After four good years of service, my old Soleus Air CFM-40 40-Pint Dehumidifier with Humidistat (see my review of this model also) up and unexpectedly died on me. Searching for a replacement, I happened across this unit at a local store in Michigan. A bit larger than I really needed, but the extra capacity will come in handy when it is really humid outside. After 48 hours of use, I can tell you my experiences thus far:Good:
* High power blower motor really moves the air around in my basement.
* The compressor is quiet when running.
* Digital display for outside unit air temp, compressor coil running temp and set humidity level in percentage.
* Programmable humidity level 30% to 80% in 5% increments and on continuously regardless of humidity.
* Timer function 24 hour run time is broken down as follows:
1) 0 to 10 hours -30 minute increments
2) 10 to 24 hours -1 hour increments
* 3 ways to collect and dispose of the water:
1) by holding tank -about 1.75 gallon with an internal handle that folds down inside the unit.
2) by larger diameter hose connection out the back gravity drain.
3) Small electric pump inside the dehumidifier to a 3/8" drain hose (included).
* When the holding tank is full, unit has an automatic shut-off feature so as not to overflow.
* Automatic defrost feature -starts working when the air temperature is below 59 degrees.
* CFC free this unit uses R410A, not the older R22 or what the Soleus used R134A (automotive refrigerant).
* Energy Star rated.
* 6 foot power cord.
* Over one 16 hour run @ 67degrees air temp, I pulled out 12 pints of water.
* Warranty 1 year parts & labor and 5 year parts only on the compressor and related components.
Bad:
* Blower has only two speeds low and high.
* Blower on high is loud and on low is only slightly quieter.
* Blower output is fixed straight up. You cannot redirect the output in another direction.
* Difficult to see water level on the holding tank w/o using a flash light.
* When the collection bucket is removed, excess water from the condenser continues to come out and onto the floor.
* This unit uses 675 watts/hour when operating on high (the Soleus used 400 watts/hour).
* Extended warranty is for 2 additional years @ $85.00 covering labor. That is just about 1/2 the price of a new one.
Others have complained that this unit runs hot. Having run this unit for 48 hours straight, in 67 degree ambient air temperature, I do not detect this at all. The housing is cool to the touch. The air discharge is cool. If your dehumidifier is running hot, have it repaired under warranty. I don't see it with mine at all.
The display panel shows Relative Humidity (RH) when this dehumidifier is in operation. If you press the temperature button, this unit displays the ambient temperature in Fahrenheit degrees, then Celsius degrees. Left alone after that, the unit defaults back to ambient RH in percent format.
Setting the RH level, like 50%, this unit kicks the compressor in at 54% RH and off at 46% RH.
In all, for my use in my basement, which is 1,300 Sq. Ft., this unit fills the bill. Granted it is premature to say how long this unit will last. I didn't expect the last to give out in just four years of seasonal use. If something happens, I will supplement this review accordingly. Thus far, I recommend this dehumidifier if you can handle the fan noise.
*****
6/12/2011 Update -runs fine, except:
One problem has popped up. My dehumidifier and the plugged GFCI outlet do NOT play nice together. Over a matter of a few hours, the GFCI trips and the unit shuts down. When the GFCI is reset, it works fine again for a few more hours. The past two dehumidifier didn't do this, so I wonder if there is a small internal short that is causing this problem.
I highly recommend using the built-in pump provision for emptying the holding tank. Running the hose to a near by drain, it is literately a "set and forget" operation. I check the tank from time-to-time, only a small amount of water remains in the bottom of the holding tank when in operation. My water dripping issue on the floor is gone. A much better option than using the drain pan that has to be emptied twice a day on humid days.
*****
5/11/2012 Update
Just started my dehumidifier for the 2012 season a few days ago. Started up and works like a champ, even after sitting unused over the winter. The pump started up at the proper time to empty the holding bucket.
Season 2 is off to a good start. This dehumidifier is working just as it should.
*****
3/27/2013 Update
Started this unit up for the beginning of season #3. As expected, still works just like a champ. Even in the cold basement (64ยบ F avg. temperature) right now, it dehumidifies the area very well.
Save 31% Off
No comments:
Post a Comment