When your furnace’s humidifier stops working, it might seem like a small annoyance—but dry skin, static shocks, and stuffy air can make you wish for a quick fix. But with a bit of patience and the right approach, troubleshooting a broken furnace humidifier is often easier than you think. Keep reading to learn how!
And if things get tricky, the experts at Spring’s Servicing & Heating are just a call away—we’re here to help get your system (and your comfort) back on track.
How Your Furnace Humidifier Works
Understanding how your furnace’s humidifier works can make troubleshooting a broken furnace much easier. Typically installed near or inside the furnace, the humidifier adds moisture to the air moving through your HVAC system.
Water flows into a water panel or pad, and as warm air from your furnace passes over this surface, the moisture evaporates and is carried through the ductwork into your home. When everything is functioning properly, you won’t even notice it—it just quietly keeps the air more comfortable, helping to reduce dry skin, cracked lips, static shocks, and other annoyances caused by low humidity.
Diagnosing Possible Causes of a Humidifier Problem
Before diving in with tools, start with a bit of detective work. These are common reasons your humidifier might act up:
- Leaking water – Could be from a clogged drain or blocked line
- No water getting to the unit – The solenoid valve or supply line might be blocked
- Strange smells – Could be mold, bacteria, or a bad filter
- Humidifier won’t activate – Maybe it’s not getting power or signals
Another tip: always check power, system switches, and basic controls before assuming the worst!
Disassembling the Humidifier
When you’re ready to take things apart, work carefully. Here’s a safe way to approach it:
- Turn off the power and shut off the water supply
- Remove the cover or housing
- Take out the water panel or pad
- Detach the solenoid valve and water lines
- Remove screens, in-line strainers, or orifices
This gives you access to the parts that wear out most often. Always take photos or label connections before removing parts—that way you’ll know how to put them back later.
Help is Available if Needed
A malfunctioning furnace is frustrating. And even though many humidifier issues are fixable at home, a few problems are best left to experienced techs. When troubleshooting a broken furnace gets beyond DIY, our team at Spring’s Servicing & Heating is here to help with the issues you can’t (or shouldn’t) tackle on your own!
We know that a furnace can go out at any time of the day or night, so we offer 24-hour emergency furnace repairs for everyone from Airdrie to Okotoks to High River, and we’re confident you’ll find our repair prices both reasonable and fair.
Stay warm this winter by contacting us today to fix your home furnace.