During Fort Wayne's cold winters, the air in your home probably becomes uncomfortably dry. Luckily, whole-home humidifiers can help by adding just the right amount of moisture to the air passing through your heating system. Before you decide on a model, take some time to compare your options.
Size and Capacity
First, calculate your home's square footage, so you know how big your humidifier should be. A drafty house will require a somewhat larger humidifier than a well-sealed house of the same size. Therefore, consider air sealing your home before you buy a humidifier.
Make sure you check the installation requirements of any humidifier you're thinking about purchasing. Whole-home humidifiers (in-duct models) sit inside your heating and cooling system and are connected to your plumbing, so they require professional installation. Portable humidifiers don't require this, but they can only humidify one or two rooms.
Next, determine the humidifier's height and base size. Make sure your heating and cooling system can accommodate a humidifier of this size.
Care and Convenience
It's important to look for a model with operation and maintenance requirements that are convenient for you. Most whole-home humidifiers contain a humidistat, or humidity sensor, that automatically signals the unit to turn on when your indoor humidity falls below the level you've selected. Some models also contain an outdoor temperature sensor, which allows the unit to adjust humidity output to prevent window condensation. Other models have to be controlled manually.
Some humidifiers need filters replaced or cleaned throughout the season, while others require maintenance only once or twice yearly. Just make sure the unit's design is right for your needs. A bypass humidifier uses furnace fans to distribute air and runs almost silently. A fan-powered humidifier has its own fan, so it offers a higher humidity output, but may be slightly noisier than a bypass model. If noise is a concern, look for a model with a low decibel rating.
If you're considering installing a humidifier or need any further guidance on improving your indoor air quality, contact Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in the Fort Wayne area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about whole-home humidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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