Are you considering installing a new whole-house humidifier? If so, you may be curious about the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of humidification system. It is a system that you can connect to your HVAC system to improve the moisture content of the air in your entire home.
A whole-house humidifier can enhance your comfort and health, but there are drawbacks as well. Here are the pros and cons of a new whole-house humidifier.
Pros of a New Whole House Humidifier
1. Automatic Humidity Control
A humidistat that is integrated into a whole-house humidifier automatically detects and regulates the humidity level in your house. You can forget about it once you’ve selected your ideal humidity level.
In other words: no more manual adjustments or guesswork. Regardless of the weather or season, a whole house humidifier will keep the humidity at a constant and ideal level all year round.
2. No Moisture or Water Damage
The excess water or moisture that a whole house humidifier produces won’t harm your furniture, flooring, walls, or ceilings. It is linked to your water supply, and unlike portable humidifiers that can overflow, leak, or spill, the whole-house humidifier will not pose a risk of mold, mildew, or water stains.
3. Indoor Air Quality
By lowering the concentration of dust, allergens, bacteria, and viruses in the air, this gadget will also enhance the quality of the air within your home. Dry air can irritate your skin, eyes, nose, and throat and can increase your vulnerability to allergies and infections. With a whole-house humidifier, you moisturize your skin and airways, improving your comfort and easing breathing.
4. Silent and Unnoticeable
Since a whole house humidifier is connected to your HVAC system and runs in the background, it is silent and unnoticeable. It produces no noise, mist, or steam for you to see, and it won’t interfere with your comfort, space, or decor.
5. No Refills Are Necessary
You don’t need to be concerned about your humidifier running out of water or not remembering to refill it. It is connected to your water supply and uses the water that runs through your pipes. As a result, your entire home will have consistent and dependable humidification.
6. Minimal Upkeep
The cleaning and servicing of a whole house humidifier is limited to once or twice a year, making it low maintenance. No filters, wicks, or cartridges need to be changed or cleaned. There are no mineral deposits, mold, or mildew issues to contend with. With little maintenance, a whole-house humidifier can survive for many years.
Cons of a New Whole House Humidifier
1. Expense
Since a whole-house humidifier needs to be professionally installed and integrated with your HVAC system, it is more expensive than a portable humidifier. A whole-house humidifier can also increase your utility bills since you’ll need to pay for its water and energy needs.
The price of a whole-house humidifier can range from $300 to $1,000, contingent upon the t type of humidifier and its features and size.
2. Growth of Mold and Mildew
If your whole-house humidifier is not maintained correctly, it could lead to the growth of mold and mildew in your HVAC system’s ducts, vents, and other components. Health hazards associated with mold and mildew include allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. Mold and mildew can also shorten the lifespan and cause harm to your HVAC system.
To stop the growth of mold and mildew, you must ensure that your whole house humidifier is adjusted to the proper humidity level and that your HVAC system is routinely cleaned and examined.
3. Hiding HVAC Air Leaks
Dryness, discomfort, and excessive energy bills are signs of HVAC air leaks that can be concealed with a whole-house humidifier. HVAC air leaks are openings or gaps in your walls, doors, windows, or ducts that let unconditioned air into your house and allow conditioned air to escape.
These leaks have the potential to waste energy, lower comfort levels, and harm air quality. By adding moisture to the air, a whole-house humidifier can increase your comfort level, but it won’t address the root cause of HVAC air leaks. To increase the effectiveness and performance of your HVAC system, you must properly seal and insulate your house.
Contact a Professional
If you are interested in installing a new whole-house humidifier, or if you have any questions or concerns about your existing humidifier, you can contact Bash Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today for expert advice and service. We are a trusted and experienced provider of indoor air quality, providing humidifiers and other HVAC solutions, including HVAC sheet metal fabrication, ductless mini-splits, AC installation, repair, and maintenance, in Champaign and surrounding areas.
