A bit of background on how a humidifier works will be helpful. Anyone with a swamp cooler probably already understands the concept. The purpose of this appliance is to add a controlled amount of moisture, or humidity, to the home's living space.
How Does a Humidifier Work?
The unit is composed of four components that operate together:
- The medium. Used to hold water, this is typically a pad, filter, screen, or a mesh of some sort. If it's a pad, it absorbs water by being rotated through a container of water. Otherwise, the medium absorbs water by having the water flow across it.
- A mechanical fan. This blows air across the medium, causing moisture to enter the air by the process of evaporation. If the unit is furnace mounted, the furnace fan may perform this function.
- The humidistat. This operates in a similar fashion as a central air conditioning thermostat. When it senses the need for moisture in the air, it causes the medium to absorb water and activates the fan.
- Water reservoir. This, where applicable, is the container for the water used by the appliance.
A Humidifier Maintenance Checklist
Any handy homeowner can tackle this annual maintenance task. There aren't many things to deal with because, like a swamp cooler, or evaporative cooler, this is a fairly simple household appliance. Following are the things to look at.
- Cleaning the unit. This is the core of the checklist. During use, it builds up rust and scale or mineral deposits if the home isn't equipped with a water softening system.
- Servicing the float assembly. Reservoir-type humidifiers have a float assembly. A general cleaning will allow it to move freely without binding up. Vinegar works well in some situation or a special cleaning solution may be used.
- Medium replacement. Regardless of which type of medium is used, it's a good idea to replace it during each maintenance routine. They are inexpensive and easy to change.
- Controlling bacteria build-up. Bacteria can build up in the reservoir in many situations. While the unit is operating, the fan can cause it to become airborne in the home which is a health risk. Avoid this by cleaning the reservoir with an anti-bacterial solution periodically.
Turn On and Test the Unit
When the humidifier is the type working in conjunction with a furnace, the furnace will need to be turned on as well to operate, so the furnace fan can blow through the medium. The unit should infuse the air with the amount of moisture that the humidistat is set to.
If not enough humidity is being added to the air and it's a furnace-mounted unit, the problem might be that the furnace fan isn't activated long enough. Either the fan must be set full-time or a stand-alone humidifier will have to be added to the home.
Kelly Smith - Kelly has over 30 years experience as a journeyman carpenter and 20 as a freelance writer and photographer.
Join the Conversation