How often should you replace your humidifier pad?

A question often asked of HVAC experts is, "how often should one replace the humidifier pad?" Most home owners forget that once a humidifier has been installed, it still needs to be maintained. The one part of the humidifier that needs maintenance is the pad. Experts in HVAC recommend that the humidifier pad should be replaced once or twice every year.
All humidifiers used in the homes have a humidifier water panel or a pad that is located within the enclosure that connects the heater or the central air conditioning system. The humidifier pad ensures that there is even mixing of water with the stream of hot air, followed by equal distribution of the humidified air throughout the duct system. A humidifier can greatly improve the quality of life, especially if you have dry skin, allergies and cough.
Even though HVAC experts recommend changing the humidifier pad once/twice a year, in some cases one may need to change the pad at more often, especially if you live in a hot and dry climate. This is because the air that is forced through the filter carries a large amount of dirt and other debris, which can clog up the holes in the mesh. When this happens, the humidification in the home will not be adequate or even. Your symptoms of dry eyes, dry skin, itching may return. The home may feel very uncomfortable and you may not be able to sleep well.
Rather than replace the humidifier pad when the humidifier does not work, it is recommended that the pad should be changed ahead of time. Experts in HVAC recommend the first change should take place just prior to winter and the second change just after the start of spring.
If the humidifier pad is not changed regularly, the mesh network can be clogged and hence will remain wet. This environment is ideal for growth of bacteria and mold and leads to accumulation of minerals. More important the function of your humidifier may decline. Once the humidifier pad gets clogged, it places a great deal of strain on the fan motor. This in turn leads to overwork of the equipment and there is a higher risk of breakdown. In the long run, not changing a humidifier pad regularly can decrease the life span of your fan.
Changing a humidified pad is not complex at all and takes less than 60 seconds. One does not need to have any technical expertise or mechanical knowledge to change a humidifier pad. You just need to know where the pad is located and replace it. The cover of the appliance has to be removed; the old pad is removed and replaced with a new one. Humidifier pads can be obtained from most HVAC contractors or retail appliance stores.
If you have failed to maintain your humidifier and have started to develop allergies, dry skin, cough or mold in the home, think about the humidifier pad. It may be that it is clogged and needs to be replaced.
If you have no idea how to replace a humidifier pad, call us and one of our technicians will be more than glad to replace it for you. Once your humidifier pad is replaced, you will instantly notice an improvement in your health. In addition, your sleep will be comfortable.
Or Sela has worked at Canaduct Duct Cleaning for over fifteen years. He knows how important it is to have an a fully functioning Humidifier.