During winter, does the air in your home feel like something out of the desert? Dry? Scratchy? Sharp? Well, you’re not the only one to experience that in the Troy area. Our HVAC experts have heard of similar problems before. And, quite often, the problem is a lack of humidity. That’s where central humidifiers come in.
A whole-house humidifier works with your HVAC system to deliver moisture throughout your home. With the exception of steam, they all operate off of the same basic principles. When your humidifier is turned on, water accumulates inside of an internal tray or evaporator pad. Air is then passed over these trays to gather moisture. It is then pushed into your home’s ductwork for distribution. This lowers the dryness of your air. A discussion of the benefits of central humidifiers and a quick breakdown of some major types follows.
Installing a whole-house or furnace-mounted humidifier provides the following benefits:
People can often tell when their furnace or air conditioner is in need of repair. But humidity issues, including too little humidity, are much more difficult too spot. But the symptoms are there; you just need to know what they are. Here are the most common symptoms that your air could use some extra moisture:
Fortunately, if you live in Troy, our indoor air quality experts are just a phone call away.
There are three different types of humidifiers typically seen in residential homes. Which is right for you depends on a mixture of square footage, HVAC setup, and budget.
Bypass humidifiers are the least expensive and most popular of the central humidifiers. They work by taking warm air from your ducts and passing it over a water tray. This allows the air to collect moisture before it circulates back through your home. This system can be installed on the supply or return side of your unit. Unlike options lower on this list, this one does not require a separate power source but relies on your furnace’s blower motor to operate.
Power humidifiers—also referred to as fan humidifiers—use an internal fan to pull air across their internal water panels. This allows them to operate independently of a call for heat. They produce humidity more effectively than a bypass unit, typically around a gallon more a day. The sound of the fan, however, can be loud and their internal fan means they can’t fit easily in tight spaces.
Need to humidify a 3,000-4000 sq. ft. house in Troy? Steam humidifiers use electricity to boil water and release it in the form of steam. Your ventilation system then picks up these heated vapors and distributes them throughout your home. Faster and more efficient than the other two types, they’re the best way to keep your larger home at an ideal humidity level.
Homeowners in all of Metro Detroit and Surrounding Areas rely on existing humidifiers to keep their home cool and breathing easy. But there are times when it stops working or, at least, doesn’t do as well as it can. Your scratchy throat has returned. The cracking in your floors could be making a resurgence. No matter what the issue is, our central humidifier repair experts are here to fix it. Reach out to us through our website or phone to get an appointment scheduled.
Troy and the surrounding areas get cold and dry when winter descends. This can make your furnace struggle to reach your desired temperature. Call (248) 817-5487 to ask for yours.
Though central humidifiers require less maintenance than portable ones, they’re not completely hassle free. We recommend homeowners in Troy schedule an annual maintenance visit with one of our HVAC experts. While there, our technician will clean the system and remove any mineral or mold buildup when they replace the disposable pad. They will also check the humidifier for any signs of damage.
Own a business in all of Metro Detroit and Surrounding Areas Well, you can also take advantage of our humidifier services. Our ample experience with commercial HVAC clients gives us a unique perspective on the importance of humidity to optimal comfort. Whether you need a new humidifier installed or a quick repair, our technicians will work with you to minimize disturbances.
Keeping proper levels of moisture in your home makes it easier to live comfortably. At Temperature Repair, we care about your indoor air quality and want to take steps to help promote your family’s health. Call (248) 817-5487 today for more information on how a whole house humidifier can help make your home a healthier place.
You can expect to spend between $400 and $1100 on the unit itself. The cost of installation will vary depending on your home’s set-up and the type of humidifier selected.
Systems with water panels must have the panel swapped out at least once a year. For more information on when to switch them, refer to the manufacturer’s information that came with the unit.
We advise against trying to DIY your humidifier installation. Putting one in not only requires you to cut into your ductwork, but also to hook up both a water and electrical line (in most cases). Because getting it wrong can permanently damage your HVAC systems, humidifier installation is something best left to the professionals.
