Dehumidifier Freezing Up – Reasons And Solutions

If you live in a humid area or have experienced flooding, then you know the worth of a dehumidifier. It is the only tool to help remove excess moisture from the air, making your home more comfortable. 

But this tool has challenges; the worst that could happen is when it freezes up. But why?

As many reasons can cause the dehumidifier to freeze up, it might challenge you to identify the specific one for your unit. But no need to worry—this article discusses all the possible causes for your dehumidifier freezing up. Alongside the reasons, we have included effective fixes. Read through.

Related: Best Dehumidifier for Bedroom – 6 Desiccant & Compressor Models

How Do I Stop My Dehumidifier From Icing Up?

Follow the following fixes to stop your dehumidifier from icing up.

• Increase the room temperature
• Check the Humidistat
• Replace the fan motor
• Replace the filter
• Clean the coils

Increase the Room Temperature

Every dehumidifier model has a recommended operating temperature. Ensure you stay above this level for your dehumidifier to operate optimally. 

A dehumidifier has two coils; one for hot air and the other for cold air. The cold coil can freeze when the temperature hits below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 

To solve this issue, increase your room’s temperature before using your dehumidifier. 

Related: Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water – Reasons and Solutions

Check the Humidistat

The Humidistat measures the humidity level of your room and communicates with the dehumidifier to respond accordingly. If it gets damaged, it may cause the dehumidifier to freeze up. 

Follow the steps below to address this issue.

1. Look behind the water reservoir to locate your Humidistat. Note that its position may differ depending on the model. 
2. With a multimeter, test its continuity.
3. If the meter reading is null, you should replace the dehumidifier. 

Replace the Fan Motor

A faulty fan motor will affect the airflow, affecting the operation of your dehumidifier.

To replace the fan motor, use the guide below.

1. Inspect the internal components to locate your fan motor. The fan motor usually sits adjacent to the bearings and the fan blades. 
2. With a multimeter, test its continuity.
3. If the meter reading is null, you should replace the dehumidifier. Fortunately, you can find them locally at retail stores. 

Replace the Filter

A blocked or damaged filter may cause the dehumidifier to freeze up. If this is the case, a replacement will solve the issue. 

1. Remove your filter carefully.
2. Clean the filter with dish soap and rinse it with running water.
3. Leave it to dry.
4. Use compressed air to remove any debris and foreign materials left. 
5. Consider replacing the filter if it is older than six months.

Clean the Coils

If your dehumidifier coils are dirty, the dehumidifier will fail to maintain the desired temperature. 

Fortunately, you can restore the coils by cleaning them. To do so, follow the steps below.

1. Leave the dehumidifier to melt if already frozen.
2. Unplug the dehumidifier to access its components.
3. Remove the front plastic panel and the filter.
4. After gaining access to the coils, wipe out any ice deposits using a clean cloth. 

Why Do Coils on Dehumidifiers Ice Up?

The coils on dehumidifiers ice up due to the following reasons.

Humidity Control/Humidistat

If your dehumidifier coils ice up, yet the temperatures are average (above 65 degrees Fahrenheit), the problem might be the humidity control. 

The Humidistat monitors the relative humidity in your home. It signals the compressor to start cycling on. However, if the Humidistat is faulty and can’t read the humidity level accurately, the compressor won’t shut down, causing the coils to ice up. 

Blower Wheel or Fan Blade

The blower wheel and the fan blade are responsible for efficient airflow in the humidifier, keeping the air cool and the condenser coil from icing up. However, if faulty, they can cause the coil to ice up even when the room temperature exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Try the fix below.

1. Remove the fan cover to inspect the coils visually. 
2. Wipe out debris and foreign materials that may deter airflow.
3. Inspect the blower wheel to ascertain that nothing is blocking it.
4. If anything is blocking it, remove it. 
5. Replace the component if damaged. 
6. Try rotating the fan motor to ensure the fan blade rotates without problems before reassembling the dehumidifier.

Fan Motor

The fan motor ensures air flows freely in the dehumidifier, keeping the condenser coils from icing up. However, a faulty fan motor won’t supply enough air, causing the condenser coils to ice even with the room temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

You can fix this issue by ensuring the grille permits free air movement. Also, you should remove dust and debris from the evaporator coils and fan cover. In addition, ensure the fan can rotate freely, and its blower wheel is fixed to the motor shaft.

Bi-Metal Thermostat

A faulty Bi-Metal thermostat can cause the condenser coil to freeze even when the room temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some dehumidifier models include this component to prevent the evaporator coils from icing up, especially in extremely low temperatures or high humidity. It monitors the evaporator temperature. It then directs the compressor to run, shut down, and defrost the coils. 

However, a faulty Bi-Metal thermostat won’t read the temperature correctly. Therefore, it won’t initiate the fan to run, and the compressor will continue operating, causing more ice to build up around the coils.  

Humidity/Temperature Sensor

The humidity/temperature sensor monitors the evaporator coil temperature and the ambient relative humidity. However, if the condenser coils freeze up with air temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the humidity sensor may be faulty.

If faulty, it reads inaccurate humidity/temperature readings, which may cause the compressor to continue running, thus, icing up the condenser coils. 

You can fix this issue by aligning the sensors with the control board.

Dehumidifier Freezing up in the Basement

Your dehumidifier freezes up in the basement because of too low temperatures below the recommended level. The basement may have temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which may cause moisture to freeze on the coil rather than collect in the bucket. 

Other issues may include faulty humidity sensors and airflow issues resulting from dirty filters or broken blower fans.

You can fix this issue by relocating your dehumidifier to a warmer area. Also, you can change the filters, blower fans, or humidity sensors. 

Frigidaire Dehumidifier Freezing Up

Your Frigidaire dehumidifier freezes up when the coils get too cold. Also, clogged filters and inadequate airflow can cause the dehumidifier to freeze up. 

You can fix this issue by cleaning or replacing the faulty component.  

How to Defrost a Dehumidifier

Follow the guide below to defrost your dehumidifier.

1. Turn off your dehumidifier.
2. Drain out the water from the bucket.
3. Relocate the dehumidifier to a warmer room, but keep it away from direct sunlight.

Whirlpool Dehumidifier Freezing Up

A Whirlpool dehumidifier freezes up due to too low air temperature, dirty filters, or broken blower fans. Relocate the unit to a warmer environment to defrost it.  

Haier Dehumidifier Freezes Up

A Haier dehumidifier freezes up for the same reasons as the Whirlpool dehumidifier—too low room temperature, broken blower fans, and dirty filters.

To troubleshoot this problem, ensure enough airflow by manually turning the fan blade to find out that it rotates freely.

Midea Dehumidifier Freezing Up

A Midea dehumidifier will freeze up when the temperatures are too low, below the recommended minimum. Another reason may be inefficient airflow, which won’t drain the water as expected. 

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