Shut Down Your Humidifier Before The Humid Months

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Humidifiers are great for relieving dry air symptoms that come with winter. But when winter is finally out the door, you won’t need that humidifier for a while!

Many people forget to turn off their humidifiers in the spring, which can prevent your central air conditioner or dehumidifier from working properly.

Fortunately, turning off your humidifier is fairly easy and should be done as part of any spring cleaning project.

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How To Prepare Your Humidifier for Shutdown

Follow these simple steps when you’re ready to turn off your humidifier in the spring and summer:

1. First, turn the humidistat on your whole-house humidifier to the OFF position. If this isn’t possible, set it to the lowest possible setting (the humidistat is usually installed on the return air plenum, right above the humidifier. If not, it might be installed on the wall near the thermostat).
2. Next, turn off the water supply to the humidifier. To do this, find the quarter-inch water line (usually a copper or plastic pipe) and follow it out of the humidifier until you reach the water supply valve. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. If the valve on your whole-house humidifier system is a saddle valve (the kind that clamps onto a copper water pipe), it might not allow for 100% shut off — this is okay.
3. Clean the humidifier’s water filter. Open the cover on the humidifier, remove the water filter, and clean it out with soap and water. Store it in a dry place and wait for it to be reinstalled in the fall.
4. Close the duct damper on your whole-house humidifier or turn it to the summer position. This will block the flow of cold air from the AC system, so it doesn’t go into the humidifier. If your system doesn’t have a duct damper, you can disregard this step.

After you’ve finished turning off the humidifier and cleaning it up, replace the cover. That’s it, you’re done!

Trust Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical With All Your Humidifier Needs in DC & MD

If you need to install a humidifier in Maryland or Washington, DC, contact Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical today. We can help you make sure the air in your home stays healthy and comfortable all winter. Our highly experienced technicians understand humidifiers and HVAC systems inside and out, and we’ll ensure yours is in peak condition.

Want a licensed residential HVAC contractor to inspect or help you shut down your whole-house humidifier in Maryland or DC?

Contact the experts at Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical today.

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Humidifier FAQs

Why should I shut down my whole-house humidifier in the spring or summer?

In warmer months, adding extra moisture can create indoor humidity problems, interfere with your air conditioning, or promote mold growth. Shutting it down helps your cooling/dehumidification systems work more efficiently.

Do I need to clean anything after shutting down my humidifier?

Yes, removing and cleaning the humidifier’s water filter is important. Use soap and water, allow it to dry, and store it safely until fall. This prevents mold, mineral buildup, or odors during the off season.

When and how should I start up the humidifier again?

You’ll want to reactivate your humidifier as the weather cools and indoor air starts to dry (usually fall). Reverse the shutdown steps; turn on the water supply, reset the humidistat, open the duct damper (if applicable), and reinstall the cleaned filter.

What is a humidistat and how is it used to shut off a humidifier?

A humidistat is a control device that senses indoor humidity levels and activates the humidifier when needed. To turn off your humidifier, set the humidistat to the “OFF” position (or its lowest setting) so that it no longer triggers operation.