Coils on the dehimidifier are dirty resricting air flow how do I get ti apart to clean the coils

Check the air filter. Freeze ups are often caused by low airflow across the cold coil. A dirty air filter can severely restrict air flow. Replace or wash (if a washable type) the filter and allow the dehumidifier coils to defrost completely. Reinstall the filter and be sure to locate the appliance so that air flow in and out of it is not restricted in any way (not up against a wall, behind a door, curtains, etc.) and restart.

If the unit has been run without an air filter, the cooling coil fins are probably choked with dust and dirt. They should be cleaned with a product designed expressly for this purpose such as:



Evaporator coil cleaner is available from many hardware and "big box home supply stores" such as Lowe's or Home Depot.

Use only as directed, and buy filters! it's much easier to replace filters than cleaning coils.

I hope this helps and good luck! Please rate my reply "4 thumbs up" if it was helpful. Thanks!

Sonia, There are 5 basic, but solvable reasons for what you described. Please pay particular attention to number 2.

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%.

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

4. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
cleaning the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

5. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level
in basement applications. Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

Hope this helps you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

There are 4 basic, yet solvable reasons for what you have described.

1. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter.

2. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

3. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
clean the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

4. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level
in basement applications. Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

I hope this helps you troubleshoot & solve the problem. Thanks for choosing FixYa.

either the filter is dirty restricting the air flow,the coil is clogged or the unit is low on refrigerant. check the fiter and coil clean as needed, if that does not fix your problem you may need to take it to a repair center

Rick. the freezing of the coils can be caused by several things:

1. Air intake filter needs to removed and cleaned.
2. The coils may be dirty. Clean the coils with warm water, wiped dry and a light coating
of WD40 applied to the coils.
3. Restricted air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" around the entire dehumidifier while
in operation.
4. The air temperature at floor level is 40 degrees F or lower, than the ambient air temperature
at shoulder level. This is particular true in basement applications. Raising the unit up off the floor
on to a sturdy table, cabinet top, etc, that's strong enough to hold the unit, plus a full bucket of
water generally resolves the situation.

Worse case scenario is that the defrost sensor has failed or there is a small leak in the cooling coils.

I hope this helps you troubleshoot and solve the problem. Thanks for choosing FixYa.

Make sure the filter is clean and plenty of air comes through, when coils freeze it is usually caused by low air flow coupled with lots of humidity and low air temperature in the space to be cooled. Clean the filter, fan and gently brush all dust and debris from the intake of the cold coil and retry it. If the basement is already cool and you are trying to dehimidify you should use a dehumidifier that features defrost controls.

The problem is probably due to dirty or clogged coils. Cleaning the coils to a dehumidifier is similar to cleaning the coils on an air conditioner. It really depends on how dirty the coils are. If it is not too dirty you can use a shop vacuum with a brush attachment. If it is really dirty you will have to use a non acidic hvac coil cleaner or you can use a household cleaner like Simple Green that has been diluted 1:1 with water and placed in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Make sure you unplug the unit before doing anything. If you use Simple Green make sure you spray it down with clean water. If you use an hvac type coil cleaner some do not require rinsing. Follow the directions on the product exactly. You might have to use a brush or even a putty knife if the coil is totally clogged. Be careful you do not damage the coil. Good luck!

spray viniger on the mould... hose off after 20 minutes... avoide getting any electricals wet... cover them if possible

ALL DEHUMIDIFIERS REQUIRE ROOM TEMPS TO BE AT LEAST 65 DEGREES AND A HUMIDITY OF AT LEAST 50 % TO OPERATE PROPERLY. ANYTHING LESS AND IT MAY FREEZE THE EVAPORATOR COILS. EVAPORATOR COILS WILL ALSO FREEZE IF THE COILS ARE DIRTY AND HAVE RESTRICTED AIR FLOW.TRY TAKING THE COVER OFF OF THE UNIT AND CLEANING BOTH SETS OF COILS INSIDE. THEY ARE COPPER OR ALUMINUM WITH FINS ON THEM.
ALSO CHECK THE FAN TO BE SURE IT IS RUNNING.
THAT WILL CAUSE AN OVERHEATING CONDITION AND WILL SHUT DOWN THE COMPRESSOR ALSO.

I believe a dehumidifier is supposed to operate in temps above 60 degrees. Even though your house is warmer than that, the air entering the dehimidifier may be getting into that range due to it being on a basement level etc. This is perfectly normal and is not a malfunction with your humidifier.

Your options are to either place the dehumidifier closer to a heat source in order to keep the air which is entering warmer. (I've even heard of someone placing a light bulb in front the unit during winter to warm the air slightly as it enters). Because the dehumidifier's coils get cold in order for it to collect moisture from the air, if they are freezing, giving the unit a rest for a few hours every few hours may allow the coils to thaw in between and prevent them from reaching freezing temperatures while running. You could use a timer to accomplish this, but you'll want to insure that it's a commercial grade timer in order to handle the electrical draw that the dehumidifier requires.