GE AHG20 User manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ ALL SAFETY INFORMATION
BEFORE USING
3
Operating Instructions
The Controls on Your Dehumidifier
Care of Product
6
If Something Goes Wrong
Before You Call for Service
GE Service Numbers
Warranty
GE Appliances
Model: AHG20
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000
49-7356
When using this dehumidifier, always
follow basic safety precautions, including
the following:
•This dehumidifier must be properly
installed and grounded as described in
this manual.
•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.
•Repair or replace immediately all electric
service cords that have become frayed
or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord
that shows cracks or abrasion damage
along its length or at either the plug or
connector end.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
Dehumidifier
Owner’s Manual

Welcome to the GE family. We’re
proud of our quality products and
we believe in dependable service.
You’ll see it in this easy-to-use
manual and you’ll hear it in the
friendly voices of our customer
service department.
Best of all, you’ll experience
these values each time you enjoy
the comfort of your dehumidifier.
That’s important, because your
new dehumidifier will be part of
your family for a long time.
Welcome
Write down the model and serial
numbers here.
They are on a label
in back of the dehumidifier.
Model number
Serial number
Date of purchase
Staple your receipt to the inside back
cover of this manual. You will need it
to obtain service under warranty.
Start Here!…Before using your dehumidifier
Need Help?
Read this manual. It contains
instructions to help you use and
maintain your dehumidifier
properly.
Save time and money. Check the
section titled “If Something Goes
Wrong” before calling. This sec-
tion helps you to solve common
problems that might occur.
If you do need service, you can
relax knowing help is only a
phone call away. A list of toll-free
customer service numbers is
included in the back of this book.
Or call the
GE Answer Center ®
at 800.626.2000, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
Help us
help you
800.626.2000
Before you call for service,
there are a few things you
can do to help us serve you
better.
2

Operating Instructions
Electrical Safety
Grounding
This dehumidifier must be grounded.
Grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by
providing an escape wire for the electric current.
The power cord has a grounding wire with a
grounding plug. Plug it into an outlet that is
properly installed and grounded.
WARNING —Improper use of the grounding
plug can result in a risk of electric shock.
Call a qualified electrician if you don’t under-
stand the grounding instructions or if you are not
sure if the dehumidifier is properly grounded.
If the wall outlet is not grounded, you are
responsible for having it replaced with a properly
grounded outlet.
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the
third (ground) prong from the power cord.
Adapter Plug
Because most 2-prong outlets are not grounded,
we strongly advise against using an adapter plug.
However, a temporary connection may be made
where local codes permit and if the 2-prong wall
outlet is properly grounded.
Make sure the larger prong of the adapter goes
into the larger slot to provide proper polarity.
FOR PROPER GROUNDING:
1 Screw the adapter to the outlet, using the outlet
cover screw.
2 Ground the outlet through the house wiring.
If the grounding connector breaks, DO NOT USE
the dehumidifier until a proper ground has
again been made.
Extension Cord
If an extension cord is required to reach the
nearest wall receptacle, use only a UL-listed,
3-wire, grounding type, 14 gauge, 15A, 125V
appliance extension cord.
When you first plug in the dehumidifier,
it goes through a self-test. When the
OFF light
comes on, keep pressing the
FUNCTION pad to
make your selection.
70-60% AUTOMATIC ON/OFF – The dehumidifier
runs when the humidity in the room exceeds 70%.
The compressor stops but the fan will run when
the humidity is below 60%.
60-50% AUTOMATIC ON/OFF –Same as above, but at
60% and 50%.
CONTINUOUS RUN – Continuously dehumidifies
except when the bucket is full.
CLEAN AIR (FAN ONLY) – The compressor is off, but
the fan runs.
DEHUMIDIFY
WATER FULL
70-60% AUTOMATIC ON/OFF
OFF
CLEAN AIR (FAN ONLY)
CONTINUOUS RUN
60-50% AUTOMATIC ON/OFF
CURRENT
HUMIDITY
FUNCTION
The controls on your dehumidifier
3

4
WATER FULL
Blinks when the bucket is full or
not in place.
DEHUMIDIFY
Lights when the compressor
(dehumidifying function) is on.
CURRENT HUMIDITY DISPLAY
Shows the ambient humidity. The
range displayed is 40-95%. If the
current humidity is below 40%,
it will still show 40.
AUTO DEFROST
When frost builds up on the
cooling coils, the compressor will
cycle off until the frost disap-
pears. The fan continues to run.
Operating Instructions
Features/Care & Cleaning
Make sure the louvers are open
before starting the unit. The lou-
vers can be adjusted to blow air
upward or straight out.
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 sur-
rounding air.
Air Direction
There are 2 ways to remove
collected water.
1Use the bucket.
When the bucket is full, WATER
FULL
blinks and the unit beeps
3 times and stops. Wait a few
minutes before removing the
bucket to allow the water to stop
dripping.
To remove: Tilt the bucket for-
ward then lift carefully. After
emptying, clean and replace it.
2Use a hose.
Water can be automatically
emptied into a drain by attaching
a length of thin-wall rubber or
plastic tubing with an inside
diameter of 1/2 inch. Use a
screwdriver to remove the knock-
out at the back. Attach the tub-
ing to the connector through the
hole. The tubing should lead to
the drain with no sharp bends.
How to Remove Water

•Place the dehumidifer in a
location that does not restrict air
flow into the rear coil or out the
front grille.
•The dehumidifier must be
operated in an enclosed area to
be most effective. Close all doors,
windows and other outside open-
ings to the room.
•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.
Location
Turn the dehumidifier off and
remove the plug from the wall
outlet before cleaning.
Use water and a mild detergent to
clean the inlet and outlet grilles.
Do not use bleach or abrasives.
Grille and Case
The air filter is on the back of the
dehumidifier. It should be checked
and cleaned at least every 2 to 3
weeks or more often if necessary.
To remove: Turn the dehumidifier
off and lift out the filter on the
back of the unit.
Vacuum the nylon filter or wash
with water. Make sure it is dry
before replacing it.
The charcoal filter should be
replaced every 3 to 6 months or
when the inside surface has
changed from white to a dark color.
Call 800-626-2002 to order a
replacement.
Air Filter
5
Nylon filter
Charcoal filter
NOTE:
The charcoal filter has
been packed separately,
in the bucket, in the front
of the unit. Remove the
wrap and insert it in the
filter frame with the
darker surface up.

6
Dehumidifier
Doesn’t Start
Dehumidifier Doesn’t
Dry the Air
The dehumidifier •Make sure the plug is pushed completely
is unplugged into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit •Check the house fuse/circuit breaker
breaker is tripped box and replace fuse or reset the breaker.
The bucket is full •The dehumidifier automatically turns off
when this occurs. Empty the bucket.
Problem Possible Causes What to Do
Dehumidifier Runs
Too Much
Area to be dehumidified is •Check with your dealer to see if the
too large capacity is adequate.
Doors and windows are open •Close all doors and windows to the outside.
Frost Appears on the
Coils or Bucket
Dehumidifier has been •This is normal. Frost will usually disappear
recently turned on or room within 60 minutes.
temperature is below 60°F.
Fan Noise
Air is moving through •This is normal.
the dehumidifier
Water on Floor
Connection may be loose •Check the hose if one is attached.
Did not allow enough time •When first installed, allow at least 3 or 4 days
to remove the moisture to maintain the desired dryness.
Airflow is restricted •Make sure there are no curtains, blinds
or furniture blocking the front or back of
the dehumidifier.
•Clean the filter.
The control may •Choose a lower humidity range or
not be set correctly CONTINUOUS .
Doors and windows may •Check that all doors, windows and other
not be closed tightly openings are securely closed.
Clothes dryer may be blowing •Install the dehumidifier away from the
moisture-laden air into the room dryer. Dryer should be vented to the outside.
Room temperature is •The unit will not operate satisfactorily if
too low the room temperature is below 60°F.
If Something Goes Wrong
Before You Call for Service

800.626.2000
TDD
800-833-4322
GE Service Numbers
We’ll be there!
Open 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
GE Answer Center
®
800-GE-CARES
(800-432-2737)
We provide expert repair service,
scheduled at a time that’s
convenient for you.
Our factory-trained technicians
know your dehumidifier inside and
out—so most repairs can be handled
in just one visit.
In-Home Repair Service
800-626-2224
With a service contract GE
Consumer Service will still be there
after your warranty expires.
With a multiple-year contract,
you’re assured of future service at
today’s prices.
Service Contracts
800-626-2002
Individuals qualified to service
their
own dehumidifier can have
parts or accessories sent directly
to their home.
VISA, MasterCard and Discover
cards are accepted.
Care and cleaning instructions con-
tained in this manual cover proce-
dures to be performed by any user.
Other servicing generally should be
referred to qualified service per-
sonnel. Caution must be exercised,
since improper servicing may cause
unsafe operation.
Parts and Accessories
If for some reason you
are not happy with the
service you receive, here
are three steps to follow
for further help.
First, contact the people who ser-
viced your
dehumidifier . Explain
why you are not pleased.
Next, if you are still not pleased,
write all the details—including
your phone number—to:
Consumer Relations
GE Appliances
Louisville, KY 40225
Finally, if your problem is still
not resolved, write:
Major Appliance
Consumer Action Program
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Further Service
7

What is Not
Covered
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
For one year from date of original pur-
chase, we will provide, free of charge, parts
and service labor in your home to repair or
replace any part of the dehumidifier that fails
because of a manufacturing defect.
FULL FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY
For five years from the date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of charge,
parts and service labor in your home to
repair or replace any part of the sealed system
(the compressor, condenser, dehumidifying
coil and all connecting tubing) that fails
because of a manufacturing defect.
**********************************
This warranty is extended to the original
purchaser and any succeeding owner for
products purchased for use in the 48
mainland states, Alaska, Hawaii and
Washington, D.C.
All warranty service will be provided by
our Factory Service Centers or by our
authorized Customer Care®servicers
during normal working hours.
Should your appliance need service,
during warranty period or beyond,
call 800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737).
Staple sales slip or cancelled check here. Proof of original purchase
date is needed to obtain service under warranty.
DEHUMIDIFIER
WARRANTY
What is Covered
•Service trips to your home to teach
you how to use the product.
Read your Owner’s Manual. If you then
have any questions about operating the
product, please contact your dealer or
our Consumer Affairs office at the
address below, or call, toll free:
GE Answer Center®
800.626.2000
consumer information service
•Improper installation.
If you have an installation problem,
contact your dealer or installer. You
are responsible for providing adequate
electrical, plumbing and other connect-
ing facilities.
•Replacement of house fuses or resetting of
circuit breakers.
•Failure of the product if it is used for
other than its intended purpose or used
commercially.
• Damage to product caused by improper
power supply voltage, accident, fire, floods
or acts of God.
WARRANTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation
or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state. To know what your legal rights are in your state, consult your local or state consumer
affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor: General Electric Company If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:
Manager—Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225
Printed in Taiwan
1-97 CG
Pub. No. 49-7356 AHG20