Humidifier still problematic these days?

[idebug]

I remember about 15 years back, putting in a humidifier that's integrated with the central unit was problematic, meaning it kept breaking down and needed alot of repairs. How are they now?

What are the things that I should look for in deciding on which humidifier? Any recommendations on brand, model, or type would be appreciated.

[idebug]

Anyone here to help me out? I need to make a decision soon. Thanks.

[beenthere]

Aprilapire 600A, its a flow through type.

[udarrell]

I remember about 15 years back, putting in a humidifier that's integrated with the central unit was problematic, meaning it kept breaking down and needed a lot of repairs. How are they now?

What are the things that I should look for in deciding on which humidifier? Any recommendations on brand, model, or type would be appreciated.
Well, you may need one in northern VA; but I use one in my unconditioned basement & it will definitely run my electric bill way up. Just my experience...

I personally would select for the best A/C dehumidifier combination & try to avoid the central dehumidifier.
Well, maybe the most efficient dehumidifiers wouldn't run the bill up too much?

[idebug]

udarrel, did you mean "central humidifier" vs. "...dehumidifier? That is a good point. I never thought that a humidifier would rack up the electricity bills. I use a portable walmart bought humidifier now on the main level. It's a pain to fill it up with water every day and it looks unattractive. Would there be a big difference between electricity bill between running a portable humidifier vs a central humidifier?

[kdean1]

Honeywell and Skuttle make good flow through humidifiers that are mostly trouble free. Hard water will leave behind mineral build up on the pad which necessitates replacing the pad every year or two. I have a Honeywell steam humidifier which is more efficient but requires cleaning the heating element a couple times during the heating season.

[idebug]

I'm learning here alot. I guess there's cleaning and so forth involved too for the central humidifier. It's not as maintenance free as I had hoped it too be. I got to think about getting one or not now.

[beenthere]

often all that is needed is a changing of the pad once a year.

[CraziFuzzy]

The pass-through or bypass type humidifiers (like the Aprilaire mentioned earlier) are still very low maintenance. There really isn't much to them. A valve that opens up to send water to the pad, which the air passes through. That's it. If you have hard water, the calcium and other mineral deposits stay on the pad, which means you have to change the pad about once a year (involves popping the cover off, throwing the old pad away, and putting the new one in). We're talking 1/2 hour tops once a year, and that includes the time to go online and order the pad. Aside from that, the system 'just works'. Uses a little more water than your current portable unit, as it does over-inject water to keep the pad actively wet (limits the deposit build-up). Other than that, there's really nothing else to do with them.

[udarrell]

udarrell, did you mean "central humidifier" vs. "...dehumidifier? That is a good point. I never thought that a humidifier would rack up the electricity bills. I use a portable walmart bought humidifier now on the main level. It's a pain to fill it up with water every day and it looks unattractive. Would there be a big difference between electricity bill between running a portable humidifier vs a central humidifier?
The portable would use a much smaller fan motor, that should use less electricity.

In my experience humidifiers don't use electricity like dehumidifiers as they use compressors verses a fan for humidifiers...

Don't ask me how I switched from humidifier to dehumidifier but I did; guess it was because it's the cooling season & I had my electric bill double one summer month, due to running a large dehumidifier in my high ceiling rather large basement.

When I switched it I was totally focused on what my problem was with the high cost of my dehumidification situation, & therefore never properly read your post...:whistle: WOW, I really messed-up...I apologize...

[idebug]

No problem udarrell. I appreciate you responding and trying to help out:)