Is dirt inside a dehumidifier my fault or the designer's?

semo

I think that there is something not right with the filter OR the design of this unit. I will list my reasons below. I'll need an expert's opinion in writing whether they think that the filter on the unit is fit for purpose.

Can anyone recommend a place where I can get that sort of diagnosis/report (I'm thinking, an independent white goods service shop of some sort).

Here are my reasons:
1. I have found these customer reviews that describe the same fault as mine:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R39R70J3JE74W8/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R39R70J3JE74W8
http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3L8RRLIY4MAC4/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R3L8RRLIY4MAC4
http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3K7A6IA75JL1I/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0060MY2KQ
http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2PMYNG3SWE4VP/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B007X236NQ
[cameron - 24/04/2013] http://www.meaco.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DD8L&review=all&ro=2

There are quite a few good reviews but keep in mind that this fault occurs after prolonged use as the dust needs to build up (couple of months ago I would have given it 8/10 too)

2. There are two openings which aren't protected by the filter. I did keep them clean as I noticed that they accumulated dust. I've circled them in the picture:
If dust is such a problem, shouldn't these holes be filtered too?Notice that the main filter is very coarse... more so even than a flower sift so I'm not sure how it is supposed to stop house dust. Generally speaking, you shouldn't be able to see through an air/dust filter.

So now I need a professional opinion to verify my suspicions so that I can invoke a section 75 refund or SOGA "not fit for purpose" argument. Any suggestions as to where I might find someone who would put their opinion on paper?

arcon5

Rights under sales of goods act are with the seller. Sounds like you've dealt with the manufacturer, whom with the exception of any warranty they agree to provide have no obligation towards you here.

You haven't given the seller the opportunity to remedy the situation - nor have you provided proof that the item is inherently flawed rather than being damaged through misuse, wear etc - which they can insist on after 6 months. Now it's with the manufacturer it's highly unlikely you'll be able to get one now as well. Since they've given you the option of paying and having it fixed or not paying and having the power supply removed (which is a point I don't agree with).

Pay up and get it fixed would be my suggestion in this instance

semo

arcon5 wrote: »

Rights under sales of goods act are with the seller. Sounds like you've dealt with the manufacturer, whom with the exception of any warranty they agree to provide have no obligation towards you here.

You haven't given the seller the opportunity to remedy the situation - nor have you provided proof that the item is inherently flawed rather than being damaged through misuse, wear etc - which they can insist on after 6 months. Now it's with the manufacturer it's highly unlikely you'll be able to get one now as well. Since they've given you the option of paying and having it fixed or not paying and having the power supply removed (which is a point I don't agree with).

Pay up and get it fixed would be my suggestion in this instance

I will be raising this with the seller. They have ignored my recent emails and were the ones insisting I went to the manufacturer in the first place.

I know I haven't provided proof that the filter is not fit for purpose and this is what I want to try and do now. I've explained my suspicions in my previous post and I've asked for advise on where I might get this proof.

I think I'll have to tell the manufacturer to just return my item as I don't agree that I'm to blame for the fault. I'll then need to get someone equally qualified person as the manufacturer's technician to give their opinion. If they agree with me, I have a case. If not, I'll have to repair or write off the item.

Now my question is, where should I look for a qualified and impartial professional to give their opinion regarding the filter's ability to do what it was supposed to

societys_child

semo wrote: »

I would not blame the maker in your case. Dirt will build up but in your case you as a customer can clean it periodically and I would assume that it would not invalidate your warranty.

No difference, I have to remove 8 bolts to gain access, not sure if it would invalidate guarantee or not.

I did clean my device to the point I could not extract any more dirt. I asked the support people if I can clean it it any further by myself and they said NO and to SEND it to them. They found dirt once they did a strip down.

How am I supposed to find that dirt myself?

See above