- The room's temperature plays an important role in the formation of ice on the dehumidifier's cooling coil. Most units are designed to operate in a room that stays above 70 degrees F. When this surrounding temperature falls below this lecel, more specifically below 65 degrees F, the coils will begin to frost over. Once frost forms, the water droplets can no longer collect and fall into the collection pan. Instead the droplets form a small covering or layer of ice. The ice then builds until the entire set of cooling fins becomes a solid block. As a solution, the dehumidifier can possibly be raised up from the floor, where the air is the coolest, to a higher location. The room's temperature can also be raised to stop the ice formation. There are humidifiers built for lower temperatures than can still collect water when the surrounding air temperature falls to 40 degrees F. These types of units are often called basement dehumidifiers.
- Dust and other debris can collect over the fan's intake and exhaust screens. When this happens, airflow is restricted. Lack of air moving over the evaporative coils will cause the interior air temperature to fall. Like the surrounding lower air temperature described above, the colder interior temperature of the dehumidifier will cause frost to form on the coils. Follow a basic cleaning schedule, vacuuming off the intake and exhaust screens. This will keep a constant supply of air moving over the cooling coils. Don't place the dehumidifier in the corner of a room. It must reside away from any walls so enough of the room's air can be circulated across the coils. A separate fan may be warranted to operate at the same time as the dehumidifier to mix the surrounding air. Using a ceiling fan will aid in moving air from the ceiling down to the floor area.
