Dehumidifier Freezing Up In Basement

Dehumidifiers are essential appliances for maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment in your basement. They work by removing excess moisture from the air, preventing mold growth, dust mites, and other allergens. However, sometimes dehumidifiers can develop problems, and one of the most common issues is freezing up.

When a dehumidifier freezes up, it means that the evaporator coils have become coated in ice. This can prevent the dehumidifier from working properly and can also lead to damage to the appliance. If you notice that your dehumidifier is freezing up, it is important to take steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Causes of Dehumidifier Freezing Up

There are several potential causes of a dehumidifier freezing up, including:

Low refrigerant levels: Refrigerant is the fluid that circulates through the dehumidifier's coils and absorbs moisture from the air. If the refrigerant levels are low, the dehumidifier will not be able to absorb as much moisture, which can lead to the coils freezing up.
Dirty coils: Over time, the dehumidifier's coils can become dirty with dust and debris. This can block the flow of air over the coils, which can also lead to freezing.
Low air flow: The dehumidifier needs to be able to draw in air in order to remove moisture from it. If the air flow is restricted, the dehumidifier will not be able to remove as much moisture, which can lead to freezing.
Cold temperatures: Dehumidifiers are not designed to operate in cold temperatures. If the temperature in the basement is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the dehumidifier may freeze up.

Troubleshooting and Fixing a Frozen Dehumidifier

If your dehumidifier is freezing up, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the problem:

Check the refrigerant levels: You can check the refrigerant levels by looking at the sight glass on the dehumidifier. If the sight glass is clear, the refrigerant levels are probably fine. If the sight glass is cloudy or has bubbles, the refrigerant levels may be low and you will need to call a qualified technician to add more refrigerant.
Clean the coils: You can clean the coils by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Be careful not to damage the coils.
Increase air flow: Make sure that the dehumidifier is placed in an area where it can draw in plenty of air. You may also want to open a window or door to increase air circulation.
Raise the temperature: If the temperature in the basement is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, try raising the temperature to see if that solves the problem.

Preventing Dehumidifier Freezing Up

In addition to troubleshooting and fixing a frozen dehumidifier, there are several things you can do to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place:

Maintain proper refrigerant levels: Have a qualified technician check the refrigerant levels in your dehumidifier annually.
Clean the coils regularly: Clean the dehumidifier's coils every month or two, or more often if the basement is dusty.
Ensure proper air flow: Make sure that the dehumidifier is placed in an area where it can draw in plenty of air.
Avoid using the dehumidifier in cold temperatures: If the temperature in the basement is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, avoid using the dehumidifier.

Conclusion

If your dehumidifier is freezing up, it is important to troubleshoot and fix the problem as soon as possible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help prevent damage to your dehumidifier and keep your basement dry and comfortable.