7 Steps to Selecting the Right Whole House Humidifier for Your Needs

Itchy skin, dry nasal passages, lingering colds, annoying static electricity and damaged wood fixtures; these conditions describe what happens inside the average home as the temperature drops outside. If dry winter air has you feeling down, do away with the discomfort with a whole-house humidifier.

This machine works with your furnace to distribute moisture to every room through supply registers. This whole-house approach encourages comfort in every room. Here’s how to select a whole-house humidifier that meets your needs so you can enjoy all the benefits of consistent indoor humidity.

1. Capacity

Most whole-house humidifiers are rated based on how effectively they humidify homes of a certain size. Match the capacity with your home’s square footage for the best results.

2. Installation requirements

Portable units are effortless to plug in and get running. However, if the whole-house humidifier you choose is an in-duct system, it may require professional installation.

3. Dimensions

You likely have limited space in your home, so make sure the unit’s dimensions fit within the available area. This includes the height in addition to the unit’s footprint.

4. Humidistat

The same way a thermostat measures temperature, a humidistat measures humidity. It’s important to select a whole-house humidifier with a built-in humidistat so it automatically shuts off when your home reaches a certain humidity level.

5. Maintenance requirements

While whole-house humidifier maintenance is typically minimal, find out exactly what different units entail. Select one that provides easy access for changing the water panel, cleaning the unit and refilling the water tank. Learn about special cleaning supplies or equipment you need to perform maintenance tasks.

6. Technology

Various types of humidifiers exist, such as warm mist, evaporative and impeller-style units. Ask your provider about the benefits and drawbacks of each technology.

7. Performance

Read reviews from other homeowners who have enjoyed having one type of humidifier or another. Their real-world experiences can help you make an educated decision.

For more information about choosing and installing a whole-house humidifier, please contact Sobieski Services, Inc. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

Image Credit: Nutmeg Designs