as a result of these products proving to be ineffective.

Here is a Sharper Image article

Here is an EPA article

You probably have an open circuit in the high voltage circuit. Most likely cause is a broken or disconnected wire. The high voltage wires are very small diameter stainless steel and are connected to alternating aluminum plates by a crimp connection at the ends of the plated. If you insert an object like a brush or wood tongue depressor/popsickle stick in to scrub the plates during cleaning you run the risk of pulling the wires lose or worst case, breaking them. If you just pulled some loose they can be repaired ( I know because I have done it) but you have to partially disassemble the cleaner cartridge to get to the end of the plate(s) with the disconnected wire(s), open the tab that grips the wire, insert the wire in the tab, re-crimp it, and then re-assemble the cleaning unit. I would rate it as moderately difficult. Be careful in bending all the tabs as they are aluminum and will break if bent too much or too many times. Good luck.