Comfee DF Dehumidifier
Models: MDDF-16DEN3, MDDF-20DEN3
Manufactured by Midea Europe GmbH
Contact: Eisenstraße 9c, D-65428 Rüsselsheim, Germany | Service Hotline: +49 6142 301 81 10 | info@mideagermany.de | www.mideagermany.de
The design and specifications are subject to change without prior notice for product improvement. Consult with the sales agency or manufacturer for details.
Please read these instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.
Sociable Remark (European Disposal Information)
When using this dehumidifier in European countries, the following information must be followed:
DISPOSAL: Do not dispose this product as unsorted municipal waste. Collection of such waste separately for special treatment is necessary. It is prohibited to dispose of this appliance in domestic household waste.
For disposal, there are several possibilities:
- A) The municipality has established collection systems, where electronic waste can be disposed of at least free of charge to the user.
- B) When buying a new product, the retailer will take back the old product at least free of charge.
- C) The manufacturer will take back the old appliance for disposal at least free of charge to the user.
- D) As old products contain valuable resources, they can be sold to scrap metal dealers.
Wild disposal of waste in forests and landscapes endangers your health when hazardous substances leak into the ground-water and find their way into the food chain. [recycling-symbol]
Read This Manual
This manual provides helpful hints on how to use and maintain your dehumidifier properly. Preventive care can save time and money. Many common problems can be solved by reviewing the troubleshooting tips first, potentially avoiding the need for service.
CAUTION
- This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above, and persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning safe use and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision. (Applicable for European Countries)
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use by a person responsible for their safety. (Applicable for countries except European Countries)
- Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
- If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid a hazard.
- The appliance shall be installed in accordance with national wiring regulations.
- The appliance with an electric heater shall have at least 1 meter space to combustible materials.
- Contact an authorized service technician for repair or maintenance.
Safety Precautions
To prevent injury to the user or other people and property damage, follow these instructions. Incorrect operation due to ignoring instructions may cause harm or damage.
The seriousness is classified by the following indications:
WARNING: This symbol indicates the possibility of death or serious injury.
CAUTION: This symbol indicates the possibility of injury or damage to property.
Meanings of symbols used in this manual:
- [forbidden-symbol]: Never do this.
- [check-symbol]: Always do this.
WARNINGs
- Do not exceed the rating of the power outlet or connection device. (Risk of electric shock or fire due to excess heat generation.)
- Do not modify power cord length or share the outlet with other appliances. (Risk of electric shock or fire due to heat generation.)
- Do not operate or stop the unit by switching the power on or off. (Risk of electric shock or fire due to heat generation.)
- Do not damage or use an unspecified power cord. (Risk of electric shock or fire.)
- Do not insert or pull out the plug with wet hands. (Risk of electric shock.)
- Disconnect the power if strange sounds, smell, or smoke comes from it. (Risk of fire and electric shock.)
- Do not use the machine near flammable gas or combustibles, such as gasoline, benzene, thinner, etc. (Risk of explosion or fire.)
- Do not use the unit in small spaces. (Lack of ventilation can cause overheating and fire.)
- You should never try to take apart or repair the unit by yourself. (Risk of machine failure or electric shock.)
- Before cleaning, turn off the power and unplug the unit. (Risk of electrical shock or injury.)
- Do not drink or use the water drained from the unit. (It contains contaminants and could make you sick.)
- Do not take the water bucket out during operation. (May cause bucket full protection to activate and cause electric shock.)
CAUTIONs
- Do not put in places where water may splash onto the unit. (Water may enter the unit and degrade insulation, causing electric shock or fire.)
- Place the unit on a level, sturdy section of the floor. (If the unit falls over, water may spill, damaging belongings, or causing electrical shock or fire.)
- Do not cover the intake or exhaust openings with cloths or towels. (Lack of air flow can lead to overheating and fire.)
- Never insert your finger or other foreign objects into grills or openings. Take special care to warn children of these dangers. (Risk of electric shock or appliance failure.)
- Always insert the filters securely. Clean the filter once every two weeks. (Operation without filters may cause failure.)
- Care should be taken when using the unit in a room with infants, children, elderly people, and people not sensitive to humidity.
- Do not use in areas where chemicals are handled. (This will cause unit deterioration due to chemicals and solvents dissolved in the air.)
- Do not place heavy objects on the power cord and take care so that the cord is not compressed. (Danger of fire or electric shock.)
- If water enters the unit, turn the unit off and disconnect the power, contact a qualified service technician. (Risk of appliance failure or accident.)
- Do not climb up on or sit on the unit. (You may be injured if you fall or if the unit falls over.)
- Do not place flower vases or other water containers on top of the unit. (Water may spill inside the unit, causing insulation failure and electrical shock or fire.)
Electrical Information
- The manufacturer's nameplate is located on the rear panel of the unit and contains electrical and other technical data specific to this unit.
- Ensure the unit is properly grounded. Proper grounding is important to minimize shock and fire hazards.
- The power cord is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug for protection against shock hazards.
- Your unit must be used in a properly grounded wall receptacle. If the wall receptacle is not adequately grounded or protected by a time delay fuse or circuit breaker, have a qualified electrician install the proper receptacle.
- Ensure the receptacle is accessible after the unit installation.
- Do not use extension cords or adapter plugs with this unit. However, if an extension cord is necessary, use an approved "Dehumidifier" extension cord only (available at most local hardware stores).
- To avoid personal injury, always disconnect the power supply to the unit before installing and/or servicing.
Control Pads on the Dehumidifier
NOTE: The control panel of the unit you purchased may be slightly different according to the models.
Control Panel Diagram (Fig.1):
The control panel features indicator lights for:
- Ion operation [light-indicator]
- High fan [light-indicator]
- Timer on/off [light-indicator]
- Dryer operation [light-indicator]
- Bucket full [light-indicator]
- Continuous operation [light-indicator]
- Smart dehumidifying operation [light-indicator]
- Unit operation [light-indicator]
Buttons include:
- On/Off
- ION
- TURBO
- TIMER
- + (Up)
- - (Down)
- MODE
- POWER
Control Pads Descriptions:
- Power Pad: Press to turn the dehumidifier on and off. (Note: It is normal for the unit to make a loud noise when the compressor starts or stops.)
- Mode Pad: Press to select the desired operation mode: Dehumidifying, Dryer, Continuous dehumidifying, and Smart dehumidifying. (Note: Dryer and Smart dehumidifying modes are optional.)
- Down/Up Pads:
- Humidity Set Control Pads: Set the humidity level from 35%RH to 85%RH in 5% increments. Press [-] for drier air (lower percentage), press [+] for damper air (higher percentage).
- TIMER Set Control Pads: Use the Up/Down pads to set the Auto start and Auto stop time from 0.0 to 24 hours.
- Timer Pad: Press to initiate the Auto start and Auto stop feature, in conjunction with the Up/Down pads.
- Turbo Pad: Control the fan speed. Press to select either High or Normal fan speed. High fan speed is for maximum moisture removal. Normal fan speed is for quieter operation when humidity is reduced.
- Ion Pad (optional): Press to activate the ionizer. Anions are generated by ionization to deactivate airborne chemical vapors and dust particles. Press again to stop the function.
Display
Shows the set % humidity level (35%-85%) or auto start/stop time (0-24) while setting. It then shows the actual room % humidity level (±5% accuracy) in a range of 30% RH to 90% RH.
Error Codes and Protection Codes:
- AS: Humidity sensor error. Unplug the unit, plug it back in. If error repeats, call for service.
- ES: Temperature sensor error. Unplug the unit, plug it back in. If error repeats, call for service.
- P1: Unit is defrosting. Allow the unit time to automatically defrost. The protection will clear after self-defrosting.
- P2: Bucket is full or bucket is not in the right position. Empty the bucket and replace it correctly.
- E3: Unit malfunction. Unplug the unit, plug it back in. If error repeats, call for service.
- EC: Refrigerant leakage detection. The display area will show "EC" when refrigerant leakage is detected. Call for service.
Other Features:
- Bucket Full Light: Glows when the bucket is ready to be emptied, or when the bucket is removed or not replaced in the proper position.
- Auto Shut Off: The dehumidifier shuts off when the bucket is full, removed, or not replaced correctly. It also shuts off automatically when the set humidity is reached. For some models, the fan motor may continue operating.
- Auto Defrost: When frost builds up on the evaporator coils, the compressor cycles off, and the fan continues to run until the frost disappears. (Note: During Auto defrost, the unit may make a sound of refrigerant flowing, which is normal.)
- Wait 3 minutes before resuming operation: After the unit has stopped, it cannot be restarted for the first 3 minutes to protect the unit. Operation will automatically resume after 3 minutes.
- Smart dehumidifying mode (optional): In this mode, the unit automatically controls room humidity to a comfortable range of 45%-55% according to the room temperature. The humidity setting function will be invalid.
- Auto-Restart: If the unit unexpectedly turns off due to a power cut, it will restart with the previous function settings automatically when power resumes.
- Setting the Timer:
- When the unit is ON: Press Timer. Timer Off indicator lights up (Auto Stop). Press again. Time On indicator lights up (Auto Start).
- When the unit is OFF: Press Timer. TIMER ON indicator lights up (Auto Start). Press again. Time Off indicator lights up (Auto Stop).
- Use Up/Down pads to change Auto time by 0.5-hour increments up to 10 hours, then by 1-hour increments up to 24 hours. The control will count down the time remaining until start.
- The selected time registers in 5 seconds, and the system reverts to displaying the previous humidity setting.
- When both Auto start and Auto stop times are set, TIMER ON OFF indicator lights illuminate.
- Turning the unit ON/OFF at any time or setting the timer to 0.0 cancels the Auto Start/Stop function.
- Displaying code P2 also cancels the Auto Start/Stop function.
Identification of Parts
Dryer mode (optional): The unit can perform MAX dehumidification in Dryer mode with a fixed high fan speed. Humidity is automatically controlled according to actual room humidity. The unit exits dryer mode after a maximum of 10 hours of operation.
NOTE: The Dryer mode must be operated in a closed room with doors and windows shut. To achieve the best dehumidification, first dehydrate wet clothes. Ensure airflow is directed at the wet clothes (See Fig.A). Thick and heavy wet clothes may not achieve the best dehumidification.
CAUTION: Do not cover the air outlet with clothes (risk of excessive heat, fire, or unit failure). Do not place wet clothes on top of the unit or allow water to drip into the unit (risk of electric shock, creepage, or unit failure).
Diagram (Fig.A) for Dryer Mode: Shows wet clothes positioned with airflow directed from the dehumidifier. Recommended distance of 30-50cm on the top and right side of the unit to the wet clothes.
Parts Identification:
Front:
- 1. Control panel
- 2. Handle (both sides)
- 3. Air outlet grille
- 4. Water bucket
- 5. Water level window
Rear:
- 1. Drain hose outlet
- 2. Caster
- 3. Power Cord and plug
- 4. Air intake grille
- 5. Air filter (behind the grille)
- 6. Power cord Buckle (Used only when storing the unit)
NOTE: All pictures are for explanation purposes only. The actual unit may differ slightly, but operations and functions remain the same.
Diagrams (Fig.2, Fig.3) show the front and rear parts of the dehumidifier with numbered components.
Operating the Unit
Positioning the Unit
A dehumidifier operating in a basement may have little effect in drying an adjacent enclosed storage area (like a closet) unless there is adequate air circulation.
- Do not use outdoors. This dehumidifier is intended for indoor residential applications only and should not be used for commercial or industrial applications.
- Place the dehumidifier on a smooth, level floor strong enough to support the unit with a full bucket of water.
- Allow at least 20cm of air space on all sides of the unit for good air circulation.
- Place the unit in an area where the temperature will not fall below 5°C (41°F). Coils may frost up at temperatures below 5°C (41°F), reducing performance.
- Place the unit away from clothes dryers, heaters, or radiators.
- Use the unit to prevent moisture damage to books or valuables.
- Use the dehumidifier in a basement to help prevent moisture damage.
- The dehumidifier must be operated in an enclosed area to be most effective. Close all doors, windows, and other outside openings to the room.
Diagram (Fig.4a) shows placement clearances: 40cm or more above, 20cm or more on all sides (intake and outlet grilles).
Casters: Casters move freely. Do not force casters over carpet, nor move the unit with water in the bucket, as it may tip over and spill water.
When Using the Unit
- When first using the dehumidifier, operate it continuously for 24 hours.
- The unit is designed to operate in a working environment between 5°C (41°F) and 35°C (95°F).
- If the unit has been switched off and needs to be switched on again quickly, allow approximately three minutes for correct operation to resume.
- Do not connect the dehumidifier to a multiple socket outlet already used by other electrical appliances.
- Select a suitable location with easy access to an electrical outlet.
- Plug the unit into an electrical socket-outlet with earth connection.
- Ensure the water bucket is correctly fitted; otherwise, the unit will not operate properly.
NOTE: When the water in the bucket reaches a certain level, be careful when moving the machine to avoid it falling down.
Removing the Collected Water
There are two ways to remove collected water:
1. Use the bucket:
- When the unit is off and the bucket is full, the unit will beep 8 times, the Full indicator light will flash, and the digital display shows P2.
- When the unit is on and the bucket is full, the compressor and fan turn off after 30 seconds (for condenser drying). The unit will then beep 8 times, the Full indicator light will flash, and the digital display shows P2.
- Slowly pull out the bucket. Grip the left and right handles securely and pull straight out to avoid spilling water. Do not place the tank on the floor as the bottom is uneven, which could cause it to fall and spill water.
- Dispose water, and replace the bucket. The bucket must be in place and securely seated for the dehumidifier to operate.
- The machine will restart when the bucket is restored to its correct position.
NOTES:
- When removing the bucket, do not touch any parts inside the unit, as this may damage the product.
- Be sure to push the bucket gently all the way into the unit. Banging the bucket or failing to push it in securely may prevent operation.
- If there is some water in the unit when removing the bucket, dry it.
2. Continuous draining:
Water can be automatically emptied into a floor drain by attaching a water hose (not included).
- Cut down the cover from the back drain hose outlet. Attach a drain hose (ID=13.5mm) and lead it to the floor drain or a suitable drainage facility (see Fig.7).
- Ensure the hose is secure to prevent leaks.
- Direct the hose toward the drain, ensuring there are no kinks that would stop water flow.
- Place the end of the hose into the drain, ensuring it is level or sloping downwards to allow water to flow smoothly. Never let the hose point upwards.
- Select the desired humidity setting and fan speed for continuous draining to start.
NOTE: When the continuous drain feature is not being used, remove the drain hose from the outlet.
Diagrams (Fig.5, Fig.6, Fig.7) illustrate bucket removal and continuous draining setup.
Care and Maintenance
Turn the dehumidifier off and unplug it from the wall outlet before cleaning.
1. Clean the Grille and Case:
- Use water and a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or abrasives.
- Do not splash water directly onto the main unit, as this may cause electric shock, insulation deterioration, or unit rust.
- The air intake and outlet grilles get soiled easily; use a vacuum attachment or brush to clean them.
2. Clean the bucket:
Every few weeks, clean the bucket to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Partially fill the bucket with clean water and a little mild detergent. Swish, empty, and rinse. NOTE: Do not use a dishwasher to clean the bucket. After cleaning, the bucket must be in place and securely seated for the dehumidifier to operate.
3. Clean the air filter:
The air filter behind the front grille should be checked and cleaned at least every 30 days, or more often if necessary. NOTE: DO NOT RINSE OR PUT THE FILTER IN AN AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER.
- To remove: Grip the tab on the filter and pull it upward, then pull it out (as shown in Fig.8).
- Clean the filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let the filter dry before replacing it. Do not clean the filter in a dishwasher.
- To attach: Insert the air filter into the unit from the underside upwards (See Fig.10).
CAUTION: DO NOT operate the dehumidifier without a filter, as dirt and lint will clog it and reduce performance.
Diagrams (Fig.8, Fig.9, Fig.10) show filter removal and attachment.
4. When not using the unit for long periods:
- After turning off the unit, wait one day before emptying the bucket.
- Clean the main unit, water bucket, and air filter.
- Cover the unit with a plastic bag.
- Store the unit upright in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Troubleshooting Tips
Before calling for service, review the chart below.
Problem | What to check |
---|---|
Unit does not start |
|
Dehumidifier does not dry the air as it should |
|
The unit makes a loud noise when operating |
|
Frost appears on the coils | This is normal. The dehumidifier has an Auto defrost feature. |
Water on floor |
|
ES, AS, P1, or P2 appear in the display | These are error codes and protection codes. See the CONTROL PADS ON THE DEHUMIDIFIER section. |