Honeywell True Steam Current Draw

[DavidPJ]

I have the 12A Honeywell Truesteam humidifier. I was wondering if anyone knows how much current this beast really draws both when it's in boiling water and when it's just keeping the water hot and waiting for the humidistat to call for more humidity.

Thanks.

[sammy37]

The paperwork says around 12 amps. I dont know if the unit keeps the tank hot, or if it heats it up when it calls for humidity.
If the holding tank is small enough, then I would imagine that the heater could probably heat it up from cold pretty quick.

Even if you have high electric rates, I dont know if the thing would run enough to make a big difference in the bill or not.

[jimj]

Even if you have high electric rates, I dont know if the thing would run enough to make a big difference in the bill or not.

Honeywell advises you to inform the customer they may see an increase in there utility bills as there is a trade-off for comfort.

[jimj]

I was wondering if anyone knows how much current this beast really draws both when it's in boiling water and when it's just keeping the water hot and waiting for the humidistat to call for more humidity.

Thanks.

The unit is either making steam or its off. No just keeping the water warm.
As said above a 12 gallon draws about 12 amps.

[speedymonk]

Mine is a Honeywell True Steam (HM509 on the box). It used 248 KWH when I ran it in December (from my Kill-A-Watt EZ). Quite cold for here. Unplugged right now as we have above normal temps. Cost me about $23 to run it. Kept the RH at 43%.

[beenthere]

It used 248 KWH when I ran it in December (from my Kill-A-Watt EZ). Quite cold for here. Cost me about $23 to run it. Kept the RH at 43%.

But isn't 30°F considered quiet cold for your area. :)

[speedymonk]

But isn't 30°F considered quiet cold for your area. :)

Yes it is, but December saw lots of single digits and low teens, hence my "unusually high" natural gas useage. When I lived in southeast Idaho 30s would have been bikini weather for the ladies. I do not miss the -35 to -15 days and a frozen Snake River six weeks out of the year. Add a little wind and then you've got something to feel cold about.

So far this month we are running about 12 degrees above normal. Should settle down by early next week to "normal" temps...whatever that is anymore.

[DavidPJ]

Thanks all. Based on how long the water holding tank stays hot even without a call for humidity I was thinking the water is being heated while in standby.

[kwilcox]

I had no idea these devices used so much electricity. Well, guess I can scratch this off my HVAC upgrade list...

[DavidPJ]

I had no idea these devices used so much electricity. Well, guess I can scratch this off my HVAC upgrade list...

There are also 2 smaller models of the TrueSteam that consume less power. The 12AMP model is the largest TrueSteam. You need to choose the model based on the size of your house. Take a look at the product info and installation manual to choose the correct size.

[speedymonk]

There are also 2 smaller models of the TrueSteam that consume less power. The 12AMP model is the largest TrueSteam. You need to choose the model based on the size of your house. Take a look at the product info and installation manual to choose the correct size.

On the box, mine says 10 amp draw.

[beenthere]

There are also 2 smaller models of the TrueSteam that consume less power. The 12AMP model is the largest TrueSteam. You need to choose the model based on the size of your house. Take a look at the product info and installation manual to choose the correct size.


And remember, that a tight house doesn't need a humidifier. So don't use the tight ratings.

[CynicX]

I had no idea these devices used so much electricity. Well, guess I can scratch this off my HVAC upgrade list...

The price of comfort. Its just like anything else really.

Approach a person that has never had A/C in there home before and tell them what they could potentially spend in energy and they might say "Well, guess I can scratch A/C off my upgrade list".

While someone like me that has always had it cant live without it.

I have one and I've been pretty happy with it. The energy I'm saving with dual fuel makes up for the energy spent in humidification. And once its maintaining a humidity level its not too bad. I'm sure having your first humidifier installed while its 18% humidity in the home then trying to get it too 50% will use a ton of energy. Once its there though it wont be too terribly bad...

[DavidPJ]

The TrueSteam does operate very well, and like Cynicx said, once the humidity level stabilizes it doesn't run as much. The instruction manual explains that it may take up to a week for it to reach the humidity setpoint depending on the setpoint, home, etc. The hot steam gives a much more comfortable feeling that the traditional pad type humidifiers. Maintenance with the TrueSteam is a snap.

I use the TrueSteam with an IAQ thermostat. Works great!

[beenthere]

Maintenance with the TrueSteam is a snap.

I use the TrueSteam with an IAQ thermostat. Works great!

Unless you have poor water conditions. In which case. You may need to take it apart every month and clean it.

[WhoIsThat?]

It used 248 KWH when I ran it in December
Then the avg. power draw is 248 kwh/(31x24)= 0.3 kw which @ 120v is 300/120= ~3A.

[DavidPJ]

Unless you have poor water conditions. In which case. You may need to take it apart every month and clean it.

Good point. I have city water and a water softener and filter.

[beenthere]

Then the avg. power draw is 248 kwh/(31x24)= 0.3 kw which @ 120v is 300/120= ~3A.

Considering that the 9 gallon per day draws 8 amps when its running.


What is that average suppose to tell/inform anyone of?

[CynicX]

Considering that the 9 gallon per day draws 8 amps when its running.


What is that average suppose to tell/inform anyone of?

That if its unplugged it more then likely uses less power then if it is plugged in? Thats about all I could gather from that....

[beenthere]

That if its unplugged it more then likely uses less power then if it is plugged in? Thats about all I could gather from that....

:LOL:

[WhoIsThat?]

Questions:


I have the 12A Honeywell Truesteam humidifier.

1 how much current this beast really draws both when it's in boiling water

2 when it's just keeping the water hot and waiting for the humidistat to call for more humidity.


Statements by bystanders:



What is that average suppose to tell/inform anyone of?

My answers to both questions and statements:

1 probably max 12A when boiling water,

2 3A just keeping the water hot & boiling it occasionally,

avg. duty cycle = 100(3/12) = 25% depending on the humidity level requested.
:rules:

[beenthere]

My answers to both questions and statements:
1 probably max 12A when boiling water,
2 3A just keeping the water hot & boiling it occasionally,

avg. duty cycle = 100(3/12) = 25% depending on the humidity level requested.
:rules:

It doesn't keep the water hot.

So it was completely uninformative of the Truesteams operation and power consumption.

Which makes your average duty babble completely Wrong. And misleading to anyone interested in having one installed.

[CynicX]

To make the difference I went to take only one bath per week. Definitely better because with the AprilAire I was only flushing the toilet once a week. I consider it an upgrade...

[kwilcox]

By "off my upgrade list" I mean this: I currently have a honeywell drum humidifier that keeps the house at about 25-30% and doesn't use any water or electricity to speak of. Maintenance is essentially tear everything apart in spring and soak in vinegar. I was thinking that 35-40% was where I wanted to be and so had been eying up a trusteam as the upgrade path to attain the extra 10%. 10-12 amps isn't worth it to me so now I'm examining other options...

[WhoIsThat?]

It doesn't keep the water hot.

So it was completely uninformative of the Truesteams operation and power consumption.

Which makes your average duty babble completely Wrong. And misleading to anyone interested in having one installed.
Have I ever written a post you approved of?

[beenthere]

Have I ever written a post you approved of?


At least 6 that I can remember.

And none of those 6 had any bogus info like:

Well using 30 units that I know of. None of which is the type you have. I will tell you how long yours and the other 30 million units should last on average.

Or: I have never seen a Truesteam humidifier, or read the install or operation manual. Or worked on one. But you can figure it works the way I am guessing. And it will use this much electric an hour.

[CynicX]

:pop: