The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dehumidifier freezing up are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
Try turning the fan blade by hand to ensure that it spins freely. Make sure that the fan blade is not rubbing against the fan housing as it turns. If the fan blade spins freely, test the fan motor with a multimeter to determine if the motor is getting power. If the fan motor is getting power, but the dehumidifier fan won’t run, the fan motor is likely defective. If the fan motor is defective, replace it.
Try turning the blower wheel by hand. If the blower wheel does not turn freely, or is rubbing against the fan housing, replace the blower wheel. In addition, if the blower wheel wobbles as it turns, this indicates that it is loose on the motor shaft. If the blower wheel is loose, tighten or replace it. Finally, if the blower wheel is physically damaged, replace it.
Try turning the fan blade by hand. Ensure that the blade is not rubbing against the fan housing as it turns. If the fan blade does not turn freely or is rubbing against the fan housing, this indicates that the fan blade is defective and should be replaced. In addition, wiggle the fan motor shaft to see if the motor shaft is loose. If the fan motor shaft moves even slightly, this indicates that the fan blade is loose. If the fan blade is loose, tighten the set screw. If tightening the screw doesn’t solve the problem, replace the fan blade.
If the air filter becomes clogged with dirt, it will restrict the airflow over the evaporator coils. If the airflow is restricted, the evaporator coils will get too cold. Then, as humid air passes over the evaporator coils, the air will condense on the coils and freeze. Eventually, the entire evaporator coil assembly will frost over. If the air filter is dirty, clean or replace it.
Most standard dehumidifier models require the room temperature to remain above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the room temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the dehumidifier coils will frost up. If the temperature in your home regularly drops below 65 degrees, you will need to obtain a model that is specifically designated for lower temperature operation.
