Furnace Humidifiers: Are They Worth It? Pros, Cons & Safety

Are you thinking about getting a humidifier for your furnace? Find out how they operate, if your furnace can safely use them, and when to replace one. answers to frequently asked questions about cost and installation.

Are furnace humidifiers a good idea?

Whether a furnace humidifier would be good or not will be dependent on how comfortable you want to go, your health, and your house. To many individuals it is very beneficial. Wood furniture and floors, paint, musical instruments may be damaged by dry air that may crack it and chip it. It will also dry and scratch your skin, irritate your nose, and predispose you to the cold or flu. A whole-house humidifier is installed on your furnace to inject moisture into the air as the furnace heats and evenly distributes the humidity to every room in your house with your ducts. It is more effective than having a small humidifier that is portable to the entire house.

Are furnace humidifiers safe?

It is a significant question. In cases where a furnace humidifier is fitted and maintained in good condition, it is totally safe. Constant maintenance is the key. Mold or bacteria may develop upon it and spread through your ducts in case you neglect it. However, when you wash it after a year and that too replace its filters or pads, it is safe and makes the house air cleaner. We will explain how to do this. Ensure that the unit is installed in the right way and will not spurt out water. This is the reason as to why a professional installer is highly advised.

How does a furnace humidifier work?

A humidifier fitted in a furnace is not as difficult to grasp as you may think. The most widespread one is known as a bypass humidifier. It derives this name since it relies on variations in air pressure to circulate air over the primary furnace blower.

Here’s the basic process:

1. The humidifier receives water through a pipe and goes on the supply or returns air duct of the furnace.
2. On the inside a panel or drum fills and fills with water.
3. During the act of pressing the furnace, air is relayed through this wet panel, which is hot.
4. The panel moisture gets into your home via the air.
5. A humidistat that functions like a thermostat that regulates humidity activates or deactivates the unit to maintain the humidity at 30 to 50 per cent.

How to install humidifier on furnace?

Although you may enjoy repairing appliances at home, seeking the services of a professional to install a humidifier on a furnace is desirable. You will be required to attach the humidifier to your domestic water system, cut through the duct of the furnace and eventually connect it to the furnace control system and a drain. Installing it improperly may lead to damaging the furnace, getting the inappropriate humidity level, or any other difficulties. Some HVAC technician will ensure that the humidifier is appropriate in terms of type and size in your house, and it fits safely and properly in your heating system.

When to replace furnace humidifier?

Humidifiers like any appliance do not last forever. What would be the reasons to change a furnace humidifier? Usually, good units have a lifespan of between 10 to 15 years. Keep a watch on the following indications which signal a change:

• Rust/ corrosion denotes that the unit is of age and has been exposed to water.  
• It is cheaper in long term in case it continues to leak and still cannot be repaired.  
• Unless the air at home is dry even when the unit is running, something is wrong on the inside.  
• It is always necessary to repair an older unit, which is why a more efficient newer model is a better investment.  
• Scale composed of minerals that cannot be washed off could easily cause permanent damage to the unit.

Are furnace humidifiers worth it?

In short, yes. Furnace humidifiers are a wise investment in most homes in a dry winter climate such as Ontario. They do not simply make you relaxed. The correct humidity makes your house much warmer with a lower heating thermostat setting and ultimately reduces heating bills. Your home and health also are safeguarded. Long term comfort and protection acquired by a unit makes up the cost of buying and installing the unit. A whole-house solution is typically simpler and more efficient compared to the alternative, which is to have a bunch of portable humidifiers, which require constant filling and cleaning.

Summary

Having a furnace mounted humidifier is an excellent idea of combatting dry winter air. It is used in conjunction with your heating system to provide even out humidity in the home to enhance comfort, wellness, and safeguard your possessions. Good installation and annual service make it safe and effective, and the long-term results make it a worthwhile investment to many families.

FAQs

Question 1: Are humidifiers bad for your furnace

No, a well-cared-for humidifier isn’t bad for a furnace. In reality, optimal humidity will make the air seem warmer – so you could set your thermostat even lower and possibly use less of your furnace. The only hazard is if the humidifier is ignored, which may cause scaling or moisture problems. If kept up in it very basic maintenance is, a humidifier is only an advantage and does not cause problems.

Question 2: Are steam furnace humidifier better?

Steaming whole house humidifiers release steam by boiling water and are effective to use in your home with large square footage or dry air. They are costly and need more power. But bypass humidifiers are very energy efficient even after this comes into consideration and work well for small to average size homes.