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Ideal Building Inspections > Monthly Maintenance > Home Care E-Book > Humidifiers

Drum Type Evaporative Humidifier	Flow Through Type Humidifier

Many homes have central humidifiers mounted at the furnace. They are used during the winter months when the treated air is dry in the home.  Humidifiers are designed to add moisture to the air to improve the air quality and comfort in the home. There are primarily two types of humidifiers in use today.  The drum type is an older system which comprises the majority of installations.  The flow through and power humidifier is a newer system that is mostly being installed in retrofits.

The one thing that has to be kept in mind about humidifiers is that they require ongoing maintenance when in use.  Most homeowners ignore these systems as they are tucked away in a corner of the house that is not routinely accessed.  The humidistat which is generally located at the return duct near the furnace is also rarely adjusted.  As a result the humidifiers deteriorate from lack of maintenance.  Such deterioration can include:

1. Overflowing of the holding pan causing corrosion and further possible damage to furnace and components thereby shortening the life of the furnace and any attachments.
2. Scale build up causing damage to the humidifier and its components.
3. Mold and mildew growth which can be harmful to your health.

Annual Humidifier Service

Always ensure equipment is shut off electrically before attempting any maintenance.  If you are not comfortable performing the maintenance, contact a qualified heating and cooling technician to do the work.

1. Replace filter pads annually before the heating season.
2. Clean out holding pans, remove all scale buildup from the humidifier and disinfect.
3. Check operation of the humidistat.
4. Make sure supply valves are functional and are not corroded or leaking.  Commonly used pinch type supply valves are generally low quality and will pose problems as they age.
5. Ensure float valves are functioning properly.
6. Make sure all hoses are unclogged.

Periodic Humidifier Service

1. Every week to two weeks add a humidifier conditioning solution (available at hardware stores) to the pan of the drum type humidifier.
2. Ensure there is no leakage at the humidifier and at the supply valve. 
3. Check the humidistat to ensure the humidifier responds.
4. Ensure there is no mold and mildew growth in the humidifier.
5. Adjust the humidistat regularly to control the moisture in the home.  Excessive moisture can actually deteriorate the air quality and damage the home.  A general rule of thumb used by homeowners is to ensure there is no moisture or condensation buildup on the windows.

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