Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Dehumidifier Runs Non-stop

I have a Whirlpool dehumidifier that runs non-stop. It still draws water from the air, but does not blow air as hard as it used to, although the fan appears to be working fine.

This unit has a capacity of about 38 pints and is only a few years old. The one it replaced was 4-5 times older! I took the cover off and there was no dirt on the fins/coil. Is there any hope for this unit or is it toast?

Anyone know if there is a filter that needs cleaning in Whirlpool units that would be causing these problems if dirty? I didn't see one when I opened it up, but maybe I missed it!

is the coil icing up on you?

I'll take the cover off tomorrow and let you know.

OK Jay, it's been running no-stop all morning. I've got the cover off. The coil is cold but not frozen. It's producing a fair bit of water. But even if I turn it down to the point where it should turn off after a while, it still keeps on going! I also have the central A/C running so the dehumidifier isn't doing the job by itself. It's a 40 pint unit (not 38) in a 1600 square foot basement. It used to cycle on and off, but not lately.

What is the humidity level in the basement and home?
and set point?

I don't know where you are out of, but up in the Midwest we've been getting TONS of rain. 12"+ of it around here.

so if you've been getting a lot of rain, there will be a lot of humidity in the home, and in the basement.

There is some humidity but not so much, the A/C has also been running. But it doesn't matter how much humidity I have, the unit does the same thing no matter what setting I put it to - so long as it goes on after I turn it off and then slowly turn the knob until it just goes on, it just stays on, it never cycles!

Could it be the control that regulates the cycles or the sensor that detects the humidity level?

Yeah, it could be the control/sensor is out of line..

After letting it run for a couple of days straight, it now has a frosted coil. Does that mean a loss of refrigerant?

I've contacted Whirlpool to try and get some help decide what to do with this unit. The long and short of it is that the service they offer is as bad as the dehumidifiers they make. As I've told them, I will be staying away from anything Whirlpool in the future.

it could be low on charge. What is the room temp?

Room temp is about 72 degrees or better. I have the A/C set to 75 degrees, but it's a little cooler in the basement where the dehumidifier is.

Looks to me that it's likely low on charge, which means a leak somewhere, plus it has a rusted through coil backplate! Would this be worth repairing? What would be the approximate cost? I can replace it for about $200 to $300.

It's not worth fixing.. Will cost just as much or more than a new unit.

Thanks, I have been thinking the same thing.