Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and mold-free basement environment. However, we have seen over the years that many houseowners struggle with their basement humidifiers icing up over time. Are you one of them? Do you want to know why your basement dehumidifier ice up and to fix it? Look no more. We are here to help you.
Why Does My Basement Dehumidifier Ice Up? [Causes and Fixes]
Low ambient temperature, restricted air flow, faulty dehumidifier components such as humidistat, low refrigerant levels and the wrong sized unit can cause ice build up in dehumidifiers. Let us explain all these factors in detail for you to figure out which one is causing the issue.
Low Ambient Temperature
When the ambient temperature drops below 18°C dehumidifiers tend to ice up. The operation of a dehumidifier can suffer in cold temperatures as the moisture it extracts can freeze and convert into ice instead of droplets to drain away.
Yes, we understand that this might not be under your control. However, there are products that come with auto-defrost feature to address this issue. Such machines have the ability to warm the coils periodically in order to prevent ice buildups.
Restricted Air Flow
When the airflow is blocked due to dirty air filters, it can hinder the operation of the machine and eventually cause various problems, including icing.
If this is the case, you can clean or replace the air filters of your dehumidifier to fix the issue, which is something you should be able to do yourself without requiring professional assistance.
Faulty Thermostat
If your machine’s thermostat or humidistat is at fault, it can cause dehumidifier to operate incorrectly. A thermostat or humidistat sends the signal to the dehumidifier regarding the humidity level in the room. If they fail, the machine will work more than needed leading the coils to freeze up quickly.
This might require professional assistance to fix a faulty thermostat or humidistat of a dehumidifier.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant plays an important role in the heat exchange process inside a dehumidifier. The coils of a dehumidifier get too cold and freeze the moisture when refrigerant runs low. Again, dealing with refrigerant issues requires professional assistance and if you suspect your dehumidifier is running low in refrigerant, contact a certified technician.
Size of the Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier that is not appropriately sized for your basement can also lead to icing issues. An oversized unit may cycle on and off too frequently. This can cause short bursts of cooling that can freeze the coils.
On the other hand, using a too small machine means it has to work hard to deal with moisture load in a room. This too can cause icing issues. That is why it is important to select right size dehumidifier for your basement.
How to Fix Icing Issues on a Dehumidifier?
As you now know what causes icing in a dehumidifier and the appropriate fixes, let’s focus on how you can prevent icing issues in your basement dehumidifier.
Maintain the Temperature of the Basement
A space heater is a great choice available for you to keep the basement temperature above 18°C during cold months. When a dehumidifier operates above that temperature it prevents the excessive stress put on the unit’s coils.
In colder months, proper insulation plays a huge role. Make sure to seal any gaps and cracks in the basement for a smooth dehumidifier operation.
Rather than banking on the built-in thermostat on a dehumidifier, it will be ideal if you can install a dedicated thermostat to measure the temperature in the basement. This will also help you to identify the discrepancies between temperature readings.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important regardless of the device you use. If you don’t clean the air filters, coils, and vents of the dehumidifier, it will throw different issues at you. Cleaning the filters must take place every month and cleaning of coils should happen every few months.
Having a maintenance schedule and following it is mandatory to maintain the efficiency of your dehumidifier. Proper maintenance also helps to keep the energy consumption of the dehumidifier in check.
Proper Placement of Dehumidifier
When placing the dehumidifier ensure you keep it in a place where the air flow is good. Placing it in corners, or against walls will not help your course to deal with icing problems with dehumidifiers.
The best place to keep a dehumidifier in a basement is in the central as it can efficiently cover entire place.
Moreover, to prevent icing issues on a dehumidifier you must regularly monitor the process. If you notice any unusual operation, or noises, it is important to address the issue then and there.
Also, check the settings are correctly set according to your requirements; fan speed and humidity level are two crucial aspects that you should pay a close attention.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Icing Issues on a Basement Dehumidifier?
Repairing icing issues on a basement dehumidifier can range from minimal costs for DIY fixes like cleaning filters to potentially hundreds of dollars for professional repairs involving sensor replacements or refrigerant leaks.
Typical costs to fix issues related to dehumidifier icing include diagnosis fees, parts replacement (ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars), and labor costs ($50 to $150 per hour).
Considerations also include potential insurance coverage and the cost-effectiveness of replacing the unit, which ranges from $150 to over $500. For accurate estimates, consulting local HVAC professionals is recommended based on the specific diagnosis and repair needed.
We hope our article has helped you fix the issue. If you find it useful, share it with your friends and take a moment and comment your idea in the below comment section. Have a great day!
Adam Voges is a seasoned expert with 11 years of experience in the heating and cooling industry. His deep understanding of HVAC systems and cutting-edge home climate technologies makes him a trusted authority on maintaining comfortable and energy-efficient homes. Adam’s blog discusses the latest innovations, best practices, and troubleshooting tips for heating and cooling devices, helping homeowners make informed decisions about their indoor climate control. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your system, optimize energy usage, or solve common HVAC issues, Adam’s insights are invaluable. His passion for sustainable living and his commitment to enhancing home comfort shine through in every article he writes.
