Humidifier Maintenance Tasks Your HVAC Contractor Will Do
In South Florida, most people don’t think about a lack of humidity as a problem, but in some homes and during some weather, your indoor air can get too dry for inhabitants, especially small children. If you run a whole-house humidifier in your home, regular humidifier maintenance will keep your system operating efficiently, keeping your South Florida home’s humidity at an optimum level to prevent static electricity and to keep you and your family healthier when your indoor air gets dry.
Your HVAC professional will follow these maintenance tips to keep your whole-house humidifier in top working order this winter:
- Inspect the unit for drips and leaks and check for mineral buildup that reduces the efficiency of your humidifier. Your technician will also look for mold growth that can mean trouble for your indoor air quality.
- Check the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is located at the top of the water hose and regulates the flow of water to the humidifier. A buildup of scale and sediment reduces the amount of water flowing through the valve, making your unit inefficient.
- Check the orifice for mineral buildup. The orifice is below the solenoid valve and releases water to the distribution tray. If it’s clogged, your technician will insert a thin needle into the tiny hole and remove the buildup.
- Replace the water panel. The water panel contains a series of tiny holes through which air flows to be humidified. If the holes become clogged, your humidifier won’t work as efficiently. The panel should be changed once a year, or more often if you keep your house particularly humid or use hard water.
- Level the system. If the water distribution tray isn’t level, water won’t flow down the water panel properly and will reduce your humidifier’s capacity.
- Check the drainage system. If your drain is kinked or blocked, water won’t be properly removed and will result in moisture around the unit, encouraging the growth of mold and mildew.
For more expert advice on whole-house humidifier maintenance, please contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating. We serve Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties with a high level of customer satisfaction.