Healthy Climate® Dehumidifiers Owner's Manual

Whole Home Dehumidification

The Healthy Climate® Dehumidifier controls the humidity level throughout your entire home. A powerful blower draws air into the cabinet, where it is filtered before moisture is removed. A sealed refrigeration system removes moisture by passing air through tubes and fins kept colder than the incoming air's dew point. Condensed moisture collects in a drain pan and flows through a drain tube to the nearest floor drain or condensate pump. The air is then reheated before being returned to the home, making it warmer and drier than when it entered.

To reduce indoor humidity, close windows, doors, and fireplace flues when outdoor humidity is high. Drying clothes outdoors and using direct exhaust from kitchen vents and bath fans are also effective. This dehumidifier is not designed to prevent window condensation in winter; use ventilation for lower indoor humidity levels during winter.

Operating the Dehumidifier

Plug the dehumidifier into an outlet. The unit can remain plugged in unless it will be unused for an extended period. Use the ON/OFF button on the user interface to turn the unit off for short durations. When idle (fan and compressor not running), the unit consumes less than 3W of power.

Use the ON/OFF button (see Figure 2) to turn the dehumidifier ON. The first press of a button illuminates the display. If the display was dark, press again. Once ON, the display shows the current humidity setting.

Optional - Heating and Cooling System Blower Operation

Your installing contractor may have configured the dehumidifier to turn on the heating and cooling system blower when the dehumidifier turns on, allowing for improved circulation of dry air.

Energy Savings Tips

Energy Savings Tip #1: Adjust the humidity setting to be as high as comfortable to reduce run time. If it feels clammy or smells musty, lower the setting. To save energy, turn the dehumidifier OFF when opening windows, similar to air conditioning.

Energy Savings Tip #2: When vacating your home for an extended period in summer, set the RH at 55% and your thermostat as high as comfortable in cooling mode. This maintains controlled humidity while minimizing cooling energy usage.

External Control Options

Your dehumidifier can be controlled by a Lennox Smart Thermostat, iComfort® Thermostat, ComfortSense® Thermostat, or an optional external control located in the living space. These thermostats can control your whole-home dehumidifier using their built-in dehumidification features. The Y6456 is a dedicated dehumidifier control and can also function as a remote control if the dehumidifier is in a crawl space. Installing the Y6456 in your living space allows you to adjust settings and check humidity levels in the crawl space conveniently.

Refer to the owner's manuals for operating instructions when an external control is installed. Consult your installing contractor if you are interested in having an external control installed.

How Does the Optional Ventilation Work?

If your contractor installed the optional ventilation feature, they determined the necessary fresh air based on factors like home size, occupancy, and local codes. The contractor configured the dehumidifier control to operate ventilation for a set duration each hour to provide this fresh air. When ventilation is active, a damper opens to allow outside air in, and your heating and cooling system blower distributes it.

To change the ventilation time, press the MODE button twice to access the ventilation time setting. Use the Up or Down buttons to adjust the minutes per hour (0-60, or 0 to turn off). The control will return to the dehumidifier setting display automatically.

Maintenance

CLEANING THE FILTER

Check and clean the air filter and drain every 6 months after initial installation.

1. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the unit OFF.
2. Remove the filter access door (see Figure 1) by unscrewing the retaining screw (HCWHD5-130) or pulling the handle (HCWHD5-080 and HCWHD5-100).
3. Slide the filter out.
4. Rinse the filter with water to remove dust and particles.
5. Shake off excess water.
6. Clean the drain as described in the CLEANING THE DRAIN section.
7. Reinstall the filter with the airflow arrow pointing into the dehumidifier.
8. HCWHD5-080 and HCWHD5-100 only: If the filter doesn't slide back in, ensure the drain insert (see Figure 6) is properly installed.
9. Replace the filter access door, ensuring the retaining screw is tightened or snap fit doors are securely installed.
10. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the dehumidifier back ON.

The 'CLEAN FILTER' service reminder (see Figure 5) will display every 6 months. To clear the message, press the Up and Down buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.

CLEANING THE DRAIN

1. With the filter door removed, pull out the drain insert (HCWHD5-080 and HCWHD5-100 only) using the finger loop (see Figure 6). NOTE: Drain insert must be installed before operating.
2. Clean the accessible portion of the drain pan and the drain insert with a mild detergent.
3. If the drain has a capped tee or elbow, remove the cap and pour approximately one cup of white vinegar into the tube (see Figure 7). If there is no visible access to the drain line from outside the unit, pour approximately one cup of vinegar into the dehumidifier's drain pan.

4. HCWHD5-080 and HCWHD5-100 only: Reinstall the drain insert by gently placing the tip into the drain opening and rocking it downwards until it is level with the filter guide channel (see Figure 6).

5. If the dehumidifier has clear flexible drain tubing, check for excess buildup that might impede water flow and replace as needed. Clear, smooth, 3/4” Inside Diameter (ID) drain tubing is available at most hardware or DIY retail stores.

CHECK THE DRAIN

Check the drain annually for blockages or air locks. If the unit is not draining properly, have it checked by a qualified service professional.

IMPORTANT

The drain insert is a critical component of the dehumidifier drain management system and is required for proper operation. The air filter cannot be reinstalled if the drain insert is not in place, as a safety mechanism prevents filter insertion.

Running the HCWHD5-080 or HCWHD5-100 dehumidifier without the drain insert can lead to condensate leaks.

CAUTION

Do not use spray solvents or cleaners on or near the inlet side of the dehumidifier. Apply cleaner to a cloth and use it to clean the cabinet.

Starting Up the Unit and Sequence of Operation

Ensure the unit is plugged in and power is supplied.

USING THE DEHUMIDIFIER CONTROL ONLY

1. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the control ON. The display shows the current humidity setting, and the dehumidifier blower starts sampling. The setting is replaced by the measured humidity, and 'AIR SAMPLING' appears.
2. Use the Up or Down buttons to adjust the humidity setting as desired. The recommended initial setting is between 55% and 59% RH.
3. After three (3) minutes of sampling, the measured humidity is compared to the setting:
   • If humidity is above the setting, the compressor turns ON, and 'AIR SAMPLING' is replaced by 'DEHUMIDIFYING'. The compressor runs until measured humidity is 3% RH below the setting.
   • If humidity is below the setting, the blowers turn OFF, and the display returns to showing the RH setting.
4. The dehumidifier will sample again every 60 minutes, or anytime the humidity setting is lowered.

USING A Y6456 CONTROL AS A REMOTE CONTROL

1. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the control ON. The display shows 'REMOTE' to indicate remote control usage.
2. At the Y6456 Control, press the ON button. The Y6456 Control displays the measured RH and the dehumidifier blower starts sampling.
3. Use the Up or Down buttons on the Y6456 Control to adjust the dryness level (1=least dry, 7=most dry). The recommended initial setting is 3.
4. After three (3) minutes of sampling, the measured humidity is compared to the setting:
   • If humidity is above the setting, the compressor turns ON, and 'ON' flashes on the Y6456 Control display.
   • If humidity is below the setting, the dehumidifier blower turns OFF.
5. The dehumidifier will sample again every 60 minutes, or anytime the dryness level is increased.