For better indoor air quality (IAQ) consider running your system fan continuously, or install a thermostat that has a "circulation" or programmable fan function.
A whole house humidifier can be an essential tool for adding moisture into your home's air. Dry air can aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. It also can remove moisture from woodwork, including flooring, furniture and more. The whole house humidifier works in conjunction with the hot air from the furnace. Maintaining the whole house humidifier means regularly changing the unit's water panel (also known as water panel pads or evaporators).
Water moves through a tube to a solenoid valve that opens and closes, regulating the water supply to the whole house humidifier. The water then moves into a distribution tray where it falls into the water panel and evaporates, entering into your home through the air ducts and providing moisture as needed. The water panel collects the minerals and other impurities left after the water evaporates.
Whether it's an HVAC unit, refrigerator water dispensing unit or whole house humidifier unit, the filter that collects the air and/or water needs to be changed regularly. Whole house humidifier water panels must be changed in order to provide your home with continuous clean, healthy and moist air. Most manufacturers recommend changing the water panel at least once a year. The ideal time to change the water panel is either at the start or at the end of the heating season. However, some brands recommend changing certain models twice a year.
The Aprilaire 400 and the GeneralAire 880 are examples of water panels that need to be changed twice annually. The White Water replacement water panel that fits both Aprilaire and Honeywell humidifiers is a paper water panel that should be replaced every six months as well. Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations regarding how often your particular water panel should be changed. If your home has hard water, the water panel may have to be changed more frequently.
Water panel replacements are available in a variety of sizes, brands and materials to best fit your particular whole house humidifier. The panels may be constructed of aluminum dipped in a clay solution, fiberglass or reinforced paper. Water pads/panels made of the sturdy paper may offer a higher water holding capacity when compared to panels constructed of other materials. Many water panels also are treated with antimicrobial coatings to reduce the risk of harmful microbes entering your air supply. Some water panels, including models from Honeywell, have been treated with the trademarked antimicrobial AgionŽ.
Discount Filters offers a large selection of whole house humidifier water panels from many popular manufacturers. Check out water panels from Aprilaire, Honeywell, GeneralAire, Lennox, Trane, Skuttle, Bryant, Carrier, Lobb and more. In addition, we carry several aftermarket products compatible with the major humidifier brands. Many of these water panels fit several different units and are available in money-saving multipacks.
