Use and Care of Home Humidifiers
It is important to use a humidifier only when conditions require it, to use
the correct moisture setting for existing conditions, and to clean it
thoroughly.
The possible health effects resulting from the dispersal of microorganisms and
minerals by home humidifiers are not fully understood. Meanwhile, it may be
prudent to reduce the potential for personal exposures to these materials by
taking the following precautions, particularly when using ultrasonic and
impeller humidifiers.
Empty the tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and refill
the water in portable humidifiers daily to reduce any growth of microorganisms;
follow the manufacturer's instructions for changing water in console
humidifiers. Be sure you unplug the unit from the electrical socket first.
Clean portable humidifiers every third day. Empty the tank and use a brush or
other scrubber to clean it. Remove any scale, deposits, or film that has formed
on the sides of the tank or on interior surfaces, and wipe all surfaces dry.
Again, be sure you unplug the unit.
Follow the manufacturer's suggestions on the use of cleaning products or
disinfectants. In the absence of specific recommendations, clean all surfaces
coming in contact with water with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. If you use
any cleaning or disinfecting agent, rinse the tank thoroughly with several
changes of tap water to prevent dispersal of chemicals into the air during use.
Follow the manufacturer's directions on cleaning and maintaining console and
central (furnace mounted) humidifiers. In particular, if the humidifier contains
a tank, do not allow water to stand in the tank for extended periods of time,
and keep the water clean.
Keep steam vaporizer humidifiers out of the reach of children. Steam and boiling
water may cause burns.
Do not humidify to indoor relative humidity levels exceeding 50 percent. Higher
humidity levels may encourage the growth of biological organisms in the home.
Hygrometers, available at local hardware stores, may be used to measure humidity
levels. Some humidifiers contain a built-in humidistat which may be adjusted to
the proper moisture level. If water condenses on windows, walls, or pictures,
either relocate the humidifier, lower its humidistat setting, or reduce its use.
Do not permit the area around the humidifier to become damp or wet. If dampness
occurs, turn the output volume of the humidifier down. If the humidifier output
volume cannot be turned down, use the, humidifier intermittently. Do not allow
absorbent materials, such as carpeting, drapes, or table cloths, to become damp.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the use, maintenance, and
replacement of any materials supplied with the humidifier. Use appropriate
materials as recommended by the product manufacturer.
Clean the humidifier, as directed, at the end of the humidifying season or when
the product will not be in frequent use. Before storage, make sure all the parts
are dry. Dispose of all used demineralization cartridges, cassettes, or filters.
Store the unit in a dry location. After storage, clean the unit again and remove
any dust on the outside.
Stop using your humidifier and contact your physician if you have respiratory
symptoms which you believe are associated with periods of use of your home
humidifier, even if you are following maintenance directions.
Adapted from material from the Environmental Protection Agency.
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"-
At the current time, we use the home warrantee company for all the
components in our home, with the exception of our air conditioner
and heating unit, where we continue to contact Betts Heating & Air
for all the essential repairs to our system." --
Michael and Melinda Kennedy,
Acworth GA
