You can optimize the function of your home furnace by installing a whole-furnace humidifier. A furnace humidifier fosters proper distribution of moisture throughout your home, protecting you or your family from dry air during winter. Dry air can cause skin irritations and allergies.
Furthermore, how much does it cost to add a humidifier to your furnace?
The Costs. The average maximum cost reported for furnace humidifier installation is $450. The average minimum reported cost for furnace humidifier installation is $370.
Also, where should a humidifier be placed on a furnace? These systems are relatively simple to install, and they typically attach to the main stack of a forced-air furnace where the unit draws its water from a nearby hot or cold water pipe. Some humidifiers are installed in the return-air duct and add moisture to the air before it’s heated.
Then, do furnace humidifiers cause mold?
Because the interior of a furnace humidifier is a moist environment, it is at risk for mold growth. Mold can grow on the absorbent padding inside the humidifier or on the interior walls. If mold growth goes unchecked, the furnace can blow mold spores into your home.
How does humidifier work with furnace?
A furnace-mounted, or whole-house, humidifier connects to a forced-air heating system to deliver moist air throughout the house. A flow-through humidifier typically is mounted to the furnace’s cold-air return duct and connects to the hot-air supply off the furnace through a humidifier supply takeoff duct.
13 Related Question Answers Found
How long does a furnace humidifier last?
How Long Does a Whole House Humidifier Last and When Do You Have to Replace It? They last an average of 10 years. You should replace a unit that is near the end of this lifespan and isn’t performing well.
Should humidifier run when furnace is off?
Most humidifiers have a humidistat that senses the current humidity and turns the humidifier on and off depending on the humidistat setting. The humidistat is typically installed on a furnace duct, usually close to the humidifier. A humidifier can only put moisture into the air when the furnace fan is running.
When should I turn on my humidifier?
Setting the Indoor Humidity A comfortable relative humidity for most homes throughout the summer, spring, and fall is between 30 percent and 50 percent. If you set your humidifier to this level, it should be comfortable for your home and family most of the year.
Do humidifiers on furnaces really work?
Even better, a whole house humidifier can actually save you money. A home with higher humidity will feel warmer, allowing you to be more comfortable at lower temperatures. However, humidifiers only work when your heating system is actually running, so you’re only adding moisture when your furnace or heat pump is on.
How do I know if my furnace has a humidifier?
If there is a small box like the one in the picture above hanging from the furnace or ductwork beside the furnace with a small electrical wire and a small water hose attached, you have a humidifier.
Are humidifiers worth it?
Humidifiers on the market with humidistats or hygrometers (handy gadgets that measure the humidity in your home) are available and well worth the extra cost since overly moist air is just as bad, or worse, than air that is too dry.
Should I turn off my humidifier in the summer?
However, the air in the summer is moist so using a humidifier is unnecessary and it can actually cost you money. If you forget to turn off your humidifier and close the damper in the spring, your air conditioner will have to work harder and longer to remove the excess moisture.
How often should I change my furnace humidifier filter?
Filter Replacement Replace your humidifier’s filter(s) once every three months. If you use your humidifier every day, replace the filter every two months.
Can humidifiers cause pneumonia?
Some scientists maintain that a strain of bacteria that can be released by humidifiers can cause a respiratory disease similar to pneumonia and that molds from humidifiers can produce allergic reactions.
How many humidifiers do I need for my house?
If this is your goal, you’ll need a whole-home humidifier. There are large console humidifiers that are capable of releasing as many as 9 gallons per day of moisture. If you live in a small house or apartment of up to 2,500 square feet, you may be able to humidify your entire place with a large console unit.
Is whole house humidifier a bad idea?
With or without a humidifier, you might have comfort problems. Nobody installs a whole-house humidifier unless they’re having a problem of some kind. Many people absolutely can’t stand having dry skin during winter. It can actually be painful, and a humidifier probably will help your skin from getting too dry.
Does aprilaire cause mold?
Mold grows above 60% humidity. The Aprilaire humidifiers that we at Answer Heating & Cooling install are automatic and can regulate humidity to stay at around 45%. No humidifier that you will get from us provide a food or water source for mold growth.
Where is the best place to put a humidifier in your house?
If you have a large humidifier, the best place would be the corner of your room. If you are using a cool-mist humidifier to help you sleep more comfortably, then it is a good idea to place the humidifier near the bed. When placing warm-ist humidifiers in your bedroom, you need to be very careful.