Air humidifier repair: an overview of typical breakdowns and how to fix them

When the humidifier breaks down, the microclimate in the house immediately deteriorates, the air becomes dry and filled with foreign odors. It's annoying and annoying, isn't it? I would like to repair the humidifier as soon as possible, and return a comfortable and healthy atmosphere to the home.

But it is not always possible to correctly "calculate" where problems have arisen in the device. We took this point into account and prepared an overview of typical breakdowns with ways to fix them. Having detailed information about the most common problems, you can easily recognize them, and you can fix most of them yourself.

Why does the humidifier break down?

A household air humidifier is a reliable device with a long service life. It can withstand intense workloads and functions well around the clock.

Most often it fails for the following reasons:

• moisture penetration into the case;
• voltage drops in the power grid;
• blows, falling;
• wear of individual parts.

So that voltage drops do not cause problems and do not disable various equipment, we recommend choose a voltage regulator.

Untimely filter replacement and scale formation also lead to breakdowns.

Improper use is bad for even premium vehicles. To avoid malfunctions and fuss with repairs, carefully study the rules for using the device described in the data sheet.

Strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations and do not violate them. Then the humidifier will work for a long time and will regularly maintain a comfortable microclimate in your house or apartment.

Typical device malfunctions

Household humidifiers are ultrasonic, traditional and steam. But, despite the structural differences and a different principle of operation, they have a number of similar breakdowns. We will look at the most common malfunctions and tell you how to fix them at home.

Problem # 1 - the humidifier is not working

If the humidifier suddenly stops working, you need to turn it off, check availability of power in the network and socket state.

If you find no problems, you should pour out the water from the tank and disassemble the device. During the day, carefully dry all components. After this simple procedure, the function of the humidifier is often restored.

May interfere with normal operation fuse in the mains plug. It is considered a weak link and breaks down easily. But the replacement is not difficult even for a novice home craftsman.

Problem # 2 - odor when spraying

A musty, unpleasant odor during operation is one of the most common problems with humidifiers. If it occurs with a new device, do not worry. Many models, when first turned on, exude a specific smell of plastic. After 2-3 hours of work, it disappears and no longer bothers the owners.

Bad smell, spread mold and mildew provokes too dirty filter. It can be replaced with a new one or rinsed well under running cool water (if provided by the type and design of the consumable element).

Some types of filters cannot be cleaned. After 2-4 months of operation or in case of premature contamination, they must be removed from the humidifier and discarded, and new ones must be installed in the device.

Causes an unpleasant odor dirty membrane, for cleaning which you need:

1. Disconnect the humidifier from the power supply.
2. Remove the rear panel and inner brace.
3. Remove the upper roller from the membrane and pull out the lower one.
4. Rinse the membrane under cold water.
5. Place on a clean towel and leave to dry completely.
6. Install in humidifier.

It is not necessary to scrape off dirt and scale from the ultrasonic membrane with a knife, iron wool or sandpaper. Mechanical stress damages the surface and leads to accelerated wear of the part.

Often the reason for the bad smell lies in in waterpoured into the tank. It can be initially dirty or begins to "bloom" when the device is not working for a long time. The fix is ​​very simple. It is enough to pour out the water, thoroughly rinse and dry the container, and then fill it with fresh water. For more information about what kind of water can be poured into the humidifier, we talked in detail in following material.

For a deeper cleaning, it is recommended to pour 3 cups of vinegar into the tank and leave for 1 hour. The tool qualitatively disinfects the surface, eliminates bacteria accumulated on the walls. After the allotted time, the vinegar should be poured out, and the container should be thoroughly rinsed under running water.

Problem # 3 - steam is not coming from the unit

The reason for the lack of steam may be damaged generator. To check, you need to remove the cover from its underside. Connect the unit to the mains for a few minutes, then de-energize and remove the plug from the socket. Touch the radiator of the transistor on the electronic circuit. If it remains cold, then the generator is out of order.

It is difficult to eliminate such a breakdown without special knowledge and experience. It is better to entrust the repairs to the service center employees or a reliable private technician.

Prevents steam generation membrane clogged with fine dust. It is not difficult to clean it at home. To do this, you need to wipe the part with a weak solution of table vinegar.

If the membrane is badly worn out, it makes sense replace it with a new one. This part is sold in radio stores or service centers. When replacing, disconnect all wires from the ultrasonic vibration generation board, remove the metal fastener, remove the old membrane and install a new one. For work, you need a soldering iron, since in many humidifiers the wires are routed through connectors soldered into the board.

Another reason for the lack of steam may be a malfunctioning Electrical engine. This assembly is not serviceable. In case of breakdown, it is replaced with a new one.

If, when turned on, the engine is running, and the fan or turbine impeller does not rotate and does not drive air, they are required clear from the resulting plaque.

Problem # 4 - water leaks from the humidifier

Leakage occurs due to leakage violations water supply systems. The reservoir itself, the sump or tubes can pass the liquid.

Only a purchased device with such a problem is better to replace at the point of sale with a working device. When a module that has been in use for a long time begins to ooze, you will need to disassemble it and find the place of water leakage.

Lead to leak worn or damaged exhaust pipe. It is imperative to check its condition and the place of connection to the humidifier. The damaged part will have to be replaced, but this will cost a substantial amount.

Problem # 5 - increased noise during operation

Excessive noise and humming occurs when a malfunction occurs ventilation system. To eliminate this breakdown, it is necessary to disassemble the humidifier case, remove the speaker board and remove the fan from the slot.

In budget products, there is usually a brushless device, similar to a computer cooler, in more expensive ones, a bearing. To repair it, you need to disassemble, remove the protective and retaining rings, and then carefully remove the axle with the impeller. Completely remove old grease, remove dust deposits from blades.

Use a slotted screwdriver to put some grease in the inner groove for the impeller shaft, insert the spindle and turn it several times so that it spreads evenly. Then assemble the fan and install it in its original place.

When cleaning and lubrication does not help, the source of the noise should be looked for in electric motor. But this is already a more difficult task. It is better to entrust its decision to professionals, as well as power supply repair ultrasonic humidifier.

During long-term operation, some parts of the humidifier are loose, begin to rattle or make noise. In this case, to eliminate unnecessary sounds, you need to fix the position of the loose elements. If nothing works, then the unit has exhausted its resource, and it's time to go to the store for a new humidifier.

Problem # 6 - LCD malfunction

When the screen stops lighting up, the sensors and the timer do not work, and the sound signal does not sound, the problem lies in electronic "stuffing" of the device.

In 99% of cases, it will not be possible to resolve the issue on your own. To restore the correct operation of all elements, it is better to take the humidifier to a service center, where experienced craftsmen will take care of it.

Universal tips for repairing humidifiers

Unplug the humidifier before starting repairs or routine cleaning.. This is a prerequisite. Without its implementation, it is strictly forbidden to start work.

Before disassembling a faulty air humidifier, carefully study the data sheet. The manufacturer always indicates where the unscrewed fasteners or plastic latches are located. This information will facilitate the home repair process.

For work, choose a large table where it will be convenient to lay out the necessary tools, fasteners and parts that need to be replaced.

If you have little experience in fixing small household appliances, take pictures of the sequence of actions with a smartphone. This will speed up the assembly process and help you get each piece in place.

From the tools you will need: a screwdriver, a soldering iron, a multimeter and a tester. It is advisable to have basic knowledge in electronics and strictly follow the safety rules that are relevant when working with electrical household appliances.

If you have never had to repair electrical equipment or it is still under warranty, it is better to seek help from a specialized specialist. Otherwise, you can completely disable the unit by incorrect actions or void the warranty.

The serviceability of the board can be determined by visual inspection. If she has a uniform color, there is nothing to worry about. When darkening, stains and smudges are noticeable on the surface, the part will have to be repaired or completely replaced.

An appliance purchased from a company store or supermarket usually has a manufacturer's warranty. If its term has not expired, it is worth taking the humidifier to a service center and entrusting the repair to masters with extensive practical experience. Malfunctions caused by the manufacturer's fault are eliminated free of charge.

The restoration of damage caused by improper operation or negligent attitude to equipment will have to be paid out of your own pocket. Therefore, when buying a humidifier, you should immediately familiarize yourself with operating rules device.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Method of restoring the power supply unit for the air humidifier:

A humidifier does not give off steam - how to deal with a problem at home. Recommendations from the user:

How to use a humidifier correctly so that it does not break:

The humidifier is a reliable device designed for a long service life. Its electronic system is damaged by a voltage drop, short circuit or contact with water. Almost all other malfunctions arise from improper operation or falling, contamination of internal parts and untimely replacement of consumables.

Most of the problems can be fixed at home, and it is better to entrust complex repairs to the masters from the center for the restoration of climatic equipment. They will diagnose, identify the problem area and quickly restore the device's performance..

Do you have any questions about diagnosing the cause of a broken humidifier? Ask our experts - the feedback box is located below. Also here you can share your own experience in repairing a humidifier, take part in the discussion of ways to restore its performance.