I have a three year old Kenmore dehumidifier that doesn't work and I want to fix it myself. I have reasonable mechanical and electrical skills, but haven't worked on anything like a dehumidifier or air conditioner before (which I understand work in the same manner). I don't like the idea of tossing the unit, as a new one is > $170.

I'm looking for some kind of DIY book or pamphlet that will guide me through some basic steps. The dehumidifer came with a parts list, so I think a guide would be all that I need.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Sears might have a manual for your item BUT probably not. You can see the exploded view parts list and put all items back exactly where they came from. If in doubt take pictures as you take apart.

hvac1000,

I do have that exploded parts view of the unit. I am looking for some kind of general repair type book or manual for dehumidifiers; kind of "here are the types of problems encountered" and"here is how to address/fix them".

I'll check with Sears on the repair manual...

Thanks,

For one, describe the problem you are having.
If it's the freon circuit then you probably can't fix it anyway if it's R12.

The dehumidifier is basically an airconditioner. It creates a cold surface for the air in the water to condense on and it basically heats and cools the air simultaneously, so the room really doesn't cool.

It's controlled by a humidisatat instead of a thermostat and like AC's with a condensate pump it contains a safety not to let the unit run if the water pan is full.

Fan motors may have start and/or run capacitors.

So, it's basically an airconditioner that heats and cools at the same time within the same space.

Kenmore dehumidifier, the compressor does not activate.

It ccould be the float switch, it could be the humistat(if so equipped), it could be the pan position switch. Plug the unit in, turn it on and pull the pan and look for a small metal or plastic arm in the back. Pressing it in, you should hear a click and if the compressor comes on, bend the swirch tab out so it protrudes more. This is a fairly common problem. If nothing works, it could be any of the other items I listed or the pan switch. You will need to remove the cover and start trouble shooting the circuitry. .