Maytag (fedder) dehumidifier dead, 3 years old

[matt832]

Got a 3 year old Maytag dehumidifier.  turned it on a few days ago, fan runs, compressor kicks in but it doesn't cool the coils.  Pulled it apart and no obvious problems, compressor was very hot though.

Called Maytag and they said it's made by Fetters and it really isn't their problem, and Fetters is in bankruptcy.  The consultant told me that since Maytag's name is on it they are arranging to stand behind it even though they technically don't have to. All well and good but they have no idea how long it will be before they get any resolution.  So in the mean time I'm without a badly needed dehumidifier.

Any ideas where to start looking?  If the compressor runs but is hot does that mean there is still coolant?

[dkpd1581]

If there is a refrigerant leak it will carry oil with it through the hole look for any wet looking oily spots and areas with dust and dirt stuck to the coil or associated tubing.  Depending on the type of metering device used, you could have a bad expansion valve or defective sensor bulb on a TXV application.

[Pegi]

Known problems with leaks in the evaperator coil, last I heard months ago on backorder since last year too...good luck getting this fixed under any warranty since Fedders is not covering the Maytag line anymore....

[matt832]

NO obvious leaks, looked for that.

Funny thing, I picked up what appears to be the same model online last night at Circuit city of all places.  And it was only $98!  I paid well over $200 with The Maytag name on it, this is tagged "Sunbeam" and is made by "PCB" Petters Consumer Brands.  Funny name huh?  They claim a 5 year warranty too.

From the pictures on line it looked to be an Electrolux unit, but when I picked it up it's obviously the Fetters unit.  did some research and there doesn't seem to be any  dehumidifier that is highly regarded.  LGs get a lot of poor ratings along with some good, Whirlpool is pricey and only OK rated, Danby's are rated so-so.  I had an old Kenmore that lasted 25+years and now I'm on my third unit in 8 years, pretty bad.

BTW wish my online spell check worked here, this is the only forum that it doesn't.  Only works on the header...

[DB130]

[user=7801]matt832[/user] wrote:

Got a 3 year old Maytag dehumidifier.  turned it on a few days ago, fan runs, compressor kicks in but it doesn't cool the coils.  Pulled it apart and no obvious problems, compressor was very hot though.

Called Maytag and they said it's made by Fetters and it really isn't their problem, and Fetters is in bankruptcy.  The consultant told me that since Maytag's name is on it they are arranging to stand behind it even though they technically don't have to. All well and good but they have no idea how long it will be before they get any resolution.  So in the mean time I'm without a badly needed dehumidifier.

Any ideas where to start looking?  If the compressor runs but is hot does that mean there is still cool.

Did the evaporator/condensor fan come when you pulled it apart and plugged it in?

 

[matt832]

[user=563]DB130[/user] wrote:

[user=7801]matt832[/user] wrote:

Got a 3 year old Maytag dehumidifier.  turned it on a few days ago, fan runs, compressor kicks in but it doesn't cool the coils.  Pulled it apart and no obvious problems, compressor was very hot though.

Called Maytag and they said it's made by Fetters and it really isn't their problem, and Fetters is in bankruptcy.  The consultant told me that since Maytag's name is on it they are arranging to stand behind it even though they technically don't have to. All well and good but they have no idea how long it will be before they get any resolution.  So in the mean time I'm without a badly needed dehumidifier.

Any ideas where to start looking?  If the compressor runs but is hot does that mean there is still cool.

Did the evaporator/condensor fan come when you pulled it apart and plugged it in?

 

Yes, everything looked normal, compressor even kicks in  after a few seconds.  Would it still do that if it lost it's charge?

[RegUS_PatOff]

If it was low on charge. the coils won't frost-up, but the compressor would try to run continuously until it tripped the thermal overload and cooled down, then start all over again.