Adding a humidifier to your furnace can be a wise move, especially during the winter months when humidity levels drop. There are many benefits to a humidifier, including:
1. Improved comfort: The increased moisture in the air can have a warming effect and make the room seem more comfortable. It can also reduce the noticeable draftiness of a home.
2. Reduced risks of respiratory irritation and infection: Low humidity levels can dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat leading to irritation, coughing, and sneezing that can make upper respiratory illnesses worse.
The addition of a humidifier can potentially reduce the risk of respiratory illness and make the air easier to breathe.
3. Reduced static electricity: High humidity can help reduce static electricity, which is beneficial for users of electric appliances or electronics.
4. Reduced wood furniture, flooring and trim damage: Low humidity can cause wood to shrink or crack, potentially leading to costly damage. Adding a humidifier can help protect your investment into wood furniture, flooring, and trim.
The specific cost benefit of adding a humidifier to your furnace will depend on the size of your home and the brand of the humidifier. If you do choose to add a humidifier to your furnace, you should also remember to regularly clean and maintain the system according to manufacturer instructions in order to get the most benefit.
How much does it cost to add a humidifier to your furnace?
The cost to add a humidifier to your furnace will depend on the size of the unit, the type of humidifier, and the installation costs. Generally, a small, basic whole-home humidifier will cost around $400 to install.
If you choose a higher-end model, such as an Aprilaire, you could end up spending closer to $500 or more. On top of the cost of the unit, you will also have to pay for installation costs and additional materials.
Generally, installation of a humidifier can cost anywhere between $150 and $500 depending on the complexity of the setup and local labor rates. In some cases, you may also need to purchase additional materials such as water filters, humidistats, and hoses, which can all increase the total cost.
Can I put a humidifier next to my furnace?
Yes, you can put a humidifier next to your furnace, but there are a few safety precautions you should take first. First, make sure that the humidifier is far enough away from the furnace so that it won’t be damaged by heat or accidentally placed on the furnace itself.
You should also be aware that the furnace can generate a tremendous amount of dust and dirt, so be sure to check and clean the humidifier regularly to prevent this dirt and dust from getting into the humidifier and clogging its AH filter or other parts.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure proper circulation of the air in the room that the furnace and humidifier are in, either by having a fan or other circulation device in the room or making sure the humidifier isn’t in a corner restricting the circulation of air.
Finally, regular cleaning of the humidifier is essential for optimal operation, as is making sure that there is proper airflow around it so that it can work correctly and deliver the desired temperature and humidity levels to the space.
Where should you not put a humidifier?
You should not put a humidifier in an enclosed space such as a closet, as the moisture produced by the unit will have difficulty dissipating and can cause mildew or mold growth. You also should not place a humidifier in direct contact with furniture and fabrics, as this can cause the materials to become damp and cause damage over time.
Furthermore, it is never a good idea to place a humidifier close to an open flame, such as a candle or fireplace, as this can create a fire hazard. Additionally, it is best to avoid placing a humidifier near curtains or other loose items as the air produced by the unit can cause them to flutter and obstruct the flow of air to the unit.
Where should a furnace humidifier be installed?
Generally speaking, a furnace humidifier should be installed directly onto the warm-air supply plenum of a forced-air furnace. This is because the warm air will draw moisture into the air stream and distribute it evenly throughout the ductwork.
If a humidifier is installed downstream of any ductwork or too far away from the furnace, the air will cool before reaching the humidifier, leading to condensed water in the humidifier that can cause the system to malfunction.
Careful attention should also be given to the area of the home where the humidifier will be placed. Reaching the desired humidity level may require a humidifier installed in multiple locations across the home, depending on the size and layout of the home.
Finally, before any installation takes place, it is important to make sure that all electrical components and wiring are up to code and in proper working order.
Do humidifiers affect furnace filters?
Yes, humidifiers can affect furnace filters. When a humidifier is running, the increased moisture in the air can be pulled into the furnace, where it can cause a buildup of dust and other particles that can clog the filter.
This can make the filter less effective at filtering the air and cause it to need to be changed more often. To help reduce this, it is recommended to use a furnace filter with a higher MERV rating and to regularly check and clean the filter to prevent clogs.
Additionally, some humidifiers are designed with antimicrobial filters to help reduce the amount of dust and other particles that enter the furnace.
Can a humidifier be added to an electric furnace?
Yes, a humidifier can be added to an electric furnace. The most common type of humidifier used for this purpose is a bypass humidifier. This type of humidifier is installed upstream of your furnace’s blower.
As your furnace’s blower pulls in air from the home, the humidifier adds moisture to the air before it is delivered through your forced-air ducts. Along with the blower unit, you’ll also need a source of water, such as a water line, or a connection to a steam, boiler or hot water heater.
You may also need a solenoid valve to regulate the amount of water flowing through the humidifier. Additionally, installing a humidistat on the return air duct and wiring it to your furnace controls will allow the humidifier to automatically adjust and maintain the humidity level desired.
For best results, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional in installation, set-up, and regular maintenance of your humidifier.
How long do furnace humidifiers last?
The average lifespan of a furnace humidifier is between 10 to 15 years. This number can, however, be extended by proper annual maintenance and inspection, as well as ensuring that the humidifier is not overused or not used at all during the winter months.
Regular and proper cleaning of the humidifier can help it last longer and also help it to maintain its efficacy. It is best to consult with an expert in the field of HVAC to understand and discuss the recommended maintenance of your furnace humidifier.
What type of whole house humidifier is best?
Choosing the best type of whole house humidifier depends on several factors, such as the size of the house and climatic conditions. In general, there are three main types of whole house humidifiers: evaporative, steam, and ultrasonic.
Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to blow air over a moistened wick filter, while steam humidifiers boil water to create steam that is then released into a home’s air. Ultrasonic humidifiers, on the other hand, disperse microscopic mist into the environment.
In terms of determining which type is best, evaporative humidifiers are generally recommended for larger homes and steam humidifiers are best for smaller homes. If a home is located in an area with cold temperatures, then steam humidifiers are the better choice.
On the other hand, if a home is in an area with temperatures that fluctuate, then an evaporative or ultrasonic option may work best.
Ultimately, the best type of whole house humidifier for each household will depend on factors such as the size of the home, the climate, and the homeowner’s budget and desired functionality. It is recommended to speak to a qualified HVAC technician before making a purchase decision.
How hard is it to install a whole house humidifier?
Installing a whole house humidifier mainly depends on the particular unit you get and your level of experience with projects like this. If you purchase a self-installed whole house humidifier, the manufacturer may provide specialized instructions that can help you with the process.
Generally, these types of installations involve mounting the humidifier on the HVAC duct and connecting water/electrical/Drain piping. It is important to ensure that the system is properly connected and leak free before running the unit.
If you are not comfortable with the task of installing the humidifier yourself, it is best to call a professional. This is especially true if your layout or existing setup is complicated or you are dealing with an integrated humidifier that needs to be matched specifically to your HVAC system.
An HVAC technician can help assess any necessary modifications to the system, identify any potential problems, and perform the installation quickly and more accurately. They can also help provide advice and support on the unit’s proper maintenance and operation.
How much is a whole house dehumidifier installed?
The cost of a whole house dehumidifier installation typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the size, model, and location of the unit. The cost of installation can vary depending on your home’s existing HVAC system, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation, but basic labor can cost an average of $75 to $125 per hour.
In addition, costs may include the price of the dehumidifier and the duct work to install the unit, which can range between $450 and $2,000. If you need to upgrade or modify your current HVAC system, those costs should also be factored into the equation.
Additional fees may be added to the overall cost if additional materials are necessary or if a licensed or certified technician is required to install the unit according to local codes.
Should you run a dehumidifier in the basement all the time?
When deciding whether or not to run a dehumidifier in your basement all the time, there are several factors to consider. First, consider the amount of moisture in your basement. If the air is particularly humid, then it may be a good idea to use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity level down.
If the humidity level is consistent and not too high, then running a dehumidifier could be unnecessary. Secondly, consider the size of your basement. A larger space will require a higher capacity dehumidifier than a small one.
Lastly, consider the cost of running a dehumidifier. Running the dehumidifier all the time will be more expensive than only running it intermittently to keep the air dry. Weighing all these factors should help you decide whether or not it is best to run a dehumidifier in your basement all the time.
Where should I place my basement dehumidifier?
The best place to put your basement dehumidifier is in a central location near the area where you need it the most. For best performance of the dehumidifier, choose an area that will allow for easy access to a power source and have a minimum of obstructions since air flow is essential for your unit to work properly.
Avoid placing the unit near windows or air vents since this will reduce its efficiency. Make sure to have enough space around the unit to allow for proper air circulation and maximum functioning. The dehumidifier should also be placed away from sources of heat such as radiators or furnaces.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the dehumidifier is not placed near furniture, curtains, or other items that may obstruct the air flow. Finally, avoid placing the dehumidifier on concrete floors as the cold temperatures can hinder its performance.