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How To Extend the Life of Your Humidifier
Mineral buildup on the humidifier’s heating element is harmful to the unit.
Therefore, routine maintenance is vital to the effectiveness and longevity of
your humidifier.
The normal service interval will vary from one-to-three months (i.e., one or
two cleanings during a typical humidification season, plus a thorough clean
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ing at the end of the season). The hardness of your water, your humidistat
setting, weather conditions, home construction and the number of occupants
in the home all affect the amount of time between cleanings.
Due to the
complexity of your White-Rodgers ComfortPlus Steam Humidifier, we
strongly recommend that you make arrangements with your preferred
HVAC or plumbing contractor to clean and service the unit at regular
intervals.
NOTE:
Some HSP2000 and HSP2600 models are equipped with a White-
Rodgers Programmable Automatic Flushing Timer (see below), which can
reduce maintenance significantly. Nevertheless, it is wise to check the
humidifier for mineral buildup every two months or so during the humidification
season, and to contact an HVAC dealer if necessary.
CAUTIONS:
Do not leave water in the humidifier over the warm-
weather months.
If the home is left unattended for an extended period of time
(e.g., when
you go on vacation)
, turn the humidistat and the water supply to the
humidifier off.
Keep Your Humidifier Running Cleanly and Efficiently
...with a
Programmable
Flushing Timer
from White-Rodgers
The Automatic Flushing Timer...
Provides flow-thru technology for steam- and reser-
voir-type humidifiers
Automatically flushes the humidifier water pan with
fresh, clean water every two hours
Reduces or eliminates servicing during the humidi-
fication season
Reduces water usage by up to 98 percent when
compared to conventional flow-thru humidifiers
Installs quickly and easily
Adapts to most makes and models of steam- and reservoir-type humidifiers
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FAQs About IAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Air Quality)
Why do I need a humidifier?
More and more homeowners are realizing that, during the winter months,
they live in a “sick house”. Family members suffer from dry, itchy skin,
parched throats and annoying coughs. Furniture creaks, floors moan, the
piano slips out of tune and static electricity zaps the cat. In general, every
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one feels miserable because they’re living in an environment that can be
drier than the Sahara Desert!
Proper home humidification reduces static electricity, revitalizes dry skin
and soothes scratchy throats. It adds moisture to dry, cracked furniture
and wilting houseplants. It protects valuable artwork, antiques and musical
instruments. It even saves money on winter heating bills. That’s because
properly humidified air feels warmer, allowing you to turn your thermostat
down a few degrees.
Why should I lower my humidistat setting when the outside tempera-
ture drops?
This practice may seem illogical at first. After all, you increase the tempera
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ture on your thermostat as the weather becomes colder. Why not do the
same with your humidistat?
The answer is that the
relative humidity
(RH) must be reduced in extremely
cold weather to prevent condensation on windows and interior surfaces.
Otherwise, the excess moisture will eventually damage your home.
RH refers to the percentage of water vapor in the air at a specific tempera
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ture. Because air expands when heated, the relative humidity decreases
unless moisture is added. Conversely, air that is cooled contracts, causing
relative humidity to increase until it reaches
dew point
—the temperature at
which the air becomes saturated and water condenses (just as it does on a
glass of ice water on a warm, humid day).
For recommended humidistat settings, refer to the humidistat instructions
contained in your humidifier carton.
I just installed a White-Rodgers humidifier in my house. Why don’t I
feel any difference?
The period of adjustment can take up to three weeks—the time needed for
your furniture, woodwork, floor coverings, plaster and houseplants to absorb
their natural levels of moisture.
Should I run my humidifier during the summer months?
Because, in most areas of the country, summer air is naturally more humid, it
is not necessary to humidify your home until colder, drier weather sets in.