GE AHK30, AHK40, AHK50*, AHK65* Owner’s Manual

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . .2, 3

Operating Instructions

About the Controls
on the Dehumidifier . . . . . . . . . . .4
Automatic Defrost . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . .5
How the Dehumidifier Operates . . .5
Removing Collected Water . . . . . .6
Water Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Grille and Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Water Bucket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . .8

Consumer Support

Consumer Support . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Product Registration . . . . . . . . .9, 10
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
*E
NERGY STAR
®
labeled product
As an ENERGY STAR®partner, GE has determined that this product meets the
ENERGY STAR®guidelines for energy
efficiency.
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Dehumidifiers
220264A036 49-7557 11-06 JR
AHK30 AHK40 AHK50* AHK65*
Owner’s Manual
Write the model and serial numbers here:
Model #__________________________
Serial # __________________________
You can find them on a label on the back of the dehumidifier.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.
This dehumidifier must be properly installed and grounded as described in this manual before it is used.
Never operate this dehumidifier in an area that is likely to accumulate standing water.
If this condition develops, for your safety disconnect the power supply before stepping into the water.
Never unplug your dehumidifier by pulling on the power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out from the receptacle.
Replace immediately all electric service cords that have become frayed or otherwise
damaged. A damaged power supply cord must be replaced with a new power supply cord obtained from the manufacturer and not repaired. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either the plug or connector end.
If the receptacle does not match the plug, the receptacle must be changed out by a qualified electrician.
Turn the dehumidifier OFF and unplug it before making any repairs or cleaning.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that any servicing be performed by a qualified individual.
For your safety, do not store or use combustible materials, gasoline or other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
All dehumidifiers contain refrigerants, which under federal law must be removed prior to product disposal. If you are getting rid of an old product with refrigerants, check with the company handling disposal about what to do.
Do not use outdoors.
This dehumidifier is intended for
indoor residential applications only. This dehumidifier should not be used for commercial or industrial applications.
When using this dehumidifier, always follow basic safety precautions, including the following:
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.
DO NOT use an adapter plug with this appliance.
The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates with a standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.
Where a 2-prong wall outlet is encountered, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet.
The dehumidifier should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet, which has a voltage rating matching the rating plate.
This provides the best performance and also prevents overloading house wiring circuits, which could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.
HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY
2
Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions Safety Instructions

Troubleshooting Tips
Care and Cleaning Safety InstructionsOperating Instructions
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury.
3
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions Care and Cleaning
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
ge.com
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the use of an extension cord.
However, if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed, 14 gauge, 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding type plug and outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 125 volts.
USE OF EXTENSION CORDS
Condition without dehumidification— Area (in square feet) During warm and humid outdoor conditions 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500
Moderately damp—Space feels damp
and has musty odor only in humid weather. AHK30 AHK30 AHK30 AHK30 AHK40 AHK40 AHK40 Very damp—Space always feels damp and has musty
odor. Damp spots show on walls or floor. AHK30 AHK30 AHK30 AHK40 AHK40 AHK40 AHK50 Wet—Space feels and smells wet. Walls or floor sweat,
or seepage is present. AHK30 AHK30 AHK40 AHK40 AHK40 AHK50 AHK50
Extremely wet—Laundry drying, wet floor, high-load conditions AHK30 AHK30 AHK40 AHK40 AHK50 AHK50 AHK65
What dehumidifier do you need?
Table indicates recommended GE dehumidifier models, based on the area of the space to be dehumidified and the conditions that would exist in that space when a dehumidifier is not in use. Dehumidification variables also include such other factors as climate, laundry equipment, number of family members, number of doors and windows and degree and intensity of area activity.
Bucket full light
indicates bucket
needs to be
emptied
4
About the controls on the dehumidifier.
Controls
Power Pad
Press to turn the dehumidifier on and off.
Continuous
Select for the dehumidifier to operate continuously at its maximum dehumidification settings until the bucket is full. The Humidity Set Control Pads cannot be used when Continuous is on.
Humidity Set Control Pads
The humidity level can be set within a range of 35% RH (Relative Humidity) to 80% RH (Relative Humidity) in 5% increments.
For drier air, press the pad and set to a lower percent value (%).
For damper air, press the pad and set to a higher percent value (%).
When you first use the dehumidifier, set the humidity control to 45% or 50%. Allow at least 24 hours for the dehumidifier to achieve the humidity level. If you still have damper air than desired, set the humidity level to a lower setting or select Continuous for maximum dehumidification.
Fan Speed Pads
Control the fan speed. Press to select either High or Normal fan
speed. Set the fan control to High for maximum
moisture removal. When the humidity has been reduced and quiet operation is preferred, set the fan control to Normal.
Display
Shows the set % humidity level while setting, then shows the actual (+/– 5% accuracy) room % humidity level.
Error Codes E1 – Humidity sensor error – Unplug the
unit and plug it back in. If error repeats, call for service.
E2 – Temperature sensor error – Unplug
the unit and plug it back in. If error repeats, call for service.
P1 – Unit is defrosting – Allow the unit time
to automatically defrost. The error will clear after the unit self defrosts.
P2 – Water bucket is full – Empty the water
bucket and replace. See the Removing Collected Water section.
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 Water Level Control Switch shuts off the dehumidifier when the bucket is full, or when the bucket is removed or not replaced in the proper position.
Auto Defrost
When frost builds up on the evaporator coils, the compressor will cycle off and the fan will continue to run until the frost disappears.
Power Outage
In the case of a power outage or interruption, the unit will automatically re-start, in the settings last used, after the power is restored.
Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions Safety Instructions
Troubleshooting Tips
Care and Cleaning Safety InstructionsOperating Instructions
High fan
indicator light
Normal fan
indicator light
Power on
indicator light
Continuous
operation on
indicator light
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips
Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions
Care and Cleaning
Using the dehumidifier.
ge.com
When first using the dehumidifier, operate the unit continuously 24 hours.

Choosing a Location

A dehumidifier operating in a basement will have little or no effect in drying an adjacent enclosed storage area, such as a closet, unless there is adequate circulation of air in and out of the area.
Do not use outdoors.
This dehumidifier is intended for indoor residential
applications only. This dehumidifier 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 12–18 inches of air space on all sides of the unit for good air circulation.
Place the dehumidifier in an area where the temperature will not fall below 41°F (5°C). The coils can become covered with frost at temperatures below 41°F, which may reduce performance.
Use the dehumidifier in cooking, laundry, bathing and dishwashing areas that have excessive moisture. NOTE: Place the dehumidifier away from the clothes dryer.
Use the dehumidifier to prevent moisture damage anywhere books or valuables are stored.
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.
YES NO
NOTE: The dehumidifier has rollers to aid placement,
but it should only be rolled on smooth, flat surfaces. Do not attempt to roll the dehumidifier on carpet or over objects.

How the Dehumidifier Operates

Moist, humid air is drawn over a cold refrigerated dehumidifying coil. Moisture in the air condenses on this coil and drains into a bucket (or through a hose and drain).
Dry, clean air is drawn through the condenser where it is heated and discharged out the front grille into the room.
It is normal for the surrounding air to become slightly warmer as the dehumidifier operates.
This warming effect further reduces the relative humidity of the surrounding air.
When frost builds up on the evaporator coils, the compressor will cycle off and the fan will continue to run until the frost disappears.
When the coil is defrosted, the compressor or fan (depending on model) will automatically restart and dehumidifying will resume.
5

Automatic Defrost

12–18min. 12–18min.
There are 2 ways to remove collected water:
Use the bucket. When the bucket is removed, the unit will shut off. Empty and replace the bucket.
IMPORTANT: Do not use the drain tube if using the bucket to collect water. When the drain tube is connected, water will flow through it onto the floor instead of into the bucket.
NOTES:
Do not remove the bucket while the dehumidifier is operating or if it has just stopped operating. This might cause some water to drip from the drain pan.
The bucket must be in place and securely seated for the dehumidifier to operate.
Use a hose. Water can be automatically emptied into a floor drain by attaching the unit’s drain tube with nozzle and a garden water hose (not included).
1. Remove the bucket from the front of
the unit.
2. Remove the plug cover from the back of
the unit and store it in a safe location.
3. Insert the tube through the hole in the
back of the unit and securely press it onto the connector on the front of the unit. Push the tube around the front connector until the nozzle is flush with the back of the unit.
4. Secure the nozzle to the back of the unit with the two screws provided.
5. Cut (as needed) and thread a garden hose (not supplied) onto the nozzle and lead it to the floor drain.
6. Replace the bucket in the unit.
NOTE: The bucket must be in place and securely seated for the dehumidifier to operate.
Always make sure the water bucket is locked into place on the dehumidifier.

Water Level

The dehumidifier will turn off automatically when the bucket is full, or when the bucket is removed or not replaced in the proper position.
The bucket must be replaced in the proper position for the dehumidifier to work. The light will be on and the dehumidifier will not run if the bucket is not in the proper position.
Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions Safety Instructions
Troubleshooting Tips
Care and Cleaning Safety InstructionsOperating Instructions
Using the dehumidifier.

Removing Collected Water

6
NOTE: Support bucket with both hands when emptying.
Insert tube through hole in back of unit.
Back of unit
Front of unit
Back of unit
Firmly press the tube onto the front connector.
Back of unit
7
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips
Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions
Care and Cleaning
Care and cleaning of the dehumidifier.
ge.com
Turn the dehumidifier off and remove the plug from the wall outlet before cleaning.

Grille and Case

To clean the case:
Use water and a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or abrasives.
If cabinet paint chips, you can touch it up with a good grade enamel paint to prevent rust.
To clean the front grille:
Use a vacuum attachment or brush.

Water Bucket

To clean:
Every few weeks, clean the bucket to prevent growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Partially fill the bucket with clean water and add a little mild detergent. Swish it around in the bucket, empty and rinse.
NOTE: Do not use a dishwasher to clean the water bucket.
To remove:
Remove the bucket and pour any water out.
To replace:
Slide the bucket into the dehumidifier.
NOTE: The bucket must be in place and securely seated for the dehumidifier to operate.
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:
Grasp the filter edge and pull it out the side.
Clean the filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let the filter dry before replacing it. Do not clean the filter in a dishwasher.
CAUTION: DO NOT operate the dehumidifier
without a filter because dirt and lint will clog it and reduce performance.
NOTE: Avoid using a dishwasher to clean the filter.
8
Consumer Support Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions Safety Instructions

Troubleshooting Tips

Care and Cleaning Safety InstructionsOperating Instructions
Troubleshooting tips…
Save time and money! Review the chart below first and you may not need to call for service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Dehumidifier The dehumidifier Make sure the dehumidifier’s plug is pushed completely does not start is unplugged. into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit Check the house fuse/circuit breaker box and replace breaker is tripped. the fuse or reset the breaker.
Dehumidifier has reached its The dehumidifier automatically turns off when this preset level or bucket is full. occurs. Empty the bucket and replace properly.
Bucket is not in the The bucket must be in place and securely seated for the proper position. dehumidifier to operate.
Power failure. There is a protective time delay (up to 3 minutes) to
prevent tripping of the compressor overload. For this reason, the unit may not start normal dehumidifying for 3 minutes after it is turned back on.
Dehumidifier does not Did not allow enough time When first installed, allow at least 24 hours to maintain dry the air as it should to remove the moisture. the desired dryness.
Airflow is restricted. Make sure there are no curtains, blinds or furniture
blocking the front or back of the dehumidifier. See the Choosing a Location section.
The Humidity Control may For drier air, press the pad and set to a lower percent not be set low enough. value (%) or press the Continuous pad for maximum
dehumidification.
Doors and windows may not Check that all doors, windows and other openings be closed tightly. are securely closed.
Clothes dryer may be Install the dehumidifier away from the dryer. blowing moisture-laden The dryer should be vented to the outside. air into the room.
Room temperature Moisture removal is best at higher room temperatures. is too low. Lower room temperatures will reduce the moisture
removal rate. Models are designed to be operated at temperatures above 41°F (5°C).
Dehumidifier runs Area to be dehumidified Refer to the chart below to see if the capacity of your too much is too large. dehumidifier is adequate.
Doors and windows are open. Close all doors and windows to the outside.
Frost appears on Dehumidifier has been recently This is normal. Frost will usually disappear the coils turned on, or room temperature within 60 minutes. See the Automatic Defrost section.
is below 41°F (5°C).
Fan cannot be turned off The dehumidifier is in the This is normal. Wait approximately 3 minutes and set the and the Normal or High automatic fan mode. When fan to Normal or High as desired. fan speed pads cannot the set room humidity level be set is reached, the compressor
will turn off and the fan will automatically continue to run for approximately 3 minutes at a fixed setting.
Fan noise Air is moving through This is normal.
the dehumidifier.
Water on floor Tube to connector or nozzle Check the tube to connector and the nozzle to hose
or hose connection may be connections. See the Removing Collected Water section. loose.
Intend to use the bucket to Disconnect the drain nozzle if using the bucket to collect collect water, but the drain nozzle water. See the Removing Collected Water section. is attached.
E1, E2, P1 or P2 appear These are error codes. See the About the controls on the dehumidifier section. in the display
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