Generally, when you use your humidifier device for 1-2 years, you will need to replace the old humidifier filter with a new one.
Since it gets clogged by dust and other dirt particles, its efficiency diminishes over time. And not replacing them can lead to complete failure or damage to the unit.
But the questions that many of the users have in mind are:
What steps are required to get it changed in an easy way & How often do these filters need to get changed?
Below we will help you find all the answers to these questions…
How to Change Humidifier Filter?
If you are changing your humidifier filter wick for the first time and are a bit nervous, then worry not.
You need not have any technical or mechanical knowledge about it. The process is quite simple and may take less than a minute!
Most of the time, it’s just as simple as changing your remote battery.
No matter whether you use a Vicks, Honeywell, Crane, or any other branded humidifier model, the basic steps to change the filter are nearly the same. These include:
=> Remove the filter cover from your humidifier device; this can be done by just applying some pressure or pressing the button provided.
=> Now remove the old filters and their enclosure slowly & carefully.
=> Now replace the new one at the place, ensuring that you put it the same way as the old one is attached.
=> Double check the enclosure, water panel, and replaced filter, and replace the cover you removed.
How Often To Change Humidifier Filter?
Most people who want to get the long-term health benefits of their humidifier device often ask about when to change a humidifier filter OR how often they should change the humidifier’s filter.
Well, the time of replacement of humidifier filter wick depends on the period of use of the unit as well as the quality of water supply (like the presence of salt in it and hardness of water).
=> Most of the humidifier manufacturers recommend changing their humidifier filters after 2-3 months if you are using them on a regular basis.
=> However, if you use your device occasionally, you can change the filter once in six months.
How Can You Make the Filter Last Longer?
Humidifiers take in air from their surrounding atmosphere, add in some water content, and send it out as cool or warm mist (depending on the type of humidifier) through an air filter.
To keep your humidifier running smoothly for a long time, you need to check the filters regularly.
Those of you who do not want to change the filters very often can make your humidifier filters last longer by following a few techniques.
Here’s how you can ensure the filters in them last significantly longer than they usually do…
1) Clear The Dust:
Dust particles present in the air are arrested in the filter, making sure they do not re-enter the room when the mist of humid air is delivered into the environment.
Over time, this accumulated dust clogs the filter making the humidifier work harder to provide an output.
Regular dusting of the house can help you greatly to avoid changing your humidifier’s filter frequently.
2) Keep Pets Away:
No offense, pet lovers, but they shed fur. They have the same effects as dust particles do, which is to clog the humidifier filters after a while.
If possible, restrict the pet’s entry into the room where the humidifier is kept. If not, vacuum cleaning the room every once in a while can help.
3) Clear The Smoke:
Smoke particles can also be considered a cause of concern, especially if you regularly smoke inside the house.
Before smoking, make it a routine to step out of the house (or at least away from the humidifier unit).
Running exhaust fans to carry smoke out of the house could be beneficial too.
4) Check Water Quality:
Hard water mineral deposits could also pose a problem unless water to the humidifier is from a freshwater tank or a water filtering system.
Usage of distilled water in your humidifier device is hence advised, albeit expensive.
Tips for Buying The Right Filter for Your Humidifier
Most of the time, you get an original humidifier filter along with a humidifier device – when you buy equipment online. As the manufacturer provides, it is of the best quality.
If you don’t have one, you should then buy a new piece as per the brand and model you have. This will ensure the right fit while you are getting the maintenance done.
There are today humidifier filters that are equipped with antimicrobial product protection to ensure no algae thrives on the filter surface.
You may consider getting the filters that are best suited and comes with maximum protection.
As a better option for this, you can also consider getting those highly rated humidifier units that come without a filter.
These are advanced filter-less humidifiers that are available in the market for risk-free and hassle-free usage.
Very few evaporative-type cool mist humidifiers are also available with features like automatic filter check indicators.
With this feature, you can easily access the condition and efficiency of the filter very easily.
These humidifiers monitor the filter’s condition regularly and let you know the exact time when it needs to be changed.
What Will Happen If You Do Not Change The Filter On Time?
Running a cool-mist humidifier without a filter OR not changing your humidifier filter on time can carry several associated risks to you and your climate control system.
Can Make You Sick
As a matter of fact, particles that stay on the filters stay wet, creating an ideal environment for molds and bacteria to flourish further.
During the summer and spring months, when mold and pollen count in, your room humidifier unit may prove harmful to you.
During this time of the year, your humidifier unit may get heavily congested with dirt and pollen, making it less useful for the purpose it is being bought.
The bad thing is, it can make you even sicker if you do not use or care for it properly.
Can Damage Motor of the Unit
Moreover, when the filters are clogged, it puts higher pressure on the motor of the unit, thus leading your humidifier unit to work much harder.
Reduced performance is one of the most prominent and noticeable things you must face when you do not change your unit’s filter on time.
In short, when you do not change your humidifier’s wick filter on time, you should get ready to face issues such as:
- Mold and bacteria growth
- Reduced performance of the unit
- Mechanical failure and even unit breakdown
It’s therefore important that you consider buying a filter in advance and change them on time to keep your family hygienically safe.
Get A New Humidifier Unit If It’s Still Worsening Your Situation
Like everything on this earth, there is undoubtedly a lifespan that comes with machines.
Over time your humidifier machine may also get old and need to retire.
No matter how deep you clean it, it still shows the signs of permanent mineral build-ups, stains, and other deposits that become hard to clean.
If you feel your unit is no longer working as efficiently as it should be, it’s time to say goodbye and get a new one.
Be aware that the ideal humidity level in your house should remain from 30% to 50%.
If the humidity level rises, mold and bacteria develop, causing various health problems for you and your family.
If you are considering buying one, the best is to pick a humidifier with a humidistat that will take care of your room’s atmosphere automatically.
Rest assured, if you care for all these steps; your best humidifier device takes care of all the health issues.
It will be your best friend (and not enemy) for your whole life!
Meen Smith is a nurse by profession who loves writing online, spending time with her family and caring for the elderly. She has already worked as an associate editor on various moms, babies, home appliances, kitchen, and healthy living blogs. In her spare time, she also enjoys drawing, reading/writing kindle eBooks and improving her skills a bit.