How Furnace Humidifiers Work: A Complete Guide to Comfort and Energy Savings (2024)

An essential part of any home, a furnace humidifier plays a crucial role in protecting your family and ensuring the well-being of your home and its contents. While furnaces are primarily known for heating the air, furnace humidifiers add moisture to combat excessively dry conditions. This not only enhances comfort but also leads to energy savings. In this article, we will explore how furnace humidifiers work and the different types available.

How Does a Humidifier Work on a Furnace?

Proper humidification not only protects your home but also helps you feel warmer. By maintaining the right amount of humidity in the air, you can feel comfortable at lower thermostat temperatures. This saves energy and reduces your utility bills. Furnace humidifiers consume a minimal amount of energy compared to keeping your home comfortable during dry conditions.

Furnace humidifiers utilize the principle of evaporation. They are mounted to the hot air supply of your furnace and connected to a water source and the ductwork for distribution. The following basic parts are involved in their operation:

• Water Collector: This can be a reservoir or an evaporator pad.
• Water Control Valve: It can be a solenoid or a float that dispenses water to maintain the desired humidity level.
• Blower: It produces the necessary air movement for evaporation.
• Humidistat: It controls the humidity settings and turns the humidifier on and off.

Types of Furnace Humidifiers

Regardless of the type, all furnace humidifiers work on the same principle of producing moisture and infusing it with the warm air generated by your furnace. Here are the three main types of furnace humidifiers:

Reservoir

Reservoir or drum-style humidifiers rely on a reservoir of water and a rotating drum to create moisture. They are the least expensive option but can be less efficient. Reservoir-style humidifiers also require more maintenance to prevent mold issues, as they retain water.

Flow-Through

In flow-through humidifier models, water flows through the unit from an existing water source and drips across a specially coated screen for evaporation. Excess water drains out. Although flow-through humidifiers consume more water than reservoir-style ones, they offer more reliable operation and require less maintenance.

Steam

Steam humidifiers generate steam by boiling water and injecting it directly into heated air for distribution. These humidifiers are more expensive than other types but offer the most efficient operation and require the least maintenance.

When to Use Your Humidifier

It is recommended to use your humidifier when the relative humidity (RH) levels in your home drop below the ideal range of 30-50%. You should pay attention to static electricity issues and dry skin or nosebleeds, as these are signs that the air is too dry. Additionally, low humidity can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms. Without proper humidification, your furniture can also suffer, resulting in dryness, cracking, and splitting.

How to Turn Your Furnace Humidifier On

To activate your furnace humidifier, follow these steps:

1. Set your HVAC system to “heat” mode.
2. Locate your humidistat, which is usually near your thermostat or mounted on the furnace housing.
3. If the dial is set to “0” or “OFF,” increase the setting to the desired humidity level. You will hear a click indicating the current humidity level sensed by the system.
4. If your system has a bypass damper, set it to the “open” or “winter” position, parallel to the duct.
5. Verify the operation by checking for water draining from the humidifier while the heat is running or just after it shuts off.

If you encounter any issues with your furnace humidifier, the experts at Airisy can quickly get it back up and running.

FAQs

Q: How often should I maintain my furnace humidifier?

A: The maintenance frequency depends on the type of humidifier you have. Reservoir-style humidifiers require more frequent maintenance to prevent mold, while flow-through and steam humidifiers require less maintenance.

Q: Can I use a furnace humidifier in any climate?

A: Furnace humidifiers are effective in most climates. However, they are especially beneficial in dry climates where the humidity levels are consistently low.

Q: Are furnace humidifiers noisy?

A: Furnace humidifiers are designed to operate quietly. You might hear a slight sound from the water flow, but it should not be disruptive.

Conclusion

Furnace humidifiers are an essential addition to your HVAC system, providing comfort and energy savings. By understanding how they work and choosing the right type for your needs, you can create a healthier and more pleasant home environment. Remember to maintain your humidifier regularly to ensure optimal performance. If you encounter any difficulties, consult the professionals at Airisy for prompt and reliable assistance.