Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - problem w/dehumidifer???
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Dsifer
08-09-06, 08:00 AM
the air coming from my dehumidifer smells real musty and is traveling up to my 3rd floor from the basement,what can i do and why is this smell like that?
airman.1994
08-09-06, 08:09 PM
Ok I got you now! The dehumidifier smells not the basement!!!!!! Have you clenned the coils, drain pan/ hose?
Dsifer
08-11-06, 01:00 PM
well the basement smells ok after running the machine for a while but the air is going upstairs and the bad smell that was downstairs in now upstairs
mitch17
08-11-06, 01:16 PM
Sounds like the problem may have gone away and what remains is an unpleasant symptom. If I'm right, just opening the windows upstairs to air it out should get rid of the smell.
Dsifer
08-12-06, 06:39 PM
but should'nt the dehumidifer send out clean air?
mitch17
08-13-06, 06:45 AM
A dehumidifier only removes moisture from the air, nothing else. If the air going into it has a smell, the air coming out will smell as well. If it's not smelling anymore, I wouldn't worry about it.
airman.1994
08-13-06, 08:04 AM
It will semd out clean air if it is a good one!
Dsifer
08-13-06, 09:25 PM
what is a good one,in my case what is the best one out there?
JimmieDee
08-23-06, 07:17 AM
what yo smell is probably mold. The spores can be dormant for years and all they need is a little moisture to become active.
tiredoldfart
09-23-06, 09:51 AM
You have bacteria growing on the coils. That makes the odor. You can kill this by washing the coil off with clorox mixed with water. Spray it through the coils using a pump up weed sprayer. You likely have a layer of dust supporting the bacteria too. This will need to be washed off first. Dish washing soap will do a good job of that. So the plan is to wash of the dirt, then disinfect the coil with clorox.
The unit will have to be opened to access the coils and of course it must be unplugged. You also need to be careful not to get any water in the electrical sections. There may be a humidity sensor in front of the coil. If so, remove the screw(s) or clips holding it there. This part must not get wet.
Be careful you don't damage the delicate fins. They bend easily. You can help loosen dirt using a paint brush and dish washing liquid mixture. Brush with the direction of the fins. Rinse all dish soap and clorox when you're finished. A garden hose end is hand for this. Before assembling the cabinet set the unit in the sun until it is completely dry before assembly.
The unit will have to be opened to access the coils and of course it must be unplugged. You also need to be careful not to get any water in the electrical sections. There may be a humidity sensor in front of the coil. If so, remove the screw(s) or clips holding it there. This part must not get wet.
Be careful you don't damage the delicate fins. They bend easily. You can help loosen dirt using a paint brush and dish washing liquid mixture. Brush with the direction of the fins. Rinse all dish soap and clorox when you're finished. A garden hose end is hand for this. Before assembling the cabinet set the unit in the sun until it is completely dry before assembly.