1. Introduction and Overview
The Santa Fe Ultra98 Whole House Dehumidifier is engineered to provide efficient and effective humidity control throughout your entire home, particularly in basements and crawlspaces. This unit helps maintain optimal indoor air quality by reducing excess moisture, which can prevent mold growth, dust mites, and other humidity-related issues. This manual provides essential information for the safe installation, proper operation, and routine maintenance of your dehumidifier to ensure its optimal performance and longevity.
Image 1.1: The Santa Fe Ultra98 Whole House Dehumidifier, a compact unit designed for comprehensive humidity control.
2. Safety Information
Please read all safety instructions carefully before installing or operating the Santa Fe Ultra98 Dehumidifier. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
- Electrical Safety: Ensure the unit is connected to a properly grounded electrical outlet. Do not use extension cords. All electrical work should be performed by a qualified electrician.
- Installation: The unit must be installed in accordance with local and national electrical codes. Ensure adequate clearance around the unit for proper airflow.
- Water Drainage: Ensure the drainage hose is properly connected and routed to a suitable drain to prevent water damage.
- Maintenance: Always disconnect power to the unit before performing any maintenance or cleaning.
- Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the unit during operation and maintenance.
3. Product Features
The Santa Fe Ultra98 Dehumidifier incorporates several features designed for effective and reliable humidity control:
- High Capacity: Removes up to 98 pints of moisture per day, suitable for areas up to 2300 square feet.
- Quiet Operation: Designed to operate with minimal noise, ensuring comfort in your living space.
- MERV-13 Air Filtration: Equipped with a MERV-13 filter to capture airborne particles, improving overall air quality.
- Durable Construction: Features a heavy-duty steel exterior for enhanced durability and longevity in various environments.
- Whole Home Dehumidification: Can be integrated into your home's HVAC system for comprehensive humidity management.
- Made in the USA: Engineered and assembled in the USA, ensuring quality craftsmanship.
Image 3.1: The Ultra98 unit demonstrating its capacity to remove up to 98 pints of moisture daily.
Image 3.2: Key features of the Ultra98, including whole-home dehumidification, MERV-13 filtration, and ease of use (with optional controller).
Image 3.3: A visual representation highlighting the product's manufacturing origin in the USA.
4. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for the efficient operation of your Santa Fe Ultra98 Dehumidifier. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified HVAC professional.
4.1 Unpacking and Inspection
- Carefully remove the unit from its packaging.
- Inspect the unit for any shipping damage. Report any damage to your supplier immediately.
- Verify all included components are present: the dehumidifier unit, four leveling feet, and a MERV 13 filter.
Image 4.1: The Santa Fe Ultra98 unit shown with its included accessories: leveling feet and a MERV 13 filter.
4.2 Placement Considerations
- The Ultra98 is designed for installation in basements, crawlspaces, or attics.
- Ensure the unit is placed on a level surface. Use the adjustable leveling feet to stabilize the unit and minimize vibration.
- Allow sufficient space around the unit for airflow and maintenance access.
4.3 Ducting and Airflow
The Ultra98 can be installed as a stand-alone unit or ducted into your HVAC system for whole-house dehumidification. Consult the detailed installation guide for specific ducting configurations.
Image 4.2: An example of the Ultra98 dehumidifier installed within a ducted system in a crawlspace environment.
4.4 Drainage Connection
Connect a suitable drain hose (not included) to the unit's drain port. Ensure the hose has a continuous downward slope to a floor drain, condensate pump, or other approved drainage system.
4.5 Electrical Connection
Connect the unit to a dedicated 120V, 15 Amp grounded electrical circuit. Refer to the wiring diagram in the full installation manual for detailed electrical requirements.
5. Operating Instructions
The Santa Fe Ultra98 Dehumidifier operates automatically to maintain desired humidity levels. An external control (purchased separately) is required for setting and monitoring humidity.
5.1 Initial Startup
- After installation, ensure all connections (electrical, drainage, ducting) are secure.
- Power on the unit.
- Set the desired humidity level on your external controller. A typical comfortable humidity range is between 45% and 55% Relative Humidity (RH).
5.2 External Controller
The Ultra98 is designed to work with an external dehumidistat or thermostat with dehumidification capabilities. This controller allows you to set the target humidity level, and the dehumidifier will cycle on and off as needed to maintain it.
Image 5.1: An example of an external controller used to manage the dehumidifier's operation and set humidity levels.
5.3 Operation Mode
The unit operates in an intermittent mode, activating only when the humidity level rises above the set point and deactivating once the desired level is reached. This ensures energy-efficient operation.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and efficiency of your Santa Fe Ultra98 Dehumidifier. Always disconnect power before performing any maintenance.
6.1 Air Filter Replacement
The MERV-13 air filter should be inspected monthly and replaced every 3-6 months, or more frequently depending on usage and air quality. A dirty filter restricts airflow and reduces efficiency.
- Turn off and unplug the dehumidifier.
- Locate the filter access panel.
- Remove the old filter and dispose of it properly.
- Insert a new MERV-13 filter, ensuring the airflow arrow points towards the unit.
- Secure the filter access panel and restore power.
Image 6.1: A close-up view of the MERV-13 air filter, essential for maintaining air quality and unit efficiency.
6.2 Coil Cleaning
Periodically inspect the evaporator and condenser coils for dirt and debris. If coils are dirty, clean them with a coil cleaner or a soft brush. Avoid bending the coil fins.
6.3 Drain Pan and Hose Inspection
Check the drain pan and hose regularly for blockages, algae growth, or leaks. Clean as necessary to ensure proper drainage.
7. Troubleshooting
Before contacting customer support, review the following common issues and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier not turning on | No power, external control off, or set point not met. | Check power connection, ensure external control is on, lower humidity set point. |
| Unit running but not removing moisture | Dirty air filter, blocked airflow, or low ambient temperature. | Replace air filter, clear obstructions, ensure room temperature is above 50°F (10°C). |
| Water leaking from unit | Clogged drain hose, improper hose slope, or loose connection. | Clear drain hose, ensure continuous downward slope, tighten hose connections. |
| Excessive noise | Unit not level, loose components, or fan obstruction. | Adjust leveling feet, check for loose parts, inspect fan for obstructions. |
8. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Santa Fe Ultra98 Whole House Dehumidifier:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Santa Fe |
| Model Name | Ultra98 |
| Item Model Number | 4044300 |
| Dehumidification Capacity | 98 Pints per Day |
| Recommended Floor Area | Up to 2300 Square Feet |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 35 x 19 x 25 inches |
| Item Weight | 95 Pounds |
| Color | White |
| Special Feature | Quiet Operation |
| Operation Mode | Intermittent |
| Upper Temperature Rating | 95 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Filter Type | MERV-13 |
| UPC | 859029004649 |
Image 8.1: The Santa Fe Ultra98 dehumidifier with its key dimensions indicated for installation planning.
9. Warranty and Support
The Santa Fe Ultra98 Dehumidifier comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, including coverage duration and terms, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Santa Fe website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Santa Fe customer service.
Manufacturer: Santa Fe
EU Spare Part Availability Duration: 5 Years
For further assistance, please visit the Santa Fe Store on Amazon.
