Opening your dehumidifier to a layer of ice on the coils? Freezing coils stop the unit from collecting water and can damage it over time. The cause is usually cold air or restricted airflow.
Here is why the coils freeze and how to stop it.
This article will teach you:
- Why the coils ice up
- How airflow prevents freezing
- What to check first
- When a part has failed
Why the Coils Freeze
- A room too cold for a standard dehumidifier.
- A clogged air filter starving the coils of airflow.
- A blocked intake or fan.
- A faulty defrost or frost sensor.
What You’ll Need
- A clean or new filter
- A hygrometer and thermometer
- Your owner’s manual
How to Stop the Coils Freezing
- Warm the room. Run the unit only above its minimum working temperature.
- Clean the filter. Wash or replace a clogged filter that blocks airflow.
- Clear the intake. Keep the intake and fan free of dust and obstructions.
- Defrost fully. Turn it off and let all ice melt before restarting.
Pro Tip: Standard dehumidifiers freeze up in cold rooms because there is not enough warm air moving across the coils. For a cold basement or garage, choose a low-temperature model designed for it.
When to Look a Little Deeper
Because freezing ties to airflow and sensors, it helps to check those, and reviewing the frost sensor, a fan that will not run, or a unit that runs constantly can reveal the cause.
Because prevention matters, understanding why a dehumidifier freezes up and how to prevent it and keeping it clean with a deep clean of the unit both help.
When to Call a Pro
If the room is warm enough, airflow is clear, and it still ices up, the defrost control or refrigerant charge is at fault and needs service.
Wrapping Up
Frozen coils are usually cold or airflow. Here’s the recap:
- Run it above the minimum temperature.
- Clean the filter.
- Clear the intake and fan.
- Let ice fully melt before restarting.
Warm the room and clear the airflow, and the ice stays away. You’ve got this.