Not Using That Whole-House Humidifier This Summer? How to Close It Properly

by Greg Leisgang on July 31, 2013

Posted in: Service

whole-house humidifier, Cincinnati, OhioDuring the humid cooling months, it makes sense to close down your whole-house humidifier for the season. It also gives you the opportunity to inspect your system for wear and ensure that your humidifier is in good shape for the coming Cincinnati winter.

Post-season care

A whole-house humidifier needs to be clean and dry during extended periods of inactivity to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria on component surfaces. Before closing it down, it's also important to check for any leaks or issues and to prevent ducted airflow from entering the unit.

Follow these steps for post-season care:

  • Turn the humidistat to "off" or adjust the humidity to the lowest possible setting.
  • Close the duct damper to prevent airflow from entering the humidifier.
  • Shut off the water supply to the whole-house humidifier at the plumbing line.
  • Remove the media panel, drain spud and drain line. 
  • The media panel may be either an aluminum mesh design or perhaps a foam pad. The foam pad should be discarded and replaced with a new one. 
  • The media panel, drain spud and drain line should be soaked in a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar for about 30 minutes to help dislodge deposits and debris. You may add a touch of bleach to the solution to help destroy microscopic mold spores and bacteria.
  • While these components are soaking, use a soft cloth and bathroom tile cleaner (with bleach) to clean the drain pan and drain hole of any germs, mold, contaminants and debris.
  • Use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush and mild soap to clean the media panel and drain spud.
  • Rinse the components with fresh water.
  • Allow the components to dry completely before reinserting.
  • Check the humidifier once a month for water leaks at the solenoid valve or water dripping from the water-feed line.

A trusted HVAC professional can also handle these duties for you if you'd prefer. 

For more information and tips about your whole-house humidifier, contact the pros at Tri-County Heating & Cooling. We’re proud to have provided more than 40 years of HVAC services to homeowners of West Chester and the surrounding areas.

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