How a Dehumidifier Evaporator Works

The job of a dehumidifier evaporator is do cool the evaporator coils and trigger the process of condensation. When a dehumidifier is activated by its humidistat, refrigerant is compressed into a hot gas, which runs through the evaporator where it is immediately cooled to liquid form. When warm air comes into contact with the cold coils, it condenses and is released into the dehumidifier reservoir.

The Evaporator and the Dehumidification Process

A dehumidifier evaporator performs one of a series of steps in the dehumidification cycle, all of which must be understood in order to grasp the specific function of the evaporator. The circulating fan and compressor perform the first steps in the process, drawing in humid air and compressing refrigerant. This air then passes it over the evaporator coils (also known as cooling coils), which causes water molecules to condense. This water is then released into the dehumidifier’s reservoir, and the remaining air is rewarmed in the condenser and expelled.

Cooling the Refrigerant

A dehumidifier evaporator plays an essential part in managing the temperature of the refrigerant in the dehumidifier, which is necessary to the heating and cooling process. The compressor is responsible for heating and pressurizing the refrigerant, at which point it becomes a hot liquid and moves on to the evaporator, where it is depressurized. At this point, the refrigerant becomes very cold, and the evaporating coils are cooled. When the warm air is circulated through the dehumidifier and passed over these coils, the water molecules in the air condense.

Iced Evaporator

It is possible that the evaporator may become too cold, causing the evaporating coils to ice up and interfere with the dehumidification. This occurs when a dehumidifier is turned on in lower temperatures – usually lower than 65 Fahrenheit. To combat this, the defrost system will reverse the flow of air that has been warmed by the condenser, thus speeding up the reheating process of the evaporator coil. This means that the evaporator coils will be less likely to freeze over as they will remain cold for a shorter period of time.

Effects on Other Components

The icing over of a dehumidifier evaporator is one of the primary malfunctions of a dehumidifier, and can affect all of the other parts of the appliance. If the dehumidifier is operating in warmer climates and the coils are still icing over, this can signal a larger problem with the appliance’s refrigeration system. Sometimes, this merely means that the dehumidifier is low on refrigerant. However, it could also signal a problem with the appliance’s compressor, which may need to be replaced.

In essence, a dehumidifier evaporator triggers the most essential role in the dehumidification process, since it completes the actual step of drawing the water out of the humid air. When deciding on purchasing a dehumidifier, make sure to read several product reviews to ensure the quality and reliability of the product.