Anyone know anything about household dehumidifiers? I have one in my basement b/c is gets REAL humid down there. It seems to work fine (it does suck the moisture out of the air)... but instead of draining the water into the attached rear pail, it all freezes onto the refrigeration coils and turns the back into a big block of ice. Then it just runs and runs and runs (instead of kicking on and off automatically), because I don't think it detects the level of humidity when the coils are obstructed. I have to manually turn it off and let the ice melt to collect & dump the water. :?

Currently I have the dehumidifier hooked up to a timer, so it only runs at night... but it is still freezing up in the back every night, and I can't think this will be good for the coils in the long-term.

:? :?:

get a new one they are pretty cheap these days

You're basement must be cold also. That'* what causes the freezing on any evaporator coil. Chances a new dehumid will work any different are slim. Unless yours is low on freon. Barring a defective unit, try running a little electric heater pointed at the coils, or, set your timer to turn on and off at cycles the prevent the freeze up.

Clean the coils for better airflow, and make sure the thermocouple isn't damaged, and is in contact with the coils of the core.

Icing of the coils is caused by low refirgerant levels. Chances are you have a small leak in the system somewhere. Try cleaning the coils, it may help airflow.

Otherwise, sounds like you're in for a new one.

Definately not right. Plus it should sense that the freeze up is happening and defrost.

Time for the new one. Got a sink down there you could put the new, lighter one on a shelf and drain into the sink... =0)

Thanks for the tips fellas. I bought this one used for $40 last year, so I guess I might need to just cut my losses. New ones are over $100 from what I can tell tho, so I might try a few of your ideas before I pony up. No sink in the basement for drainage... the sump hole is down here, but it'* sealed off to keep the Radon levels down.