How to Troubleshoot a Trane Furnace Humidifier

Turn off the furnace and the humidifier and shut off the breaker to make sure they don't activate while you inspect it. This prevents electrical accidents.

Inspect the hoses and connections going into the humidifier to check for leaks. If a hose is cracked or a connection loose, it needs repair before you run the humidifier again. A leak prevents the correct amount of moisture from being transported through the ducts and your house is dryer as a result.

Feel the water drain line for obstructions. If you feel a clog or blockage in the hose, flush it out with hot water to restore function.

Set your furnace fan to run continuously if the humidifier is running fine but the house is still dry. Furnace humidifiers only run when the furnace blower is on, and the house may not be getting enough moisture during the regular furnace cycle.

Verify the humidifier is getting water. It should either have a reservoir that is full or it should have a water tube and valve that continuously feeds it. The valve should be open.

Replace the filters and the evaporator pad. The method for this depends on your specific Trane model so follow all operating instructions. The furnace and humidifier should be turned off whenever doing this to prevent shock. This should usually be done at least once a year to keep the system working properly.

Turn up the humidtsat on the device and then set your furnace to 5 degrees hotter than the current room temperature. This should activate both the furnace and the humidifier. If the furnace turns on and the humidifier doesn't, check the power wires going into the humidifier to make sure they are not loose or disconnected. If the wires look fine, the unit may have burned out and requires professional inspection.

Contact Trane by either calling a local Trane dealer or by emailing the company through its website if you still have problems. A representative can help advise you on how to proceed or set up a professional inspection.