A whole-house humidifier is a simple yet innovative home-comfort system, engineered to utilize the natural processes of gravity and water evaporation to humidify your home. By understanding the technology behind whole-house humidification, you can better maintain your system to enjoy a long list of benefits in your Mid-Ohio home.
Heating, plumbing and electrical systems are utilized by the whole-house humidifier. This is how all the components and systems humidify your home.
- The humidifier is attached to the ductwork near the blower or air handler, and a water line is connected to your home’s plumbing.
- A humidistat monitors indoor humidity levels. When indoor humidity falls below the set point, the humidistat calls for humidification, much the same as a thermostat calls for heating or cooling.
- A solenoid valve opens, and water flows into the supply line.
- Water passes through an orifice, which reduces water pressure.
- Water flows through a feed tube to the distribution tray.
- Gravity pulls water down an aluminum mesh water panel (or evaporator pad). The water panel is manufactured in such a way as to allow water to trickle down while simultaneously permitting heated air from the heating system to pass through.
- The heated airflow vaporizes some of the water and the resulting water vapor circulates through the ductwork, carried by the heated airflow, to your home’s living spaces.
- Excess water from the water panel collects inside the drain pan. It flows past a drain spud, through a drain tube (perhaps a PVC pipe, or clear flexible tubing) and down a drain.
Whole-house humidifier maintenance
Preventive maintenance is highly suggested at least once a year at the beginning of the heating months. The entire system must be inspected for issues with water flow and drainage. A leaky solenoid valve or a blocked drain tube can cause water damage inside your home. The water panel must be thoroughly cleaned of mineral deposits and all components checked for signs of wear.
To learn more about the technology and benefits of a whole-house humidifier, please contact us at Joe Behr Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today. We've proudly served Mid-Ohio homeowners since 1965.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Mid-Ohio area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about whole-house humidifiers and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
