Coils get heavy frost and unit does not collect water

MIKE - I have the same problem...previously, there was NEVER any frost, and the unit worked just fine. Now, all of a sudden in the last week, frost has been forming...water no longer traverses thru the tube into the sink...and the unit is basically useless/

I think when the original person said "frost", they meant ICE!

Hi,
There are many reasons why a dehumidifier willnot work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrongwith their dehumidifier

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket

heatman101

Keep in mind, that a dehumidifier only draws humidity from the air, if the level of humidity is higher than what the controls are set on. The fan running, may be the automatic defrost cycle, that defrost the coils, if they become frosted over. The defrost cycle, depending on the unit and how is was designed, can last any where from 15 minutes up to 45 minutes.

Also, a dirty air intake filter makes the unit strain to keep up and can't take in moisture as it should. So, if you haven't cleaned the filter on a regular basis, not is the time to do so. And while your at it, clean the cooling coils too.

The easiest and best way to test a dehumidifier at home, to see if it's working properly. Is to place it in the bathroom and turn the shower ON and don't operate the bathroom's exhaust fan. Set the humidity level low (45%), turn the unit ON and close the door when you leave. Wait 30 to 40 minutes and check the water collection bucket. If there's water in it, it's working as it should.

Hope this helped you to solve the problem. Please let me know.

The frost is requried for the unit to do it's work. The unit should routinely turn off and the ice should melt. without this process no water would be removed from the air....

Hi,
There are many reasons why a dehumidifier willnot work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrongwith their dehumidifier

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket

heatman101

clean filter and then check the coil behind the filter to see if clean. Biggest things that freeze a unit are dirty filter or coil...or low on freon.

Hate to tell you, but it may be a goner. Many units have a rectangular air filter that may be clogged, but I would still expect to see some moisture removal. Without exact model I'll have to be general,.... remove cover (front or back, depends on model) to see cooling coils. If the compressor is running, these coils should be wet or may have a light frost on them for a time. Not = refrigerant leak. (not economical to repair) If you see one small area of ice,... it's also a goner. If the compressor does not run you could have a bad compressor, a bad defrost control, or a bad control / humidistat. Other than the filter or possibly a fan motor, these unit are rarely economical to repair.

Most dehumidifiers have a "Frost Guard" mounted on the condensor coil. If frost accumulates on the condensor coil the frost guard turns the compressor off until the frost melts, then comes back on again. For the dehumidifier to work properly, the surrounding (ambient), temperature must be higher than 65 degress. This temperature allows the moisture in the air to condense on the coils and drip into the reservoir without freezing up on the condensor coil. Also, if the humidity is too low, (below 45%), the same condition will occur. So it will help to keep the parameters in mind when you have this issue.

Thank you for your allowing me to advise you on this issue.

Dave E. (Illeagle)

Most dehumidifiers have a "Frost Guard" mounted on the condensor coil. If frost accumulates on the condensor coil the frost guard turns the compressor off until the frost melts, then comes back on again. For the dehumidifier to work properly, the surrounding (ambient), temperature must be higher than 65 degress. This temperature allows the moisture in the air to condense on the coils and drip into the reservoir without freezing up on the condensor coil. Also, if the humidity is too low, (below 45%), the same condition will occur. So it will help to keep the parameters in mind when you have this issue.

Thank you for your allowing me to advise you on this issue.

Dave E. (Illeagle)

expected? of course! this is not ur solution try draining all the water to the sewerage if u cant try to pump it out with a vacuum cleaner (that can pump water) or a pump then turn on the Dehumidifier every time it frosts turn it off untill it defrosts or u can heat up the basement with a bellower and the Dehumidifier wont frost