I’ve been looking into the installation of a whole-house humidifier.
- I live in an area that experiences especially long and brutally cold winter seasons.
With the windows and doors sealed tight and the furnace blasting at maximum capacity, the indoor air becomes extremely dry. Frizzy hair, chapped lips, static shock and headaches are just a few of the consequences. I worry about my hardwood floors and antiques cracking and splitting. I struggle with aggravated issues of psoriasis and my kids are constantly sneezing, coughing and complaining of sore throats. I tried portable humidifiers. They were nothing but an aggravation. The reservoirs were always empty and I never noticed any improvement. I did some research and decided that we need a humidifier that connects with the ductwork. The unit would introduce necessary moisture into the air as it cycles through the furnace and then distribute it to every room. Because properly humidified air feels warmer than dry air, I’m hoping I could lower the thermostat a bit and save some money on my utility bills. Reducing the wear and tear of the furnace might help to lengthen its lifespan as well. There are three main types of whole-house humidifiers that offer different benefits; bypass, fan-powered and steam. Bypass humidifiers use a water tray installed on the supply or return plenum of the central heating system. They normally require a drain, which isn’t really feasible with my setup. Fan-powered humidifiers use a fan to push air through the water tray for better evaporation. They can provide a gallon more of humidity per day when compared to a bypass option. I like the features of steam-style humidifiers. Electrodes boil water to create humidity in the form of steam. The steam is dispersed via the ventilation system. This type of humidifier is more efficient and offers the most natural form of humidity.