Therma-Stor Products Group Santa-Fe Rx Free-Standing Dehumidification - Manual (Page 4)

4. Maintenance
4.1 Air Filter
The Santa Fe Rx is equipped with a standard MERV 11 65%
efficient disposable pleated fabric air filter. Optional 95%
efficiency, 99.97% efficiency HEPA grade and activated carbon
filters are available (see Section 4.1A).
The standard filter is located beneath the removable top. The
filter is removed by lifting the front edge up first, then the back.
It should be checked every 6 months. Operating the unit with
a dirty filter will reduce dehumidifier capacity and efficiency. If
dirty, the pleated fabric filter can generally be vacuumed cleaned
several times before needing replacement. Replacement filters
can be ordered from the factory or purchased locally if available.
Its nominal size is 16" x 20" x 2" thick. Its efficiency is 65% per
ASHRAE std. 52.1-1992.
DO NOT operate the unit without the filter or with a less
effective filter. The heat exchange coils inside the unit could
become clogged which would reduce performance and require
disassembly to clean.
4.1A Filter Options
An optional filter frame is available
that attaches to the back of the
machine and adds 6-1/2" to the
units’ depth. It allows the choice
of using either 95% efficient, HEPA
grade, or activated carbon filters
in addition to the standard filter.
These filters are accessible by
removing the 4 screws from the
filter frame top cover.
The MERV 14 95% efficient
filters (as rated by ASHRAE 52-
76 Dust Spot Test) capture about
95% of all particles greater than 1
micron. Actual filter size is 19.38"
wide x 15.38" high x 3.75" deep.
Two filters are stacked to form a 32" high filter bank. These filters
can be tested for replacement using the optional filter test listed in
Section 4.1B.
The HEPA media filter captures 99.97% of all particles 0.3
microns or larger that pass through it. Actual filter size is 19.38"
wide x 30.75" high x 3.75" deep. These filters can be tested for
replacement using the optional filter test listed in Section 4.1B.
Optional Carbon filter/Pleated filter combination: The carbon
filter is actually a blend of activated carbon and potassium
permanganate. This blend removes the vast majority of gaseous
contaminants encountered in most filtering applications. The
activated carbon removes the heavier volatile organics while the
potassium permanganate removes the lower molecular weight
contaminates. The life of this disposable filter depends upon both
the hours used and the contamination level. The filter contains 8.7
pounds of active media (17.4 pounds with two filters).
Another advantage of this blend versus an all carbon filter is that it
changes color as it loads up with contaminates. It starts out black,
then turns pink, then brown, and finally white. It is best changed
when it passes the brown stage and begins to turn white, as it
has lost most of its effectiveness at that point. Actual filter size of
the carbon filter is 19.38" wide x 15.38" high x 2.88" deep. The
.88" deep pleated filter is the same nominal size and is installed
downstream of the carbon dust. The two filter combos are stacked
to form a 32" high filter bank.
4.1B Optional Filter Test
The optional 95% efficiency and HEPA filters have long lives
when prefiltered by the standard MERV 11 65% efficient pleated
inlet filter; they can last many years in certain conditions. How
long they last can, however, vary widely depending upon the
following: unit run time, air contamination level and standard inlet
filter cleanliness. Given the expense of the optional filter, it can
be costly to change them prematurely. The following test helps
determine when they should be changed.
Air exiting the bottom rear of the unit enters the filter frame, then
passes through the optional filter and into the room. If the filter
is dirty, air pressure builds up before the filter. To check this
pressure, remove the plastic plug from the filter frame top; you
will feel air coming out of the hole with the unit running. Place
the ping pong ball that came with the filter frame on the hole and
let go (any marked, regulation sized ping pong ball will work). If
the ball does not move or only bounces slightly and does not spin
continuously, the filter is clean enough for continued use. If the
ball floats above the hole and starts to spin and perhaps wobble
within 30 seconds, the filter needs to be changed.
5. Service
CAUTION!
Servicing the Santa Fe Rx 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 service this unit.
5.1 Warranty
A warranty certificate has been enclosed with this unit. Read
it before any repair is initiated. If a warranty repair is required,
call the factory first at 1-800-533-7533 for warranty claim
authorization and technical assistance.
5.2 Technical Description
The Santa Fe Rx uses a refrigeration system similar to an air
conditioner’s to remove heat and moisture from incoming air, and
add heat to the air that is discharged (see figure 1).
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
FOR HVAC INSTALLER ONLY
4 Santa Fe Rx Installer’s & Owner’s Manual
Santa Fe Rx with
Optional Filter Frame
Attached to Back