Ice Buildup
Under certain conditions of temperature and humidity, ice can form on the dehumidifier cooling coils. The ice buildup can impede airflow and eventually form a solid block of ice encasing the cooling coils. This buildup prevents the dehumidifier from operating effectively, and can cause water damage if condensed water drips off the accumulated ice and not into the collection tray. In extreme cases, the ice can deform or distort mechanical elements, causing permanent damage.
Many better quality dehumidifiers have a so-called frost or ice sensor. which simply turns off the machine, allowing the icy coils to warm and defrost, before automatically restarting. Most ice sensors are simple thermal switches, and do not directly sense the presence or absence of ice buildup. An alternative design senses the impeded airflow, and shuts off the cooling coils in a similar manner.
Read more about this topic: Dehumidifier
Famous quotes containing the words ice and/or buildup:
“‘Line in nature is not found;
Unit and universe are round;
In vain produced, all rays return;
Evil will bless, and ice will burn.’
As Uriel spoke with piercing eye,
A shudder ran around the sky;”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“I think those Southern writers [William Faulkner, Carson McCullers] have analyzed very carefully the buildup in the South of a special consciousness brought about by the self- condemnation resulting from slavery, the humiliation following the War Between the States and the hope, sometimes expressed timidly, for redemption.”
—Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.)