November 17, 2022
Furnace Humidifier Installation in Champaign, IL

Furnace Humidifiers: How They Work and the Benefits

Furnaces have been known to dry out the air in your home, leading to problems ranging from static electricity and cracks in the woodwork to respiratory ailments. A furnace humidifier helps to alleviate these problems by adding moisture to the air. Below, we will discuss how a furnace humidifier works in more detail.

What Is a Furnace Humidifier?

A furnace humidifier is a device connected to your furnace that helps in adding moisture to the air. It is a simple device with a water reservoir, a wicking filter, and a fan. Furnace humidifiers come in various sizes and styles, but they all work by evaporating water into the air circulated by your furnace.

How Does a Furnace Humidifier Work?

A furnace humidifier works by evaporating water into the air your furnace circulates. The humidifier has a water reservoir that is filled with water. The water is then pumped into the humidifier’s evaporator pad. The evaporator pad is made of a material that absorbs and holds water.

Air is drawn through the humidifier and over the evaporator pad as the furnace runs. The air drawn through the humidifier picks up the moisture from the evaporator pad and carries it throughout your home. The amount of moisture that is added to the air is regulated by a humidistat, which turns the humidifier on and off as needed.

Types of Furnace Humidifiers

While all humidifiers add moisture to the air, there are different types that use different humidifying mechanisms. Some of the most common types of furnace humidifiers include the following.

Rotary Disc Humidifier

A disc rotates in a water-filled cylinder, flinging water droplets into the air. It is the most popular type of humidifier. It works by a fan that forces air over a spinning disc in the water-filled cylinder. The disc flings water droplets into the air that is then dispersed throughout your home by the furnace’s blower. Most rotary disc humidifiers are designed for furnace use.

Drum Humidifier

A drum humidifier is a type of humidifier that uses a rotating drum to disperse water droplets into the air. The drum is filled with water and wicking material. As the drum rotates, the wicking material absorbs water from the drum. The water is then evaporated into the air by a fan. Most drum humidifiers are also designed for use with furnaces.

Steam Humidifier

A steam humidifier uses electricity to heat water and produce steam. The steam is then dispersed into the air by a fan. A steam humidifier is the most expensive type of humidifier, but it is also the most effective.

Flow-through Humidifier

A flow-through humidifier is a type of humidifier that does not use a wicking material. Instead, water is drawn through the humidifier and dispersed into the air. Flow-through humidifiers are less likely to breed bacteria than other types of humidifiers.

Benefits of Using a Furnace Humidifier

Humidifiers can make it easier for your furnace to do its job, so you may find that your furnace humidifier helps you save money on energy bills. Using a furnace humidifier has other benefits to offer as well.

Reduced Static Electricity

Static electricity is a common problem in homes with dry air. It can cause shocks when you touch metal objects or furniture. Static electricity can also damage electronic equipment. Moisture helps to reduce static electricity by reducing the opportunity for electrons to build up on surfaces. Since furnace humidifiers add moisture to the air, they can help to reduce static electricity in your home.

Protection for Wood Furniture and Flooring

Dry air can cause wood furniture and flooring to crack and warp. This is because wood is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. When the air is dry, wood will absorb moisture, which can cause it to crack and warp.

Reduced Respiratory Ailments

Dry air can irritate the respiratory system and worsen respiratory ailments such as allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. Moisture helps reduce these symptoms by keeping the air passages moist, making breathing easier.

Improved Sleep

Dry air can make it difficult to sleep because it can cause nasal congestion and mouth breathing. Moist air can help to reduce these symptoms and can improve sleep. This is especially beneficial for people who have allergies or asthma.

Furnace humidifiers are an excellent way to improve your home’s air quality and reduce static electricity, respiratory problems, and nosebleeds. They are also beneficial for your skin and for sleeping. If you are considering a furnace humidifier, be sure to work with a qualified HVAC contractor to ensure that it is properly installed and maintained. Our team at Bash Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. provides indoor air quality solutions and a full range of heating and cooling services, including repair, maintenance, and installation of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and mini-split systems. We also furnish HVAC sheet metal fabrication. All our services are available in Champaign and the surrounding areas. Contact us at Bash Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today for more information!

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