What Does a Humidifier Do?

How does a whole-house humidifier work? 

A whole house humidifier works by adding moisture into the air, reducing allergens and airborne viruses, thereby improving the air quality. A whole-house humidifier also reduces static electricity, minimizes dry skin, and reduces the energy used to cool and heat your home. 

What are the benefits of a whole-house humidifier? 

1. Improved Health

Low humidity dries the lungs, nasal passages, sinuses, and throat out. By having a whole-house humidifier installed, the humidity inside your home is raised to a healthier level. This will lessen the attacks of sinusitis and sore throat. For anyone in your home with asthma or allergies, a whole-house humidifier can cut back the bacteria that build up in homes and stops the spread of mold and other things that can cause problems. 

2. Better Sleep 

When the humidity in your home is too low, it dries the soft palate which triggers snoring. 

With a whole-house humidifier installed, the nasal passage, soft palate, and throat are kept moist, making it easier to breathe. 

3. Comfort

The winter is notorious for drying out the skin, making it itchy and almost painful. With a whole-house humidifier, your lips are no longer chapped, your skin is no longer itchy! 

4. Energy Cost Reduced

A whole house humidifier will enable you to lower your thermostat a few degrees, saving you money each month on utility bills. 

5. Furniture and House

Finally, a whole-house humidifier will maintain the humidity in your home and keeps your furniture from drying out and cracking. 

What type of whole-house humidifier is the most effective?

For certain, we have provided information about how installing a whole-house humidifier can help your home and family member. But you want to get the type is right for your home. The three types of whole-house humidifiers are: 

• Bypass: This type of whole-house humidifier adds moisture to warm air through the furnace by taking the warm air from the home’s heating ducts and passing it via a water tray. The air collects moisture and delivers it back through the house.
• Fan-powered: This whole house humidifier differs from the above described with a fan pushing the air through the water tray to increase water evaporation. Fan-powered humidifiers can produce up to a gallon or more of humidity daily compared to the aforementioned bypass humidifiers. This type of humidifier is more energy-efficient, using not more power than a 25-watt light bulb. 
• Steam: Hands down, this is the best whole-house humidifier. It boils the water, creating humidity as steam, that is then picks it up and pushes through the home’s ventilation system. 

What is the cost of a whole-house humidifier?

The cost of a whole house humidifier can vary on the brand your purchase. This is one area where you can be certain that you get what you pay for! In other words, if you go with the less expensive model, you probably won’t get as long of a lifespan.

How do you know what size whole house humidifier to get? 

There are two main factors to consider when purchasing a whole-house humidifier: 

• The size of your home
• The insulation level of your home

The standard output for a furnace humidifier is the number of gallons of water that is absorbed within a 24-hour period. For example, a countertop humidifier is designed to provide adequate humidity for a standard-sized room that typically holds between 1 and 2 gallons of water. A stand-alone humidifier for a whole house that is attached to a sink will usually have a ten-gallon to a twelve-gallon water reservoir.

What maintenance is required for a whole-house humidifier? 

There isn’t much to do, but what little is needed is important. A checklist to follow, which is usually included in the owner’s manual:

• Water panels. These infuse the air with moisture before circulating the air throughout a room. These should be checked periodically for clogs and debris and replaced if needed.
• Clean the reservoirs. The reservoir should be checked regularly for bacteria and mineral buildup.
• Level the humidifier. Make sure the humidifier is level at all times for proper operation. 
• Leak check. Leaking can be common for whole-house humidifiers when they have become less effective. 
• The humidistat. If the humidistat isn’t working right, the effectiveness is going to decrease too.  
• Thorough cleaning. Clean your whole house humidifier regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions.  

In Closing

Installing a whole-house humidifier in Vacaville, CA is typically taken on by a professional HVAC technician. But, can a whole house humidifier be installed as a DIY project? The answer is that it can be a doable DIY project if you’re handy with tools and have the time. You can follow the instructions that came with the unit or look for videos online, though it is advisable, for safety, time and overall benefits, to use a professional. If you live in the area, you can reach out company at 707-689-5128. Call for a consultation today!