What Happens If Humidifier Runs Out Of Water – 10 Alerts

What happens if a humidifier runs out of water? If your humidifier runs out of water, it will likely shut off automatically.

When this happens, the humidifier will no longer be able to produce moisture. It will need to be refilled before it can be used again.

Here’s What Happens If Humidifier Runs Out Of Water

A few things can happen if your humidifier runs out of water. Some responses depend on the type of humidifier you have.

So let’s look at what happens if your humidifier runs out of water and how you can avoid it.

1. Shut Off Automatically:

If you have an ultrasonic humidifier, it will likely shut off automatically when it runs out of water.

This is to prevent the unit from overworking and potentially damaging itself.

Once you refill the humidifier, it can get turned back on. In ultrasonic humidifiers, a piezoelectric transducer is there. It vibrates at a frequency that produces water droplets.

The vibration will cause the water to heat up, so it’s essential that the humidifier doesn’t run dry and overheat.

And if you have a central humidifier, it will also shut off when it runs out of water.

A central humidifier connects to your furnace. It will use the furnace’s blower to circulate moist air throughout your home.

But when the water reservoir is empty, the humidifier will shut off until it’s refilled.

2. Continue Running:

Some humidifiers will continue running even when they’re out of water.

But how will they work if there’s no water to evaporate? The humidifier will blow air through the wick.

The wick is the part of the humidifier that absorbs water. As the air passes through the wick, it will pick up some moisture.

So even though there’s no water left to evaporate, the humidifier will still be able to add some moisture to the air.

If your humidifier has an indicator light, it will likely turn red or orange when the water runs out.

This is to let you know that the humidifier needs refill.

3. Damage the Unit:

If your humidifier doesn’t have an automatic shut-off, it can overheat and damage the unit.

This is why it’s essential always to keep an eye on your humidifier. Also, make sure that it doesn’t run out of water.

Sometimes, the humidifier can also leak. If this happens, it can damage your floors or furniture.

To avoid this, always empty the water reservoir when you’re finished using it.

And since it is fire hazardous, it is essential to unplug your humidifier when you’re not using it.

It can be easy to forget to refill your humidifier, especially if you’re using it for long periods.

To avoid this, set a reminder on your phone or calendar. This will help you remember to refill the humidifier before it runs out of water.

5. Cause Health Problems:

Do you have a respiratory condition, like asthma or allergies? You may rely on a humidifier to help you breathe.

If your humidifier runs out of water, it can worsen your symptoms.

Dry air can irritate your throat and lungs. It can also make you more susceptible to respiratory infections.

If you have a central humidifier, it’s essential to keep it running. This is because the furnace can dry out the air in your home.

If you have an evaporative humidifier, you may not need to use it as often.

But if the air in your home is arid, you may need to use it more often to maintain a comfortable humidity level.

6. Cause Humidity Issues:

Humidity issues such as mold and mildew can occur if your humidifier runs out of water.

This is because the humidifier will no longer be able to add moisture to the air.

If the relative humidity in your home drops below 30%, it can create an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth.

Moreover, it will become a breeding ground for dust mites. Bacteria also love humid conditions.

So if your humidifier runs out of water, it can make your home more dangerous.

7. Waste Energy:

This is essential as the humidifier will be working harder to produce the same amount of moisture.

In evaporative humidifier, fan will run continuously to try and evaporate the water.

But since no water evaporates, the humidifier will just be blowing dry air.

This can waste a lot of energy and increase your electric bill. The furnace will continue running if you have a central humidifier.

So it’s essential always to keep an eye on your humidifier and ensure it doesn’t run out of water.

8. It Can Blast:

If you have an ultrasonic humidifier, it can blast when it runs out of water.

This is because the ultrasonic waves create a mist that’s injected into the air.

But if there’s no water to create the mist, the humidifier will produce a loud noise.

This can be annoying and may even damage the humidifier. And since it’s fire hazardous, it’s important to unplug your humidifier when you’re not using it.

9. Gunk Up the Humidifier:

If you have a humidifier with a filter, it can get gummed up if it runs out of water.

This is because the filter will trap impurities in the water. And without water to rinse it off, the filter can get clogged.

This can reduce the efficiency of the humidifier and may even damage it.

It will also no longer be able to remove impurities from the air. So without water, the humidifier can worsen your home’s air quality.

10. It Can Overheat The Room:

A humidifier with a heating element can overheat the room if it runs out of water. It will continue to generate heat even though there’s no water to evaporate.

This can raise the room’s temperature, making you feel uncomfortable. Your health problems can also get worse in hot and humid conditions.

So here are the consequences of what happens if the humidifier runs out of water.

How To Avoid The Humidifier Running Out Of Water:

Now that you know what happens if a humidifier runs out of water, you may be wondering how to avoid it.

Here are some tips:

1. Have A Spare Bottle:

Always keep a spare bottle of water nearby if you have a portable humidifier.

This way, you can quickly and easily refill the humidifier when it runs out of water.

Also, it’s a good idea to keep the extra water in a calm and dark place. This will prevent the water from getting too warm or too cold.

2. Use Distilled Water:

If you have an evaporative humidifier, it’s best to use distilled water.

This is because distilled water doesn’t contain any minerals. And when the water evaporates, it will leave behind any minerals in the water.

This can clog up the humidifier and reduce its efficiency. And it can also shorten the lifespan of the humidifier.

3. Get A Humidistat:

A humidistat is a device that measures the humidity in the air.

It’s a good idea to get a humidistat because it will help you keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home.

If the humidity gets too low, you can quickly and easily refill the humidifier.

It can also help in preventing the humidifier from running out of water. It will indicate when to fill up the humidifier again.

4. Check The Water Level Regularly:

You should always check the water level in the humidifier regularly. This is especially important if you have a console humidifier. They tend to use more water.

It’s a good idea to check the water level every day. This way, you can quickly and easily refill the humidifier when it runs out of water.

Also, it’s a good idea to keep the humidifier where you can see it. This will help you remember to check the water level regularly.

5. Set A Timer:

If you have a humidifier with a timer, you can set it to turn off when the water runs out automatically.

This will prevent the humidifier from running dry and damaging itself.

It will also help save electricity because the humidifier won’t run when there’s no water.

6. Set A Reminder:

You can set a reminder on your phone or computer. This way, you can remember to check the water level in the humidifier regularly.

You can also set a reminder to refill the humidifier when it runs out of water. For instance, you can set a reminder every day at 10 am.

Or you can set a reminder for every other day. Usually, a weekly reminder is enough.

7. Use A Humidifier With A Shut-Off Valve:

If you’re worried about the humidifier running out of water, you can get a humidifier with a shut-off valve.

This safety feature turns off the humidifier when water level is too low.

It’s a good idea to get a humidifier with a shut-off valve. It will help prevent the humidifier from running dry.

8. Keep It Away From Heat:

You should keep the humidifier away from heat sources. such as radiators, fireplaces, and stoves.

This is because the heat can cause the water to evaporate quickly.

And if the humidifier is near a heat source, it will run out of water quickly.

9. Get A Larger Humidifier:

If you have a large room, you should get a larger humidifier. It will use more water, but it will be able to humidify the space more effectively.

And you won’t have to refill it as often. Also, getting a humidifier with a capacity of at least 1 gallon is a good idea.

10. Don’t Use It All The Time:

It would help if you only used the humidifier when you needed it. For instance, you can use it during the winter when the air is dry.

Or you can use it when you’re sick. If you use the humidifier always, it will use more water, and you’ll have to refill it more often.

Conclusion:

If your humidifier runs out of water, it can damage it and reduce its efficiency.

It’s a good idea to get a humidistat to help you keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home.

You should also check the water level regularly. Also, refill the humidifier when running out of water.