Why Does a Dehumidifier Ice Up?

A dehumidifier is designed to reduce moisture in the air, improving comfort and air quality in humid environments. However, one frustrating issue that many users encounter is when the unit starts to ice up. This problem not only hampers its effectiveness but can also lead to potential damage. In this article, we’ll examine the reasons why a dehumidifier might ice up and provide practical tips to prevent it from happening.

When Does A Dehumidifier Freeze?

The dehumidifier will freeze when the air it is handling is too cold. This condition usually occurs when the room temperature is below the recommended operating range of the unit, usually around 65°F (18°C). When the air is too cold, the coils inside the dehumidifier may drop below freezing, causing water vapor in the air to condense and freeze on the coils.

In the United States, freezing temperatures are most likely to occur during the fall and winter months, particularly in regions where cold weather is prevalent. Areas in the northern U.S., including states like Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and the northeastern states, tend to experience colder indoor temperatures, especially when heating systems are not effectively maintaining a consistent temperature. Even in southern states like Texas or Florida, if temperatures in a home drop too low, particularly during the night, a dehumidifier could freeze up.

To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to operate the dehumidifier in rooms where the temperature is consistently above 65°F (18°C). In colder climates, consider using the device in spaces that are insulated and heated, or only run it during the day when temperatures are warmer.

If you need commercial dehumidifiers that you can apply in cold temperatures, you should consult our customer service to customize them.

Why Does A Dehumidifier Ice Up?

There are several common reasons why a dehumidifier might ice up.

Low Ambient Temperature

When the temperature of the room or environment drops below the recommended operating range (typically around 65°F or 18°C), the dehumidifier’s evaporator coils can become too cold. A wifi dehumidifier works by drawing warm, moist air into the unit, where the air is cooled by the evaporator coils. If the ambient temperature is too low, the cooling coils will lower to freezing temperatures, causing the water vapor in the air to condense and freeze on the coils instead of being collected as liquid water in the tank.

This is especially problematic during cold weather, in climates where temperatures can dip unexpectedly, or when a dehumidifier is used in poorly heated spaces like basements or garages.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter can cause poor airflow through the dehumidifier. The air filter's job is to capture dust and particles before the air reaches the internal components of the unit. When the filter is blocked or dirty, it reduces the amount of air passing over the evaporator coils. This means that the coils are not getting enough air to maintain their proper temperature, causing them to cool too much and freeze.

Low Refrigerant Levels

LGR dehumidifiers, like air conditioners, use refrigerant to cool the air. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and allows it to condense into water droplets. If the refrigerant levels are low due to a leak or another issue, the cooling process becomes inefficient, and the evaporator coils may get too cold. When this happens, condensation can freeze on the coils.

Low refrigerant is one of the more complex issues and typically requires a professional to inspect the system, identify leaks, and recharge the refrigerant.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat in a dehumidifier monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils to ensure that they don’t get too cold. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may fail to regulate the temperature properly, causing the dehumidifier to run for too long. When this happens, the coils can become excessively cold and freeze up.

A faulty thermostat can also cause the dehumidifier to continue running even after the desired humidity level has been reached, leading to overcooling and ice formation.

Overuse or Running in Low-Humidity Conditions

Dehumidifiers are designed to operate most efficiently in environments with high humidity. If the humidity levels are already low, the dehumidifier might continue running longer than necessary, trying to remove moisture that isn’t there. In some cases, this prolonged operation can cause the evaporator coils to cool too much, leading to freezing.

This is particularly common when the dehumidifier is set to a very low humidity level, or when it is used in rooms that are not humid enough to require dehumidification. It can also happen if the unit is running for too many hours in a day, even in conditions where moisture levels don’t require that much extraction.

How Do I Stop My Dehumidifier From Icing Up?

To stop your dehumidifier from icing up, it’s important to ensure proper operation and maintenance. Below are the key steps to prevent freezing and ensure your unit works efficiently.

Step 1: Maintain Proper Room Temperature

Dehumidifiers are designed to work best within a certain temperature range. When the room temperature drops below 65°F (18°C), the evaporator coils inside the unit can freeze. To avoid this: Keep the room where the dehumidifier is located above 65°F (18°C). In colder weather or in places like basements, consider using a space heater to maintain a consistent temperature.

Don’t place your dehumidifier in unheated areas, such as garages or poorly insulated spaces, especially during the winter months.

If you live in an area where temperatures frequently fall below this threshold, consider using a model designed for colder climates.

Step 2: Clean the Air Filter Regularly

A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of icing in dehumidifiers. When the filter is clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, it restricts airflow, causing the air around the evaporator coils to cool excessively and freeze.

Clean or Replace Filters. Check and clean your air filter at least once a month. If it’s worn out or damaged, replace it with a new one. Most dehumidifiers have filters that are easy to remove and clean.

Regularly maintaining your dehumidifier by cleaning the filter and other components can prevent a buildup of dirt that could block airflow and cause ice to form.

To learn more such as cleaning you can read this article: How to Clean Your Dehumidifier: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Step 3: Check for Refrigerant Leaks

If the refrigerant level in your dehumidifier is low, the evaporator coils will get too cold, causing ice to form. Low refrigerant levels are often caused by leaks in the system, which can be difficult to detect without professional assistance.

If you suspect your dehumidifier is low on refrigerant (symptoms include a decrease in moisture removal or consistent icing), contact a certified technician. They can inspect the system for leaks, top up the refrigerant, and fix any issues.

Don’t Attempt to Fix It Yourself: Refrigerant systems are complex, and refilling refrigerant requires specialized tools and knowledge, so it’s best left to professionals.

Step 4: Use a Defrost Mode (If Available)

Many modern dehumidifiers are equipped with a defrost mode or an automatic shut-off feature that activates when the coils freeze up. If your dehumidifier has this mode, make sure it is turned on or activated.

Review the manual to see if your dehumidifier is in defrost mode. If it does, ensure it is set up to run automatically when needed. If your dehumidifier doesn’t have an automatic defrost mode, you can manually stop the unit, unplug it, and allow it to thaw out before restarting it.

Step 5:  Ensure Proper Airflow

For your dehumidifier to operate effectively, it needs a good flow of air around it. Poor airflow causes the evaporator coils to cool too much, which can lead to freezing.

Avoid placing your dehumidifier in a corner or against walls. Ensure there are at least a few inches of space around the unit for air to circulate freely.

Make sure the intake and exhaust vents on your dehumidifier aren’t obstructed by furniture, curtains, or other items. Proper ventilation is essential for smooth airflow and proper cooling.

Step 6: Turn Off the Dehumidifier to Thaw the Ice

If your dehumidifier is already icing up, one of the quickest ways to resolve the issue is to turn it off and let it thaw. Here’s how:

Turn Off the Dehumidifier: If you notice that the unit is freezing up, switch it off immediately to prevent further damage. Allow the ice to melt naturally. You may need to leave it off for several hours.

Leave the Unit in a Warm Room: Place the dehumidifier in a warmer area (if possible) to help speed up the thawing process. Never try to force the ice off with sharp objects, as this could damage the coils.

Restart Once Ice is Gone: Once the ice has fully melted, restart the dehumidifier. Check for proper operation before leaving it running for extended periods.

Conclusion

In summary, a dehumidifier can ice up for several reasons, including low room temperatures, restricted airflow, low refrigerant levels, and faulty components. By addressing these issues through regular maintenance and ensuring optimal operating conditions, you can prevent freezing and keep your dehumidifier functioning efficiently. If the problem persists, it’s best to consult a professional to avoid further damage.