In-duct humididiers for HRV (no HVAC)?

[dfastone]

I have a dedicated HRV install with electric baseboard heating. During the winter, the humidity level goes way down, and make the house uncomfortable.

Anyone knows of an in-duct humidifier that would work with an HRV (approx 130cfm) without causing issues in the ducting? Also, preferably a round duct type (instead of plenum connector) would be best (easier to install).

Ideas?

Thanks!

[drk]

get a table top unit about $30

[dfastone]

Ok, not helpful at all, but thank you for trying...


Now, to get back to it, I found information on a steam power humidifier that connects to the ducting but doesn't depend on the furnace running. Since I don't have a furnace, could possibly be an option.

Anyone else care to share a possible solution?

Thanks!

[tbox8098]

I think what he is trying to say is that a HRV ducted system will not have enough CFM to sustain a humidifier. There fore a table top or portable units will suit you best.

How much do you run your HRV. In the winter it is the nature of these units that they will dry out the homne in cold climates.


T

[Carnak]

Usually an HRV will work overtime the first winter after construction, drying out the home.

After that,in a cold climate, if run CONSTANTLY on low speed, the HRV will overdry the home to the point that people will want to run humidifiers. The equipment is being installed to maintain IAQ, but the best job it does is to prevent condensation in the winter.

Do not know if your model is two speed or not. Suggest considering a dehumidistat. System is off when humidity is low. On a rise in humidity, system will kick on, on the high speed until humidity drops.

People exhale water vapour and CO2. Something that responds to an increase in humidity will indirectly respond to a build up of CO2.

Search http://www.hrai.ca, and find a certified ventilation contractor to wire in the control for you. Some models have this capability already with the standard wall control.

For a while Flair and van EE even had a control that would cycle the equipment on, on a rise in CO2. My most hypochondriac customers were happy with the IAQ with intermittent ventilation.

How high you set the dehumidistat will depend on the quality of your windows. Try 35% when it is below freezing as a starting point. Adjust down lower if you are still getting condensation. Above freezing set for 50%

[Edited by Carnak on 02-20-2006 at 10:28 AM]

[dfastone]

I leave mine on low speed all the time. The temperature doesn't get below freezing more than a couple of weeks a year, so I shouldn't need to set the humidistat to increase the speed. My house is 5 years old, and I have double pane windows. Prior to the HRV, the windows used to sweat all winter, and a little bit of mold started to appear. No longer an issue.

Unfortunately, it's an older model that must be powered off locally. Could be arranged by an electrician, but it is also connected to a filtration unit, so both have to work in line. I'd rather not have to power them off, it's much more comfortable with them working, except for the dryness.

Right now, the house has approximately 30% RH, which is below the ideal for my family. It's been very itchy, and we get zapped all over the place.

The problem with a console or table top humidifier is the fact that I wouldn't be able to keep them filled up at all time. The air in the entire house is exchanged with dry air from outside every three hours, so it would get rid of all new moisture rather quickly.

Still searching for the right solution...

Thanks all!

[Carnak]

You must be in BC. If it is that mild you may be able to raise the set point as high as your windows will allow.

I was saying leave it off until RH rises. New homes do not need humidifiers.