Whole house humidifiers are typically low-maintenance appliances, but there are certain things you should do to keep them running in top condition and distributing the right amount of humidity throughout your home. In this blog, Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing will cover the basics of whole-house humidifier maintenance, as well as the benefits these systems provide all winter long.
Maintenance Is Important To Improve Indoor Air Quality & Help Your HVAC System
Dry indoor air is what causes static electricity and dry skin, especially during the winter. Keeping an eye on the relative humidity levels in your home can help you determine how dry the air in your home gets. Dry air can also cause agitate your eyes, throat, and nasal passages which can make allergies worse and cause coughing, sneezing, and nosebleeds.
By adding moisture to the air, a whole-house humidifier can help to reduce dust levels, prevent moisture issues throughout the house, and eliminate odors. In addition, whole-house humidifiers can also help to relieve congestion and soothe dry skin. As a result, a whole-house humidifier can be a simple and affordable way to improve the air quality in your home.
A whole-house humidifier can be a great asset for any home, particularly during the winter months. Water vapor adds moisture to the air, which can help to reduce static electricity, making it easier for heat to flow through the home. In addition, humidified air feels warmer than dry air, so you may be able to turn down your thermostat and save on heating costs. Not only are they a benefit in terms of improving indoor air quality, but they also help your heating system serve you better. If you’ve enjoyed your home’s central humidifier, but have noticed less of an impact from the added moisture in the air, you might need to do some maintenance to restore your home’s indoor humidity levels to the right place to keep your home comfortable.
Whole House Humidifier Maintenance Requirements
Most whole-house humidifiers will last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. To keep your unit in top condition, be sure to practice proper whole-house humidifier maintenance regularly.
Change the Water Panel
Replacing the water panel is a relatively easy whole-house humidifier maintenance task that should be done once every season. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure that your whole house humidifier continues to run smoothly all season long.
- The first step is to turn off the unit and disconnect it from the power source.
- Next, remove the housing panel and set it aside. With the housing panel removed, you should be able to see the water panel.
- Simply pull out the old panel and insert the new one. Be sure to follow any manufacturer’s instructions that may be included with the new panel.
- Once the new panel is in place, reattach the housing panel and turn on the unit.
Clean the Water Reservoir
It’s important to clean the water reservoir to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria inside your whole-house humidifier. This maintenance step is easy to do and should be done at the beginning of the season before you turn it on for the first time, and as needed throughout the winter.
To clean the water reservoir, turn off the power to the unit first. Access and remove the water reservoir from your unit following the instructions in your owner’s manual. Simply empty the reservoir and rinse it out with mild soap and warm water. You may also need to use a brush to remove any stubborn dirt or grime. Once the reservoir is clean, reinsert it into your unit and turn the power back on.
Need Help with Whole-House Humidifier Maintenance?
Whole house humidifiers do not require a lot of maintenance, but there are some things you can do to ensure that your unit runs efficiently and lasts for years. Oftentimes, our technicians can perform maintenance on your home humidifier during your annual furnace maintenance appointment. Call Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing today to schedule your annual HVAC maintenance appointment to ensure that your indoor comfort throughout the winter.