If you don't have a humidifier connected to your home furnace, buying a portable humidifier can be complicated; replacing them, more so. Users must first decide between a warm mist and cool mist humidifier. Warm mist humidifiers can burn a person if water is accidentally spilled, and they use more energy than cool mist varieties because they first must heat water from the tank. A cool mist humidifier comes in three varieties: vaporizers, ultrasonic or impeller varieties. If something goes wrong with it, the next step is getting it back in good working order.   The following sections take you through buying and offers some instructions on repairing an ultrasonic humidifier. Humidifiers are designed to add humidity to cold, dry air by using water vapor to balance the air in a room or home. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends ideal humidity levels of less than 60 percent in the summer and between 25 percent and 40 percent in the winter. Some humidifiers have what's called a humidistat, which shuts off the unit when it reaches a preset humidity level.

An ultrasonic humidifier uses a vibrating transducer system and a gallon or more of tap water to create a mist of cool water that disperses into the air through a fan. It's a popular choice for people who don't want the hassle of cleaning or replacing wick filters in vaporizers. Ultrasonic humidifiers also can be more reliable in distributing mist, which relieves chapped skin and helps clear up congestion. Over-humidification of a room or rooms can actually be bad for you, increasing bacteria, germs, mold, and dust mites. Regular cleaning of a humidifier keeps it in good working order. Every week, remove any visible residue with vinegar, disinfect with a bleach solution following the manufacturer's instructions, then rinse thoroughly. Because many people don't follow those instructions as stringently as they should, if the humidifier stops working, repairing can be simple for those with moderate skill levels and a working knowledge of a humidifier's parts. An ultrasonic humidifier has several parts that work together to make it run properly.

Fixing or replacing most of these parts in the event the humidifier stops running is often less expensive than replacing the entire machine. Well-rated manufacturers include Crane, Honeywell, Holmes, and Vicks. May control fan speed, determines amount of mist dispersed Transistor that supplies power to transducers Vibrates at ultrasonic speed, turns water into mist Holds water, includes water level sensor Fixing the eletrical components like the control panel may prove challenging and expensive. If these components are the problem, replacing the humidifier is a better option. An ultrasonic humidifier makes water vapor by creating pressure waves that become strong enough to turn the water into a mist. A membrane in the humidifier makes the pressure waves, and this membrane is likely the culprit should the humidifier stop working. Make sure other parts are working before attempting repairs on the membrane. Check to see if it has no water; clean and refill the tank even if it does.

Make sure the plug is probably seated in its outlet. Turn on the humidifier, make sure the power light is on and determine whether the spray is working.  If everything is in order, remove the water tank and turn the unit on. honeywell 50150-n true hepa allergen air purifierIf drops and fog form in the reservoir, check the main water tank for a blockage of some kind. kenmore hepa supreme air cleaning systemLime scale and minerals develop, or bugs get stuck in the water and drown. honeywell air purifier model 18450Clean the reservoir, clearing out the blockage. An ultrasonic humidifier has some electrical parts that wear out and get dirty. Check the transistor and the oscillator in the generator.

These may need replacing if they are not producing enough power. Also check the transducer, making sure the electrical current between the spring and the transducer is clean. If the contacts are dirty, wipe them down with a clean rag to get a good connection. It is important to keep an ultrasonic humidifier clean, for health reasons as well as to ensure the unit remains in good working order. Never leave water in a humidifier if not in use. Standing water produces bacteria, and the humidifier releases this bacteria into the air. Regular cleaning of the machine, even while it is in constant use, prevents clogging, a common problem when particles and dirt build up. Empty the humidifier daily and wipe down the entire unit with disinfectant wipes. Consider using distilled or filtered water in the humidifier. If hard water stains are present, fill the water tank with white vinegar and allow it to sit for several hours. Rinse completely before refilling with water. If bacteria appear in the water, refill the tank and add a small amount of bleach to the water to kill it.

Cleaning the machine with a hydrogen peroxide solution every few days helps keep it clean. Keep the base clean by letting a cup of white vinegar sit in it and then rinsing it. Any parts or supplies you need to repair an ultrasonic humidifier are available on eBay. A search for the keyword "transducer" results in a complete listing of what is available. Narrow your search by the type of humidifier or the product condition. Review your chosen listings carefully to learn exactly what comes with the purchase and the condition of the part. To save more on your purchase, look for daily deals and watch for listings that offer free shipping. If you decide to replace the unit entirely, you can also find new and used ultrasonic humidifiers on eBay. Fixing an ultrasonic humidifier is often a simple task. Always consider repairing the unit before buying a replacement since the fix is usually less expensive than buying a new one. Alternatively, vaporizers tend to be cheaper and easier to maintain.