Maintaining Your Sioux Falls Humidifier and Dehumidifier
The best way to care for your air conditioner and heater’s humidifier and dehumidifier is to also care for the entire HVAC unit. Everything works together, so if one component is neglected, the entire system may work less efficiently and makes it possible for smaller pieces to break or wear faster than normal. Here are a few ways to keep your system working at maximum capacity.
Prior to maintaining your unit, always turn it off. Don’t just shut the system off at the thermostat, go to the breaker and shut that off as well. Once you’re certain there is no electricity running to your unit, take a look at the air filter. Air filters protect your home by keeping tiny dust mites, dirt, bacteria and other debris from circulating through your house. This can make asthma and allergy symptoms worse, or create similar symptoms in people who are otherwise healthy. That’s why you should inspect and change out all air filters in your home each month. If you live in an area with heavy seasonal pollens, poor air quality, lots of dust and dirt, or if you own furry pets, check the filters every 2-3 weeks.
Inspect the exterior of your system. There should be nothing in its vicinity — even overgrown plants from your yard. Anything that touches the unit can pose as a fire hazard. Trim plants back, remove any nearby debris and always keep the area clean. To clean the unit, use a dust cloth. A damp towel can remove excess grime and a can of condensed air can push debris from smaller openings. Once the exterior is clean, refer to the user manual and open the HVAC unit. The interior components can also be wiped with a dust cloth and a damp towel can remove anything you find caked on the parts. Condensed air can remove particles from the coils and fins, as well. For more detailed cleaning, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc.. One of our experienced technicians can safely clean the innermost parts of your heater and air conditioning system, which includes smaller parts, the humidifier and dehumidifier.
The condensate drain removes the accumulated water within your unit. If the drain becomes clogged, it can lead to a buildup of mold or mildew, and it can leave your home feeling muggy. Clearing the condensate drain helps the dehumidifier pull excess moisture from the air. To clean the drain, rinse with water or, if there is visible mold, use a diluted bleach solution. If you’re still unable to clear the drain, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc.. Our professionals will clear clogged drains and replace those that are cracked or leaking.
Every year, your unit needs to be serviced by a professional. Only a technician can access each component within your HVAC system. While inside, they will inspect parts for wear and breaks. They will also ensure the wiring is in good condition, the humidifier and dehumidifier are working efficiently, and more. If you want more DIY maintenance tips, one of our technicians can inform you of the possible steps you can take on your own.
Signs That Your Humidifier or Dehumidifier Needs Repairs
Since the humidifier and dehumidifier are built into your system, it can be difficult to tell whether there is a problem with the humidifier, dehumidifier, ducts, coils, fins or other unit components. But when things go wrong, there are guaranteed to be signs to tip you off. Here are a few symptoms to look for that indicate the problem may be your humidifier or dehumidifier.
There is no reason you should wake up feeling clammy. If your dehumidifier is working properly, your house should always stay between 30% and 50% humidity. That means you shouldn’t have any condensation resting on windows, none of your rooms should feel muggy and there should be clear airflow in each area of your home. If you notice there are sections of your house that do show signs of excess humidity, check the air vents. Ensure there is no furniture blocking the flow of air and that each vent is fully open. If the vents are free from obstructions and are fully open, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc.. One of our professional technicians will inspect your HVAC system to see what’s going on. They’ll let you know what repairs or replacements are needed and will offer them at affordable prices.
Your humidifier may be on the fritz if the air is drier in your home than it is outside. Signs your home is too dry include static buildup, chapped lips, dry skin, a sore throat and even nose bleeds. So, if you feel like you’re always layering on the lotion and lip gloss, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc.. One of our professional technicians will inspect the humidifier and make any necessary repairs.
Many things can cause illness, but did you know you could get asthma and allergy symptoms if it’s too wet or too dry in your home? As previously explained, you can get a sore throat, feel dry and get itchy eyes or nosebleeds if there’s not enough moisture in the air. But if your environment is too wet, your chest can feel tight, you can have difficulty breathing and you may experience wheezing.
Those who already suffer seasonal allergies, asthma or other breathing-related problems may see an increase in symptoms, while healthy individuals may begin to feel like they’re coming down with something. If it’s too wet in your home, mold and mildew may be building up, which can be dangerous to inhale. When you start to feel extra dry or sick, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc.. Our knowledgeable technicians can help. They’ll fix the humidifier, dehumidifier, thermostat or anything else that’s going on with your unit.
If you notice there is white dust flowing through your home, it can be a sign your humidifier is on the fritz. The dust is just mineral residue that can’t hurt you or your family, but it can be present when you’re not using distilled water in the system. There may be a backup of mineral dust, so a technician should be called to inspect and clean the unit and your ducts.
If you’re enjoying time in your living room, then suddenly something smells like mushrooms, or maybe there’s a foul odor or something stinks like it’s burning, something is wrong with your unit. You could be facing the growth of mold or bacteria in your ducts, while the burning odor could be signs of an electrical problem. If the humidifier isn’t working properly, mold can be growing in your ducts. If the dehumidifier isn’t working right, that can also lead to the growth of mold, bacteria and mildew. When you notice these unusual odors, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. so one of our experienced technicians can investigate. Your tech will let you know if something has died in your ducts, if there is mold or mildew growth, or if the wires on the humidifier, dehumidifier or other parts of your unit have been damaged.
If you notice new puddles by your unit, your humidifier or dehumidifier may be leaking. Water around the electrical system can be dangerous for your HVAC system and your home. Don’t hesitate to contact Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. to investigate the source of the leak. One of our friendly and knowledgeable techs will diagnose the problem and offer affordable solutions.
At Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc., we believe you and your family deserve to be comfortable all year round. So, if you live in or around Sioux Falls, South Dakota and your heating system is giving you trouble, give us a call. When your humidifier or dehumidifier needs to be serviced or replaced, schedule an appointment with one of our professional, friendly and knowledgeable technicians. We offer several products, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, thermostats and more.
