If you’re like most people, you probably think of humidifiers as those little machines that sit on your desk and produce a fine mist. Unfortunately, while these personal humidifiers are great for small spaces, they can’t provide the same level of humidity throughout your entire home.
A whole-house humidifier may be the answer if you’re looking for whole-house humidity solutions. This blog post will discuss a whole-house humidifier and its benefits to Lodi families. Keep reading to find out more about them!
What is a Whole House Humidifier?
A whole house humidifier is a type of humidifier that is installed as part of your home’s HVAC system. Unlike personal humidifiers, whole-house humidifiers can provide humidity to every room in your home – making them ideal for larger spaces. When the humidifier is activated, water builds up in a collection basin.
The air will flow through the heating/cooling ducts, pick up moisture, cycle through the furnace, and then return to the duct system, where moist air is distributed inside your dwelling. These devices can work in sync with the HVAC system or independently of it. There are three main types of whole-house humidifiers: bypass, fan-powered, and steam.
Bypass Humidifiers
Bypass humidifiers warm air by passing it through a water tray. Warm air from the heating ducts passes through a water tray by these humidifiers. This allows the air to absorb moisture, returning it to the home.
A technician may add a bypass humidifier to the supply or return plenums of your central air system. Bypass humidifiers are often required to empty their water source, however. As a result, if you don’t have a floor drain, you may add a drainless bypass humidifier instead. In addition, because they reuse their water supply, they use less water than traditional models.
Fan-Powered Humidifiers
A fan-powered humidifier, in essence, uses a fan to force air through the water tray for increased evaporation. As a result, fan-powered humidifiers can generate up to a gallon more humidity daily than bypass humidifiers.
They’re also more energy-efficient since the internal fan uses the same power as a 25-watt light bulb. Because this is a powered flow-through system, it doesn’t need a bypass duct, allowing it to be used in smaller areas. A power whole-house humidifier is ideal for houses constructed on slabs or with HVAC systems in closets.
Steam Humidifiers
If you’re looking to add humidity to your home quickly and efficiently, look no further than a steam humidifier. Using electricity, these nifty devices boil water and create steam, which your ventilation system carries throughout the house.
Not only do steam whole-house humidifiers provide the purest form of humidity, but they can also run moisture regardless of your heating/cooling system’s condition.
How Lodi Families Can Benefit From Whole House Humidifiers
Colder temperatures and drier air go hand-in-hand, so many people turn to humidifiers to combat the issue. Not only do they help add moisture back into the air, but they can also positively impact your skin.
A whole house humidifier can help you get the most out of your dehumidifier by maintaining an even level of moisture all year. You may receive several benefits by adding a whole house humidifier to your property:
Comfort
Dry air can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms and cause dry noses and throats, cracked skin, and static electricity shocks. Adding moisture to the air can create a more comfortable environment for yourself and your family – especially during the winter.
Protect Your Home
Dry air doesn’t just impact your comfort – it can also damage your belongings. For example, dry air is one of the leading causes of furniture cracking and warping. In addition, wood floors, plaster, paint, furniture, artwork, electronics, and musical instruments are all susceptible to drying. Because a whole-house humidifier protects your house and its contents from the damaging effects of dry air over time, it also maintains its value.
Better Health
Did you know viruses and bacteria thrive in dry air? By keeping the air moist, you can prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. On the other hand, an increase in dry air causes more instances of colds, flues, and other respiratory conditions. Installing a whole-house humidifier is a great way to improve your family’s comfort and health.
Better Energy Efficiency
Because humid air feels warmer, you can lower your thermostat and save on energy costs. In fact, for every degree you lower your thermostat, you can save up to four percent on your heating bill.
Whether you have a new or old heating/cooling system, there’s a whole house humidifier for you. There are even systems available that are compatible with radiant or baseboard heat–meaning the opportunity to improve your quality of life through humidity control is possible for everyone.
Are Whole House Humidifiers Expensive?
The cost of a whole-house humidifier depends on the model you choose and the features it offers. However, many homeowners find that the benefits they receive from their investment more than makeup for the initial cost. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $390 to $730 for a whole-house humidifier–a price that will quickly pay for itself in increased comfort, improved health, and lower energy costs.
If you’re ready to improve your quality of life by adding a whole-house humidifier to your property, contact the Lodi HVAC experts at Blackwell Services today. Our team would be happy to help you choose the perfect model for your needs and budget and can even handle the installation process. We also offer other services and install or repair equipment in residential and commercial properties.
We are a small family-owned business dedicated to providing you outstanding service. We will treat you fairly and with integrity and be there for you every step of the way. You can trust us to be there for you and provide anything you need. It’s either going to be entirely correct or completely free; it won’t come halfway. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a service call!