I bought the MA0800 2 mos ago. It worked great until 2 weeks ago but now it humidifies really slow. It used to keep our house at 45%, but after being on all night last night it wouldn't get above 20.

Many consumers are confused about setting the proper levels of humidity on dehumidifier units. And then think something is mechanically wrong with the unit. When in fact, over 70% of the time it operator error. That and a lack of proper routine maintenance are the problem.

The numbers on the LED screen represent the amount of humidity you want to maintain. Not the amount you want to remove. For example: If you set the level at 70%, which is rather high, more than likely the unit may start up momentarily and then shut OFF. That's because the setting is to high. Now, if you set it at 45%, the unit will turn ON and run until either the bucket is full and/or the humidity level has reached 45%.

Here's a good rule of thumb if you use your humidifier year round.

In the Winter you want to maintain a humidity level of 50 to 60%. The moister the air, the more comfortable it will feel. Plus, the humidity helps eliminate static electricity in the air.

Conversely, in the hot, humid Summer months, you want to keep the humidity level as low as possible (35% or less). Also, if you have ceiling fans, using them 24 hours a day, helps to move the air and generate a windchill, which fools your body into thinking it's cooler than what it really is. At the same time, it's saving on energy costs by not having to run your AC as much, because the dehumidifier is removing the humidity.

Just remember, the higher the setting, the higher the humidity level will stay. The lower the setting, the more humidity will be removed and the more comfortable you'll feel in the Summer.

And don't forget Routine Maintenance. Clean the air intake filter regularly. Clean and wipe down the refrigerant coils every 60 days. And don't allow water to remain in the collection bucket to long. As mold can build up in it.

Speaking of which, the water in the bucket, when fresh, is great for watering house plants. Because, when it's fresh, it's distilled water. No chlorine or minerals.