What to do if the humidifier does not work: how to fix the main problems?

Dry air in an apartment is not uncommon, especially during the heating season, when all the moisture evaporates due to radiators and heaters. It harms the human body, plants and even wooden furniture. One of the best inventions for eliminating dryness is a humidifier, which takes up little space and does its job effectively.

But in some cases, the device malfunctions, stops supplying steam and emits an unpleasant odor. Let's consider the reasons for these negative phenomena for the main types of devices.

Types of humidifiers

There are three types of humidifiers:

1. Steam. Humidification occurs as a result of heating and subsequent boiling of water. Hot steam can increase air humidity up to 100%.
2. Ultrasonic. This is a cold fog generator that quickly creates a high level of humidity in the room.
3. Traditional (cold). The principle of operation is that dry air passes through a wet filter and natural evaporation occurs without heating. Thanks to the powerful built-in fan, the evaporated moisture is evenly distributed throughout the room.

Safety

Finally, a few tips that will protect your equipment from breakdowns and you from troubles:

1. Only pour water into the hole recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Do not lean over the steam nozzle to carry out inhalations, as is done over a pan with a decoction of herbs.
3. It is better to work with vinegar in the fresh air to avoid burns to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
4. Do not place the humidifier near running electrical appliances.
5. Do not touch the internal parts with your hands when checking the serviceability of structural elements until you disconnect it from the power supply.
6. Dispose of damaged parts as recommended by the manufacturer and safety regulations.
7. Do not cover the device with anything on top; place it so as not to block the access of oxygen to the lower part, where air is taken in.
8. Do not touch the housing with wet hands.

How they work

Household appliances tend to fail, so knowledge about the device will help identify the cause of the problem. The design of the device depends on the principle of its operation; a steam humidifier and an ultrasonic one have completely different structures:

1. Steam. The humidifier has a built-in water tank and heating element. From the reservoir, water flows through the dispenser in small portions into an insulated heating chamber, quickly boils and evaporates.
2. Ultrasonic. It consists of a water tank with a level sensor, a vaporization chamber with an ultrasonic membrane, and a low-power fan. Water through the valve enters the membrane, which vibrates at ultrasonic speed and is broken into small particles. The cold mist is pushed out by the fan.

What to do if the humidifier does not work: how to fix the main problems?

Excessive dryness of indoor air negatively affects not only the condition of surrounding objects, but also the health of the people in it. Moreover, in the winter season the situation can become critical, because the operation of heating devices dries out the air even more. This is why it is so important to have a humidifier at home and monitor its operation.

Today we will talk about what to do if the humidifier does not work, and in what cases you can fix the problem yourself.

What you need to know: how a humidifier works and how it works

Traditional

The design and principle of operation of traditional air humidifiers are the simplest of the existing ones. The mechanism of operation of such devices is based on the natural evaporation of moisture:

• water poured into the tank flows into the pan and rises through the evaporator;
• the air moves inside the device due to the built-in fan, simultaneously becoming saturated with moisture and purified as it passes through the filters.

In traditional humidifiers, the evaporative elements are cassettes made of multi-layer paper with antibacterial impregnation. Their service life is only 2-3 months, so more expensive models use sponge cartridges or plastic discs with many cavities.

Steam

The operating principle of steam humidifiers is often compared to the operation of an electric kettle. The main difference is that in a humidifier, water flows to the heater in a small amount, and the rest of the liquid remains cold.

A steam humidifier saturates the air with moisture by constantly heating water to the state of steam. The operating diagram of such a device is as follows:

• water is poured into a special tank made of high-strength heat-resistant plastic;
• close the tank lid tightly and turn on the device;
• the heating element brings the liquid to a temperature of 80 degrees;
• The steam generated from heating exits through specially designated openings and humidifies the air.

The appearance may vary from device to device, but the internal structure of steam humidifiers is always the same and includes:

• cooler for air intake;
• management block;
• a heating element;
• built-in generator.

Ultrasonic

The operating principle of ultrasonic air humidifiers is based on high-frequency vibrations of a special membrane:

• carefully purified water is poured into the container;
• from the tank water enters the evaporation chamber;
• high-frequency vibrations of the membrane cause tiny droplets of water to break away from the surface and form “cold” steam;
• Due to the operation of the fan, the steam rises to the spray nozzles and leaves the device.

The ultrasonic device includes:

• electronic component;
• amplifier block;
• battery;
• ceramic emitter;
• ventilation system.

More expensive models are equipped with:

• cartridges for water purification and softening;
• ultraviolet lamp for bactericidal steam treatment.

Some models of humidifiers are combined filter complexes (water, photocatalytic and antibacterial impregnated) for air disinfection.

The features and advantages of ultrasonic humidifiers are described in detail here:

What to do if there is no steam coming out of the humidifier?

Why doesn't it soar, although it works?

The reason for the lack of steam when the humidifier is operating may be:

• generator breakdown;
• oxidation of contacts;
• fan failure;
• membrane damage (in ultrasonic devices)

How to fix?

To fix the problem, you must first determine the cause. Some technicians recommend listening to the device while it is operating - if there is no characteristic “gurgling”, then the problem lies in the power board or generator.

To understand whether the generator is working, you must:

• remove the cover from the device;
• turn on the device for two minutes without touching the internal elements;
• disconnect the device from the network;
• touch the radiator on the electronic circuit.

A change (increase) in temperature indicates the operating condition of the generator and the need to check the emitter.

If there is a “gurgling” sound, but the membrane is working, then the problem may be in the fan. To find out for sure, you need to measure the voltage on the turbine windings. If it is, but the blades do not spin, then the fan must be replaced. If there is no voltage, then the reason is the power board.

If the membrane and fan are working, but there is still no steam, then you need to check the air intake filter.

If the humidifier does not turn on and does not work: reasons and how to fix it?

If the humidifier stops turning on, then the first step is to start checking the serviceability of the outlet by plugging in other working equipment. If there are no problems with the outlet, then the next step is to inspect the device for mechanical damage.

Once there is no doubt about the integrity of the case, you need to move on to the electrical part - the fuse in the power plug and the connection of the power cord to the device. If any of the listed elements fails, it must be replaced.

If everything is in order with the wire and fuse, then the next step is to check the control board of the device - there should be no blackening of parts or poorly soldered elements on it. If data is detected, burnt parts must be replaced, and damage must be re-soldered.

We offer you an example of repairing a humidifier below:

How to get rid of the smell?

An unpleasant odor from the humidifier indicates bacterial growth or algal blooms. To eliminate this problem, the device must be cleaned of mold.

You can do this as follows:

• disconnect the device from the network;
• pour out the water;
• fill the tank and lower section of the device with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar solution;
• Using a soft brush, clean the container and leave the lower section to soak for two hours;
• Rinse the elements with water and assemble the device.

You can avoid the appearance of unpleasant odors from your humidifier by regularly disinfecting it. The algorithm of actions should be as follows:

• rinse the device in the specified way;
• pour the hydrogen peroxide solution into the tank;
• turn on the device and turn it off when the solution begins to evaporate;
• pour out the remaining liquid, rinse the container with water;
• add clean water to the tank, turn on the device for three minutes;
• Drain the water from the humidifier and rinse the reservoir.

How to properly clean the device is described here:

Why doesn't a humidifier humidify or raise humidity?

There are often situations when constant use of a humidifier does not give the desired result and the humidity in the room remains almost at the same level.

There can be many explanations for this:

• discrepancy between the power of the device and the area of ​​the room being served (the larger the room, the greater the performance of the humidifier should be);
• improper operation of the product (lack of regular cleaning of the device and, as a result, a decrease in its efficiency);
• untimely addition of water (no water - no humidification);
• excessive dryness of the air in the room (in the first 5-10 days of operation of the device, interior items actively absorb moisture).

In addition, the reason for an increase in the level of humidity in the room may be an open window or other causes of draft, since in this case the humidified air will be regularly carried outside the room.

What causes a lot of white plaque?

The main condition for the operation of ultrasonic air humidifiers is the use of the most purified (or better yet, distilled) water. The thing is that the principle of operation of such a device is to finely disperse moisture, and if tap water is used, the impurities contained in it enter the air and subsequently settle on objects surrounding the humidifier.

Also, the cause of the appearance of white deposits can be untimely replacement of cartridges and filters designed to purify water.

Is it worth repairing it yourself, and what tools will you need?

Experts recommend carrying out independent diagnostics and repairs of an air humidifier only if you have:

• experience with similar equipment;
• basic knowledge about soldering;
• necessary tools and experience working with them.

Otherwise, the restoration of the device should be entrusted to professionals, because the slightest mistake when working with the electronics of the device can lead to its complete breakdown.

Where can I send my humidifier for repair?

Warranty service centers: what do you need to know?

One of the options offered by the Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” in case of detection of defects in a product is the immediate and free elimination of defects - warranty repairs. The law determines that such repairs should be completely free for the consumer - that is, the buyer should not pay for repair work, but not for parts. Humidifier repairs are no exception.

Contrary to popular belief, you can submit a claim for free warranty repairs not only to the service center, but also to the store. In this case, the right to choose a convenient option remains exclusively with the buyer.

The maximum warranty period cannot exceed 45 days.

During the specified period, the service center (or store) is obliged not only to identify the cause of the breakdown, but also to carry out all the necessary work.

If no notification is received within 45 days that the product is ready after repair, the consumer has the right to demand a refund or exchange for a new product. In this case, for each day of delay, you can demand a penalty in the amount of 1% of the cost of the product.

The delivery of equipment for repair is documented. In other words, the service center is obliged to issue the contacting consumer an act of acceptance of the goods for repair or a corresponding receipt indicating:

• data of the receiving organization;
• client data;
• full name and serial number of the product;
• features of the appearance of the product (defects);
• completeness of the product (humidifier, cord, box, etc.);
• the purpose of receiving the goods (carrying out warranty repairs or checking quality);
• actual date of delivery of the goods;
• defects that need to be checked or eliminated.

A prerequisite for submitting a product for warranty repair is the presence of a cash receipt or sales receipt for the purchase of equipment, as well as a warranty card.

What is the price?

The cost of repairing a humidifier depends on the cause of its failure. In this regard, repairing the device can cost several hundred rubles or several thousand.

Warranty repairs are free for the consumer.

Humidifier repair in Moscow

In Moscow, the following organizations repair air humidifiers:

• “Humidifier repair”: official website: https://remont-uvlazhnitelya.ru;
• address: Moscow, Izmailovskoe highway, building 69A, building 3;
• telephone.

Air humidifier repair in St. Petersburg

In St. Petersburg, you can repair your humidifier in the following companies:

• "Import-Service": official website: https://import-service.ru;
• address: St. Petersburg, Gorokhovaya street, building 21;
• telephone.

Thus, repairing an air humidifier is not at all a difficult task for those who have experience working with such equipment. However, in all other cases, it is necessary to contact specialists, since even a small error in actions can lead to the impossibility of restoring the device.

Feb 7, 2018ventsyst

Emerging problems

There is no steam. Causes:

• problems with the generator;
• damaged fan;
• oxidized contacts.

We recommend that you read: Choosing an air cleaner for an apartment or house

Unpleasant smell. Causes:

• the water began to bloom;
• There are bacteria in the humidifier.

No air is coming. Causes:

• debris has accumulated in the filter;
• the fan does not work;
• the engine has failed.

No water supplied. Causes:

• The water level sensor stopped working;
• The emitter is broken.

Help: If the device will not be used for some time, the water must be drained from it, as it will stagnate.

DIY repair

Disassembly

First of all, the device is disassembled so that you can look inside and find out exactly the cause of the breakdown. The device is de-energized, the tank is removed (it is better to prepare a cup where a container for liquid is placed). Use a dry cloth to wipe off any remaining moisture in the tray.

Turning the rest of the case over, you can find 3 to 5 bolts that need to be unscrewed and the bottom cover carefully removed.

Disassembling the Boneco humidifier

In devices with a built-in hygrometer, this element is often attached to the inside of the bottom cover, near the ventilation grille. So, when removing it, you need to avoid sudden jerks so as not to damage the wires and contacts of the hygrometer.

Diagnostics

Possible causes of breakdowns must be excluded by performing simple tests with the disassembled device:

1. Plug in and check if the fan (or cooler) is working.
2. After 1 - 2 minutes of operation (and unplugging), check by touch the temperature of the transistor radiator - a cold radiator indicates that the problem is in the generator.
3. The absence of signs of life and sounds from the membrane indicates that the emitter is broken. It must be replaced.
4. You need to call all the contacts on the board.

Sometimes, having ruled out all of the above faults, owners discover that the cause is a clogged cartridge. So change your filters on time!

Cleaning

Models and designs may vary, and so may cleaning processes.

Scale may form on the internal parts of steam appliances. The same methods that help get rid of it in teapots also apply to humidifiers. For example, you can add water with citric acid.

Replacing filters is a key stage in carrying out sanitary work with a humidifier.

The container is washed with running water and wiped from the inside with a soft cloth or soft brush.

Do not use dishwashing detergents, toilet bowl cleaners or other aggressive chemicals during cleaning. Both the elements of the device and people can be harmed, since the microscopic elements of the substance that have not been removed and deposited on the walls can get into the air the next time the equipment is started.

Cleaning the device

Disinfection is not just cleaning, but also the removal of microorganisms accumulated in the container. For disinfection use:

• chlorine bleach;
• acetic acid;
• hydrogen peroxide.

Bleach is diluted with water according to the recipe. Acetic acid is adjusted to a percentage of 10 - 20%. Hydrogen peroxide is not diluted.

Pour this mixture into a humidifier and leave for several hours.

It is very important to rinse the device thoroughly after the procedure, otherwise subsequent use may cause serious harm to health.

Then wipe with a soft cloth.

Electronic repair

Even a visual inspection of the board can tell a lot about it. “Healthy”, it is evenly colored. Has no stains or smudges.

All contacts are soldered, ringed, and individual elements do not have any swelling. The resistors should not be burnt (if burnt, it goes dark).

Check if there is a breakdown in the board tracks.

A short circuit in the device's network damages the fuses that need to be resoldered.

The ingress of water vapor leads to oxidation of the contacts.

Carefully remove the board from its socket (usually a matter of a few bolts). Its surface is cleaned with a small soft brush and alcohol.

Ultrasonic membrane

Having purchased a new membrane, it is not difficult to replace a failed one. The mounting bolts are unscrewed. The ceramic ring is removed along with part of the board. A small round membrane is attached to the board with two wires, which are carefully soldered off. The joints are degreased. After that, the wires of the new element are soldered (don’t forget to remember what color wire was where).

After placing the part in the right place, everything is assembled in the reverse order.

To replace transistors, use exactly those that were installed on the humidifier from the factory. Inconsistency of its parameters can lead to the fact that steam will not be formed.

Operating rules

To avoid problems with the device, you should follow certain rules for using a humidifier:

1. If possible, fill the humidifier with distilled water, as it contains a minimum amount of unnecessary bacteria, minerals and molecules.
2. Change the water every day.
3. Wash the container containing the water several times a week without using cleaning products.
4. The humidifier should not be located next to a heater, radiator, etc.
5. Clean the filter periodically.
6. It is necessary that the humidifier stands on a flat surface, in a place inaccessible to children.
7. Do not touch the device with wet hands.
8. Make sure that no foreign liquid gets into the device.
9. Do not pour more water into the container than required.

If you can’t fix the humidifier yourself, you need to contact a specialist, since electronics are a delicate matter.

Ultrasonic climate control device

• Housing (top part). Depending on the model, it contains a hygrometer, LED indication and a lot of other electronics that have exclusively auxiliary properties and are not connected with the direct operation of the humidifier. There may also be a water tank there.

  
  Main components of a humidifier

• Housing (lower part). This is where all the main “stuffing” is located: the power board and the ultrasonic frequency generation device. In addition, it may contain a fan or turbine to create a directed flow or intake of air.

  
  All electrics of the humidifier are in the lower part

The power board creates a certain voltage that is supplied to the generator. From the generator, pulses are sent to an amplifier, which is necessary to generate ultrasonic vibrations of the emitter. In general, nothing complicated, with the exception of the electronic circuit of the power supply, amplifier and radiation generator.

But these components break in three cases:

• Water entering the voltage control circuit.
• Mechanical damage (fall) of the device.
• Attempting to clean the device without having sufficient knowledge to do so.
  

  How to properly clean and leave the humidifier in working order, read the article: How to clean a humidifier yourself without calling a specialist.

• Voltage fluctuations in the electrical network.