Honeywell Humidifier Won’t Turn On? – (07 Easy Fixes)

If your Honeywell humidifier won’t turn on, it can be challenging to know what to troubleshoot since you get input for the issue.

There are a couple of causes for your humidifier not turning, including checking the power or device configuration.

To fix your Honeywell humidifier not turning on, start by checking the power supply integrity. Next, inspect the water levels and ensure your filter is in optimal condition.

Now that you know the general fixes for this power issue, let’s first explore what causes it.

Why Does My Honeywell Humidifier Not Turn On?

Whenever your Honeywell humidifier is not turning on, it can be due to two primary reasons.

First, you could have an internal safety feature preventing the device from running, and second, it could be that you must maintain or clean the internal components.

In rare cases, it can be due to hardware damage to the power supply or internal components. 

Here is an overview of the most common causes of Honeywell humidifiers not powering on:

Now that you know what the top causes are, we can start troubleshooting them one by one.

How to Fix Honeywell Humidifier Won’t Turn On

Tip: Always place your Honeywell humidifier on an even and level surface.

1. Check the Power Supply

The first troubleshooting you should perform is to verify that your Honeywell device does not have a faulty power cable or is using a non-working outlet.

To ensure your device does not have issues receiving power, you must examine the power supply thoroughly.

Here is how to check your Honeywell humidifier power supply for issues:

1. Test the outlet where you connect your Honeywell humidifier with another device to confirm it’s providing power.
2. If both devices are not working, it’s likely the cause is due to a faulty power outlet.
3. If you are using a power strip, ensure there aren’t many simultaneously connected electronic devices to not overload it.
4. Check if there are any blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers in your home. 
5. If a circuit breaker is tripped, reset it and try powering your Honeywell again afterward.
6. Ensure the power cord of the humidifier isn’t damaged or overly creased.

If, after all these steps, your Honeywell still won’t power on, check to see if you are using the original power adapter for your humidifier.

Ensure the power cable is fully and firmly connected to the humidifier base.

Note: Always unplug the humidifier before checking its components.

2. Inspect the Water Level

The Honeywell humidifier not turning on can sometimes be caused by incorrect water levels within your Honeywell humidifier water tank.

Some models of humidifiers have built-in safety measures that prevent the device from turning on if the tank is empty or overfilled.

Here is how to verify the water levels for your Honeywell humidifier are within safe levels:

1. Ensure your Honeywell is disconnected from a power source.
2. Open the Honeywell humidifier’s water tank.
3. Verify that the water tank is filled to the appropriate level.
4. Check if there’s a water level sensor or float; ensure it’s not stuck or obstructed.
5. Clean the water sensor with a soft cloth to remove plaque if it appears dirty.
6. Reassemble and try turning the Honeywell humidifier on again.

If you are unsure how much to fill your Honeywell water tank, you can always reference the user manual or check for a water level indicator line.

Note: A malfunctioning water level sensor might prevent the unit from turning on.

3. Clean the Filter

If your Honeywell filter is too congested, it can prevent water from reaching your humidifier.

This can cause your device to not turn on to prevent overheating or permanent damage.

To ensure this is not the case, your filter should be in the best operational condition possible. 

Note that the provided steps could vary depending on your Honeywell model.

Here are the steps to clean your Honeywell humidifier filter.

1. Disconnect your Honeywell device from the power outlet.
2. Remove the side or top panels to access the filter compartment.
3. Gently remove the filter from the humidifier.
4. Clean it thoroughly under running water.
5. Allow the filter to dry completely.
6. Reinsert the filter and try turning on the device.

If your filter has a mineral buildup, it might be time to replace it with a brand-new one.

Sometimes, it’s not worth trying to salvage a depleted filter as it can damage your humidifier’s internal components.

Note: Regular filter maintenance can extend the lifespan of the humidifier.

4. Examine the Humidistat

If your home has a humidistat that is connected to your Honeywell humidifier, it could be preventing it from working.

This is because if your humidistat detects a certain humidity threshold is reached, it will power off your Honeywell device automatically.

Here is how to check for humidistat interference with your Honeywell humidifier.

1. Locate the humidistat (controls humidity levels) on your device.
2. Ensure it’s set above the current room humidity level.
3. Try adjusting the settings to a higher level.
4. Check if the Honeywell humidifier turns on.

Remember that if you exceed 50% humidity level, you risk having adverse health effects such as mold buildup.

Note: The unit may not turn on if the room's humidity matches or exceeds the humidistat setting.

5. Reset the Device

Like any electronic device, Humidifiers can occasionally stop working due to a static charge that builds up over time and prevents it from powering on.

This is a common occurrence and can be cleared quickly. This step can also clear some temporary software errors.

Here is how to properly power cycle your Honeywell device:

1. Turn off the Honeywell humidifier and unplug it.
2. Wait for about 10 minutes.
3. Plug your Honeywell device back into a working power outlet.
4. Turn the humidifier on to see if it operates as intended now.

Note: Check if your circuit breaker is not disabling electricity to the outlet of your humidifier.

6. Check for Blockages

If your Honeywell humidifier has any obstructed ventilation or intake ports, it can cause your device not to power on at all.

To prevent this exact issue, you need to ensure your humidifier is in top working condition by checking for blockages.

Here are the general ways to ensure no blockages for your Honeywell humidifier:

1. Unplug your Honeywell humidifier from the power source.
2. Inspect the mist outlet for any obstructions.
3. Check the fan and its area for dust or debris.
4. Clean any blockages you find with a soft brush.
5. Assemble the unit and retest it.

If you notice that a particular outlet is obstructed by hard-to-remove plaque, apply a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water to the area before scrubbing it. 

Note: Blockages can impede airflow and prevent the humidifier from functioning.

7. Clean the Mineral Buildup

Honeywell humidifier not turning on can be due to mineral deposits around the water filter that stop your pump from working due to obstructions.

1. Open the humidifier and inspect for mineral deposits.
2. Use a descaling solution or white vinegar to clean the affected parts.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning.
4. Assemble the unit and check its operation.

The water quality you use for your Honeywell humidifier can greatly affect its lifespan and filter depletion rate.

If your water is mineral or iron-rich, it can cause premature wear out of your humidifier.

When given the chance, always use distilled water with your humidifiers to preserve them.

Note: Mineral buildup can interfere with the humidifier's performance, especially in areas with hard water.

Quick Recap

Whenever your Honeywell humidifier won’t turn on, check that the power source is working, then ensure the water level is correct.

Then, see if there are any obstructions and clean any mineral deposits. If the issue still persists, you might have a complex troubleshooting issue.

In this case, it’s best to contact Honeywell support.