Keeping your home comfortable involves more than just setting the right temperature—humidity plays a factor, too. It can be tempting to blame the heating and cooling system, but your temperature problems may actually have more to do with your home humidifier malfunctioning. If you notice any of the following issues developing in your home, reach out to an HVAC technician for professional humidifier repairs.

What’s Wrong With Your Humidifier?

1. Build-Up of Minerals

Some water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which, if present in high volumes, can create what is known as hard water. Unless you have a water softener system in your home, the minerals could cause a buildup that can impact the efficiency of your humidifier. Steam humidifiers are most susceptible to these problems when the spray nozzle delivering the moisture becomes clogged.

Talk to your HVAC technician about transitioning to an evaporative unit if your water’s mineral content measures above seven grains of hardness. These systems use pads that collect mineral deposits over time. The pads will need to be replaced, but performance won’t be affected.

2. Humidifier Doesn’t Receive Water

Your humidifier relies on water to supply moisture to the air and keep it at a comfortable humidity level. When more water is needed, your humidistat signals a valve, which opens up and sends more water into the humidifier. If this valve isn’t functioning properly, water won’t be able to flow into your humidifier, leaving the air feeling dry. A professional will be able to evaluate the condition of your valve and replace the broken part if necessary.

3. Strange Odors

Because your humidifier supplies moisture to your home, bacteria growth can be affected by its performance. The first sign that your home has a bacteria issue is a strange smell, which will become stronger and can permeate through the home if not addressed. If you observe any foul odors, have a technician look at your system and thoroughly clean and disinfect your humidifier.

If you suspect your humidifier isn’t running properly, consult the professionals at Howington's Heating & Cooling, LLC in Cornelia, GA. For the last two decades, these HVAC technicians have provided the services needed to keep homes comfortable and maintain heating, cooling, and humidifier systems. Learn more about how this team can help you by calling (706) 776-7000.