During the drier seasons in Los Angeles, your whole house humidifier may be working overtime to keep you more comfortable and to help prevent illness and annoying static electricity. When your humidifier is operating around the clock, periodic maintenance is essential to keep it operating efficiently. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your humidifier in optimum working order.
1. Inspect your humidifier monthly.
Check for leaks and remove any mineral buildup and mold on and around the unit.
2. Check the solenoid valve.
The solenoid valve at the top of the water tubing releases water into your humidifier. To ensure it’s working properly, turn on your furnace and turn the humidistat off, then on again. You should hear a click followed by water running through the tube, indicating that the solenoid valve is doing its job.
3. Keep the orifice clean.
The orifice is located just below the solenoid valve at the top of the plastic tubing. It regulates the flow of water to your humidifier, and can cause inefficient operation if its hole is clogged by mineral buildup. Insert a thin needle into the small hole on the orifice to remove the buildup.
4. Replace the water panel, pad or filter.
Replace the water panel, pad or filter each year. The tiny holes can become clogged with mineral buildup over the course of the operating season, reducing its efficiency. If you use hard water or keep your home particularly humid, it may need to be replaced more often.
5. Make sure the unit is level.
If the water distribution tray isn’t level, the water won’t completely coat the panel, pad or filter, resulting in reduced efficiency.
At the end of the humidifying season, close the damper on your whole house humidifier and remove any mold and mineral buildup. Dry the unit thoroughly. Maintenance kits are available for your humidifier, and contain extra parts for easy replacement.
For more expert advice about maintaining your whole house humidifier, please contact us at Around The Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, serving Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley with honesty and integrity.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about whole-house humidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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