Humidifier Use and Maintenance

Time Needed:	30 minutes
Frequency:	before each heating season
Number of steps:	4
Tools you might need:	flashlight, pliers, screwdriver
Skill level:	easy to moderate
What if I don’t do this?	The water used by your humidifier will go down the drain rather than evaporate into the air, a small maintenance item can become an expensive repair

Step 1: Plan Ahead For Maintenance

Locate your humidifier and determine if it has a washable or replaceable core. Central humidifiers are attached to the furnace or air handling system. Stand-alone humidifiers are those that you would purchase at the store. Write down model and serial number of humidifier to confirm proper replacement part purchase.

Step 2: Proper Operation

Use your humidifier only when it is absolutely necessary to add humidity to your home. It may seem confusing, but in colder weather your home is less able to tolerate higher levels of humidity and condensation is more likely to occur. If you see condensation or ice forming around windows and doors, turn off your humidifier immediately. See also: Controlling Indoor Humidity Levels, Proper Use of Humidistats, Adjusting Moisture and Humidity

Step 3: Keep It Clean

Clean or replace foam pad or core before each heating season. Some humidifiers have a wheel with a foam pad wrapped around it. This pad can be removed washed and reused. Other humidifiers, especially central humidifiers, may have a solid core that should be replaced each year. Always read manufacturer instructions.

Step 4: Important Task!

Central humidifiers may have a damper. For proper operation, this damper must be adjusted twice each year. The damper should be open during the heating season and closed during the cooling season.

RELATED LINKS AND FILES

Humidifier Use and Maintenance Checklist.pdf (Acrobat - 37K)