Furnace humidifiers (aka whole-house humidifiers) can provide relief for allergy sufferers and boost the overall value of a home—but only if they’re properly maintained. Here are a few ways you can inspect and maintain your furnace humidifier to help it last longer and work more efficiently for years to come.
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Is my furnace humidifier clean?
Cleaning your whole-house humidifier is a critical part of furnace humidifier maintenance.
- Once a year, furnace humidifiers and their water panel evaporators should be emptied and cleaned. This can be easily done .
- If your furnace humidifier has been neglected, or if your humidistat has been set too high, you may notice mold, bacteria, or poor air quality.
- Note: Indoor air that is too dry or too moist can damage the wood in your home, but this can be avoided by keeping your home at a moderate temperature and humidity.
![A white woman whose back is facing the camera scratches the base of her neck with her left hand over her right shoulder](/sites/default/files/inline-images/How%20to%20Improve%20Your%20Air%20Quality%20with%20Furnace%20Humidifier%20Maintenance_Social_2.png)
Is my humidifier working?
Once you’ve ruled out the possibility of debris affecting your furnace humidifier’s function, examine a few other potential causes.
If your furnace humidifier has stopped working, dry air could be the cause of dry skin and hair, nose irritation or nosebleeds, warped wood, or dried/cracked wallpaper. Be mindful of humidifier leaks which can be caused by: Buildup on the solenoid valve, poor drainage, a leaky water panel, and/or improper pressure.
Furnace humidifiers typically last between 5 and 10 years. If you have a humidifier around this age, you should factor this into the cost of the home.
![A gray furnace humidifier attached to a gray furnace](/sites/default/files/inline-images/How%20to%20Improve%20Your%20Air%20Quality%20with%20Furnace%20Humidifier%20Maintenance_Social_3.png)
What if it’s time for a new one?
Your furnace humidifier may no longer meet your household needs, or perhaps it's simply time for a new one. Ask trusted professionals in your community for what to keep in mind when shopping for a new unit.
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