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Throughout the winter months when you are running your heating on a regular basis you may need to think about installing whole house humidifiers. The reason for this is to prevent the air from becoming too dry or prevent too much moisture remaining in your home. Both of which can prove very detrimental to your health.
So what sorts of whole house humidifiers are available? Below we take a brief look at the various kinds.
1. Flow Through or By Pass Humidifiers – These ones use what is known as a water pad constructed from foam, expanded aluminium and other materials. As the water drips on to the pad the air from your home heating system flow through it and collects water particles as it does. These are then carried into the air ducts to be passed around your home. However not all the water will be collected by the warm air passing over them and what is left will drain through the base of the pad. With this particular model the pad inside requires replacing once a year and before the start any cold periods.
2. Drum Humidifiers – These are drum shaped and can rotate via the power of a small low voltage motor. Around them is a fabric or foam sleeve and part of the drum remains submerged in the tank of water at all times. As the drum rotates the air passing over it from your heating system then collects the moisture out of the pad surrounding it and through the air ducts into the rest of your home. This one does need a lot more maintenance if water is allowed to stagnate in the tank then the chances of bacteria, mold and fungi growing in it are increased.
3. Wick Type Humidifiers – This particular type is actually mounted within the air duct rather than at the source of the heat. It is made up of a small tank in which water is kept and a wick (filter) which absorbs the water held in the tank. Then as the hot air passes over the filter it removes the water droplets and sends then into the room. The main problem with this type is that you need to regularly inspect them to ensure water levels are kept up and to do this you need to take the cover off of the air duct to inspect them.
4. Spray Mist Humidifiers – This as with the wick type is one of the easiest of the whole house humidifiers to install. However, it isn’t the type to be used whether the water in your home is from a private or community supply as the head can become contaminated very easily. Also again to inspect the head you will need to remove the cover of the air duct as this type need to situated within the ducting system.
5. Steam Humidifiers – These are not only the most expensive whole house humidifiers to purchase but also to install. Plus you may find compared to the other makes are very expensive to operate as well. These types are connected into the heating system in your home and often work in conjunction with them. So not only will water be distributed when the air is being heated but also when cold air is being sent through.
Need filters for your humidifier? Check out large selections of Holmes humidifier filters available.