Humidifiers play a big role in indoor comfort, especially during winter when the air tends to turn dry as we run heaters to keep warm. Regular humidifier maintenance is essential for ensuring that your unit stays operational and effective throughout the winter, and knowing how to identify early warning signs of a problem can help you avoid an inoperable unit. Here are some of the top red flags to keep an eye out for.
- Reduced Humidity – Drier air is a sure sign that your humidifier is starting to struggle. If you notice that your skin feels dry, your nose and throat feel scratchy, or an increase in static electricity, the odds are good that your humidifier needs maintenance.
- Unpleasant Odor – Musty, stale smells coming from your humidifier often come from bacteria and mold accumulation. Regular humidifier maintenance helps balance the moisture levels and prevent this kind of unwanted growth.
- Dust Accumulation – A properly functioning humidifier won’t contribute to dust around your home, so if you notice that you seem to have to wipe down the area around your humidifier more frequently, it’s a good idea to schedule humidifier maintenance.
- Higher Energy Bills – When your unit is dirty or malfunctioning, it will likely use more energy as it tries to keep up with demands. Routine humidifier maintenance keeps the components clean, allowing the unit to operate more effectively as a whole.
- Odd Noises – Any time an appliance starts to make a new sound, you should take note. Your humidifier is no exception to this rule, so if you notice new sounds like whirring, clanking, rattling, or grinding, have our team take a look.
If you’d like to schedule humidifier maintenance this year, reach out to our team at Cook’s Heating & Cooling to learn more.
