Whole-Home Humidifier Installation and Service
Why Indoor Humidity Drops in Winter
Cold outdoor air holds less moisture than warm air. When your furnace heats that cold, dry air, the relative humidity inside your home drops further. Homes in the Kansas City metro can see indoor humidity fall below 20% during extended cold periods. This is drier than most deserts.
Low indoor humidity causes problems that go beyond discomfort:
- Dry, cracked skin and irritated sinuses
- Increased static electricity that damages electronics and is uncomfortable
- Hardwood floors, trim, and furniture shrinking, cracking, or separating at joints
- Wallpaper peeling at seams
- Paint cracking on woodwork
- Greater susceptibility to colds and respiratory infections as dry air irritates mucous membranes
The ideal indoor relative humidity range during heating season is 30% to 45%.
How Whole-Home Humidifiers Work
A whole-home humidifier mounts on the furnace ductwork and adds moisture to the heated air as it passes through. A humidistat, either standalone or integrated into the thermostat, monitors indoor humidity and activates the humidifier when levels drop below the set point.
-
Bypass Humidifiers
Bypass humidifiers use the pressure difference between the supply and return ducts to push air through a water-saturated pad. A small duct connects the supply side to the return side through the humidifier. As warm air passes over the wet pad, it absorbs moisture. Bypass humidifiers do not have their own fan, so they only operate when the furnace blower is running.
- Fan-Powered Humidifiers
Fan-powered humidifiers include a built-in fan that pushes air through the water pad independently of the furnace blower. This allows them to add moisture even when the furnace is not actively heating. Fan-powered units produce more moisture output than bypass models of the same size, making them better suited for larger homes or homes with higher ventilation rates.
-
Steam Humidifiers
Steam humidifiers boil water electrically and inject steam directly into the airstream. They produce the most precise humidity control and the highest moisture output. Steam humidifiers work independently of the furnace and can maintain target humidity levels regardless of outdoor conditions. They use more electricity than bypass or fan-powered models but deliver superior performance in dry climates or tightly sealed homes.
Humidifier Installation
Full Nelson installs humidifiers by mounting the unit on the supply or return duct (depending on the type), connecting the water supply line, running the drain line, and installing the humidistat. Installation includes:
- Determining the correct humidifier type and capacity for your home's size and construction
- Cutting and fitting the ductwork opening
- Connecting the water supply with a saddle valve or dedicated line
- Running the drain line to a floor drain or condensate pump
- Installing and calibrating the humidistat
- Testing the system and verifying moisture output
Humidifier Maintenance
Humidifiers require periodic maintenance to prevent mineral buildup and ensure reliable operation.
- Water pad or filter replacement: Bypass and fan-powered humidifiers use an evaporator pad that absorbs mineral deposits from the water over time. Replace the pad at the start of each heating season, or mid-season in hard water areas.
- Cleaning the water distribution tray and reservoir: Mineral scale accumulates on internal surfaces and can restrict water flow.
- Inspecting the solenoid valve: The valve controls water flow into the humidifier. Mineral deposits can cause it to stick open or closed.
- Steam humidifier canister replacement: Steam units use a disposable canister that collects minerals. Replace as recommended by the manufacturer, typically once per season.
Full Nelson services humidifiers from all major manufacturers.
Why Full Nelson
- Family, Women, and Veteran owned since 2003
- Licensed, insured HVAC technicians
- Bypass, fan-powered, and steam humidifier installation
- Up-front pricing before work begins
- Humidifier maintenance and pad replacement
- Current specials available on whole-home humidifier installation