The new Phoenix Arctic Max is the first portable air conditioner designed specifically for the Restoration Industry.
The Phoenix Arctic Max boasts one ton (12,000 BTUs) of
cooling capacity operating in 95°F and 60% conditions while
drawing under 12 amps. In a single pass, this provides a
15 degree temperature drop on the 430 CFM evaporator
(cooling) air stream and water removal equivalent to 100
pints per day.
The Phoenix Arctic Max gives the restoration contractor vital
temperature control in the affected area to optimize drying
efficiency or in unaffected areas to safe-guard occupant
comfort. The Phoenix Arctic Max’s cooling power also
makes it the ideal accessory to pre-treat air to improve the
The Phoenix Arctic Max
Portable Air Conditioner
• 1 Ton, 12,000 BTUs of Cooling*
• 100 Pints/Day of Water Removal*
• 11.7 Amps*
• Adjustable Thermostat
• Easy Set-up and Operation
• Cooling (Evaporator) Airflow 430 CFM
• Exhaust (Condenser) Airflow 430 CFM
• Multiple Ducting Options
• Multiple Filter Options
• 20 ft. Vertical Lift Condensate Pump
• 30 ft. Drain Hose
• 20 ft. Power Cord (grounded)
• Recessed Wheels
• Legendary Stainless Construction
*95ºF/60% RH
performance of desiccant or LGR dehumidifiers. When used
in conjunction with the Phoenix Solution LGR performance
amplifier, the Phoenix Arctic Max provides a reliable cooling
air stream to maximize overall performance. The Phoenix
Arctic Max features thermostatically controlled cooling to
insure maintenance of desired conditions and prevent
potential over-cooling.
Set-up and operation is simple using the Phoenix window
accessory kit, and a 15 amp outlet. The Phoenix Arctic Max
also features filter efficiency options up to MERV-11, an
internal condensate pump with 30 foot drain hose and 20
foot power cord. The Phoenix Arctic Max promises years of
service and our “proven” performance.
Read the operation and maintenance instructions
carefully before using this unit. Proper adherence to these
instructions is essential to obtain maximum benefit from
your Phoenix Arctic Max dehumidifier.
1 Specifications
Part No. 4026850
Power 11.7 amps@ 95°F/60% RH
12,000 Btu/Hr, 100 ppd
Adjustable 60-100
Thermostat
Range
Cooling Airflow
(Evaporator)
Exhaust Airflow
(Condenser)
3
FiltersCooling (evaporator) inlet: 2” x 16” x 20” MERV-11
The Phoenix Arctic Max must always be upright when
transported by vehicle. It may be tipped onto its handle
and back for loading and moving by hand. The Phoenix
Arctic Max features a high-impact plastic skid plate which
protects the unit while navigating obstacles such as curbs,
stairways, and while loading into vehicles.
2.2 Electrical Requirements
The Phoenix Arctic Max plugs into a common grounded
outlet on a 15 Amp circuit. It draws 11.7 Amps at 95°F,
60% RH. If used in a wet area, a ground fault interrupter
(GFI) is required. If an extension cord is required, it must
have a minimum of 14 gauge conductors if 25 feet long or
less and 12 gauge conductors if greater than 25 feet long.
2.3 Condensate Removal
The Phoenix Arctic Max is equipped with an internal
condensate pump to remove the water that is condensed
during dehumidification. This allows the condensate to be
pumped 20’ with the attached hose. If the condensate
must be pumped more than 20 feet above the unit, a
second pump must be added to relay the condensate. If
the pump fails and the unit must be used before it can be
replaced, the condensate can be drained by gravity.
The air inlets and outlets on top, rear, and the side of
the unit must be at least 1 foot from walls and other
obstructions to air flow. If the humid area is very large,
dehumidification can be improved by adding an outlet duct
to circulate air to stagnant areas.
2.4 Ducting
A detachable rectangular exhaust
collar is supplied to allow 10”
round lay-flat duct to be
attached to the
Phoenix Arctic
Max cooling
outlet. Lay-flat
plastic ducting is
available. See
accessories
on page 6. To
attach ducting
to a collar, put
the plastic duct end through the
collar center and roll the duct end
outward so that it overlaps the
outside of the collar. The duct and
collar may then be quickly attached to
the Phoenix Arctic Max by snapping the
collar over the four screws at the blower
outlet.
Figure 1
Figure 2
2.5 Power Switch
The power switch (right of hour meter) lights up when the
unit is turned on. If the unit is going to run for more than
2 hours in an area below 50°F, the defrost timer should be
adjusted to improve performance.
2.6 Purge Switch
Pressing and holding the purge switch (left of hour meter)
will cause the condensate pump to run. This pump
minimizes the water left in the condensate reservoir prior
to moving or storage. Hold the switch in until the flow from
the condensate hose stops.
2.7 Hour Meter
The digital hour meter measures the cumulative time that
the unit is turned on to tenths of an hour. It stores its
total when the unit is unplugged; the previous total will be
displayed when the unit is next turned on. It resets to zero
after 99,999.9 hours of operation.
2.8 Thermostat Operation
Adjust the cooling thermostat to the desired conditioned
space temperature. The thermostat has a range of 60°
to 100°F. Turning to “ON” will operate unit continously
regardless of conditioned space temperature.
2.9 Defrost Timer
DRYING TIP: Air’s ability to absorb moisture from wet
surroundings and the Phoenix Arctic Max ability to remove
moisture from that air is greatly improved at higher
temperatures. The defrost cycle is automatic and designed
for optimum performance above 50°F. If the unit is used
in an area that is below 50°F for more than 2 hours,
adjustment of the defrost timer is recommended.
2. Remove the top panel and the front cover (6 screws).
3. The timer is fastened to the base at the front of the
unit. Every third peg around the dial is pushed out
from the dial center except one section with 4 pegs
out in a row. The grain control (8 holes at the intake
of the unit below the filter) should be open. Refer to
Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 3: Defrost timer
for operating in temperatures above 50°F.
4. To improve performance below 50°F, the compressor
“off” time must be increased to allow the frost to
completely melt. To do this, push the pegs out from
the dial center so that the pegs alternate with 2
toward the center, then 2 out from the center, all the
way around the dial except for the section now with 6
pegs out in a row. Refer to Figure 4.
5. Replace the cover and top panel.
Figure 4: Defrost timer
for operating in temperatures below 50°F.
2.10 Low Pressure Control
If the low side refrigerant pressure drops to 15 PSIG, the
low pressure control opens and shuts off the compressor
and blower. It is an automatically reset control. Its primary
function is to prevent damage to the compressor if a leak
develops in the refrigeration system. It may also open if
the unit is A) used in a cool area (below 50°F) and the
defrost timer is not adjusted or B) stored where it is below
40°F and then started. Under these conditions, the unit
will restart within several minutes; it may cycle several
times until the unit warms up.
3 Maintenance
The filter can generally be vacuumed clean several times
before needing replacement. Replacement filters can be
ordered from the factory or purchased locally if available.
WARNING: DO NOT operate the unit without the filter or
with a less effective filter as the heat exchange coils inside
the unit could become clogged and require disassembly to
clean.
3.2 Storage
There are two issues to consider when the Phoenix Arctic
Max is stored between uses and both pertain to the
water trapped in the unit: damage caused by freezing or
biological growth.
The effect of the trapped water can be greatly reduced
if precautions are taken to remove as much as possible
before storage.
1. Use the pump purge switch to reduce the water level
in the reservoir.
2. Stretch the hose flat to drain it completely.
If the unit will not be exposed to freezing temperatures, an
alternative to reduce biological growth is to flush the unit
with a bio-fungicide that is approved for use with copper,
aluminum and polyethylene. To flush:
1. Run the hose to a drain.
2. Remove the air filter. Remove top and front cover.
Slowly pour a quart of the chemical through the
evaporator coil fins and drain into the drain pan.
3. Flush coil with water.
4. Hold in the pump purge switch to reduce the water
level in the reservoir.
4 Service
WARNING: Servicing the Phoenix Arctic Max with its high
pressure refrigerant system and high voltage circuitry
presents a health hazard which could result in death,
serious bodily injury, and/or property damage. Only
qualified service people should ser vice this unit.
Do not operate unit without the front panel in place.
3.1 Air Filter
The Phoenix Arctic Max is equipped with 2 pleated fabric
air filters that must be checked regularly. The cooling air
flow filter is a MERV-11 high efficiency filter. The condener
exhaust filter is a MERV-7. Operating the unit with a dirty
filter will reduce the dehumidifier’s capacity and efficiency
and may cause the compressor to cycle off and on
unnecessarily on the defrost control.
4.1 Technical Description
The Phoenix Arctic Max uses a refrigeration system similar
to an air conditioner’s to remove heat and moisture from
incoming air and to add heat to the air that is discharged.
Hot, high pressure refrigerant gas is routed from the
compressor to the condenser coil. The refrigerant is cooled
and condensed by giving up its heat to the air that is about
to be discharged from the unit. The refrigerant liquid then
passes through a filter/drier and capillary tubing which
No dehumidification, blower runs but compressor does not.
1. Bad connection in compressor circuit.
2. Pump safety switch closed.
3. Defective compressor capacitor.
4. Defective compressor overload.
5. Defective compressor.
6. Defective relay.
Blower does not run. Compressor runs briefly but cycles on
and off.
1. Loose connection in blower circuit.
2. Obstruction prevents impeller rotation.
3. Defective blower.
cause the refrigerant pressure and temperature to drop. It
next enters the evaporator coil where it absorbs heat from
the incoming air and evaporates.
The evaporator operates in a flooded condition, which
means that all the evaporator tubes contain liquid
refrigerant during normal operation. A flooded evaporator
should maintain constant pressure and temperature
across the entire coil, from inlet to outlet.
The mixture of gas and liquid refrigerant enter the
accumulator after leaving the evaporator coil. The
accumulator prevents any liquid refrigerant from reaching
the compressor. The compressor evacuates the cool
refrigerant gas from the accumulator and compresses it to
a high pressure and temperature to repeat the process.
4.2 Troubleshooting
No dehumidification, neither blower nor compressor run
and power switch does not light when ON.
1. Unit unplugged or no power to outlet.
2. Power switch defective.
3. Loose connection in internal wiring.
No dehumidification, neither blower nor compressor run
with power switch ON and lit.
1. Low pressure control open.
2. Power switch defective.
3. Loose connection in internal wiring.
4. Check thermostat setting.
Some dehumidification, blower runs continuously but
compressor only runs sporadically.
1. Unit is in defrost cycle.
2. Defrost thermostat defective or loose.
3. Loose connection in compressor circuit.
4. Defective compressor overload.
5. Defective compressor.
6. Defective relay.
Unit removes some water but not as much as expected.
1. Air temperature and/or humidity have dropped.
2. Humidity meter and/or thermometer used are out of
calibration.
3. Unit has entered defrost cycle.
4. Air filter dirty.
5. Defrost timer incorrectly set for conditions.
6. Defective defrost thermostat.
7. Low refrigerant charge.
8. Air leak such as loose cover.
9. Defective compressor.
10. Restrictive exhaust ducting.
Unit runs but does not pump water.
1. Hose kinked or plugged.
2. Pump motor or float switch defective.
3. Pump check valve plugged.
4. Bad connection in pump circuit.
5. Hose disconnected internally.
Unit pumps water automatically but not when purge switch
is pushed.
The motorized impeller has a PSC motor and internal
thermal overload protection. If defective, the complete
assembly must be replaced.
1. Unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the top and cabinet front (6 screws).
3. Disconnect the impeller leads.
4. Remove four screws holding the impeller to the
impeller brackets.
5. Remove impeller. Use care to avoid hooking wiring,
tubing or electrical components.
6. Reassemble with the new impeller in the above
procedure reversed.
4.4 Defrost Thermostat and Timer
The defrost thermostat is attached to the refrigerant
suction tube between the accumulator and compressor.
If the low side refrigerant temperature drops due to
excessive frost formation on the evaporator coil, the
thermostat opens. The compressor is then cycled off and
on by the defrost timer. The blower will continue to run,
causing air to flow through the evaporator coil and melt the
ice when the compressor is off. When the air temperature
and/or humidity increase, the evaporator temperature
will rise and the thermostat will close to end the defrost
cycle. To improve performance in low temperatures refer to
Section 2.9 for defrost timer adjustment.
Figure 6: Defrost thermostat
5. Connect a garden hose and run it to a drain. Keep
the hose as flat to the floor as possible to avoid air
pockets that would hinder draining. Placing the unit on
something above the floor will also improve draining.
Figure 7: Defrost timer
4.7 Relay
The contacts of the single pole, single throw relay
complete the power circuit to the compressor. The
contacts are closed when power is provided to the relay
coil via the control circuit. The control circuit includes the
power switch, low pressure control, defrost thermostat and
timer.
4.5 Condensate Pump
Condensate is automatically pumped when the water level
in the pump’s reservoir rises to close the float switch or if
the pump purge switch is held in.
To replace the condensate pump:
1. Remove the metal strap holding the pump by loosening
the 2 screws holding it in place.
2. Disconnect the leads.
3. Installation is the reverse of above, but check that
the plastic inlet and outlet hoses do not rub against
copper refrigerant tubes.
4.6 Gravity Drain Option
If the condensate pump fails and cannot be replaced
immediately, the Phoenix Arctic Max can be used by
draining by gravity.
1. Unplug the unit and remove the front cover.
2. Push the plastic plug on the left side out from inside
the unit.
3. Locate the heavy vinyl hose that connects the drain
pan to the condensate pump. Pull the end out of the
pump.
4. Push that end of the vinyl hose through the hole in the
left side.
Figure 8: Condensate pump
5 Options and Accessories
4024682 Air Filter, Pleated, 2” x 16” x 20”
57% MERV-8
4022126 Insulated Flex Duct, 10”
10” x 25’ Metalized Polyester
Therma-Stor LLC
PO Box 8680
Madison, WI 53708
Telephone: 1-800-533-7533
Who Is Covered: This warranty extends only to the original end-user of the Phoenix Arctic Max, and
may not be assigned or transferred.
Year One: Therma-Stor LLC warrants that, for one (1) year the Phoenix Arctic Max will operate free
from any defects in materials and workmanship, or Therma-Stor LLC will, at its option, repair or
replace the defective part(s), free of any charge.
Years Two Through Five: Therma-Stor LLC further warrants that for a period of five (5) years, the
condenser, evaporator, and compressor of the Phoenix Arctic Max will operate free of any defects
in material or workmanship, or Therma-Stor LLC, at its option, will repair or replace the defective
part(s), provided that all labor and transportation charges for the part(s) shall be borne by the
end-user.
End-User Responsibilities: Warranty service must be performed by a Servicer authorized by
Therma-Stor LLC. If the end-user is unable to locate or obtain warranty service from an authorized
Servicer, he should call Therma-Stor LLC at the above number and ask for the Therma-Stor
Service Department, which will then arrange for covered warranty service. Warranty service will be
performed during normal working hours.
The end-user must present proof of purchase (lease) upon request, by use of the warranty card or
other reasonable and reliable means. The end user is responsible for normal care. This warranty
does not cover any defect, malfunction, etc. resulting from misuse, abuse, lack of normal care,
corrosion, freezing, tampering, modification, unauthorized or improper repair or installation,
accident, acts of nature or any other cause beyond Therma-Stor LLC’s reasonable control.
Limitation and Exclusions: If any Phoenix Arctic Max part is repaired or replaced, the new part
shall be warranted for only the remainder of the original warranty period applicable thereto (but all
warranty periods will be extended by the period of time, if any, that the Phoenix Arctic Max is out of
service while awaiting covered warranty service).
UPON THE EXPIRATION OF THE WRITTEN WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO THE PHOENIX ARCTIC MAX OR
ANY PART THEREOF, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY LAW, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL ALSO EXPIRE.
ALL WARRANTIES MADE BY THERMA-STOR LLC ARE SET FORTH HEREIN, AND NO CLAIM MAY BE
MADE AGAINST THERMA-STOR LLC BASED ON ANY ORAL WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL THERMASTOR LLC, IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, USE, REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF ANY
Phoenix Arctic Max DEHUMIDIFIER OR PART THEREOF BE LIABLE UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY FOR
ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WATER
DAMAGE (THE END-USER SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SAME), LOST PROFITS, DELAY, OR
LOSS OF USE OR DAMAGE TO ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, and some do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so one or both of these
limitation may not apply to you.
Legal Rights: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.