Air humidifier repair: typical breakdowns and effective ways to fix them

Operating rules

To avoid equipment breakdowns, you must strictly follow the instructions. When handling humidifiers, remember:

1. It is necessary to pour water only through a special hole.
2. The purifier is not an inhaler and should not be leaned over like a pot of potatoes.
3. Vinegar can be used to disinfect the device, but the treatment is best done with the windows open.
4. Do not place the device next to other equipment.
5. If you want to check the device, do not forget to unplug it from the mains.
6. Do not cover the humidifier.
7. When installing, make sure that air access is not blocked.
8. Do not touch the humidifier with wet hands.

Malfunctions: signs and causes

If the humidifier is broken, you need to find out the cause of the breakdown, its nature. The humidifier may experience the following problems:

1. There is no vaporization, but the device itself works.
2. The device makes too much noise during operation.
3. Humidifier does not turn on.
4. Fluid tank is leaking.

The device can break under the influence of a variety of factors. The following are the most common causes of breakdowns:

• long service life, wear of parts;
• moisture on the control board of the device;
• the presence of fluid leaks;
• use of contaminated water;
• the formation of plaque and scale;
• damage to electrical networks, power surges;
• clogging of parts;
• violation of the rules of operation (bumps, falls);
• breakdown of the liquid indicator and operation of the device in dry mode (the ultrasonic membrane fails);
• the device may make noise due to a malfunction of the fan or heating element.

How the purifier works

The humidifier device may vary, depending on the principle of its operation and the complexity of the configuration. Especially it is necessary to understand the device of the steam and ultrasonic device.

Steam

Such devices may have a different appearance, but the internal structure remains unchanged. It consists of a tank with water and an electronic component:

1. Cooler for intake of air masses.
2. Heating element.
3. Management block.
4. Built-in generator.

Steam humidifier device

Ultrasonic

Both externally and internally, these devices differ from steam.The ultrasonic device includes:

1. electronic component.
2. Battery.
3. Reinforcing block.
4. Ceramic emitter.
5. Ventilation system.

Ultrasonic Humidifier Device

Self repair

First you need to disassemble the device in order to look inside and determine the cause of the breakdown. The device is disconnected from the electricity supply, the tank is removed. Then with a dry cloth you need to wipe the pallet from moisture residue. Then the case is turned over, the screws or bolts that hold the cover are unscrewed, and it is removed. Often, the hygrometer of the device is mounted on the bottom cover from the inside. In this regard, remove the cover carefully so as not to damage the connections and wires leading from the main board to the hygrometer. Such situations often arise when repairing a Bork humidifier.

Determination of the cause of the breakdown must be carried out as each element located inside the electrical unit is checked. You need to perform actions in the following sequence:

1. 1.
   Connect the plug to the mains and check the operation of the fan and cooler.
2. 2.
   After the device has been running for 2-3 minutes, you need to check the temperature of the transistor heatsink. If it is cold, then this indicates a breakdown of the generator. For this, you do not need to use special equipment, you can check by touch.
3. 3.
   If no sounds are heard from the membrane, then the emitter is out of order and must be replaced.
4. 4.
   Using a tester, check all contacts and wires.

The applied methods are the same as for dummies. For example, you can pour a concentrate of water with citric acid. Replacement of filters is one of the main sanitary preventive methods of cleaning the air humidifier.

The container must be rinsed with water and wiped with a cloth or soft brush. It is strongly not recommended to use aggressive chemicals for cleaning, such as dishwashing detergents, bathtubs, toilets. In this case, not only equipment, but also people can suffer, since harmful substances that have settled on the walls of the device can get into the air during subsequent work.

When disinfecting, it is necessary not only to rinse the device, but to remove the bacteria that have settled on it. For this use:

• citric acid - concentration 10−20%;
• hydrogen peroxide - no need to dilute;
• chlorine-based bleach - diluted by prescription.

Any of the proposed mixtures is poured into a humidifier and aged for several hours. The device must then be thoroughly rinsed with water. Otherwise, subsequent use may harm the health of others. Finally, wipe the container with a damp cloth.

When buying a new membrane, replacing the old one will not be difficult. To begin with, the fixing bolts are unscrewed, and then the ceramic ring is removed. The membrane itself is small in size and is attached to the board with two wires. They are soldered, the places on the board are wiped with a rag, degreased and the wires from the new membrane are soldered.

Major breakdowns

If the air humidifier has ceased to fulfill its intended purpose, you should look for the cause of the breakdown. Among the malfunctions of this device, the most popular are the following:

• the humidifier emits an unpleasant odor during operation;
• the unit is noisy and makes loud noises;
• when the humidifier is turned on, no steam is produced;
• The device does not turn on and does not function at all.

Here is a list of common causes of malfunctions:

• long term use of the humidifier;
• worn parts;
• moisture got on the device board;
• liquid flows;
• contaminated water is used;
• collection of scale or plaque;
• voltage drop in the electrical network;
• damaged electrical network;
• clogged parts;
• incorrect operation;
• mechanical damage to the humidifier during impacts and falls;
• failure of the ultrasonic type membrane;
• disturbed operation of the fan, heating element.

The main components of the humidifier

Ultrasonic Fog Generators

This, one might say, is the heart of the humidifier, because these guys do the main work. In general, you can get by with one, but then you will almost not be able to adjust the power of the device: the fan speed does not affect the rate of water evaporation, and reducing the voltage on the generator greatly reduces its efficiency, so I took two generators on Aliexpress - one is weaker, for $ 2.5 , and one more powerful, for $7 (see their current listings on Aliexpress). That is, I can turn on either one or both at once and in this way adjust the performance of the device. I must say right away that this is black shit, which is higher in the photo, it’s better not to take it: it works strangely, it’s buggy, sometimes it just cuts out. Take only such as the lower one, in a metal case. For six months of use, he did not cause absolutely no complaints. I will eventually replace the black one with the same shiny one.

Power supplies

The main problem is to find 24 volts to power the generators. Each of them eats about 500mA.You can buy generators right away with power supplies, but I decided to make my own power supply, I will talk about it another time. People in the comments on alishka write that they work normally from laptop PSUs (which are mostly 19 volts): I tried, they suck, they work from such PSUs, they are at least 30 percent weaker at least, or even 40. So this is not an option.

You also need 5-12 volts for the cooler and decorative lighting if you need it. In general, the cooler is 12 volts, but it should not spin very fast, so you can just pick up a five-volt power supply for it and, I think, this will be just the right speed. I have an adjustable rotation speed, I will talk about this in an article about the power supply.

Cooler

Well, the fan is understandable, you have to drive the air through the device! I have a bunch of old dead computer PSUs, so 120mm is the obvious choice. The 80's would make a lot more noise with less airflow, so I can't recommend them. I have a very light sleep, and if something in the room is noisy, it is difficult for me to fall asleep. I sleep great with this cooler.

If you don’t have such a cooler and you will buy it, take it immediately for 24 volts, it will be easier with the connection!

Also, a decorative grill on the fan will not interfere: both beautiful and safe. I took mine (the one in the photo) from a dead FSP Epsilon 700W power supply.

Capacity

This is the most painful question. The tank should be ... And you yourself decide what it should be in order to fit into your interior normally

I found a great clear container with a lid at the hardware store (X Square / KSK) (important). It cost, of course, a lot: $ 15, but what to do, it is necessary - then it is necessary!

Floating platform for generators

Sounds serious, but really nothing complicated. The fact is that for optimal fog generation, the generators must be located at the correct fixed depth so that they lower / rise depending on the water level in the reservoir.

For the base, I took a flat piece of foam, which before that was the lid of the foam box in which the Chinese sent me a touchscreen for Nokia. Since the generators must be completely submerged in water, some kind of adapters are needed between them and the floating platform. For a small one, I used a plastic cup, and for a large one, as can be clearly seen in the photo, the neck of a plastic bottle. In the foam platform, I cut holes of the required diameter, inserted generators with adapters there and fastened everything with hot glue.

Nozzle

Unfortunately, for the role of the nozzle, I did not find anything better than a liter PET bottle from the delicious Aktual drink. Well, damn it, there is something better - I’ll definitely put it on, but for now it’s fine. As a bonus, you can screw plugs with different nozzles on top to direct the flow in a certain direction or give it some form (I wonder if it can be twisted into a spiral?)

Well, it seems, and all the main components, it's time to move on to the assembly!

What types are

To understand what could break in your device, you need to know the basis of its operation. There are several models of air humidifier:

1. Steam machines - work on the principle of evaporating water from a tank. The heated water begins to evaporate and settle in the air of the room.
2. Traditional cleaners - work on the principle of suction of air flows by the ventilation system.After passing through the purification system, the air is enriched with water and gets rid of pollution.
3. Ultrasonic models - create powerful vibrations that crush water molecules.

If you understand the principle of operation of your device, then it will be much easier to find out the cause of the problems.

The device and principle of operation of humidifiers

Humidifiers, depending on the method of saturating the air with moisture, are divided into several main types:

1. Classic (cold steam).
2. Steam.
3. Ultrasonic.

Each of them has its own fundamental features of the device. Classic-looking devices consist of the following main parts:

• housing and control panel;
• fan and electric motor;
• liquid tray;
• humidification disks;
• humidity control sensor;
• possible additional elements - aromacapsule, filter, ionizing rod with silver in the tray.

Schematic diagram of a classic humidifier

The steam humidifier consists of the following parts:

• housing and control panel;
• liquid container with level indicator;
• filter;
• water tray;
• heating element;
• steam chamber;
• humidity sensor;
• possible additional elements: a replaceable aromatic capsule in the atomizer.

Scheme of the device of the steam humidifier

Water from the tank is dosed through the filter into the pan. From there, it is discharged into the vaporization unit, where, under the influence of high temperature, it passes from the heating element into a gaseous state. This makes it possible to saturate the air that is here with moisture.

The ultrasonic humidifier has the following parts diagram:

• housing and control panel;
• liquid tank;
• a cartridge with a filter containing silver ions;
• fan with electric motor;
• steam chamber;
• humidity sensor;
• ultrasonic membrane (similar to a regular sound speaker, only works in the ultrasonic range);
  generator;
• piezoelectric element (converter of electrical energy into mechanical energy);
• water level control sensor in the steam generation chamber;
• rotary atomizer;
• possible additional elements: an ultraviolet lamp in the area between the vaporization chamber and the steam outlet channel to the atomizer, a pasteurization (heating) block in front of the vaporization chamber.

Schematic diagram of the ultrasonic humidifier

Water, moving to the steam generation unit, is passed through the filter. Humidified air, rising to the atomizer, is treated with ultraviolet light. Thus, there is a double processing of the medium before removing it to the room.

Common malfunctions and their elimination

For repairs, you need a tester or multimeter, electrical knowledge and soldering skills. If you have all this, read about the most common climate control malfunctions and repair methods.

No steam comes out of the appliance

The reasons:

• generator damage;
• oxidation of board contacts;
• broken fan;
• damaged membrane in ultrasonic humidifiers.

To fix, you need to replace the damaged parts: generator, fan, membranes, or cleaning the board contacts.

The device does not turn on

The reasons:

1. Clogged filter. If it is clogged, replace it.
2. Problems in the electrical part: wires, power boards and control unit. If wires are damaged, replace them. The board may darken. Check it with a multimeter to find and replace the damaged element.
3. Voltage on the motor winding.If there is voltage, then the problem is in the fan and it needs to be replaced. If there is no voltage, then the problem is in the board.

Humidifier leaking

If the humidifier leaks, check the tightness of the water supply system. Open the case, fill in water and see where it can leak: in the tank itself, pipes or pan.

Noise

Excessive noise during operation most often occurs with fan contamination. To fix, open the case, clean and lubricate the fan with thermal paste.

Bad smell

An unpleasant odor during operation of the humidifier is associated with the growth of bacteria or molds.

To fix the problem, wash each part with special antibacterial agents. Do not use aggressive cleaning solutions. From improvised means, you can use a weak solution of ammonia or hydrogen peroxide.

Most humidifier breakdowns can be repaired on your own. Difficulties arise at the stage of damage determination. To do this, you may need special devices: a tester and a multimeter. If you follow the manufacturer's recommendations, change and clean the filters in a timely manner, then repairs will not be needed.

Design features

Steam humidifier device

The body of steam humidifiers may have different shapes, but the basic elements are the same. In the upper part of the tank with water (maybe on the side). Under it is a plastic compartment with electronics:

1. A cooler that sucks air through the lower grille.
2. Round flat piezoelectric element (heater).
3. Control block.
4. Generator.

Before buying a humidifier, it is recommended to study all the options for devices. , we will tell in the article.

What is the best humidifier for a child's room? The following will help you make your choice.

Ultrasonic Humidifier Device

In the body of the device are:

• electronic part;
• power board;
• amplifier;
• ceramic-based emitter (similar to a regular speaker, only works in the ultrasonic range);
• fan.

Working principle of ultrasonic humidifier

Recommendations

The air humidifier should function in spring and winter, but due to continuous operation, the device may break down. In order not to shorten the period of operation of the unit, it must be cleaned regularly. Daily care includes washing the device with hot water and soap.

If cleaning is neglected, mold can form in the climate control equipment. For this reason, once every 3 days it is worth servicing the device more thoroughly. To do this, drain the water, and pour vinegar diluted with water into the container. Next, the substance is removed, and the tank is rinsed and wiped dry.

Experts recommend changing humidifier filters weekly. Using an unsuitable filter can impair the performance of the unit, as well as the state of human health. In addition, do not neglect safety measures when using a humidifier:

• pouring water should be carried out only in the holes intended for this;
• do not use a humidifier as an inhaler, this can cause burns;
• when checking the performance, it is forbidden to touch the internal parts of the device without first disconnecting from the electrical network;
• equipment of this type must not be covered with napkins or rags, as this may cause damage to it.

However, the owners of this type of equipment should remember that with careful and competent use, the equipment can serve its owner for a long time. In addition, the device needs constant replacement of filters, prevention, only in this case it will not be necessary to eliminate the breakdowns. Do not ignore the safety precautions that are indicated in the instructions for the product. Then the air in the room will be suitable for a healthy lifestyle of people.

How to repair a humidifier, see below.

3 Rosemary Lemon Flavor

An air humidifier is easy to make with your own hands, it can not only saturate the surrounding air with moisture, but also aromatize it. It's pretty easy to make. For such a design you will need:

• capacity of 200 ml for water - 1 pc.;
• pure water - 150 ml;
• essential lemon oil - 15 drops;
• essential rosemary oil - 5 drops;
• vanilla extract - 5 drops.

Manufacturing instructions:

1. 1. Pour 150 ml of clean water into a container.
2. 2. Add 15 drops of lemon oil and 5 drops of rosemary oil to the water, the same amount of vanilla extract.
3. 3. Mix thoroughly.
4. 4. Pour the resulting composition into a clean prepared container.
5. 5. Place the container directly on the heating device or near it, place it near the radiator.

With a creative approach in choosing a beautiful container and filler, the air humidifier will become an element of decorating a room or office. It is permissible to choose a glass vessel as a container, and use a hydrogel as a filler. The balls of this substance, getting into the liquid, increase in volume several times.Liquids and balls are selected in such an amount that, after increasing the size, at least half a centimeter remains to the edge of the container. Water is poured so much that it completely covers the balls. As the liquid evaporates, the balls will dry out and decrease in volume, so clean water should be added to the vessel periodically, but not more than once a day.

DIY repair

If there is no experience in soldering and working with electrical networks, there are no necessary tools and devices, it will not work to repair the humidifier with your own hands after a significant breakdown. Only minor problems can be fixed.

In this case, you should contact a specialized service, where they will try to bring the device back to life at a professional level. If you have experience in soldering and working with electrics, you can repair humidifiers with a breakdown of any complexity.

Disassembly and repair of the ultrasonic humidifier is carried out only when the device is turned off from the mains. The inclusion of the plug in the socket is made only if it is necessary to check and test during troubleshooting.

What equipment will be required for a complete repair:

1. Screwdrivers.
2. Pliers, tweezers.
3. Soldering iron.
4. Tester or multimeter.

For a complete repair of the humidifier you will need a soldering iron

Why won't the humidifier turn on? It is necessary to check the cleanliness of the filter, if necessary, replace or clean it. The device will not turn on if the filter cannot pass moisture. Replacing the filter will correct the situation.

The device will not turn on even in case of problems with electrical wires, power supply boards and control unit. If the integrity of the wires is broken, they have moved away from the terminals, there are darkenings on the boards and wires, a thorough repair will be required using a tester (multimeter), soldering iron.

The operability of the fan, if the device does not turn on, is checked using a tester. To do this, the voltage on the windings of the electric motor is measured. If there is a required voltage level, the fan should be replaced, the problem is in it. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the board.

What should I do if the humidifier does not produce steam during operation? This happens in case of damage to the piezo emitter, oxidation of the contacts of the heating element board, failure of the fan, generator or part of the ultrasonic wave radiation.

You can check the performance of the generator as follows. Remove the bottom cover of the housing, turn on the device in the network for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to remove the plug from the socket and touch the radiator with your fingers. If it does not heat up, the part is out of order, it needs to be replaced.

To repair the device with excessive noise, you need to open the case, remove it, clean and lubricate the fan. With an air heater, if it does not work, the situation is more complicated. It will have to be replaced if there are malfunctions.

How to fix a humidifier if it leaks? You need to open the case and pour water into the tank. Check the tightness of the container, tubes, pan. If a leak is detected, the defective element must be checked for reliability of fastening. If this does not help, replace the part.

Principle of operation

Here's how the device works:

1. The tank is filled with clean and demineralized water.Ideally, the water should be distilled.
2. As the liquid passes through the cartridge, it is further refined and softened.
3. After heating, the water enters the steam chamber.
4. The chamber has a membrane that knocks out the smallest droplets of water from the surface of the water with the formation of cold steam.
5. Steam under the action of a low-speed fan rises to the nose of a rotating atomizer.

Possible additional features:

• air ionizer,
• ultraviolet lamps,
• cartridge,
• LCD Display,
• hygrometer for humidity control,
• remote control from the console.

Companies create climate complexes. They have a set of all functions:

• water filter;
• air filter;
• bactericidal filter;
• ultrasonic humidifier;
• ionization block.

Devices with a hygrometer turn off when the set humidity parameters are reached.

Preparing for repair: main problems

There are three main problems that can cause a humidifier to no longer fulfill its intended purpose. They are:

• the electronic part is damaged due to moisture;
• improper maintenance or cleaning;
• during operation there was too strong a voltage surge in the electrical network.

The first problem arises if the device was operated carelessly, or if it has been working for a very long time - steam microparticles gradually penetrate inside. In addition, incorrect handling could provoke a problem - if the user did not immediately figure out how to replenish the water tank. One way or another, but before undertaking repairs, you need to get a tester or a multimeter, a soldering iron with the appropriate consumables.

Do-it-yourself repairs are not recommended for those who do not have a basic understanding of electrical and soldering skills.

Problems that arise

The failure of the device is always unpleasant. In some cases, the problem can be solved with a simple cleaning. In others, you will have to contact the service center. The most common problems in cleaning technology are the following.

Moisture ingress. This can happen either by accident or through your fault, for example, when washing the device incorrectly. With such a problem, it is better to contact a specialist, as electronics may suffer.

Steam is not coming. Steam may not go for several reasons:

1. Damaged generator.
2. Contacts are oxidized.
3. The fan has failed.
4. If it is an ultrasonic cleaner, the membrane may have been damaged.

No water supply. If your device is working properly, then the water in the tank is gurgling. If this does not happen, then there may be several reasons:

1. The emitter is out of order.
2. Short circuit of the water level sensor.

Bad smell. If your device smells of mold, then it must be urgently disinfected. This could happen for several reasons:

1. There are bacteria in the machine.
2. Due to the untimely change of water, it began to bloom.

Air doesn't flow. When working, the humidifier pushes air out, but if this does not happen, then your device is broken:

1. The filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned.
2. The fan is broken.
3. The engine burned out.