While not a DIY project, home technology expert Ross Trethewey shows a homeowner the basics of having a whole-house humidifier installed to help solve their winter-specific dry air issues.
Your Heater is the Problem
Winter can be a tough time for controlling the humidity in your home. Unlike summer, where air conditioning systems actually handle the bulk of the humidity control, heating systems actually cause the issue. As air is heated, it wants to escape the house, pulling in cold air behind it. That cold air is dry and continues to sap the moisture from the air. While it should be between 30% and 60%, some homes might reach humidity levels as low as 15%, causing dry skin, static, and other issues.
A Whole-House Humidifier is the Solution
A whole-house humidifier can solve the problem. These systems are installed in the trunk of the HVAC system and work to emit moisture into the air after it has been heated within the coil. This allows the heating system to maintain comfortable levels of moisture, fighting the cold, dry air cycle.
What Do You Need for a Whole-House Humidifier?
There are a few things you’ll need for a whole-house humidifier system. As far as parts go, you’ll need a humidifier system, a humidifier wand, and a humidifier controller. These items are installed near the heating system, with the humidifier wand being installed in the air ducts.
Other items you need to install a whole-house humidifier are at least 6 feet of straight trunk run, a nearby source for electricity, another source for fresh water, and a nearby drain for condensation and overflow.
How Does a Whole-House Humidifier Work?
Whole-house humidifiers are relatively simple in theory. The system is installed near the main heating system, and inside the humidifier is a water tank. The tank has electrodes at the top, and as the water rises and touches the electrodes, it vaporizes and becomes steam. The steam then travels through a pipe to the humidifier wand, which is installed in the ductwork on the supply side of the heater.
As the thermostat in the home senses low humidity levels, it sends a signal to the humidity controller. The humidity controller throttles the humidifier on and off, controlling how much humidity is pushed into the ductwork and dispersed throughout the house.
Long-Term Maintenance of Whole-House Humidifiers
Maintenance for these systems is relatively simple. All that service requires is replacing the tank and cleaning the electrodes every two to three years. This removes collected scale and allows the humidifier to work more efficiently, keeping the home comfortable for years to come.
Resources
Ross Trethewey recommends a whole house humidifier for a homeowner experiencing very dry winters.
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