Home Garden

How to Troubleshoot a Humidex

Humidex -- a ventilation appliance installed in the basement or crawlspace -- will expel stagnant air and facilitate air circulation. As moist air gravitates to the lowest point in the house, it condenses and creates a moist, stagnant environment. This opens up the possibility of odor and mold penetrating into the main structure of the house. Humidex contains a strong fan that, with the attachment of ducting, expels the stagnant air from the house, replacing it with fresher air. Because Humidex is a mechanical system, it is subject to breakdown and ineffective operation. Homeowners can keep their machines running efficiently by maintaining the units and troubleshooting existing problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Installation manual
  • Owners manual
  • Flashlight
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Reaffirm that the Humidex unit was installed properly. The unit must not be higher than 3 inches off the floor, should not be closer than 8 feet from a furnace or a combustion appliance, and the immediate area around the Humidex should be kept clear to allow air to be pulled into the vents. The outside duct should be no less than 6 inches. Make sure your setup conforms to these guidelines before continuing.

    • 2

      Check the fuse or reset the circuit breaker in units that are inoperative. Check the power from the power supply panel as there may be no power to the unit. Examine the unit and the wiring diagram in your installation manual to determine if any of the wires are loose or faulty.

    • 3

      Inspect the fan and tighten it if you discover there is little or no airflow. Replace the fan motor if there is power and the fan is not turning, since the motor is most likely burned out,

    • 4

      Check the fan if you find that it vibrates a great deal. The fan may have been damaged and may need to be replaced. Inspect the compressor to assess if the mount nuts are tight. Tighten as necessary.

    • 5

      Inspect the drain pipe for an obstruction in the event you discover water is flooding inside the machine. Remove anything you find. Check the drain pipe to clarify whether it has been placed too high and adjust it as necessary. Examine the drain pipe to make sure that it is not crimped and repair it as necessary. Check to see if the pump is operating and, if not, replace it.