One of the worst things that can happen to you during winter is to have your dehumidifier freeze up. You need a dehumidifier to increase the moisture content in the air during winter to prevent nose bleeds, asthma attacks, nasal congestions, dry irritated eye, nose, throat, and dry skin. Dry air can also be a trigger for health conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
Why your dehumidifier may freeze-up
As such it is crucial for you to figure out why your dehumidifier is icing up and fix it to improve the air quality in your home. The three main culprits include;
Room temperature
If the air in the room is below 650, then chances are your humidifier will ice up. Most humidifiers do not well in temperatures below the aforementioned temperature. Use a thermostat to regulate the temperature to stop the dehumidifier from freezing up.
READ: Tips for choosing a dehumidifier for your basement
Device malfunction
If your humidifier has an issue, then it will freeze up as it is not operating optimally no matter the placement.
Clean up any debris caught up in its filters and clean the coils to remove any condensation that may freeze when exposed to cold air. Maintain it on a regular basis to avoid this problem.
Airflow
If the airflow is slow and or restricted, then chances are it will get cold and condense on the coils as well as other parts of the humidifier. You can eliminate this problem by turning on your air conditioner to move the air along and prevent condensation of cold air in the room.
How do I stop my dehumidifier from icing up?
There are several ways you can prevent your unit from icing up without calling in a professional to troubleshoot it. When a dehumidifier ices up, you should remove the cover and allow the ice to melt by turning the unit off. Typically, allowing the unit to stay idle for a few days solves the problem.
Below are some other troubleshooting tips;
Check the filter for dirt and build-up
If the room temperature is above the threshold, a dirty filter will restrict airflow through the unit and cause freezing. Air filters should be cleaned every two weeks to prevent regular freeze-up. Check the following steps on how to clean the filters;
- Turn off the dehumidifier from the power source.
- Open the filter compartment and
- Clean the filter by vacuuming or using a washcloth or soft brush and warm water.
- Let the ice melt then turn on your dehumidifier.
Inspect the evaporator coil for dirt
Dust deposits on the coil slow down water flow making ice accumulate on the coil slowly. The coil should be cleaned once a year. Follow the steps below on how to clean the coils;
- Unplug the dehumidifier from the power source,
- Carefully clean the fins with a washcloth and soapy water,
- Rinse the soap thoroughly, making sure to keep water from the fan motor.
- Let the unit dry for a day in a warm play, or blow some air to ensure it dries up completely before connecting it back to the power source.
Other troubleshooting tips:
- Cycle the dehumidifier off and on every few hours, and if the humidity is already lower than 40%, you can turn it off completely. It will give the coils a chance to warm up and melt any frost that may have formed.
- If the room temperatures are low, you should; Elevate the dehumidifier a few feet from the ground into the warmer air higher up or turn on a heat source in the room.
- Lubricate the fan motor using oil to allow the bearings to move smoothly.
Some dehumidifiers have an automatic defroster that protects the compressor by turning it off and running the fan to melt frost before resuming operation. If you live in a cold area, you may want to consider purchasing a dehumidifier that works in lower temperatures.
How long do dehumidifiers last?
The average life span of a dehumidifier is between three to five years under regular use. The longevity also depends on maintenance and the amount of use. Below are a few tips on how you can maximize your unit’s lifespan:
Size the dehumidifier for your space
Size is determined by how much moisture a dehumidifier can remove from the air in 24 hours.
Smaller dehumidifiers used for bigger spaces tend to be overworked, which will lead to wearing out of internal parts. Get a bigger unit that is capable of working in a big room.
Proper installation
- Ensure your unit is connected directly to the socket and not on an extension cord.
- Position it on a level surface and at least six inches away from the wall and furniture for proper air circulation. It prevents the motor, which is usually at the back, from overheating.
- Use an anti-surge device to protect the unit from power surges, which can fry internal parts.
- Close all doors and windows in the room where your dehumidifier is running. Otherwise, your unit will be overworked by dehumidifying air from outside.
Keep the dehumidifier clean
Dirt can encourage the growth of mold and cause icing up of the unit hence, affecting its performance. Below are the parts to clean:
- Water tank– Most units have an automatic shut-off feature when the water tank fills up to capacity. Regularly drain this water, wash the tank and dry it before re-installing it. You can also connect it to drainage.
- Filter– using the manufacturer’s guide, inspect the filter accordingly for dust build-up and wipe it down with a washcloth. It is also essential to replace the filter at least once a year.
- Grilles – you should vacuum grilles to clear the blockages.
Adjust the humidistat appropriately
Set the humidifier for 40-50% humidity levels. Use the humidistat to regulate speed and reduce overworking the unit, which can cause overheating and affect durability.
Do not turn on or off the dehumidifier too abruptly
Note that this can cause the compressor to overheat. It would be best if you waited at least 10 minutes to turn on the unit after switching it off. Some models do come with an automatic delay feature.
Check the condenser coils for frost build-up regularly
Coils freeze up when the room temperatures are too low, hindering the proper function of the dehumidifier. Always ensure the room temperature is above 65°F before running your unit.
You should also oil the fan motor at least once a year to keep it running smoothly.
Should the dehumidifier run all the time?
There are no specific rules for how long you should run a dehumidifier; however, there are some general guidelines. It mostly depends on the dampness level and size of the room. Some dehumidifiers have an in-built humidistat that allows you to set your optimum humidity levels, and it shuts off automatically when reached.
The ideal relative humidity level to be maintained is around 40%-55%. If yours does not come with an in-built humidistat, you can purchase one, and place it near your unit, which allows you when to turn it on and off when necessary.
Should I turn off my dehumidifier during winter?
Winters have very low humidity; therefore, running a dehumidifier is unnecessary. Most dehumidifiers should NOT be run in temperatures below 60°F as the water removed from the air can freeze the coils, which damages the unit. Therefore, turning off your dehumidifier for the winter helps you save money and maintains the unit for longer since it’s not needed.
You can still run your dehumidifier during winter if the room maintains high relative humidity. Or if you’re battling with mold. But, do not run the dehumidifier throughout the day during winter as low humidity levels are just as unhealthy.
If the room maintains high relative humidity levels in the winter but is too cold to safely run a dehumidifier, use an electric heater for at least a couple of hours each day. It will not kill humidity as effectively as a dehumidifier, but it will eliminate some of the water vapor while also reducing the room temperature.
If you find that your unit runs throughout, then it means that humidity levels are much higher than its capacity can handle. The best solution would be to remove the source of excess moisture.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Even though dehumidifiers are effective in reducing mold growth, they are still costly to run. A 70-pint unit will cost you around $10 a month with about 8 hours of operation. But these figures vary depending on a couple of factors:
- Room size– the larger the room, the longer it is needed to regulate the room’s humidity; therefore will use slightly more power.
- Relative humidity– the more moisture is in the air, the longer your uni will be kept running.
- User operation– proper use such as closing doors and windows and reasonable maintenance of your dehumidifier will ensure energy efficiency.
- Geographical location– places that experience high humidity all year round may require you to run your dehumidifier throughout while other places use their units seasonally.
- Using energy-saving models claim to use 10% to 20% less humidity to eliminate an equal amount of moisture as regular models.
Will a dehumidifier kill mold?
Mold will thrive as long as the humidity is higher than 55%. A dehumidifier will prevent the growth of mold, but it will not kill already existing mold.
Before dealing with mold, put on rubber gloves, eye protection, and a respirator mask to prevent exposure. You can kill mold using bleach for non-porous surfaces and vinegar for porous surfaces, let it sit for a while, and then scrub using a brush.
Apart from using a dehumidifier, it would help if you increased air circulation and ventilation and removed the source of moisture. Using a fan in rooms with high moisture, such as bathrooms, will also help manage the house’s humidity levels.
Routine maintenance can help prevent icing and overall malfunction. Clean the condensers and evaporators often and empty the water tank frequently, so the unit continues to operate efficiently.
Essentially, invest in a good thermostat to keep your room temperature regulated, allow cross ventilation or turn on the fan to circulate air, and make sure that your humidifier is in good working condition before winter.