Meaco 12L and 20L Low Energy Platinum range Dehumidifier/Air Purifier Manual

GENERAL ADVICE

• Before putting your dehumidifier into operation for the first time, the instruction manual should be studied carefully.
• After receiving the unit, you should check your dehumidifier for any transport damage. In case of damage, you should inform the sender immediately.
• Store the dehumidifier box and packaging in a safe place – this will be required if the dehumidifier requires a service in the future. In order to save space, you can simply cut through the adhesive tape using a knife and fold up the cardboard box.

DEHUMIDIFIER PRINCIPLES

This dehumidifier is designed to reduce humidity from the air in a building or part of a building. The purpose is to help dry laundry, prevent condensation, mould, musty air and other issues associated with high relative humidity.
The time necessary for the dehumidifier to dry a room and reach the desired relative humidity depends on the environmental conditions prevailing within the room. For example, the number of air changes with outside, any sources of moisture, and the room temperature can all either speed up or slow down the dehumidification process.
The dehumidifier functions according to the condensation principles with heat recovery. The fan takes the humid air from the room, in and across a filter, and then through an evaporator. Here the air is cooled below dew point, so that the water vapour of the air forms a condensate on the coils, which flows into the internal container ready to be poured away. The cooled and dried air is heated again by a condenser. By recycling the room air through the dehumidifier repeatedly, the moisture content and relative humidity of the air is reduced.

INSTALLATION AND TRANSPORTATION

For installation and transportation, the following instructions must be considered:

• Before using the dehumidifier, leave it to stand upright for 4 hours.
• Plug the unit directly into a wall socket and switch on using the ON/OFF button on the unit.
• Ensure there is at least 30cm of space around the unit to enable adequate air flow. The air inlet and the air outlet must not be covered whilst the dehumidifier is in operation.
• Make sure the water tank is securely in place. The unit will not switch on unless the water tank is secure.
• If you need to move the dehumidifier, it must be switched off by its ON/OFF switch on the unit. The mains plug must be removed from the socket and the water tank should be emptied.
• For transportation, the dehumidifier should be secured on a level base only and must be prevented from rolling around.
• The dehumidifier must always be transported vertically – if the dehumidifier has been in a horizontal position for any time over a few minutes, you must let it stand in the upright position for at least 30 minutes before operating. This allows the oil to drain back into the compressor.

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

12L LOW ENERGY DEHUMIIDIFIER/AIR PURIFIER

20L LOW ENERGY DEHUMIIDIFIER/AIR PURIFIER

As a company we understand the urgency of Climate Change and recognise how important it is to play our part in becoming more environmentally friendly. For this reason, we have stopped including continuous drainage hoses in our dehumidifiers to reduce the amount of plastic waste created, as most of our customers do not use them. If you would like to use the continuous drainage option on your dehumidifier, you can purchase a hose from www.meaco.comor you can use a garden hose that has an internal diameter of 12mm (12L Low Energy) or 14mm (20L Low Energy).

HOW TO USE CONTINUOUS DRAINAGE

If you wish to drain water away continuously and not empty the water tank, a hose can be attached as per the images below. Make sure the hose runs downwards, with no kinks, bends or blockages, to allow water to run out of the unit via gravity.

12L LOW ENERGY DEHUMIIDIFIER/AIR PURIFIER

In order to use continuous drainage, remove the water tank from the unit. Remove the rubber bung from the water tank and insert it into the spout which drips into the water tank. Snip the circular disc on the back of the unit (to the bottom right of the filter) and push the 12mm hose through the hole securing it to the internal outlet pipe. Once the hose is in place, put the water tank back into the unit (for continuous drainage to work, the water tank must always be in place).

20L LOW ENERGY DEHUMIIDIFIER/AIR PURIFIER

In order to use continuous drainage, take the plug off the back of the unit and push the 14mm hose through the hole securing it to the internal outlet pipe (for continuous drainage to work, the water tank must always be in place).

HOW TO EMPTY THE WATER TANK

The water tank is found on the front of the unit on the 20L model and at the back of the unit on the 12L model. In order to empty the water tank, simply pull the tank out from the unit and empty the water. The lid does not need to removed as the water can be poured out of the hole at the corner. The water collected can be used to water non-edible plants only – do not consume.
If you want to clean the inside of the 20L Low Energy water tank, the lid needs to be removed via the handle. Turn the handle to align the handle grooves with the circular holes on the water tank. Gently squeeze both sides of the handle inwards and lift the handle clear. You will then be able to remove the water tank lid.

Please note, located inside the water tank is a float. It is essential this float is NOT removed from the water tank. The float measures the level of water in the water tank and triggers the sensor to turn the dehumidifier off when the water tank is full.

CONTROL PANELS

12L LOW ENERGY DEHUMIIDIFIER/AIR PURIFIER

ON/OFF BUTTON

When the dehumidifier is plugged into a wall socket, the dehumidifier will bleep and the display will remain blank. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the dehumidifier on or off.

UP AND DOWN ARROWS (use to set target humidity level)

The UP and DOWN arrows can be used to select a target relative humidity between 30%rh and 80%rh, CO mode or AP mode. Press the UP or DOWN arrow until you reach your desired target relative humidity. The dehumidifier will run until the target humidity level has been reached. If you choose CO mode, the dehumidifier will run continuously and never stop. If you choose AP mode, the dehumidifier will just purify the air and not collect any water.
The UP arrow will go through the settings in the following order: AP-CO-30-35-40-45- 50-55-60-65-70-75-80.
The DOWN arrow will go through the settings in the following order: 80-75-70-65-60- 55-50-45-40-35-30-CO-AP.

OFF TIMER BUTTON

The OFF Timer acts as a countdown timer. This can be used if you want the dehumidifier to run for a set number of hours and then switch off. Press the OFF-Timer button and then use the UP and DOWN arrows until you reach the desired number of hours you want the dehumidifier to run for (it can be set between 1 and 12 hours). This is not a daily run timer and needs to be set each time you wish to use it.

DEHUMIDIFICATION LIGHT

The LED light under the droplet stays on permanently, even once the dehumidifier has reached its target humidity level.

DEFROST MODE

This dehumidifier is equipped with an automatic defrosting system. When operating in low temperatures, the surface of the evaporator will accumulate frost which effects the efficiency of the dehumidifier. When this happens, the machine will automatically go into periodic defrosting and the LED light beneath the snowflake symbol will appear. The time the unit is in defrost mode will vary. This is not a fault; it is part of the dehumidification process. It is not recommended to use the dehumidifier in temperatures below 5^°C.

WATER TANK FULL INDICATOR

When the water tank is full the dehumidifier will bleep multiple times and then switch off. Once the water tank has been emptied and placed securely back in the dehumidifier, the dehumidifier will start to run again as per its previous settings.

CHILD LOCK

Press both the UP and DOWN arrows at the same time for three seconds to activate child lock, LC will appear on the display. This stops the functions of the dehumidifier from being changed. The dehumidifier cannot be turned off when child lock is activated. To deactivate child lock, press the UP and DOWN arrows at the same time again for three seconds.

LOUVRE
The louvre can be manually adjusted and must always be kept open when the dehumidifier is in use. When using the dehumidifier to dry laundry, we recommend using the louvre to direct the airflow towards the laundry. Please note, the wider the angle the louvre is adjusted to, the less noise the dehumidifier will make.

READINGS ON THE DISPLAY

When the dehumidifier is switched ON, the reading on the display will show the current relative humidity level in the environment the dehumidifier is being used in.
When the DOWN arrow is pressed once, the display will show the mode the dehumidifier is set to, for example, it will either show the target humidity level set, AP or CO. We recommend setting the dehumidifier to reach a target humidity level of 50%rh or 55%rh. After two seconds the display will then revert to the currently relative humidity level in the environment. For more information of AP or CO mode.
Once the target humidity level has been reached (is more than 3% below) the dehumidifier will go to sleep for half an hour and the reading on the display may increase significantly, this is because the dehumidifier is reading its internal humidity level, it is not showing the external relative humidity level in the environment.

20L LOW ENERGY DEHUMIIDIFIER/AIR PURIFIER

ON/OFF BUTTON

When the dehumidifier is plugged into a wall socket, the dehumidifier will bleep and the display will remain blank. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the dehumidifier on or off.

UP AND DOWN ARROWS (use to set target humidity level)

The UP and DOWN arrows can be used to select a target relative humidity between 30%rh and 80%rh, CO mode or AP mode. Press the UP or DOWN arrow until you reach your desired target relative humidity. The dehumidifier will run until the target humidity level has been reached. If you choose CO mode, the dehumidifier will run continuously and never stop. If you choose AP mode, the dehumidifier will just purify the air and not collect any water.
The UP arrow will go through the settings in the following order: AP-CO-30-35-40-45- 50-55-60-65-70-75-80.
The DOWN arrow will go through the settings in the following order: 80-75-70-65-60- 55-50-45-40-35-30-CO-AP.

OFF TIMER BUTTON

The OFF Timer acts as a countdown timer. This can be used if you want the dehumidifier to run for a set number of hours and then switch off. Press the OFF-Timer button and then use the UP and DOWN arrows until you reach the desired number of hours you want the dehumidifier to run for (it can be set between 1 and 12 hours). This is not a daily run timer and needs to be set each time you wish to use it.

FAN SPEED BUTTON

Press the Fan Speed button to choose between one of two different fan speeds: low, and high. The LED lights on the display underneath the two fan icons will change highlighting the fan speed currently in use. The icon on the left of the display is high fan speed, the icon on the right is low fan speed.

LOUVRE SWING BUTTON

Press the Louvre Swing button to turn the swing mode on or off. When switched on, the LED light will show, and the louvre will automatically move up and down distributing the air evenly. When the louvre swing is switched off, the louvre can be moved into a fixed position manually in order to direct the airflow. It must always be kept open when the dehumidifier is switched on.

DEHUMIDIFICATION LIGHT

The LED light under the droplet and snowflake will stay on permanently, even once the dehumidifier has reached its target humidity level. This light will be solid, it will not flash. If the light is flashing, it is in defrost mode.

DEFROST MODE

This dehumidifier is equipped with an automatic defrosting system. When operating in low temperatures, the surface of the evaporator will accumulate frost which effects the efficiency of the dehumidifier. When this happens, the machine will automatically go into periodic defrosting and the LED light beneath the droplet and snowflake symbol will flash. The time the unit is in defrost mode will vary. This is not a fault; it is part of the dehumidification process. It is not recommended to use the dehumidifier in temperatures below 5^°C.

WATER TANK FULL INDICATOR

When the water tank is full the dehumidifier will bleep multiple times and then switch off. Once the water tank has been emptied and placed securely back in the dehumidifier, the dehumidifier will start to run again as per its previous settings.

CHILD LOCK

Press both the UP and DOWN arrows at the same time for three seconds to activate child lock, LC will appear on the display. This stops the functions of the dehumidifier from being changed. The dehumidifier cannot be turned off when child lock is activated. To deactivate child lock, press the UP and DOWN arrows at the same time again for three seconds.

READINGS ON THE DISPLAY

When the dehumidifier is switched ON, the reading on the display will show the current relative humidity level in the environment the dehumidifier is being used in.
When the DOWN arrow is pressed once, the display will show the mode the dehumidifier is set to, for example, it will either show the target humidity level set, AP or CO. We recommend setting the dehumidifier to reach a target humidity level of 50%rh or 55%rh. After two seconds the display will then revert to the currently relative humidity level in the environment. For more information of AP or CO mode.
Once the target humidity level has been reached (is more than 3% below) the dehumidifier will go to sleep for half an hour and the reading on the display may increase significantly, this is because the dehumidifier is reading its internal humidity level, it is not showing the external relative humidity level in the environment.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

HEPA FILTER

HEPA filters provide excellent air cleaning capabilities. If you are allergic to mould spores, pollen, dust, pet dander, dust mites etc. then a HEPA filter will help. These are True HEPA filters which mean they conform to tough international standards to ensure that they capture 99.97% of particles that have a size of 0.3µm or larger, complying to class E11. These are the best filters for cleaning the air that you can currently get on a dehumidifier.
The use of a HEPA filter effects the performance of the dehumidifier as follows:
Meaco 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier: 11% less dehumidification and 7% increase in energy consumption.
Meaco 20L Low Energy Dehumidifier: 9% less dehumidification and 5% increase in energy consumption.
If the HEPA filter is in place, regardless of the setting, all the air going through the dehumidifier will be purified.

AIR PURIFICATION (AP) MODE

The dehumidifier can be used in AP, Air Purification mode. To achieve this mode keep pressing the DOWN arrow until AP appears on the display. In this mode, the dehumidifier will not collect any water but all the air that goes through the dehumidifier will be purified of dust, dirt, bacteria and allergens. The HEPA filter must be installed.
Once the HEPA filter changes colour from white to grey, it must be replaced. Replacement HEPA filters can be purchased from www.meaco.com.

CONTINOUS (CO) MODE

In order to achieve this mode, keep pressing the DOWN arrow unit CO appears on the display. In CO mode the dehumidifier will not stop, it will continue to dry the environment regardless of the room relative humidity. This is the recommend setting for drying your laundry.

MEMORY FUNCTION / AUTO RE-START

When the dehumidifier is switched off, using the ON/OFF button, when turned back on the dehumidifier will continue to run in the same settings it was previously running on. When the dehumidifier is switched off by the mains, or due to a power cut, when turned back on the dehumidifier will run with a target of 50%rh.
If you wish to reset the dehumidifier to its factory default settings switch the dehumidifier off using the ON/OFF button, unplug it from the mains, wait a few minutes, plug it back into the mains and then switch the unit back on using the ON/OFF button.

MEACO CONTROL LOGIC

When the room relative humidity is more than 3%rh below your target relative humidity the dehumidifier will stop drying the air, but the fan will continue to run for a few minutes. If the relative humidity is stable, then the dehumidifier will go to sleep for 30 minutes.
During this sleep time the humidity reading on the display will probably increase well above the set point. This is because the fan is turned off and the sensor is now reading the relative humidity inside the dehumidifier where it is cold and wet. This is normal and the machine will not turn back on because this is the reading inside the dehumidifier and not the room reading.
After 30 minutes the dehumidifier will wake up and sample the air with just the fan running for 2 minutes so that the relative humidity sensor can tell the control panel what the room relative humidity is, if the relative humidity is more than 3%rh above the set point then it will start to dehumidify again, if not then the fan will go to sleep again for another 30 minutes.

WHAT MEACO RECOMMENDS

GENERAL USE IN THE HOME

For general use we recommend setting the dehumidifier to reach a target humidity level of 50%rh or 55%rh and positioning the dehumidifier in a central position within your home, for example the landing or hallway. If you have more of a problem in one area of your house/flat, place the dehumidifier closer to that area. Leave all the interior doors open and keep the windows closed. Moisture in the air, from the entire house, will migrate towards the dehumidifier allowing the machine to reduce the relative humidity level. For best results, leave your dehumidifier running 24/7.
Please note, when you first start using your dehumidifier, you may find it will run continuously, collecting a large amount of water, or struggling to reach the target humidity level. This is completely normal. There will be a lot of excess water in the environment that the dehumidifier needs to remove, meaning it must work a lot harder. After a few weeks, the humidity level will stabilise meaning your dehumidifier will run less frequently and collect less water.

DRYING LAUNDRY

To dry laundry faster, place the laundry and the dehumidifier into as small a room as possible, with all the doors and windows closed. Position the dehumidifier so that its dry air can hit as large an area of washing as possible and position the laundry so that the air can circulate around them. Make sure water from the laundry is not able to drip onto the dehumidifier. If possible, use a pedestal fan to speed up the airflow and push more dry air across more of the laundry. Some warmth in the room will also help. Set the dehumidifier to run on CO mode and the highest fan speed (please note the 12L model only has one fan speed).

MAINTENANCE

Always turn off the power and disconnect the main cable before performing maintenance procedures.

INSPECT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• Inspect the electrical cord for damage at regular intervals.

CLEANING THE EXTERIOR

• Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. If the device is extremely dirty, use a mild cleaning agent or wipe the dehumidifier with a slightly damp cloth. Never spray the device with water.

CLEANING THE FILTER

The filter is a life-long filter which should not need to be replaced (other than for wear and tear reasons). When used regularly, the filter may become clogged with dust and dirt particles. The filter must be cleaned a minimum of every two weeks (not doing so could invalidate the units' warranty). Please use the following steps:

• Remove the filter (it can be found inside the fitted filter frame).
• Clean both sides of the filter with the end of a hoover or soapy water no hotter than 40°C. Rinse and dry completely before inserting back into the dehumidifier.

REPLACING THE HEPA FILTER

The HEPA filter is not life-long and must be replaced when the colour changes from white to grey (it depends on the environment the dehumidifier is being used in, but the HEPA filter will need replacing roughly every 3 months). The HEPA filter can be hoovered every so often in order to remove any dust or dirt.
Using a HEPA filter is optional. The dehumidifier can be used without the HEPA filter, this means it will just dehumidify the air and not purify it.
Replacement HEPA filters can be purchased from www.meaco.com.
Please see below two images demonstrating how to insert the HEPA filter:

STORAGE

If the machine will not be used for a long period of time, take the following steps:

1. Remove the plug from the socket and empty the water tank. Allow the water tank and the dehumidifier to dry completely, this can take a couple of days.
2. Clean the filter and store the device in a dust-free location away from direct sunlight, preferably covered with a sheet of plastic.

SPECIFICATIONS

TROUBLE SHOOTING

SAFTEY INFORMATION

This dehumidifier must not be used in rooms under the following conditions:

• Potentially explosive atmosphere
• Aggressive atmospheres
• Featuring a high concentration of solvents
• An extremely high ratio of dust

Keep Children Away: Do not allow children to play with or around this unit, which could result in injury. Be sure the unit is inaccessible to children when not attended. This appliance is not intended for use by person (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 of the appliances by a person responsible for their safety.
Keep Unit Grounded: Always operate the unit with a grounding plug and a grounded electrical outlet. A grounding plug is an essential safety feature that helps reduce the risk of shock or fire.
Protect Power Cord from Damage: Never operate a unit with a damaged power cord, as this may lead to electrical or fire hazards. If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a cord of the same type and amperage rating.
Extension Cords: Extension cords must be grounded and able to deliver the appropriate voltages to the unit.
Handle with Care: Do not drop, throw or crash the dehumidifier. Rough treatment can damage the components or wiring and create a hazardous condition.
Run on Stable Surface: Always operate the unit on a stable, level surface, for example the floor or a strong counter, so that the dehumidifier cannot fall and cause injury.
Keep Out of Water: Never operate the unit in pooled or standing water, as this may create a risk of injury from electrical shock. Do not store or operate outdoors. If electrical wiring or components become wet, thoroughly dry them before using the unit. If in doubt do not use the dehumidifier and consult a qualified electrician or a Meaco approved engineer.
Do Not Let Water Drip onto the Dehumidifier: Dry your bathroom by placing the dehumidifier outside of the room with the bathroom door open. Do not use your dehumidifier inside the bathroom.
Keep Air Intakes Clear: Do not clog or block the air intakes by placing the dehumidifier too close to curtains, walls or anything that will restrict the air inlet. This may cause the unit to overheat and result in a fire or electrical hazard.
Keep the Filter Clean: There is a filter on the air inlet to stop dust from getting inside the dehumidifier. If you allow the dust and dirt to build up on the filter, pressure on the fan motor will be increased and you will reduce the amount of water extracted from the air. Not cleaning the filter reduces the lifespan of the dehumidifier, increases energy consumption and decreases water extraction. Please examine and clean the filter every two weeks minimum.
Keep Electrical Components Dry: Never allow water inside the dehumidifier's electrical components. If these areas become wet for any reason, thoroughly dry them before using the dehumidifier. If in doubt, do not use the dehumidifier and consult a qualified electrician or a Meaco approved engineer.
The operator must make the operating instruction available for the user and make sure that the user does understand the manual.
Both the Meaco 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier and the Meaco 20L Low Energy Dehumidifier use the new R290 refrigerant gas to comply with European Environmental Directives. R290 is kinder to the environment and is part of attempts to reduce global warming as it has a low greenhouse effect (GWP).
When using the either the Meaco 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier or the Meaco 20L Low Energy Dehumidifier you must take into account the following:

• This dehumidifier uses about 35 grams of R290 refrigerant in the 12L model and 75 grams of R290 refrigerant in the 20L model, which is flammable. Therefore, it is part of a sealed system and must only be serviced by a trained Meaco engineer.
• Do not use or store this dehumidifier in a room smaller than 4m² to prevent a fire or explosion hazard if there is a leak of refrigerant and the gas comes into contact with an ignition source.
• Do not use in a room with any continuous sources of ignition, for example open flames, gas fires or hobs, cigarettes or any other sources of ignition.
• If the dehumidifier is installed, operated or stored in a non-ventilated area, then the room must be designed to prevent the accumulation of refrigerant leaks resulting in a risk of fire or explosion due to ignition of the refrigerant caused by electric heaters, cookers, or other sources of ignition.
• R290 refrigerant gas is odourless.
• Do not puncture either during the units working life or after. At the end of life dispose of following local recycling regulations.
• If there is any damage to the unit then do not use it and contact Meaco or your retailer.
• As with all dehumidifiers, always keep upright and leave the dehumidifier standing upright for 4 hours before using it upon receipt.

Failure to comply with these instructions could result in fire, damage to property, serious injury or potentially death.
Individuals who operate or work on the refrigerant circuit must have the appropriate certification issued by a national accredited organisation that ensures competence in handling flammable refrigerants according to a specific evaluation recognised by national associations in the industry and compliant with the latest R290 guidance.
Servicing should only be carried out by a Meaco approved engineer using original Meaco parts to prevent damage to the unit and potential injury to the engineer.

If you need to contact Meaco, please use the contact details below.
Contact Number: 01483 234900
Contact Email: customerservice@meaco.com
Live Chat: www.meaco.com