Air Quality Maintenance

There are three types of central humidifiers: Steam humidifiers, bypass humidifiers and power humidifiers. Trane central humidifiers are mounted on an existing furnace system and are fed by a water line. These units add moisture to air that passes through the furnace, which can help alleviate the dryness that often comes during winter months. Here are a few humidifier maintenance tips that can be performed by you or your local Trane specialist to keep your unit running.

Your steam humidifier should be serviced once a year — either by an HVAC expert or DIY it if you’re up to it. Trane steam humidifiers feature a fully insulated door, easy to open latches, inside cabinet insulation to prevent condensation on filter and a low profile painted cabinet.

• Turn off water supply and disconnect from power before doing any maintenance work on your humidifier.
• Replace the Electrode Type Steam Canister once a year.
• Remove main drain tube and make sure there are no deposits.
• Clean the overflow tank.
• Replace water filter per unit instructions.
• Your operator’s manual should provide maintenance instructions for the humidistat and solenoid, and tips for how to determine that they are working properly.

Your bypass humidifier should also be serviced once a year. Bypass humidifiers suck warm air in from your home’s heat ducts, then pass it through a water panel. The air absorbs moisture and is distributed back into your home as steam.

• Turn off water supply and disconnect from power before doing any maintenance work on your humidifier.
• Flush and clear any blockages from strainer and drain hose.
• Check feeder tube for cracks or signs of wear.
• Watch water panel for buildup of deposits and change when needed.
• Check the evaporator screen pad. Clean it using a 1:3 solution of water to vinegar.

A power humidifier should be serviced by your Trane dealer once a year. Power humidifiers are fan-powered and include a fan that blows air across the water panel which increases the amount of evaporation that takes place.

• Turn off water supply and disconnect from power before doing any maintenance work on your humidifier.
• Flush and clear any blockages from strainer and drain hose.
• Check feeder tube for cracks or signs of wear.
• Watch water panel for buildup of deposits and change when needed.
• Check the evaporator screen pad. Clean it using a 1:3 solution of water to vinegar.

You should replace your humidifier’s filter every three months. Just like an air conditioner or furnace, your humidifier has a filter that needs regular cleaning or replacing to keep dust and debris from building up and lowering performance.

• Locate your humidifier’s name and model number (usually on the back of the device) and make sure you buy the right filters.
• Shut down and turn off water source.
• Empty water tank (if applicable).
• Replace old filter with new one making sure to follow air flow guides.

You should always double-check your user manual for specific recommendations, but generally speaking it’s best to clean or change your filters once every 3 to 9 months. Remember, regular cleaning/changing of your filter will ensure the best filtration, increase the life of your machine, and give you peace of mind that you're breathing easier.

Maintaining your air filter is easy and routine maintenance will keep your home free of damaging dust and allergens. Most filters are easy to slide or swap out, and it’s one of the few things you can do to maintain your filter without the help of a Trane Comfort Specialist™. However, it’s important to check your user manual before performing any maintenance on your Trane or any air filter.

Trane CleanEffects™, is our patented whole-house air filtration system designed to clean the air like nothing before. The air cleaner utilizes a pre-filter collection cells. The purpose of the pre-filter is to capture large particles before they enter the collection cells which allows the collection cells to work more efficiently. To clean your Trane CleanEffects® Whole Home Air Cleaner, follow these simple instructions.

• Clean the pre-filter every two months.
• Your air cleaner is factory set to notify you to clean the collection cells every six months.
• Turn the air conditioning system off at the Comfort Control (thermostat).
• Simply remove your filter and then rinse or vacuum it.
• If you rinse the collection cells, allow them to dry thoroughly before replacing them.

Trane Energy Recovery Ventilator provides a whole-house solution for fresh air ventilation. Your Trane Energy Recovery Ventilator has a filter that’s easy to slide out and clean. You should clean or replace your air ventilator filter.

Here a few common problems and quick fixes to try if your humidifier, ventilator or air cleaner isn’t working properly.

For more air quality system troubleshooting tips, check out our air quality system troubleshooting guide.

Keep dust and debris from building up on the filters and restricting air flow.

Your air quality system needs routine maintenance to operate at its best, just like a conventional HVAC system. We recommend having it checked out before the heating season and again before cooling season.