Many people with central humidifiers go into the cooling season forgetting to shut down the humidifier for the summer.
A central air conditioner will not cool or dehumidify properly if the humidifier is running.
Step 1 - Turn the humidistat to the off position or the lowest percent of relative humidity. The humidistat is usually installed on the return air plenum above the humidifier. Sometimes it is installed on the wall near the thermostat.
Step 2 - Close the duct damper or turn it to the summer position. *Note - not all systems have duct dampers.
Step 3 - Turn off the water-supply. If you are unsure how, just follow the quarter inch water line out of the humidifier. (It is either copper or plastic). Turn the valve clock wise until it stops. *Note -If the valve is a saddle valve, the type that clamps on to a copper water pipe, it might not provide 100% shut-off.
Step 4 - Clean the humidifier and leave dry until winter. *Note - If you have a float type humidifier with a saddle valve that doesn't provide 100% shut-off, you can either manually lift the float by placing an object under it to keep the pan empty or you need to have your saddle valve inspected and/or replaced.
Step 5 - If this sounds like too much work, call us, we can do it for you!
BONUS TIP:
If you have a General-aire Model 81 humidifier or another "float-type" humidifier, we suggest using Humidex tablets. They are really great for hard water areas.
They kill odor causing bacteria, maintain peak humidifier performance and make it much easier to clean and less often. Vial of 12 tablets. Also extends life of humidifier parts.
Available online from our HVAC Store.
If you have a tip regarding your HVAC system that you would like to share, let us know... If we like it, we will add it to our website!
Step 1 - Turn the humidistat to the off position or the lowest percent of relative humidity. The humidistat is usually installed on the return air plenum above the humidifier. Sometimes it is installed on the wall near the thermostat.
Clean the humidifier and leave dry until winter. *Note - If you have a float type humidifier with a saddle valve that doesn't provide 100% shut-off, you can either manually lift the float by placing an object under it to keep the pan empty or you need to have your saddle valve inspected and/or replaced.
