Author Topic: Humidifier, which one, and can i install it myself?  (Read 2624 times)

earthshine

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Humidifier, which one, and can i install it myself?
« on: November 10, 2017, 04:58:00 PM »
Any advice appreciated as I have been debating on this topic for too long.

Our home is in need of a new whole house humidifier.

I am hoping to get input on:

- Should I try the whole house April Aire 600, would it suffice for a 2700 sq ft home built in the early 70s that is not sealed really well? The AprilAire 700 is too big for our furnace.

- Should I install myself? I am a mechanical engineer and kind of handy in certain things, but not as good with electrical. Would it be safe to do myself?  I understand the warranty on the humidifier would be voided unless I have a licensed professional install it (around $200 to 300 in labor, plus cost of humidifier)

This would be replacing a current humidifier so am hoping the existing hole will work and that I will not need to cut a new one.

Earthshine

Jon Bon

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Re: Humidifier, which one, and can i install it myself?
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2017, 06:24:22 AM »
Note: Not an expert, but I have installed both kinds of these.

OK a few things, the one you listed is a bypass humidifier - basically you hook it up and you do a small hvac run so air passes through the wet sponge of the humidifier. Its a more passive system.

I have this on my house: Honeywell HE360A Whole House Powered Humidifier. This one has a powered fan that blows the wet air into your system. IMO it is a better and easier to install product. You do have to cut a hole in your furnace plenum, which requires drill bits and tin snips (WEAR GLOVES!) Its tricky but not hard. Also be super careful with your drill, if you drilled into your AC coils you would have to replace them which would be terrible! It might be better if you could pull off the panel to your plenum to see exactly what is behind there before you start to drill and cut.

After cutting the whole follow the instruction, its not too terrible. This unit does need a plug nearby, so that is something to remember.  You also have to tap into your water line with a saddle valve (you probably already have one for your icemaker) There is a little wiring that has to be done but its low voltage and you will just leave it unplugged until you are all wired up. You also have a few pressure switches and the humidistat to install, but again just follow directions it is not terribly hard.

A complete noob could probably accomplish this in 4 hours. I would recommend having a friend help you out, not because you need their labor, but it helps to have 2 brains working when your new to something like this! Watch a few videos and you will be fine.

On the warranty, I am not sure the manufacturer is going to care how it was installed. I highly doubt that they would 'check your work' so to say. There are very few moving parts, and a failure of the product probably just means that something got clogged and needs to be cleaned out.


Good luck!

earthshine

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Re: Humidifier, which one, and can i install it myself?
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2017, 06:27:08 PM »
Thanks so much!

I remember reading about this humidifier and was a bit nervous about the poor instructions and issues with wiring

Did you use a particular site to figure that part out?

I think I will try this one

Think it would be ok for a 40 yr old not sealed well 3000 sq ft home, plus basement?

If you don’t mind sharing, Did you choose to mount on supply or return side, and why?

Thanks again!

MDM

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Re: Humidifier, which one, and can i install it myself?
« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2017, 01:50:15 AM »
If you don’t mind sharing, Did you choose to mount on supply or return side, and why?
Supply should be better, because warmer air can pick up more moisture than colder air.

earthshine

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Re: Humidifier, which one, and can i install it myself?
« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2017, 04:50:49 PM »
If you don’t mind sharing, Did you choose to mount on supply or return side, and why?
Supply should be better, because warmer air can pick up more moisture than colder air.

Thanks MDM
I thought the same, however, I had heard sometimes if you mount on supply side one runs the risk of water dripping into the furnace.

From what I read, I think the HE360 can only be mounted on the supply side. I am now checking on the April Aire 600 as I am hoping that will work for our 3000 sq ft home which is about 40 years old. I think it would be easier to install.

MDM

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Re: Humidifier, which one, and can i install it myself?
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2017, 06:06:54 PM »
Any engineer types who have the unit conversions handy for

   (Gallons of water needed to be vaporized per day)

to replace water lost to air exchanges in the house, as a function of

  (amount of air exchanged per day) and

  (interior relative humidity) and (interior temperature) and (outside air temp) and (outside relative humidity)?

   

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!