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Attaching the four leveling feet to ensure proper unit drainage and stability.
Connecting the drain hose to the unit for correct gravity drainage.
Explains the gravity drain system and proper hose installation to prevent leakage.
Instructions for installing an optional condensate pump when gravity draining is not feasible.
Explains the different fan control modes for unit operation and air circulation.
Details how to adjust the humidity control dial for desired room humidity levels.
Information on the standard MERV-11 pleated fabric and pre-filter components.
Instructions for checking, cleaning, and replacing the air filters regularly.
Step-by-step guide for safely removing the air filters from the unit.
Instructions for properly reinstalling the 1" pleated and 1/4" pre-filters.
The SaniDry CX is a dehumidifier designed for residential crawl spaces and basements, though its attractive design allows for placement in various indoor residential settings where dehumidification is needed. It operates within a temperature range of 40°F to 95°F, with performance potentially affected outside these limits. For optimal efficiency, the area where the dehumidifier is installed should be free from water intrusion or excessive fresh (outside) air infiltration. Addressing these issues before installation is crucial for maximum unit performance.
The SaniDry CX utilizes a refrigeration system, similar to an air conditioner, to remove heat and moisture from incoming air while adding heat to the discharged air. The process begins with hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas routed from the compressor to the condenser coil. Here, the refrigerant cools and condenses by transferring its heat to the air being discharged from the dehumidifier. The now liquid refrigerant then passes through capillary tubing, which causes a drop in refrigerant pressure and temperature. It subsequently enters the evaporator coil, where it absorbs heat from the incoming air and evaporates. The evaporator operates in a flooded condition, ensuring all evaporator tubes contain liquid refrigerant during normal operation. A flooded evaporator maintains constant pressure and temperature across the entire coil, from inlet to outlet. The mixture of gas and liquid refrigerant enters the accumulator after leaving the evaporator coil, preventing any liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor. The compressor then evacuates the cool refrigerant gas from the accumulator and compresses it to a high-pressure, high-temperature gas, restarting the cycle.
The unit features an automatic defrost temperature sensor attached to the refrigerant tubes inside. If excessive frost forms on the evaporator coil, the sensor automatically shuts off the compressor. The blower continues to run, circulating air through the evaporator coil to melt the ice. Once the ice has melted, the evaporator temperature rises, and the defrost temperature sensor automatically restarts the compressor. During the defrost cycle, the compressor is not running, and cool air may be discharged from the unit.
The SaniDry CX plugs into a standard 115 VAC grounded outlet on a 15-Amp circuit, with the use of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected circuit recommended. It is designed for indoor installation only.
The unit includes four leveling feet, which are crucial for proper drainage. The installation process involves screwing in the leveling feet approximately 10 revolutions on each side, then adjusting them until the level indicator bubble, located near the exhaust, is centered. This ensures the unit is high enough for gravity drainage and all four leveling legs are touching the ground. If the unit is inadvertently laid on its side, it should be turned upright for a minimum of 15 minutes before operation.
Two drain ports are provided, one on each side, each with a rubber plug. To set up drainage, the plug from the chosen drain port is removed, and the provided 8-foot drain hose is fully seated and secured with a clamp. The remaining drain plug must be left in the unused drain port. The SaniDry CX drains via a gravity system, meaning the drain hose must run flat or downhill towards the drain location and be free of kinks or restrictions to prevent water leakage. To enhance efficiency, positioning the hose to create a "trap" (approximately 12" to 20" away from the unit) can help hold a small amount of water. If a floor drain is not easily accessible, an optional condensate pump kit with a 20-foot hose is available. For condensate pump installation, the SaniDry CX needs to be raised on blocks to maintain gravity feed into the pump.
The unit's operation is controlled by a humidity control dial and a fan control switch. The "UNIT OFF" setting means no power is supplied. The "Fan runs all the time to circulate air" setting keeps the fan running continuously for air circulation or filtration, with the compressor activating only as needed to maintain the humidity set point. The "Fan only runs when dehumidifier is on" (recommended setting) means both the fan and compressor run together to maintain the humidity set point, shutting off completely once the desired humidity is reached until the relative humidity rises again.
The humidity control allows adjustment to achieve the desired humidity level. Dehumidification occurs when the relative humidity (RH) of the air rises 5% RH above the dial set point and stops when it drops 5% below the set point. Approximate humidity levels for settings are: "Drier" (35% to 45% RH), "Normal" (45% to 55% RH – recommended for most applications), and "Humid" (55% to 65% RH). Setting the control to "drier" in rooms under 65°F is not beneficial and can lead to long periods of ineffective dehumidification. Once set, the unit maintains the chosen RH percentage within 3-5% RH, regardless of room temperature. To turn the unit off, the "Fan Control" can be set to "UNIT OFF," or the humidity control can be positioned to the far left with the fan control set to "Fan only runs when dehumidifier is on." When the compressor stops for any reason, it will not restart for 3 minutes. Once it starts, it will run for a minimum of 5 minutes, regardless of the RH setting.
An optional Exhaust Duct Ring kit is available for situations where the unit needs to be located outside the area requiring dehumidification. Installation involves sliding the duct ring into slots on the cover at the exhaust end, connecting a flexible duct hose to the ring, and positioning a grille and sheet metal duct flange to exhaust to the proper location. Some installations may not require the grille or sheet metal duct flange.
Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity. The SaniDry CX ships with a standard MERV-11 65% 1-inch pleated fabric filter and a 1/4-inch aluminum-framed pre-filter. Operating the unit without the proper filter or with a less effective one can clog the heat exchange coils, leading to premature failure of refrigeration components, reduced effectiveness, and unnecessary compressor cycling.
Filters should be checked every six months or more frequently, depending on room conditions, and cleaned or replaced when visibly dirty. The 1/4-inch washable pre-filter should not be discarded. It should be inspected for debris, dirt, or other obstructions whenever the 1-inch pleated fabric filter is checked. The pre-filter should be washed every time the pleated fabric filter is replaced. To clean the pre-filter, it should be removed from the unit, rinsed with water flowing through the aluminum support mesh side, and allowed to dry completely before reinstallation.
To remove filters, gently pull on the side of the 1/4-inch pre-filter and slide it to the right or left. Then, gently lift the 1-inch pleated fabric filter on both ends and slide it to the right or left to remove it. For installation, gently slide the 1-inch pleated filter into its slot until it falls into the recess in the cover, ensuring it is fully seated and checking for obstructions if resistance is felt. Then, gently slide the 1/4-inch pre-filter along the top of the 1-inch pleated filter, again checking for obstructions if resistance is felt. Failure to follow filter installation instructions may result in improper dehumidifier function and premature component failure.
Servicing the unit's high-pressure refrigerant system and high-voltage circuitry presents a health hazard, potentially leading to serious injury or death. Therefore, only qualified service personnel should service this unit. For service or replacement parts, users should contact their local Basement Systems dealer.
General| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star certified |
|---|---|
| Filter | Washable air filter |
| Power Supply | 115V |
| Operating Temperature | 95°F |
| Type | dehumidifier |
| Coverage Area | Up to 2, 500 square feet |
| Drainage Options | Gravity drain or condensate pump |
| Warranty | 5 years |
