There’s no denying it: Alberta is no stranger to cold, exceptionally dry winters. Everyone feels it, including our homes. Fortunately, many Edmonton homes are equipped with one of the best appliances to combat our dry climate: whole-home humidifiers.
In this short blog with Weiss-Johnson, let’s explore some of the most common yet overlooked humidifier maintenance mistakes in HVAC Edmonton systems. Read on!
#1: Not Replacing the Water Panel
The water panel, also known as the humidifier pad, serves as the primary filter within a humidifier. Water panels plays a key role in keeping minerals and other contaminants out of your air. It works by absorbing water and allowing it to evaporate, thereby distributing water vapour evenly throughout the home. It’s also responsible for filtering out any mineral deposits from the water supply before entering the air. This is crucial in an area like Edmonton, where we have moderate hard water.
It’s crucial to replace your water panel on a regular schedule. For the vast majority of humidifiers, this is once a year. Don’t try to clean a used water panel, as many of these contaminants are minuscule and cannot be reliably removed. To replace the panel: locate the humidifier, which is typically mounted near your furnace, and open its cover. Here, you’ll find the water panel located on the inside. Slide out the water panel to remove it, then replace it with a brand-new one.
#2: Having the Incorrect Humidity Setting
Humidifier settings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Throughout the year, your humidifier should use different settings to ensure the best quality air without increasing your energy bill. As such, you’ll need to periodically check your humidifier to ensure its settings are suitable for the season.
Some humidifiers, especially new models, automatically adjust throughout the year using a built-in humidistat. Other humidifiers only offer manual adjustment settings. These settings will typically be located right outside the housing, often on a control panel. Here, you’ll find either a dial with various temperature settings or a switch for summer/winter use. Be sure to adjust your settings according to the season. For humidifiers with dials, a general rule of thumb is 30% to 35% for the winter and below 50% for summer.
#3: Not Checking for Wear & Tear
Like any home appliance, humidifier components can eventually wear out. Especially in Edmonton, HVAC appliances like humidifiers see heavy use thanks to our cold, extremely dry climate. As a result, make it a point to inspect your appliance regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Here are some of the components to check:
- Water feed tube
- Drain spud
- Drain hose
- Panel frame
If you notice any damage, replace the affected part immediately. To simplify the process, you can inspect all these components while replacing the water panel.
#4: Skipping the Annual Inspection
While these points cover many common humidifier concerns, this list is not exhaustive. Humidifiers function as a system, comprising various essential components. From the solenoid valve that controls water flow to the distribution tray that ensures steady water distribution to the water panel, all of these parts must work together harmoniously.
As a result, many whole-home humidifier issues are only ever caught by a licensed HVAC Edmonton technician during furnace tune-ups. These are not DIY tasks and typically require professional servicing.
Some of these tasks can include:
- Replacing valves
- Control board issues
- Humidistat rewiring
- Any leaks
Experience the Weiss-Johnson Difference
Protect your home against cold, dry spells this winter. For nearly 50 years, Weiss-Johnson has been providing homeowners with comprehensive HVAC Edmonton solutions. Reach out to us today to book your scheduled HVAC maintenance and keep your home’s air balanced and comfortable all season long.
