Maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment is essential for every homeowner. It not only keeps you cozy during the cold winters but also keeps you healthy by balancing the indoor humidity levels. One of the crucial components that help regulate indoor humidity levels is a whole-house humidifier.
The question that arises for many homeowners is “how often should I change my whole house humidifier filter?” In this blog, Williams Comfort Air will answer this question by providing valuable insights to help you understand when and why you should replace your HVAC humidifier filter.
The humidifier filter is a part of your furnace humidifier that helps regulate the humidity levels by adding moisture to the air. Humidifier filters work to remove impurities and contaminants from the water in your humidifier before it is dispersed into your living space. By doing so, the filter helps to maintain a healthy and comfortable level of humidity while also improving indoor air quality.
Humidifier filters also work to add moisture to the air – they’re sometimes also referred to as a water panel. This evaporator pad works through a process of wicking, where water in the humidifier tank is absorbed by a filter material and then absorbed into the air.
Now that we understand what a furnace humidifier filter is, let us discuss the importance of replacing it. Regular servicing and maintenance of the whole house humidifier filter ensures your home is always kept at proper relative humidity levels and has good indoor air quality.
Failure to replace the filter can lead to poor air quality inside your home and cause respiratory problems for you and your family. A clogged or dirty humidifier pad can also reduce the moisture output in the area, leading to a host of dry air problems in your home.
The general rule of thumb for replacing humidifier filters is at least once per year. Your filter should be replaced before the season of use – typically, once before the winter season. Also, check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on how frequently to change the humidifier pad.
However, the frequency of filter replacement varies based on the usage and condition of the filter. Depending on the quality and type of filter, as well as your home’s water quality, the frequency you need to replace the filter in furnace humidifiers may be more frequent. It’s important to monitor the condition of the filter during the season of use to ensure optimal performance and to avoid overwork for your furnace humidifier.
It’s important to know the signs that indicate you need to replace your furnace humidifier filter. Below are some of the common symptoms that signal a problem with your filter:
If your humidifier is not releasing as much moisture as it used to, it may be time to replace the filter. A dirty filter can cause a decrease in the moisture output in the area, making it difficult to keep indoor humidity levels at an optimal level.
Accumulation of bacteria and mold can cause a foul smell emanating from your HVAC humidifier. If you notice any weird smells coming from the system, it could be a sign that your filter needs to be replaced.
A dirty or clogged filter can put a strain on your HVAC unit, causing it to work harder than usual to maintain the desired humidity levels. This increased workload can cause your system to consume more energy, leading to a higher energy bill. If you notice that your energy bill is increasing, even though your usage remains unchanged, it may be time to replace your filter.
Changing your humidifier filter regularly is crucial to maintain an optimal indoor environment and your HVAC system. Keeping up with the maintenance ensures that the air you and your family breathe is clean, healthy, and free from dry air issues during the heating season.
If you’re unsure of how often to replace your filter or what kind of filter to use, contact the HVAC professionals at Williams Comfort Air. Our qualified technicians can help diagnose your filter condition and perform whole-house humidifier maintenance. Remember, a little bit of care and upkeep can go a long way in maintaining your home’s indoor air quality.