Dehumidifier has been working just fine until the last time I emptied it and replaced the catch bin. Now the thing just keeps running but not dehumidifying. The catch bin has no water in it. I cleaned the filter and replaced it. I tried to change the setting to 45, but after a few seconds it just flips back to 60.
Dehumidifier not filling anymore
dehumidifier
Related Solutions
The humidifier works well in the basement. Two ideas:
- If the humidifier's capacity is adequate and the basement is connected to the HVAC system (vents and a return, and ductwork shared with the main floor), run just the HVAC fan continuously to circulate the house air and let the dehumidifier dry the air for the whole house.
Otherwise, get a second dehumidifier for the upper level. I see isherwood commented a similar idea while I was writing this. If you can set the dehumidifier on a counter next to a sink, you're in business, just like the basement. If you don't have convenient counter space, you could set up some type of surface next to the sink that is higher than the sink and run a discharge hose into the sink. If that isn't a good option (sink height is typically higher than normal table height), you can still do it using a condensate pump.
You don't describe the exact setup for getting the water into the drain in the basement. Dehumidifiers typically have the ability to connect a hose to the collection tray. Use adapters to connect a piece of vinyl tubing to that tray drain.
Run that tubing into a condensate pump (http://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing-Pumps-Utility-Pumps-Condensate-Removal-Pumps/N-5yc1vZbqoh). You will need to raise the dehumidifier so the collection tray drain is higher than the input hole in the condensate pump and keep the tubing short enough so it is a straight shot and doesn't dip a lot lower (set the dehumidifier on a small stand or table). Run the condensate pump discharge to a sink.
I've done that in an enclosed crawl space connected to a basement and it works well for unattended, long-term use.
Concrete is pretty hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water - to a degree in my experience. Capillary action is the classic way concrete attracts water, but if it is cooler than the air it can and will condense moisture from the air. And concrete holds water in and under pretty well: if you were to dig under it, probably not dry.
If accumulation only happens in some spots, are they depressions, or lower than other adjacent areas? That would be why it accumulates there. Another thing to check is whether those specific spots are cooler than other areas so you have local action going on (sounds crazy, but you've exhausted a lot of other ideas, now it's time for outta the box thinking.) Use a pretty sensitive digital thermometer (measuring portions of a degree) to check.
Which brings up another point: is the air in your basement somehow a bit moist? Have you checked the humidity level, esp. in various places (dry here, moister there). Is there any possible air-current that could move air over specific spots, or around them so they don't dry?
Best Answer
It flips back to 60 because that is the humidity it is reading in the space where it is. If it runs and does not produce any water try removing and re-inserting the catch basin to make sure it is the right position. If it still does not produce any water it may be time to replace the unit. If you have to replace the unit, it is probably a good idea to purchase the extended warranty/ insurance policy. My experience with new units is that they do not hold up well. Most usually last only 2-3 years.