Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Kenmore 580.54351800 dehumidifier

My husband bought this unit a few months ago off Sears auction site. Apparantly never tested unit. We found a blown fuse, replaced it and turned unit on, power light now worked, but when he pushed another button, to start motor I'm guessing, it immediately blew the new fuse. Repeated process again w/ same result. Husband a master mason and excellent crafstman but does not have knowledge to try and guess what may be causing problem. I assume it was an "as is" sale rather than a "refurbished" unit and therefore Sears found the damage too extensive to justify repair. Unit is in otherwise new-looking condition save for two cracks on either side of top front. Any input will be greatly appreciated! Thank you .

Sounds like something is shorting out.

Have you tried to contact Sears to see if they stand behind this? They may but you never know with out asking them.