Humidifiers are essential for comfort inside during the cold, dry season in Barrie. They also bring necessary moisture to the air, soothing dry skin and sinuses. Relieve pain, reenergize, restore balance, and reduce stress. But what if your humidifier goes uncleaned?
At Aire One Barrie, we remind homeowners that a healthy humidifier is a clean one. It can be more of a negative than a positive without proper maintenance — softening your air quality into a nettling issue.
What Happens When You Neglect Your Humidifier?
Mineral deposits, bacteria, mold, and fungi can build up in humidifiers over time. If not cleaned and serviced regularly, these pollutants can escape into the air you breathe—and, along with them, can affect your health and your indoor space.
And here are some common health risks of letting your humidifier fall to the wayside:
1. Respiratory Issues and Allergies
A contaminated humidifier can release airborne allergens like mold spores, bacteria, and dust mites. Inhaling these particles can exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or congestion, your humidifier may be contributing to the problem.
2. Potential for “Humidifier Lung” (Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis)
A rare yet severe condition is breathing in dirty mist from unclean humidifiers. Symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. Although rare, humidifier lung may become a chronic, long-term problem if exposure persists.
3. Worsening Asthma Symptoms
Children, older adults, and individuals with asthma are particularly susceptible. If a humidifier is not cleaned correctly, it can create a haven for the growth of mold and bacteria, which can cause asthma attacks or difficulty breathing.
4. Spreading White Dust
If you use hard water in your humidifier and don’t maintain it, fine mineral particles known as white dust can settle on furniture and be inhaled. Repeated exposure can irritate the lungs and airways, particularly in individuals with sensitive respiratory systems.
Preventive Tips for Healthier Humidifier Use
To maintain the safety of your humidifier and keep that air as clean as it can be, practice this maintenance:
- Add distilled or demineralized water (to minimize mineral build-up)
- Clean your humidifier every week as directed by the manufacturer
- Replace filters (as directed, typically every 1–3 months)\n
- Drain and dry the tank every day while using the humidifier
- Have a professional technician perform preventive maintenance each season (especially for whole-home units)
Let Aire One Barrie Keep Your Humidifier Working Optimally
Whether you have a portable unit or a furnace-mounted humidifier, good maintenance is necessary to keep your family healthy. Here at Aire One Barrie, our professional experts keep your humidifier operating efficiently and free from impurities with regular maintenance and repair services.
Contact us today to schedule a humidifier service, and rest assured that the air you breathe in your home is safe and healthy.
