Are you tired of dealing with a dehumidifier that constantly freezes up and fails to do its job? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?
Excessive humidity not only harms your furniture and promotes mold growth but also poses risks to individuals with health conditions and young children; which is precisely the reason why having a fully functional dehumidifier is crucial in maintaining a moisture-free home.
If you can relate to the frustration of a frozen dehumidifier, rest easy because I have the answers you need.
Follow me below to learn why your dehumidifier freezes up and learn some effective solutions to resolve this nuisance once and for all. So say goodbye to unwanted moisture and say hello to a healthier living environment.
Table of Contents
Why Is My Dehumidifier Freezing Up?
Your dehumidifier freezes up due to two key factors: room temperature and airflow to the condenser coils.
Room temperature plays a crucial role as dehumidifiers work best at temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature in your room drops below this threshold, the water will freeze on the coil instead of condensing, causing freezing and other operational issues.
Insufficient airflow, resulting from a faulty blower wheel or fan or blockages inside the air condenser unit, can also cause the dehumidifier to freeze up.
Understanding the common reasons why your dehumidifier continues to freeze up will help you properly diagnose and resolve the problem quickly and effectively.
Too-Low Room Temperature
Your dehumidifier can freeze up due to the room temperature. This is because most dehumidifiers operate effectively at 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above. If the air temperature drops lower than 65 degrees, your dehumidifier will start icing up almost immediately.
Here’s how it happens: the dehumidifier draws warm, humid air through a vent and runs it through a set of refrigerated metal cooling coils. Under normal optimal operational circumstances, the water in the air condenses along the dehumidifier coils and collects in a water collection bucket.
This process is effective and efficient above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but if the temperature drops below that, the water will freeze along the coils before it has had a chance to condense.
Inadequate Air Flow
In addition to room temperature, another highly common factor that can cause your dehumidifier to freeze up is inadequate airflow within the machine. This is a less common occurrence but equally important to address.
If you notice your dehumidifier constantly freezing up, it could be due to a poorly functioning fan or blockage in the condenser unit. When the dehumidifier’s airflow is restricted, the air inside the machine doesn’t circulate fast enough, leading to freezing issues.
Regular maintenance is crucial in identifying and resolving these problems. By cleaning or replacing faulty parts, you can ensure proper airflow and prevent your dehumidifier from freezing up in the future.
A Warning About Frequent Freezing
If you notice your dehumidifier constantly icing up, it’s crucial to avoid using it in that state.
Continuing to operate the dehumidifier while the coils are frozen over can lead to significant damage. The motor or compressor unit may become overwhelmed or even burn out due to the increased workload.
While troubleshooting a dehumidifier compressor is possible, it’s always better to prevent the problem rather than deal with a faulty unit. Therefore, if you suspect that your dehumidifier isn’t functioning correctly, for example, if the humidity levels aren’t decreasing as expected or if the unit is making louder-than-usual noises, it’s advisable to disconnect it and check if it requires maintenance.
Taking prompt action can help safeguard your dehumidifier and prevent potential complications.
What Can You Do to Stop Your Dehumidifier From Freezing Up?
If your dehumidifier keeps freezing up, you should first turn the unit off and let it defrost. Then follow these troubleshooting steps to narrow down the cause of the issue
Check The Temperature
Firstly, it’s important to check the room temperature and ensure that it aligns with the recommended operating instructions for your dehumidifier.
If you suspect that temperature might be an issue, even if it’s not below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, consider placing the unit in a higher location where warm air circulates or temporarily moving it the dehumidifier to a warmer room.
This simple adjustment can help determine if the freezing issue is indeed related to the air temperature and allow you to take appropriate steps to address it.
Check For Proper Air Flow
If the freezing problem persists despite addressing the room temperature, it’s important to ensure that the airflow within your dehumidifier is unobstructed.
Take a moment to check if the dehumidifier is positioned too close to a wall or ceiling. Such proximity can block the vents, hindering the smooth flow of air into the unit.
By allowing sufficient space around the dehumidifier, you can ensure that air can easily enter and circulate, aiding in proper functioning and preventing freezing issues.
Check for Debris and Build-up
To properly address freezing issues with your dehumidifier, it’s essential to inspect the fan motor and air filter for any clogs or blockages. If these components are not efficiently pushing air through, it can contribute to the dehumidifier icing up.
Additionally, the air quality in your home or the surrounding environment can affect the frequency of dust and dirt build-up. Depending on these factors, you may need to clean the fan blades and filter more regularly compared to others.
By ensuring proper airflow and maintaining clean components, you can prevent freezing up and optimize the performance of your dehumidifier.
Other Things To Keep In Mind If Your Dehumidifier Freezes Up
Certain dehumidifiers are built with features that enable them to perform efficiently even in colder environments.
By opting for dehumidifiers with a thermostat sensor, designed for lower temperatures, you can ensure their functionality and prevent frustrating issues like freezing up. Prioritizing a suitable unit for your specific needs will result in better performance and peace of mind.
Consider trusted brands like Kenmore and Frigidaire, both of which are known for offering high-quality models with a wide range of features. Opting for a reputable brand provides a sense of ease, knowing that you’re investing in a reliable product.
Additionally, these products often come with strong warranties, which can offer added protection if any unexpected issues arise. Consider prioritizing reliability and durability to ensure that your dehumidifier operates effectively, even if it costs a little more.
Or if you only have a small space in which you want to reduce humidity, consider a desiccant dehumidifier. These dehumidifiers work by drawing moisture from the air using a synthetic material like silica gel.
Unlike the more common models, desiccant dehumidifiers do not have moving parts, reducing the risk of certain problems like freezing up. They do require more frequent replacement and may not offer the same level of dehumidifying power as more traditional devices.
So evaluate your specific needs to determine if a desiccant dehumidifier is a suitable option.
Key Takeaways on Dehumidifier Freezing
If your dehumidifier is experiencing freezing issues, there are a couple of key factors to consider.
First, ensure that the room temperature is not too cold, as most dehumidifiers require temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance.
Secondly, if the room temperature is adequate but the freezing problem persists, check for any obstacles or blockages in the air vent and ensure that the fan is operating smoothly.
By addressing these factors, you can likely resolve the freezing issue. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to leave a comment below.
