Should I change my water panel every year?

The filter in the humidifier may go by many names: water panel, evaporator pad, et al.

It should be replaced each heating season because:

• It maximizes humidifier performance.
• Once a water panel dries out over the summer and becomes wet again during the heating season, it may smell like mold or mildew
• Cleaning the water panel (as you may have seen advertised on television) can remove the cellulose coating. This coating actually acts as a surface for water droplets to adhere to.
• Failing to change your water panel regularly could cause your humidifier to "leak," sometimes causing damage to furnace controls and/or floors.

"If you don't change your filter, minerals will build up and reduce your humidifier's output...Replace your filter at least once during the season. If you have hard water or water with high mineral content, you need to replace your filter more often. If you haven't used your humidfier for an extended period of time, dispose of the filter and install a fresh one."
~ Lowes