Haier dehumidifier question

[centerfield]

Hi

I have had a HDN 655E Haier dehumidifier for 2 years, and as of last Thursday, the water collection bucket has stopped filling.
We have started our heat season, but i used to run this as necessary. The setting has always been 35%, we always have high humidity, now the wall humidistat says 50% (cheapy), the unit says 45-50%, just a few drops in the bucket. The fan works, the lcd lights ok, no problems that i can see except lack of water, Clean the filter regularly. Ever since i have had it, there has been a "gooky" type substance in the botton of the bucket when i empty it, there are pieces of some kind of substance that appears in the water, I opened the plug on the back, and there were some tiny pierces of clear plastic wrap, that came out. There is another screen on the back that covers the coil, is there something else there i should be cleaning or is the refrigeration unit failed? I called Haier today, they, offered a replacement for 65.00 being it is out of warranty. When i got the filter off, i took a flashlight and found a fin damaged in 2 or 3 places, small dings. After i cleaned out the drain hole for the back, just to see if it would fill there, when i restarted it after a few minutes the unit smelled funny, i had the drain plug off with a bucket under it. This is the 3rd unit i have had in 4 years the other 2 were sears, and failed in the first few months. The electrical wiring is all new there so no issue on that, The sears units motors went bad and just would not work.
Any ideas on the Haier? I have it shut down now.
thanks
the temperature is steadily at 68- 70 degrees in this room, carpeted, 2 small basement windows, insulated basement, dryer vented, room is about 26 x 20 it is nin but the whole lower level is about 1248 sq ft, all carpeted except utility room,
:confused:

[airman.1994]

High RH in the heating mode is a sign that you need more ventilation.

[centerfield]

Sorry don't understand your reply

if you mean room humidity for RH, ,, but heating mode, being furnace has been running, this is lower than the 70%,,,50% is not high, what does this have to do with the functionality changes of the dehumidifier????? Haier told me the unit won't draw below 40%, but i have always had it at 35 setting, room usually at 45, still not whats going on with the dehumidifier unless it's shot.
:confused:

[airman.1994]

No need to try to get RH below 45% you will just be wasting money. High RH or windows that sweat in the heating mode or a sign for a need of more outside air. dehumidifier should be turned off.

[centerfield]

DEHUMIDIFIER IS SHOT

Something went wrong inside, fins were damaged, plastic pieces came out of drain, it just quit last thursday, was draining a bucket a day, it appears the motor is shot also, exchange is being worked out.

3rd one in 4 years, one Heiar, 2 Kenmore
:wall:

[twelvepole]

HDN 655E Haier dehumidifier does not look too good in internet reviews. 1 year warranty. Kenmore, I believe, also has a 1 year warranty, and some models did not have complimentary reviews.


Allergy Buyers Club lists what they call 'the best' at Dehumidifiers for the Home, Basement and Crawl Spaces - Free Shipping & Expert Advice! with consumer reviews.

Howstuffworks also offers reviews at Consumer Guide: Dehumidifiers Product Reviews

Proper maintenance can extend the life of appliances. Vaccum dehumidifier coils and and evaporator fan on a regular basis. Unplug unit, wipe coils with rag to expedite drying, and when dry vacuum.

As long as humidity level is maintained at 35-55% year round, then you are good to go. Raising humidity level a bit might mean less work on the dehumidifier and extend its life expectancy. Going with a little more expensive unit with a longer warranty might help with life expectancy.

[airman.1994]

Off the shelf dehumidifiers have a average life span of 5 years. They also don't do a good job at removing RH in cool basements and they use a lot of electricity. I would recommend going with a Santa Fe. Santa Fe Classic Dehumidifier
The benefits are obvious.

[Jay11J]

As Airman mention, fresh air is needed for our home.

Is there any fresh air brought into the home near the furnace, or tied into the return?

You have vents open in the basement?

[centerfield]

the temperature is steadily at 68- 70 degrees in this room, carpeted, 2 small basement windows, insulated basement, dryer vented, room is about 26 x 20 it is nin but the whole lower level is about 1248 sq ft, all carpeted except utility room,

bryant 93 % nat gas furnace with outside air intake,

at 30 degrees you can't bring in to much air, soon it will be 10 degrees