Why is my dehumidifier freezing up and how to prevent it

Nothing’s worse than noticing your dehumidifier’s coils covered in ice right when you need it to zap moisture from your home. Usually, when a dehumidifier freezes up, it’s due to environmental factors or some maintenance hiccups that are pretty easy to sort out once you get what’s going on. In this piece, we’ll dive into why your dehumidifier might be icing over and share some straightforward ways to stop it.

The info here might not match your specific appliance model exactly. While we aim to provide useful advice for all types of DIY appliance fixes, different models and setups can mean troubleshooting steps, error codes, or parts might vary. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your appliance’s manual or contact us with any questions.

Why do dehumidifier coils freeze?

The coils in a dehumidifier are what make the whole moisture-removal process happen. There are two types: evaporator coils and condenser coils. First, the humid air from your room gets pulled in and passes over the evaporator coils, which are super cold. That causes the moisture in the air to condense into water droplets, which then drip into the tank or drain out through a hose. Once the air is dehumidified, it flows over the condenser coils, which are warm. That step helps reheat the air a bit before it blows back into your room, so things don’t feel chilly. The coils are usually made of copper or aluminum and have a bunch of thin fins to help move heat more efficiently. If the coils get dusty or if the room is too cold, they can freeze up, which is a pretty common issue. That’s why it’s important to keep them clean and make sure air is flowing properly.

How to stop your dehumidifier from freezing up

Once you figure out why your dehumidifier’s turning into an icebox, whether it’s low temps, airflow woes, or both, you can take action. Below are some DIY steps to tackle each issue. Usually, you just need basic tools and a bit of time, no appliance pro skills required.

Step 1: Check the operating temperature

1. Grab your dehumidifier’s user manual to find its ideal temperature range. Most spell out a minimum temperature or advice on suitable spots.
2. Use a simple thermometer to see what the room’s temperature is. If it’s cooler than recommended, think about moving the dehumidifier somewhere warmer or gently heating the area.
3. If moving it isn’t an option, consider a dehumidifier made for lower temperatures, or see if your model has an automatic defrost feature.

Step 2: Give the air filter and vents a look

1. Unplug the dehumidifier. Safety first!
2. Find the air filter. If you’re not sure where it is, check the manual or peek at our how to find your appliance’s model number guide for more detailed info.
3. Carefully remove the filter. If it’s looking grungy or clogged, rinse it under warm water. Let it dry completely before popping it back in.
4. Use a vacuum or soft brush to clear dust from the air vents on the front or back. Make sure nothing’s blocking the intake or outflow areas.

Good airflow helps keep the coils at a steady temperature. Stay on top of cleaning or replacing your filter, and follow the manufacturer’s suggestions on how often to do it.

Step 3: Check the fan 

1. With the unit still unplugged, locate the fan housing, which is usually behind a panel or near where the filter sits.
2. Gently spin the fan blades by hand to see if they move smoothly. If they feel sticky or wobbly, they might need cleaning or adjustments.
3. After putting any panels back, plug in the dehumidifier and turn it on. Peek through the filter slot or vent to make sure the fan’s spinning properly.
4. Shut it off and unplug it again before any more tinkering. If the fan blades are dirty, wipe them down with a soft cloth or mild cleaner to get rid of dust and grime.

A fan in good shape ensures air moves evenly over the coils, cutting down on ice buildup. If the fan motor seems to struggle or makes weird noises, you might want to call in a pro for help.

Step 4: Make sure it’s placed right

1. Set the dehumidifier away from walls, curtains, or big furniture so air can flow freely.
2. Keep at least a few inches of space on all sides, especially around the air intakes and outputs.
3. If it’s near an exterior door or window, check that cold drafts aren’t hitting the humidifier. Moving it a bit can help keep the area around it more stable temp-wise.

When your dehumidifier has room to breathe, it can better regulate its internal temperature and help prevent freezing.

Step 5: Melt any existing ice

1. Unplug the unit and let any ice thaw naturally. Depending on how much there is, this might take a few hours.
2. Put a towel under the dehumidifier to catch any drips if the ice melts quickly.
3. Don’t use a hair dryer or external heat directly; sudden temp changes can damage parts.
4. Once all the ice is gone, plug it back in and see if the problem’s fixed.

Extra tips for managing temperature & humidity

•  Keep room temps around 65°F or higher, especially where you need dehumidification.
• Use space heaters carefully in super cold conditions to warm things up a bit before running the dehumidifier. Always monitor heaters—don’t leave them unattended.
• Shut windows or doors that let cold air blow directly on the dehumidifier.
• Use a humidity gauge to keep an eye on indoor moisture levels. Place the dehumidifier in rooms that consistently show high humidity.

Wrapping it up

When you need more support, replacement parts, or detailed advice, swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. We’ve got a massive selection of parts, and our repair help section offers extra guidance for DIY projects. Stay connected with us on Facebook or Twitter for more tips and updates.

If you’ve got questions or need a hand, reach out to our customer service team at 1-877-477-7278 or through our website. We’re here to help you keep your appliances running smoothly. Remember, a bit of regular care goes a long way in making sure your dehumidifier works efficiently and stays frost-free.