Portland Heating and Cooling Solutions

Heating System Updates: How To Keep Your Humidifier Safe

Winter months and heating systems can cause symptoms of dry air.  Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air to alleviate those issues.  There are some concerns, however with humidifiers when not used property, including mold, bacterial growth and dispersal of minerals into the air.

Humidifiers add moisture to the air and can be helpful, especially in the winter.  Dry heated air can cause static and skin conditions to exacerbate, however too much moisture can encourage mold or bacterial contamination.  Use of a humidifier when conditions require correct moisture setting depends upon existing conditions.

Health concerns may result from the dispersal of microorganisms and minerals by humidifiers that haven't been cleaned. There are a few simple steps to protecting your family from airborne contaminents that could be harbored in humidifiers:

• Periodically, you should empty the tank, wipe surfaces dry. After cleaning, refill daily. Daily maintenace of portable units will reduce growth of microorganisms.
• Water with low mineral content may prevent build-up of minerals which woudl be dispersed into the air. Using distilled water instead of tap water may reduce mineral contamination.
• Clean humidifiers using a brush or other scrubber to remove any scale, deposits, or film that has formed on the sides of the tank. Wipe all surfaces dry.
• Cleaning products or disinfectants can also become airbone through ultrasonic humidifiers.  Be cautious when using them.  If in doubt, use water with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Always rinse the tank thoroughly with several changes of water.
• Do not allow water to stand for extended periods of time.  Change water frequently to keep the water clean.
• Set the humidifier to less than 50 percent humidity. High humidity levels encourage growth of biological organisms.
• If you see water condensation on windows, walls, or pictures, lower the humidistat setting, or use the humidifier less.
• Watch for dampness near the humidifier.  If it's a portable unit, don't allow absorbent materials, such as carpeting, drapes, or table cloths, to become damp. If it's a whole house unit, watch for dampness or stickiness on furniture.
• 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.

Humidifiers can be a terrific device if used properly and maintained correctly.  Be sure to ask your heating and cooling system professional for instruction on setting your humidifier to the proper settings for your home or office.

Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces,  gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.