Installing a humidifier to an electric furnace has been great for my family, especially during winter. Before, I would ignore the use of a humidifier and only focus on the furnace to warm up the house in cold seasons. However, the option made me suffer health issues due to inhaling dry air outside and inside the house.
But, can you put humidifier on an electric furnace?
Yes, you can add a humidifier to an electric furnace. The two will work together to make your home comfortable by producing moist warm air in your home. The furnace will create a warm environment, while the humidifier will moisturize the air you breathe.
I had never used a humidifier during winter since it was too cold. Using a furnace was the only way to keep the warm temperature of my home. However, a furnace tends to dry the air in the atmosphere.
I was always prepared for health issues like cracked skin, cold, sinus, and stuffy nose during winter. The installation of these two devices has brought great rest for me. I can now find comfort in my house despite the time of the year.
This article focuses on whether you can put a Humidifier on an Electric Furnace, my experience on whether a furnace can run without a humidifier, how long furnace humidifiers can last, cost of stalling a furnace humidifier, among others. The article ends with a response to frequently asked questions.
Can You Run a Furnace Without a Humidifier
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Yes, you can run a furnace without a humidifier. A furnace generates and distributes heated air in our homes, while a humidifier works by distributing humidity into the environment. Both do not need to work together.
However, working together will give you a comfortable environment. I would want a furnace to run alongside a humidifier because they both ensure my home’s heat and humidity levels are compatible.
Appropriate temperatures and humidity levels have reduced my flu symptoms and skin conditions caused by dry air.
How Long Do Furnace Humidifiers Last
With proper maintenance, a furnace humidifier should last for 10 to 15 years. Proper maintenance includes using the appropriate type of water, changing the furnace humidifier filters at least once every year, and having a professional check the function of the heating elements.
I usually make sure a professional checks my furnace humidifier every beginning and end of the winter season. This way, I am assured that I will be in a perfect climatic environment during the toughest season of the year.
I have also made a habit of cleaning the entire system at least once a year to get rid of clogs. The cleaning and frequent professional checkups on my furnace humidifier have enabled the system to serve my family for five years.
Cost of Installing Humidifier in Furnace
The cost of installing a humidifier in a furnace varies. It varies depending on the make of your devices, both the furnace and the humidifier, the size of the unit, and the company you hire to install it on your behalf. Different companies charge differently for the services they offer.
Your home structure also contributes to the cost. Suppose you are installing the larger units; it may cost you about $450 to $750. For a humidifier and furnace that are smaller in size, the installation could take $150 to $350. That is if the installers charge an average of $50 and $70 per hour.
Types of Furnace Humidifiers
There are three main types of furnace humidifiers. They are clearly illustrated below.
1. Whole home steam humidifier
A whole home mist humidifier is perfect when you want a furnace humidifier for your entire house. The humidifier can work on its own, or it can also be installed on a furnace.
It is hooked to your water supply and heats the water to release warm mist into the house. However, it is designed to monitor the humidity levels in the house before releasing more of it into the atmosphere.
2. Drum humidifiers
Drum humidifiers are connected directly to your home’s furnace and water supply. A humidistat is also connected to it to monitor the humidity levels. When humidity levels drop below the desired set level, a drum humidifier begins to supply moisture to the furnace blower as it releases it into the atmosphere.
3. Flow through unit humidifier
Flow through unit also only works when it detects low humidity levels in the atmosphere. It is directly hooked to your water supply to soak its water panels. Hot or dry air passes through the water panels and releases moisture into the atmosphere through the ducts.
Installing a Furnace Humidifier
The humidifier usually accompanies installation instructions after purchase. However, to ensure you maintain your warranty, it is better to get help from a professional.
With a professional, you can tell whether your furnace humidifier requires an extra circuit due to the amount of volt it runs on. It is therefore wise to say that unless you are a professional, resist trying to install your furnace humidifier.
How Does Furnace Humidifier Work?
A furnace humidifier works by connecting a humidifier to a water source and a furnace. Moisture is distributed into the atmosphere by the system ductwork. The humidifier only turns on or off depending on the quantity of moisture in the atmosphere. Usually, when humidity is below 30%, the humidifier turns on and produces moisture infused with the furnace heat and released into the air.
With the help of a humidistat, the furnace humidifier is able to detect too much heat in the air according to the settings. Usually, you know your system is working when you see a few drops of water draining from it.
Benefits of Putting a Humidifier on a Furnace
I have firsthand experienced the goodness of having a humidifier and an electric furnace work together. Below are some of the benefits I enjoyed and more you can enjoy as well.
1. Proper Humidity Levels
There was no time of the year that my house was uncomfortable. The furnace and the humidifier can work independently and together when required. Despite the climate outside, I always had the appropriate humidity levels in my house.
When it’s too hot or too cold on the outside, my house has the right kind of temperature for my comfort.
2. Reduced Respiratory and Skin Issues
Improper humidity levels lead to allergies and respiratory issues like sneezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, and snoring. They also contribute to skin issues like rushes, itchy eyes, and irritation to the throat and nose.
However, with a humidifier furnace in my home, I rarely visit the hospital because of these issues.
3. Improved Comfort
I am more comfortable in my own home, especially during winter. I don’t have to add on my expenses to get comfort elsewhere. My living room is perfect due to the two devices’ climatic conditions.
Choosing the Correct Furnace Humidifier
When choosing a furnace humidifier, there are certain things you should consider. The following are some of the things I had to consider before purchasing my furnace humidifier.
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Capacity
The size of my house determined how huge of a furnace humidifier I wanted. It is better to get a furnace humidifier that is compatible with the size of your house; you wouldn’t want one that will not level the humidity and heat levels of all parts of your home.
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Type of Furnace Humidifier
I had to figure out all types of humidifiers and how they work. I also had to know their prices and their advantages and limitations. As discussed earlier, there are three furnace humidifiers: Whole home steam humidifiers, Drum humidifiers, and the Flow through a unit humidifier. I went for the Whole home steam humidifier; it is the best one for my entire family.
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Installation Requirements
After knowing the exact furnace humidifier of my choice, I needed to follow up on information on installation requirements. It would help if you didn’t buy a furnace humidifier without detailed information about installation requirements and where to get installation help.
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Ask whether the furnace humidifier parts are replaceable
It is wise to know whether the furnace humidifier parts are replaceable before purchasing one. You wouldn’t want to buy a humidifier whose spare parts are not on the market, ensure they are easily accessible.
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Easy to use
The furnace humidifier should have control features that are easy to understand and use. The inbuilt humidistat should also be easy to read and understand. It should also be safe to use with the ability to read the humidity in the atmosphere before releasing more.
Faqs On Can You Put Humidifier on an Electric Furnace?
1. Does an electronic furnace dry the air?
Yes, an electronic furnace tends to dry air. The dry air is usually because of the air brought from outdoors.
The heating process of the furnace does not interfere with the humidity levels in your home.
2. Is it easy to add a humidifier to your furnace?
The process of adding a humidifier to a furnace is not hard. The installation instructions are provided alongside the user manual from the store.
However, you should seek professional help when installing the humidifier on the furnace to keep the warranty.
3. Is adding a humidifier to your furnace worth it?
Yes, it is worth it to add a humidifier to a furnace. You will benefit by having proper humidity levels in your home, and your house will always be warmer despite the year’s season.
Health issues like sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, rashes, itchy eyes, and irritation to the throat and nose will all be dealt with.
4. Where should a humidifier be installed on a furnace?
When installing a humidifier on a furnace, you can fix it on the supply side of the ductwork. If not, you can fix it on the return side.
5. Do whole-house humidifiers cause molds?
Whole house humidifiers can cause extreme mold in the entire house, especially if not professionally installed. The mold would begin to grow from the ducts all the way through the pipes to the entire house.
It is, therefore, appropriate to get a humidistat to measure the humidity levels of the house before allowing the device to release more moisture into the atmosphere. It is also appropriate to get the humidifier professionally installed.
6. Where should a whole house humidifier be installed?
You should install a whole house humidifier in the central room of your house. That way, it will be the perfect spot to distribute humidity in all house parts.
Placing the humidifier near a cold air return will also contribute greatly to distributing humidity.
7. How much does it cost to install a whole house humidifier?
The amount of installing a whole house humidifier depends on the size of the house, the labor required, working hours, and the model of the humidifier. An average home would cost a minimum of about $575.
Smaller houses that require smaller models of the whole house humidifier will cost as low as $400.
8. How can I lower the humidity in my house in the winter?
You can lower humidity levels in your house by putting your humidifier on an electronic furnace, using an air conditioner, getting a dehumidifier, taking a lot of steam baths, avoid turning on the bath fan when you take a shower.
Final Thoughts
Even though a humidifier and an electric furnace can work separately, they work better together. The furnace will create a warm environment, while the humidifier will moisturize the air. However, proper precautions like professional installation and Maintenance at least once a year will greatly increase their efficiency and lifespan.