Dehumidifiers

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Like a humidifier, a dehumidifier can provide a lot of comfort for a small price. If you live in an area where you often hear that it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity – taking the water out of the air can make  summers more bearable. Plug a dehumidifier into a grounded outlet. Position it so there is at least 12 inches of air space on all sides to allow adequate air circulation. Attach a garden hose to the drain hose connector to avoid having to empty the dehumidifier collection tank frequently. Sometimes the connector is hidden behind a small cover that can be pried off with a screwdriver. Run the hose to a floor drain.

Every month clean the tank with a sponge and mild detergent. Also pop off the grill and wash or replace the filter. Vacuum the coils behind the filter as you would on a room air conditioner every 6 to 12 months. If the fan motor has oil ports, add two drops of SAE 20 oil to each port every year. Running a dehumidifier when the room temperature is below 65 degrees F. may cause frost to form on the coils. Frosting can also occur if the coils need cleaning or if the airflow is obstructed. Improve the air flow by moving the unit farther from the wall. If frost persists then have the unit serviced. The most common source of a dehumidifier leak is an overflowing water collector. Empty the collector more often. Trace the path taken by water as it drips off the coils and into the collector. If the drain hole above the collector is clogged it will cause a leak. Check for signs of corrosion as well.