Whole House HumidifierThe real answer? It depends. Problems caused by dry indoor air are; static electricity, dry throat, itching skin, nosebleeds and drying of wood furniture. For those experiencing these symptoms, the first reaction is to get a humidifier. When clients approach us about the possibility of installing a whole house humidifier, the first thing we do is try to find the reason why the house is dry. The region you live in has an impact on the amount of moisture in your home. For instance, the Northeast part of the United States has cold weather and low moisture levels at certain times of the year.
Factors affecting humidity in homesThe construction of your home - homes that have large amount of wood mass (log homes) have the ability to absorb moisture from the air of the house.Leaky, drafty homes - Houses that have a high rate of infiltration (loosely constructed)allow moisture to escape and dry air to enter. This is usually a problem found in older homes, although some homes that are being built today, unfortunately, fall into this category. If a home is properly insulated and sealed, the challenge is usually removing excess moisture (with mechanical ventilation) rather than introduce it. Region - Cold climates and low humidity desert areas. Lifestyle - Humidity levels can be raised in a house by normal living activities such as cooking, showers, baths and laundry depending on the size of the house and size of a family. For example, if there are only two people living in a large house, these activities will contribute very little moisture that is needed to keep humidity levels in a normal range compared to the same size house with a family of five.
Problems with humidifiersA whole house humidifier can do more harm than the good it was intended if you are not carefulIntroducing moisture in a house that is loose or drafty can cause mold or moisture damage. We see a lot of houses that allow heat and moisture to escape through the ceiling to the attic. When this happens, the moisture can settle on the cold roof deck and condense, creating the potential for mold or rot. Another problem is the growth of bacteria in a whole house humidifier that is mounted on a furnace. During certain times, the water is warmed to temperatures that can range from 80 degrees to 120 degrees, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Another issue we see is the amount of moisture a central humidifier can actually produce in a house The capacity rating by the manufacturer is based on the unit being subject to certain air temperatures in the duct and the run time of your central furnace. The problem with this is unless it is very cold outside the furnace will not run long enough and the humidifier can only put out a fraction of it's capacity. Duct system that are leaky will also rob from the units ability to add the desired amount of moisture in your home.
What's the solution?You have to know the humidity level inside your home.Good humidity levels range from approximately 30% to 50% relative humidity. By a hygrometer (humidity guage) and read the levels over a period of time. Expect lower humidity in colder weather. If you are not sure if your house is leaky, you should have your house tested with a blower door. Contact someone who specializes in this type of testing. Not only will you NOT make the mistake of causing more damage, but you'll find leaks in your home that cause drafts and discomfort as well as high heating or cooling bills. Be sure to have your ducts cleaned by a competent duct cleaning company. If you decide you really need a whole house humidifier, we recommend a
steam humidifiers
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Adding moisture to a dirty duct system can create a moist environment in the ducts, an ideal place for mold growth and dust mites.