Honeywell Humidifier Keeps Shutting Off? – (Easy Fix)

When your Honeywell humidifier keeps shutting off randomly, don’t worry. We’ve got you!

The Honeywell humidifier works with your furnace to maintain a comfortable humidity level, so it’s frustrating when it turns off after a few minutes or hours.

The error often indicates issues with the water and humidity levels. 

To get your Honeywell humidifier to stop turning off, check the water tank and ensure it’s filled up. You also want to check the sensors, such as the float switch and humidity sensors.

Let’s dive into the other solutions!

10 Quick Solutions to Honeywell Humidifier Keeps Shutting Off

There are simple and effective solutions to fix the Honeywell humidifier yourself.

We listed the 10 best repair methods to help you get your humidifier back up and running. 

#1: Check the Water Tank and Fill It Up

The first and easiest solution is to check your water tank and fill it up if it’s low or empty.

Sometimes, you forget to refill your humidifier regularly, and it runs out of water. Monitor the water level and re-fill the tank to keep it running smoothly. 

To check your water tank and fill it up, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier from the power source. 
2. Remove the water tank from the base.
3. Check the water level and fill it up if it’s below the minimum line. 
4. Fill the water tank with clean, cool water to the maximum line. 
5. Replace the water tank on the base.
6. Ensure it’s securely positioned and aligned with the float switch.
7. Plug and turn on your humidifier and see if it works smoothly.  

Note: Do not overfill or use hot water to fill the tank; it will damage your humidifier. 

#2: Clean the Water Tank

Cleaning the water tank is the second best solution to prevent your Honeywell humidifier from shutting down randomly.

It removes clogs caused by dust, dirt, mold, bacteria, and mineral deposits. It improves water quality and ensures efficient operation.

Here are the steps to clean the water tank:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier from the power source. 
2. Remove the tank from the base and empty it.
3. Rinse it with clean water.
4. Wipe it with a soft cloth.
5. Fill the tank with 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 gallon of water. 
6. Let it soak for 20 minutes.
7. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely.
8. Replace the tank on the base, aligning it with the float switch. 
9. Plug and turn on the humidifier. 

Tip: Clean your water tank at least once a week. If you have hard water or use your humidifier frequently, clean it more often. 

#3: Examine the Water Tank for Leaks

If your Honeywell humidifier keeps shutting off, don’t worry. Check for leaks or cracks in the water tank, then ensure the seal around the cap or nozzle is tight and intact.

Doing this should help get your humidifier back up and running smoothly. 

To check the water tank for leaks, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your humidifier. 
2. Remove the water tank from the base.
3. Inspect it for visible damage.
4. Fill the tank with water and hold it over a sink or a bucket.  
5. Look for signs of dripping or leaking from the tank or cap.
6. If you find leaks, replace your water tank or cap with a new one. 
7. If not, replace the water tank on the base and ensure it’s aligned with the float switch.

Note: You can order a replacement part from Honeywell’s website or contact customer service for assistance.  

#4: Inspect the Filter and Clean It

A dirty or worn-out filter reduces the mist output and causes the humidifier to shut off.

To avoid this, inspect and clean the filter. Ensure it is in good condition to remove impurities from the water and prevent mineral buildup.  

Inspecting the Filter:

Cleaning the Filter:

1. Soak the filter in 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water for 20 minutes.
2. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
3. Squeeze out excess water.  
4. Let the filter air dry completely before putting it back into your humidifier.

Note: To replace the filter, insert a new one into your humidifier according to its instructions. 

Tip: Clean and replace your filter every one to three months, depending on the frequency of humidifier use and water hardness.   

#5: Check the Power Source and Cables

A faulty power outlet, cord, plug, or switch causes intermittent power loss and triggers your humidifier to shut down.

It’s worth examining the components to identify the root cause of the problem and address it effectively. 

To check the power source and cables, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug the humidifier. 
2. Inspect the wires and power source for signs of damage, wear, and corrosion.
3. Replace any defects with new ones. 
4. Plug your humidifier into a different power outlet and see if it works normally. 
5. If so, the issue lies with the original outlet; fix it or find an alternative.  

If the humidifier still doesn’t work, inspect the water tank and base cables for loose or damaged connections.

Tighten and replace as necessary. 

#6: Make Sure the Float Switch is not Stuck

Inside your humidifier’s water tank is a float switch that detects the water level in the tank.

If your Honeywell humidifier turns off unexpectedly, you want to check if it’s stuck and not floating with the water level. If so, your humidifier will shut off even with enough water.

To check and fix the float switch, follow these steps:

1. Make sure your humidifier is turned off and unplugged.
2. Find the float switch inside the water tank.
3. Check the float switch to see if it’s free to move.
4. Tap on it with your finger to see if it moves.
5. Clean it with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in vinegar if it’s stuck.
6. Spray some lubricant to make it move smoothly.
7. Put back the water tank and turn on your humidifier.

Note: Drain the water from the tank if you’re cleaning the float switch.

#7: Check the Humidity Sensor

Your humidifier comes with a sensor that measures the humidity levels in your room.

If the sensor is dirty, covered, or broken, it will give inaccurate readings and cause your humidifier to shut off prematurely.

Here’s how to check and clean the humidity sensor:

1. Switch off your humidifier and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Find the humidity sensor, usually located on the back or side.
3. Check the humidity sensor for any signs of damage or dirt build-up.
4. If the sensor is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
5. If it’s dirty, clean it with a soft cloth or brush.
6. Dry it thoroughly before turning the humidifier back on.

Important: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to clean the humidity sensor.

#8: Verify Your Humidity Settings

The humidity settings allow you to control how much moisture your humidifier will produce.

However, there are instances when your settings are too low for your environment, and this causes your humidifier to shut off frequently.

To adjust your humidity settings, follow these steps:

1. Find the humidity knobs or buttons on your humidifier.
2. Adjust the knob or press the buttons to increase your desired humidity levels.
3. Check the humidity level that will be displayed on the control panel.
4. Wait for your humidifier to turn on and off to maintain that level.

Pro Tip: The ideal humidity level for your home is around 40% to 60%, so you want to ensure your device is configured in this range.

We recommend setting the humidity level on the high side if you have dry skin, nose, or throat. However, if your home has mold and mildew problems, set it on the low side.

#9: Ambient Temperature is Too Low

Some humidifiers require a certain minimum temperature to produce mist effectively. If the temperature in your room is too cold, it will cause your humidifier to shut off.

If you want to check if you’re still within the operating range of your device, here’s how you do it:

1. Get your humidifier’s manual and check its minimum operating temperature.
2. Some Honeywell humidifiers require at least 50°F to work.
3. Check your thermostat and set it above your humidifier’s operating temperature.
4. Raise the temperature by using a heater or a fireplace.
5. Wait for 10 minutes and check if your humidifier is working fine.

#10: Reset Your Honeywell Humidifier

If none of the above solutions help you out and solve your issue of it shutting down unexpectedly, you need to perform a reset.

Your humidifier might suffer from a glitch, causing it to turn off every time.

To reset your Honeywell humidifier, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Power and Humidity buttons for 5 seconds.
2. Wait for the power light to flash.
3. You will hear a beep to indicate the reset is complete.
4. Wait for another 30 seconds before switching the humidifier back on.

Tip: Resetting your humidifier will erase any of your settings, so you must set it up again.

These solutions should get your Honeywell humidifier working like normal again. If you still encounter the same problem, we recommend contacting Honeywell Support for assistance.

Quick Recap

Whenever your Honeywell humidifier keeps shutting off, it’s an issue with the water tank or the sensors.

You need to check for enough water in the tank and ensure it’s clean. You’ll also need to check your humidity settings.

If you want to know how to fix your Honeywell devices, visit our blog!