Humidifiers For A Forced Air Heating System
Maintaining the proper levels of humidity in your home is critical for the health of you and your family. Incorrect humidity levels cause the growth of mold and bacteria.
Dry homes are also prone to discharges of static electricity through carpeting and other fabrics. Static electricity can cause damage to sensitive electronic devices such as computers.
As shown in Table 1, there are four basic technologies that are used in humidifiers. Not all of the technologies are available or suitable for central forced air furnaces.
| Table 1 - Types Of Humidifiers, Technology, Appearance & Suitability | |||
| Type | Humidifier Technology | Appearance | Suitable For Central Forced Air Heating Systems |
Vaporizer |
Contains a heating element which boils water held in a reservoir. A vaporizing style of humidifier puts moisture into the air by sending out a stream of hot mist. Figure 1 |
Figure 1 - Vaporizer Humidifier |
No |
Ultrasonic |
Produces a very fine mist when water is passed over a vibrating plate. This mist is then released into the room. Figure 2 |
Figure 2 - Ultrasonic Humidifier |
No |
Cool Mist |
Uses a fine spray nozzle mounted into the main heating duct plenum. The spray nozzle provides a mist of water directly into the warm furnace air. Figure 3 |
Figure 3 - Cool Mist Humidifier |
Yes |
Flow Through |
Uses a rotating, water absorbent (sponge like material) drum or water absorbent fiber plates to place water within the air stream. Motors may be used to rotate the drum mechanism (Figure 4) and/or to drive a fan to aid in air flow. As the hot air from the furnace flows over the drum or fiber plates (Figure 5) it absorbs some of the water. |
Figure 4 - Rotating Drum Humidifier
Figure 5 - Absorbent Plate Humidifier |
Yes |
Figure 6 - Saddle Valve
Both the "Flow Through" and "Cool Mist" humidifiers require a water line, usually a 1/4 inch, connected to a cold water, water pipe. Fittings, such as a tee saddle valve (Figure 6) allow for a convenient method of making the connection.
Note: In some jurisdictions saddle valves are not permitted by building codes. In those cases it will be necessary to install a regular style valve into the current cold water piping system (Figure 7a and 7b).
Figure 7a - Ball valve installed using compression fittings |
Figure 7b - Ball valve installed with 1/2" Tee |
Some of the "Flow Through" humidifiers will also require a drain line.
Both the "Flow Through" and "Cool Mist" humidifiers require regular service in order to keep them operating correctly. The amount of service is relative to the water supply. The more minerals in the water being delivered to the humidifier the more cleaning and maintenance that will be required.
Build up from mineral deposits will clog the nozzles on "Cool Mist" style humidifiers and on "Flow-Through" style humidifiers the absorbent materials will require regular replacement.
Failure to properly clean and service the humidifiers can result in mold and bacteria growth inside the devices.