How to Improve Your Air Quality with Furnace Humidifier Maintenance | America's Preferred Home Warranty
November 18, 2021 | By

How to Improve Your Air Quality with Furnace Humidifier Maintenance

Home Maintenance

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. 

 

A filter screen with 2 rows of blue light behind it that is full of debris on the left side and has minimal debris on the right side

 

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 by taking these steps.
  • 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

 

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

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What if it’s time for a new one?

Maybe your furnace humidifier has given its all, or maybe you’ve noticed that your home could use one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new one.

Using these tips can help you feel safe and comfortable with your furnace humidifier, but the best way to feel safe and comfortable in today’s market is to make sure this essential system is covered by an APHW home warranty, along with other systems and appliances you use every day. Visit our coverage guide or call 866.306.7495 today for more information.

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