I have a Sunbeam model 2411 humidifier. Cleaning instructions say to remove the housing, but I can't figure it out. How do you get it off the unit?

if your saying that the voltage drops to around 4 volts at the supply transformer at anytime , then id say the load (device connected) is too much for the transformer to supply this most likely is caused by an internal fault in the load (humidifier) also since its a water appliance id say a water leak might be a factor in that as well , taking a look under the cover of the humidifier 4 signs of a water leak (or past one) would be where id start

in the water tray

The E3 Code, indicates that the air intake filter needs to be removed and cleaned. Be sure the unit is OFF and unplugged before removing the filter. Filter cleaning should be performed at least once every two weeks, as part of Routine Maintenance.

Actually, Carol, it shouldn't be necessary to take the unit apart. Mix a 50/50 solution of White Distilled Vinegar and Bottled Distilled Water (enough to fill the tank). Pour the solution in and allow it to sit overnight. Then empty the solution and fill the tank with Bottled Distilled Water. Turn the unit ON and allow it to run for 1 hour. Then empty any remaining Distilled Water. Doing all the aforementioned, should have not only cleaned the filter, but also the unit itself. If you use Bottled Distilled Water in the future, rater than tap water, the filter and the plumbing of the unit will stay clean longer and will require less maintenance.

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

When a humidifier is first placed into service depending on the environment you placed it in, it can take up to a week to actually shut off.
Think about this...
Q? Why did you buy the unit in the first place?
Ans. Area you want to use it in is damp.

So the NEW humidifier has to really work hard to remove moisture from everything in the space.
Furiniture, structure to include cement floors and walls. This can take a very very long time initially. If there is a sump pump in the basement the humidifier needs to be placed quite a distance from the sump area. If the structure foundation and walls are allowing water seepage into the basement it may NEVER shut off.

If it does not shut off after several days. Move the unit to a small room upstairs that you can place it in and close the door just to test to see if the unit will cycle on and off. If it cycles on and off in a small room you may want to inspect your basement foundation and check for plumbing problems.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

Make sure you unplug the unit first. there should be screws at the base, in the back, or underneath the humidifier. Once you remove all the screws the cover should come off as one big piece. Careful when removing the cover, however, as there may be ground wires attached to it . Usually if you vacuum out the inside godd and around the copils that may help with performance. You can also buy a special acid that you can spray on and rinse off with water that removes alot of residue.

http://www.iallergy.com/product841/product_info.html
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Also, Don't forget to pull the plug, shut the water valve and drain the unit. A unit with a water reservoir should be drained and cleaned with white vinegar, a mix of one part chlorine bleach to eight parts water or muriatic acid. Mist-type humidifiers also require regular cleaning to remove mineral deposits.

Hi, you can purchase a PDF copy of the Sunbeam manual from TradeBit.com here for $9.99:
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/58045622-sunbeam-swm5251-um-owners-manual
Unfortunately, Sunbeam doesn't offer free downloads of their manuals online.

Press and hold the Mist button for three seconds, the change light will blink and shut off. This is for a demineralization cartridge that you can buy separately it will turn on again after 30 days of use

check the manual, it will be described there. if you don´t have one, ask here: http://manualfox.com/link/sunbeam.htm