anyone know how to fix a dehumidifier?

[hans747]

So I got an old dehumidifier from my folks a few months ago. Problem is that it doesn't work as well as it used to. I'm guessing that it needs a shot of freon, but I can only get an AC tech to come out to my house for about the same amount of money it costs to buy a new one. I'll be damed if I'm going to spend that kind of money when all it needs is $20 worth of cooljuice. Got any suggestions?

 

[kaiser715]

take it to the tech, see if it's cheaper.

does your local cc have a refridgeration course? Maybe they'll do it as a class how-to project??

 

[catfishblues]

Clean the coils with a hose and greased lightning. Rinse thoroughly. You can use coil cleaner, if you can find it. Let it dry and try again. You'll be suprised how much crap comes off those things, and they will keep it from performing efficiently.

 

[junkman]

If you just add freon it will just leak down again. Time you find the leak, fix it , recharge it, how much will you have spent. Best thing to do is buy a new one.

 

[hans747]

Clean the coils with a hose and greased lightning. Rinse thoroughly. You can use coil cleaner, if you can find it. Let it dry and try again. You'll be suprised how much crap comes off those things, and they will keep it from performing efficiently.

thanks for the advice. the coils looked clean until I took the cover off and peeked at the inside side of the coils. Oh lord, that was a mess! I picked up some coil cleaner from the AC supply store, and got about 5 pounds of filth out of the machine. Now it pulls a full tank of moisture out of my basement every day.

Thanks again!

 

[spykosshow]

Yeah, I was going to say that we have the coil cleaner at Lowe's on walnut.

 

[catfishblues]

Never hurts to try the cheap fix first!

Enjoy your dry air. And remember, this works pretty well on stubborn window units, too.

 

[flashyroadster9]

thanks for the advice. the coils looked clean until I took the cover off and peeked at the inside side of the coils. Oh lord, that was a mess! I picked up some coil cleaner from the AC supply store, and got about 5 pounds of filth out of the machine. Now it pulls a full tank of moisture out of my basement every day.

Thanks again!

Sorry to ask in old post but what was the name of coil cleaner?
Are you familiar with Gur Technologies coil cleaners? Are they good?

 

[hans747]

Sorry, I don't recall the name. But any havoc supply shop will be able to help you.