January 20, 2017

Do I Need a Whole House Humidifier

Whole House Humidifiers add moisture to the air inside your home and can often help with sinus problems, usually aggravated by dry air.

A whole-house humidifier can relieve many problems associated with winter weather such as dry and itchy skin. In this post, St. Louis HVAC expert will discuss the various options available when it comes to choosing a humidifier for your home.

If you and your family are facing problems such as sore throats, chapped lips, and seasonal colds and allergies because of dry air, then you should consider installing a humidifier in your home.

Central humidifiers, also known as whole house humidifiers hook up directly to your HVAC systems, along with the plumbing. Here are some types of central humidifiers available in the market:

  • Steam humidification system: It uses less water compared to other types and is an eco-friendly system. The unit adds an equal amount of moisture to the air for each gallon of water used. These systems are approved for use in homes up to 3,000 square feet.
  • Fan-powered whole-house humidifiers: These systems are also approved for use in homes up to 3000 square feet. This humidification system can provide high moisture output. If your home is extremely dry, this may be the right choice for you. You will need to use a humidifier pad with this unit.
  • Drum humidification system: It can be installed quickly and requires little maintenance. This system requires no drain.
  • Bypass whole house humidifier: It lets you control humidity levels through the seasons, and it requires maintenance similar to that of the fan-powered humidification systems.
  • Spray Mist Systems: These systems spray a fine mist into your home’s ductwork when the furnace or air conditioner kicks on. Spray Mist Systems don’t require much maintenance, but they can clog up with mineral deposits if your water supply has hard water.

With so many options available, homeowners should consider the needs of their homes and research each type of system thoroughly before making the purchase decision. You can find some comparison charts online, which can help you make a sound decision.

Whole-House Humidifier Installation

Once you have chosen the right type of humidifier for your home, it’s time to start thinking about installation.

First of all, make sure that the area where you plan to install the humidifier is an area of the house that does not drop below freezing during the winter. Furnaces and air conditioners are often installed in attics and basements, which means there’s a possibility that the temperature could drop below freezing during the winter. If this happens, it could cause pipes, joints, or seals to fail.

Also, you need to make sure you buy the correct size humidification system for your home.

It’s best to speak to your residential-services St. Louis HVAC contractor, who can assess your needs and then recommend a humidification system that best suits your needs.