Fan makes noise - Humidifiers

no info generic answer ---check fan and compressor

Without power applied to the Humidifier, can you spin the fan blade easily? Or does it seem seized?

hi ihg4. As time goes on the bearings in these fan motors start to show wear and tear. This manifests itself into a noisier humidifier. One way to minimize this noie is to put the humidifier on a piece of carpeting which will deaden the sound. Joe

Thanks for choosiing Fixya!

This sounds like the electric motor bushings are worn which will cause vibration throughout the unit. If it is relatively new I recommend checking the warranty information and returning it to the retailer for a replacement. If you have gotten your money out of it but cannot tolerate the noise, then a replacement is in order as well. The cost of replacing the motor and installing it will most likely exceed the cost of a new humidifer.

Put some lubricant, oil, WD40, etc. on shaft of fan. Spin the fan with your finger and work the oil into the shaft until the fan spins freely again. Reassemble and problem will be gone for 2-3 weeks. Repeat again until you want to replace the fan motor.

take the tank off and the fan unit housing. inside you'll see a circular filter that goes into the water sump. make sure it isn't falling apart and hitting the fan blades.

A bad circuit board should not make any noises. A bad solenoid valve could make a loud buzzing noise. If the noise is a squealing noise then you have defective bearings in the blower motor.
If you disconnect the low voltage wiring from the solenoid valve and you still hear the noise, then its not the solenoid valve.

Hi!!! your fan blower has a capacitor right next to it change that first and test it.If sound is still there then your fan blower windings are getting bad..Good luck..but first change run capacitor .

try cleaning the fan blades
dust/debris build up unbalances the fan and wears the bearings out
oil will only cure the problem for a short while - best option is to relace the fan

A noisy humidifier may be the result of an unlubricated fan motor or a drive mechanism clogged by debris. Periodically clean the water reservoir, fan, and nozzle to ensure that they are clean and working properly. To keep your humidifier working smoothly and efficiently, lubricate the fan motor bearings with SAE #20 oil. Be sure to consult your owner?s manual for proper care and maintenance procedures. If it seems loose, vibrating parts are causing the noise: 1) Disconnect the power. 2) Remove the cover and look for any vibrating parts. Tighten screws, if necessary. 3) Wiggle the fan to see if it is loose on its shaft. If it is, tighten the mounting fasteners. Lubricate the motor's bearings if suggested in your owner's manual. 4) If it still makes noise, call an appliance repairperson or take the unit into an appliance repair shop.