Don't Let A Leak Ruin Your Humidifier

A humidifier relies on moisture to increase the humidity of a home. There are several types of humidifiers, but most of them work on the same basic principle. They consist of a reservoir for holding water, a system for heating or cooling the water, and a mechanism for distributing the water vapor into the air. However, some humidifiers are prone to leaking. This issue is prevalent with humidifiers that are poorly maintained. Your humidifier may stop working, but fortunately, there's something you can do about it. 

Why Humidifiers Are Important

Humidifiers can be essential if your home is too dry. Otherwise, you might suffer from dry skin and cracked lips. If you have any indoor plants, they'll struggle to survive unless they are succulents. Excessive dryness can also cause damage to paint and furniture. Therefore, you'll want to have your humidifier repaired as soon as possible.

Identifying the Cause of the Leak

A leaking humidifier can cause water to spill out onto your floors or furniture, which can be a real hassle to clean up. The first step to fixing a leaking humidifier is to identify the leak's location. Check the water tank for any cracks or damage. If you find any, you will need to replace the entire tank. You can find one at a nearby hardware store. Replacing the whole device with smaller humidifiers might make sense because they are relatively inexpensive.

Checking the Seal

If the tank is not damaged, the problem may be with the seal between the tank and the humidifier. Check to see if the seal is tight. If it is loose or damaged, you may need to replace it. Fortunately, seals are inexpensive. 

Inspecting the Filter

Another possible cause of a leaking humidifier is a clogged filter. Check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary. A clogged filter causes water to back up and leak out of the humidifier.

Maintaining Your Humidifier

Once you've found and repaired the leak, remember to fill the water tank to the appropriate level when you operate your newly repaired humidifier. Maintaining the water level in the tank is essential to ensure the humidifier doesn't become damaged again. Most humidifiers have a maximum and minimum water level indicated on the tank or in the instructions.

Contact an HVAC service to learn more about humidifier repairs. The HVAC technician will find the source of the leak and perform any necessary repairs.